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Many thanks to my friend, Sharlene Moore of Graphics by Sharlene for the awesome birthday graphic to the left that she designed for our facebook page!
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Birthdays and presents. They go hand in hand, right? Well, maybe not always but in a perfect world, they should! Today is my birthday so, of course, my thoughts have turned to birthday gifts...but not in the way you might imagine. As the saying goes, it's better to give than receive. So for this year's special day, it won't be all about me. Today, it's going to be all about YOU!
A few of my author friends are here today to share some of their birthday gift memories. Some are good, others not so good and then there are those "what were they thinking?" gifts that we've probably all received at one time or another (which is why I became a huge fan of gift cards the moment the kids in my family each turned 13).
We're also giving away books today. Lots and lots of books so be sure to leave lots and lots of comments! Since we have multiple giveaways with some open to everyone while others are restricted to U.S. or U.S./Canada, we're asking you to please include additional information with your comments. To be eligible for the giveaways, please include your email address and location (U.S./Canada/International).
So, let's get this party started! Grab a drink, check out the goodies our waiters are serving (don't forget to check out the waiters too!), relax, have fun and please say hello to my Birthday Authors!
Sending out a big Romance Dish welcome to Julie Anne Long, Maggie Robinson, Vanessa Kelly, Anna Campbell, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Cathy Maxwell, Eloisa James, Christina Brooke, Sabrina Jeffries, Katharine Ashe, Terri Osburn and Juliana Stone!
Julie Anne Long
Happy Birthday to PJ! AND to me! Clearly all the very best people were born on September. 20th.
I've had so many wonderful birthday presents over the years—including surprise parties—and it's so hard to choose one favorite. One that stands out for its hilarity, however, was when a group of my friends surprised me with a visit—our very first visit as young adults—to a (very no-frills) spa in Calistoga, the very first spa experience for all of us. They'd chosen the most affordable one they could find. At first they were going to drive me all the way there (3 hours) blindfolded, and I balked. They told me to bring my bathing suit and I balked. I asked why, and they told me they were entering me in a pageant. (Ha. They're very witty, my friends.)
As it turned out, we didn't need the bathing suits—once we got there, we were told to strip completely, then handed these little white scraps of towels to cover ourselves while we sat in shivering traumatized silence on benches, cheek by cheek, with other nude strangers of all genders and awaited our turn to be dunked in vats of mud, hosed off, then steamed in a booth, then pummeled into pliancy by enormous, rectangular, German masseuses (mine was named Olga). We could see other naked people casually strolling about in the midst of their treatments as we waited. But by the end of the experience, we'd abandoned all modesty and were strolling casually and nudely about, too. I felt like I was finding mud in my various nooks and crannies for days afterwards. It was a blast. I'm getting a (considerably more genteel) spa treatment for my birthday this year, too.
Oh my gosh, what an experience! I've never been to a spa. Maybe I should give it a try. I think I'll go for the genteel one too. ;-)
Happy Birthday, Julie! I hope you have a fabulous day!
I'm giving away a signed copy of one of my favorite Pennyroyal Green books today, What I Did For a Duke. (U.S./Canada only) ~PJ
Learn more about Julie and her books at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.
(Pennyroyal Green)
Avon
June 25, 2013
More than one beautiful woman's hopes have been dashed on the rocky shoals of Jonathan Redmond's heart. With his riveting good looks and Redmond wealth and power,the world is his oyster—until an ultimatum from his father and a chilling gypsy prophecy send him hurtling headlong toward a fate he'll do anything to avoid: matrimony.
Intoxicating, elusive Thomasina de Ballesteros has the bloods of London at her feet. But none of them knows the real Tommy—the one with a shocking pedigree, a few too many secrets,and a healthy scorn for rakes like Jonathan.
She's everything Jonathan never wanted.But on one fateful midnight, he's drawn into Tommy's world of risk, danger . . . and a desire he'd never dreamed possible. And suddenly he's re-thinking everything . . . including the possibility that succumbing to prophecy might just mean surrendering to love.
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| PJ & Maggie |
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| nps.gov |
Happy Birthday, PJ! I hope this turns into one of your favorite birthdays! Mine was when I turned ten. My birthday request was, I acknowledge, pretty weird for a ten-year-old (but pretty spot-on for a future historical romance writer). I wanted to go to Teddy Roosevelt's house, Sagamore Hill, in Oyster Bay, New York, not too far from where I grew up. This was Roosevelt's "Summer White House", and he lived there with his family from 1885 to his death in 1919. The period rooms were wonderful and loaded with antiques, and I could imagine myself living there in elegance--all except for the numerous animal trophies on the wall which skeeved me out.
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After the house tour, we went to White Castle, where I ate FOUR hamburgers, a harbinger of dietary issues to come. So turning ten was pretty pivotal in terms of my interest in historic homes and "gourmet" food, LOL.
Okay, I can see where the dead animals may have put a bit of a damper on the festivities but I wholeheartedly applaud your decision to hit up White Castle. Love them! ~PJ
Maggie is giving away an early copy of October's In the Heart of the Highlander and a copy of July's In the Arms of the Heiress (both Edwardian-set romances of which Teddy would approve) in honor of my birthday!
Learn more about Maggie and her books at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.
In the Heart of the Highlander
Berkley
October 1, 2013
She has exactly what he needs—and desires…
Ever since Mary Evensong’s elderly aunt Mim got sick, Mary’s masqueraded as the owner of the Evensong Agency, finding housemaids and husbands, and solving pesky problems, for the peerage. Someday she’d like to shake off her silvery wig and spectacles and be the young woman she truly is, but desperate clients are waiting for “Mrs. Evensong” at the office.
Like a scandalous Scottish baron. Honor forbids Lord Alec Raeburn from explaining the suspicious circumstances surrounding his wife’s death, but he knows who’s responsible. He just needs to hire an actress to lure the scoundrel into a trap.
After listening to Raeburn’s story—and seeing him in his kilt—Mary knows the perfect person for the role. Letting her red hair down, she heads off to the Scottish Highlands to pose as a seductress, but soon finds herself with more than her virtue at stake in a tug-of-war between two powerful men. She could wind up in danger—or in the heart of the highlander.
Learn more about Maggie and her books at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.
Berkley
October 1, 2013
She has exactly what he needs—and desires…
Ever since Mary Evensong’s elderly aunt Mim got sick, Mary’s masqueraded as the owner of the Evensong Agency, finding housemaids and husbands, and solving pesky problems, for the peerage. Someday she’d like to shake off her silvery wig and spectacles and be the young woman she truly is, but desperate clients are waiting for “Mrs. Evensong” at the office.
Like a scandalous Scottish baron. Honor forbids Lord Alec Raeburn from explaining the suspicious circumstances surrounding his wife’s death, but he knows who’s responsible. He just needs to hire an actress to lure the scoundrel into a trap.
After listening to Raeburn’s story—and seeing him in his kilt—Mary knows the perfect person for the role. Letting her red hair down, she heads off to the Scottish Highlands to pose as a seductress, but soon finds herself with more than her virtue at stake in a tug-of-war between two powerful men. She could wind up in danger—or in the heart of the highlander.
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| Vanessa & PJ |
My all-time favorite gift was for a birthday milestones a few years ago (no, I’m not going to tell you which one!). I had just taken my first timid steps toward becoming a romance author, doing most of my writing by hand in lined notebooks. For this particular birthday, my family got together and did two things to celebrate with me. The first was to come from all over the country
Aren't those surprises wonderful, Vanessa? My family did the same for my last zero birthday and surprised me with a Nook Color, something I'd been wanting but I didn't think any of them knew it and, honestly, traveling from three different states to spend my birthday with me was gift enough. I didn't expect anything else! Special people, special gift, special memories. ♥ ~PJ
Vanessa is giving away digital copies of Lethal Confessions and Curveball (open internationally) and a print copy of His Mistletoe Bride (North America only).
Learn more about Vanessa Kelly at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter. Connect with V.K. Sykes at Facebook and Twitter and learn more about their books at their website.
Learn more about Vanessa Kelly at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter. Connect with V.K. Sykes at Facebook and Twitter and learn more about their books at their website.
Indie
September 6, 2013
The brutal murder of her twin sister drove Amy Robitaille into a career as a homicide detective for Palm Beach County. When a serial killer targets the wives of local baseball players, Amy has more than just a professional interest at stake—her only surviving sister fits the profile of the other victims. Amy’s hell-bent on catching the killer, not only to protect her sister but to destroy the demons haunting her since the death of her twin.
Baseball star and former soldier Luke Beckett has just retired from the game and is looking to move on with his life. When he’s asked to consult on the serial killer case for the local police, he finds the challenge he needs—despite the objections of lead detective Amy Robitaille. But Luke has no intention of backing away from the job and every intention of getting to know the intriguing detective.
Amy has no time to babysit a celebrity consultant while trying to catch a serial killer. But Luke is not the man she assumed him to be and he threatens to become a powerful distraction. That’s the last thing she needs, especially when the killer starts closing in on her family. But without Luke’s help, Amy stands to lose everything.
Baseball star and former soldier Luke Beckett has just retired from the game and is looking to move on with his life. When he’s asked to consult on the serial killer case for the local police, he finds the challenge he needs—despite the objections of lead detective Amy Robitaille. But Luke has no intention of backing away from the job and every intention of getting to know the intriguing detective.
Amy has no time to babysit a celebrity consultant while trying to catch a serial killer. But Luke is not the man she assumed him to be and he threatens to become a powerful distraction. That’s the last thing she needs, especially when the killer starts closing in on her family. But without Luke’s help, Amy stands to lose everything.
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| PJ & Anna |
Happy birthday, PJ! I really think they should make your birthday a public holiday. They celebrate lots of other great people. Why not you??!! Birthday presents? I’ve received too many great ones to list here, but right now I’m loving the i-Pod shuffle that wonderful historical romance author Christina Brooke gave me last year. PJ, hope you have a magnificent day. You’re an adornment to the world. I’ll be raising a glass in your honor!
Learn more about Anna and her books at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.
(Sons of Sin)
Forever
August 27, 2013
IT TAKES A LADY
Brilliant scholar Genevieve Barrett's secret identity as the author of her father's articles is her greatest deception-until her father's handsome new student arrives on their doorstep. Genevieve recognizes him as the masked intruder who earlier tried to steal a priceless gem from their home. Keeping the seductive stranger's identity hidden is a risk, but she's got secrets of her own to keep.
TO CATCH A THIEF
Sir Richard Harmsworth fakes a rakish facade to show society that he doesn't care about his bastard status. Yet haunted by his unknown father's identity, Richard believes the Harmsworth Jewel will prove he's the rightful heir. Intent on seducing the stone away from its owner, Richard finds himself face-to-face with a beauty more breathtaking than any jewel. But even as she steals Richard's heart, Genevieve will be in greater danger than her coveted treasure . .
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| Audrey & Vicki |
Vicki Lewis Thompson
My funniest birthday gift came from my bestie and plotting partner Rhonda Nelson. His name's Tiki-mon, and he's our muse. We ferry him around the country to our various plotting sessions, so he's a well-traveled little dude.
LOL @ Tiki-Mon! He's so ugly, he's kind of cute!
Readers, I'm giving away a signed copy of Vicki's Werewolf in Alaska today. (U.S./Canada only) ~PJ
Learn more about Vicki at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.
(Wild About You)
Signet
July 2, 2013
He’s a lone wolf—for now.
In Polecat, Alaska, Rachel Miller and Jake Hunter have a mutual admiration for each other—from across a lake. There’s nothing Rachel likes more than spying on the very fit wilderness guide when he skinny-dips each night. And Jake has always been curious about his reclusive artist neighbor. He even bought Rachel’s first wood carving: a wolf who looks suspiciously like him....
Jake is a werewolf, but not just any werewolf. He’s the founder of WARM (Werewolves Against Random Mating). And that means a human like Rachel is off-limits, no matter how attractive he finds her.
But when Rachel is threatened by a bear, and Jake shifts to save her, their lives collide with an intense passion, one that could change everything they’ve ever felt about themselves—and each other....
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| PJ & Cathy |
Cathy Maxwell
I grew up receiving breakfast in bed for my birthdays—but I married a man who rarely celebrated them. If anything, Max lived every day as if it was special and, after a few years of adjustment (giving up breakfast in bed is tough!), I came around to his way of thinking. Why settle for one special day when I can have three hundred and sixty-five of them?
Happy birthday, PJ! Thanks for letting us all celebrate with you.
Thanks, Cathy! I like the way your hubby thought. My late husband was of a similar mindset and, like you, I came to realize that 365 days of "special" were a lot better than just one! ~PJ
Cathy is giving away an assortment of her books today. (U.S. addresses only)
Find more information about Cathy at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.
The Devil's Heart
(Chattan Curse)
Avon
April 30, 2013
Find more information about Cathy at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.
(Chattan Curse)
Avon
April 30, 2013
They call her the Unattainable. Lady Margaret Chattan spurned every suitor for her hand, vowing never to marry.The only way to break the curse plaguing her family for two centuries is this ultimate sacrifice. But now her brothers' lives are in danger. Determined to save them, she risks her very soul by traveling into the heart of the Highlands to battle a force that has transcended time.
Heath Macnachtan is not superstitious. Laird of the most independent, nonconforming, madly infuriating clan ever to grace Scotland, he believes he has his hands full. And then a woman lauded as one of the most beautiful in England arrives on his doorstep with wild accusations and a mystical quest . . . one that just might help him discover who murdered his own brother.
But the real danger for Heath and Margaret is not a supernatural foe, but a very real love that could destroy them both.
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| PJ & Eloisa |
In the first years of our marriage, I used to steal my husband's t-shirts all the time to sleep in. Then one year I ripped open my present to find two black t-shirts, XL, men's style, from TJ Maxx. My face must have revealed my feelings about this present, because Alessandro said, very quickly, "I thought this would be just what you'd want!" He does much better these days!
Just the thought of the panic-stricken expression that must have been on Alessandro's face had laughing out loud. Glad he's doing better these days! ~PJ
Eloisa is giving away three signed copies of As You Wish! (open internationally)
PJ here. I'm also giving away a signed copy of Once Upon a Tower. (U.S./Canada only)
Find more information about Eloisa at her website and connect with her at Facebook and Twitter.
Once Upon a Tower
Avon
May 28, 2013
Once upon a time...
A duke fell in love
Gowan Stoughton of Craigievar, Duke of Kinross, values order and self-control above all else. So when he meets a lady as serene as she is beautiful, he promptly asks for her hand in marriage.
Edie--whose passionate temperament is the opposite of serene--had such a high fever at her own debut ball that she didn't notice anyone, not even the notoriously elusive Duke of Kinross. When her father accepts his offer... she panics. And when their marriage night isn't all it could be, she pretends.
But Edie's inability to hide her feelings makes pretending impossible, and when their marriage implodes, she retreats to a tower--locking Gowan out. Now Gowan faces his greatest challenge. Neither commands nor reason work with his spirited young bride. How can he convince her to give him the keys to the tower...
When she already has the keys to his heart?
PJ here. I'm also giving away a signed copy of Once Upon a Tower. (U.S./Canada only)
Find more information about Eloisa at her website and connect with her at Facebook and Twitter.
Avon
May 28, 2013
Once upon a time...
A duke fell in love
Gowan Stoughton of Craigievar, Duke of Kinross, values order and self-control above all else. So when he meets a lady as serene as she is beautiful, he promptly asks for her hand in marriage.
Edie--whose passionate temperament is the opposite of serene--had such a high fever at her own debut ball that she didn't notice anyone, not even the notoriously elusive Duke of Kinross. When her father accepts his offer... she panics. And when their marriage night isn't all it could be, she pretends.
But Edie's inability to hide her feelings makes pretending impossible, and when their marriage implodes, she retreats to a tower--locking Gowan out. Now Gowan faces his greatest challenge. Neither commands nor reason work with his spirited young bride. How can he convince her to give him the keys to the tower...
When she already has the keys to his heart?
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| Christina & PJ |
Happy birthday, PJ! Much love and many hugs to you on your special day. As for birthday gifts, the ones I love most have been gifts that show the person knows me well--Fowler's Modern English Usage is one of the best gifts I've received because I'm such a word nerd. I have some gorgeous jewelry that I really treasure, like the sapphire and diamond ring my husband gave me. As for weird, for my 18th birthday I received what looked like a wooden replica of male genitalia. I was scared to ask what it was but someone later told me it was supposed to be for giving yourself a back massage :) I don't think there are any bad presents, but I do tend to lean towards my mother's rule of "nothing that implies housework"!
Laughing uproariously over the back massager! I don't think I'd have been brave enough to ask either. Oh, and I totally agree with your mom's rule!
Connect with Christina online at Facebook and Twitter and find more information about her books at her website.
St. Martin's
July 2, 2013
LONDON’S ULTIMATE BAD BOY…
Physically reckless, irrepressibly roguish, and poised on the brink of ruin, Jonathon Westruther, Earl of Davenport, returns from the dead only to throw himself into dissipation. Until he meets his worst nightmare: a straitlaced former schoolteacher he can’t get out of his head. He resolves to seduce the delightful Miss Hilary deVere by fair means or foul. But when his past returns to endanger Hilary, he must protect her at all costs…
MEETS ENGLAND’S MOST PROPER MISS
Dismissed from her post at a ladies’ academy because of prejudice against her uncouth family, Hilary will do anything to avoid going back to live with her loutish brothers. She longs for a London season to show the world a deVere can behave with utmost decorum and to find a respectable husband. Everything about Lord Davenport appalls her but desperation makes strange bedfellows. To get to London, Hilary strikes a bargain with the devilish Davenport, confident that she’s immune to his charm. But as she discovers surprising depths beneath his rakish surface, this infamous scoundrel becomes more temptation than even the most proper lady can withstand…in London's Last True Scoundrel by Christina Brooke.
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| Sabrina & PJ |
My weirdest birthday present was also one of my best. My husband gave me a big chunk of green glass one birthday, and when I looked at him as if he were crazy, he explained that it was a deck prism from a ship, used to disperse light below decks. I'd never seen one, and I thought it was seriously cool! He gave it to me because The Pirate Lord had just come out. I still have it prominently displayed in my office, a symbol of his thoughtfulness.What a lovely gift! Shows a lot of thoughtfulness and creativity on your hubby's part. And it's beautiful too! ~PJ
Sabrina is giving away a signed hardback copy of 'Twas the Night After Christmas."
(PJ here. This was one of my favorite 2012 books and will be issued in paperback on October 29th, just in time for Christmas 2013!)
Find more information about Sabrina's books at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.
Find more information about Sabrina's books at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.
October 29, 2013
Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, has never forgiven his parents for inexplicably abandoning him to distant relatives as a child. Nevertheless, when he receives word that the stranger he calls “Mother” is gravely ill, the unabashed rogue makes a rare return to Montcliff, his country estate. There he finds that the woman is perfectly healthy—and that he has fallen for a cunning ruse crafted by her lady’s companion, Mrs. Camilla Stuart. The lively vicar’s widow, too bright and beautiful not to arouse the scoundrel in Pierce, is determined to reconcile the Earl and Lady Devonmont. None of them can predict the secrets, both heartening and shocking, divulged between a mother and son, and between two lovers, each haunted by their pasts, that will make Christmas night at Montcliff one to remember—and the glorious night after, one to treasure for a lifetime.
Nearly my height and filled with sawdust and fluff, Pink would look at me with
that oh-so-smooth and sanguine regard that just begged me to invent adventures.
The best was on Halloween. Pink couldn’t walk the neighborhood candy route on
his own, of course. So I found an old prom gown in the dress-up box and a
Chinese jacket that looked vaguely medieval to me, and I dressed Pink as a
princess and myself as the prince. I carried my damsel around all night and had
the happiest Halloween ever. I suppose there was something in me even then that
loved experiencing adventures from the hero’s perspective too!
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Oh, Katharine, those pictures are just too adorable and, wow, I'm really impressed with your creativity at such a young age! Thanks so much for sharing the story and photos with us today!
I'm giving away a copy of I Married the Duke (any country to which bookdepository.com ships) to a randomly chosen person leaving a comment. ~PJ
Find more information about Katharine at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.
I Married the Duke:
The Prince Catchers
Avon
August 27, 2013
I'm giving away a copy of I Married the Duke (any country to which bookdepository.com ships) to a randomly chosen person leaving a comment. ~PJ
Find more information about Katharine at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.
The Prince Catchers
Avon
August 27, 2013
Three very different sisters beguile society with their beauty and charm, but only one of them must fulfill a prophecy: marry a prince. Who is the mystery Prince Charming, and which sister will be his bride?
On the way to marry a prince in a castle, a lady should never:
- Bribe an infuriatingly arrogant and undeniably irresistible ship captain,
- Let him kiss her senseless on a beach,
- Battle thieves at his side,
and - Exchange wedding vows with him, even under the direst circumstances.
But daring, determined Arabella Caulfield isn’t just any lady. And Luc Westfall is no typical ship captain. He’s the new Duke of Lycombe, and to defeat a plot that could destroy his family he must have an heir. Now he knows just the woman for the job . . . and he’s not above seduction to turn this would-be princess into a duchess.
Terri Osburn
Terri Osburn
Growing up in small-town Ohio, my early life didn't include much in the way of culture. We never traveled, and outside the occasional rock concert (think hair bands) or Pirates game (NOW they're winning), my childhood could best be described as bland. But I longed for more, and for my 18th birthday, my older sister came through. It was just after Christmas 1989 (my birthday is New Year's Eve) and my sister gave me two tickets to see Les Mis live at the Benedum Center in downtown Pittsburgh. I still laugh every time I see the picture of my reaction. She took me completely by surprise and I'm not sure I believed the tickets were real at first. My best friend and I sat in the very last row, making the actors appear the size of gummy bears, but the music swirled around us and we were part of the révolution! I've seen countless stage productions since, but you never forget your first. And oh, what a first.
Oh, Terri, what a wonderful surprise. Les Miserables is my all-time favorite stage production. It would be hard to top that gift!
I fell in love with Terri's small-town contemporary romance debut, Meant to Be and am excitedly counting down the days until the release of her second book, Up to the Challenge on October 22nd. Today, I'm giving away one Kindle e-copy of Meant to Be. ~PJ
Terri is giving away a copy of her October 22nd release, Up to the Challenge. Here's your chance to read it a full month before it goes on sale! (U.S./Canada only)
Find more information about Terri at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.
(An Anchor Island Novel)
Montlake Romance
October 22, 2013
Opposites attract in a sexy tale of unexpected love
Juliana Stone
When the Dempsey patriarch suffers a heart attack, Lucas Dempsey steps up to keep the doors of the family restaurant open. The proverbial prodigal son returns home to Anchor Island—putting family first and his quest to make partner at his high-powered law firm on hold. Sporting a bruised ego after losing his fiancée to his older brother, Lucas would rather walk on glass than spend six weeks within spitting distance of the happy couple. But family duty calls. And that duty includes working side-by-side with a tantalizing spitfire intent on driving him mad.
Tough-as-nails boat mechanic Sid Navarro is happy to trade her tools for an apron to help the Dempseys in their time of need. That is, until she realizes she’ll be working alongside Lucas, the man she’s loved from afar since she first laid eyes on him in high school. Lucas could charm the paint off a schooner, but Sid knows she doesn’t fit his girl-next-door type. To show her true feelings would mean certain heartbreak, but the temptation of Lucas in her bed might be more than she can resist.
After a rocky start punctuated by verbal barbs and exasperating arguments, things heat up between them—big-time—but their steamy affair turns more than casual in a matter of weeks. Sid’s life has become the dream she’s always wanted, and Lucas has fallen hard for the last woman he ever expected to love.
But this affair has an end-date, as Lucas must return to his life and career in the big city, a place where Sid would never fit in. When the end comes earlier than expected, walking away turns out to be a challenge neither of them wants to win.
Up to the Challenge is a sexy, fast-paced, romantic story of family, island life, and finding love in unexpected places.
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| PJ & Juliana |
There are several things I look forward to every year. Fall—cuz I like pumpkins, hot apple cider and
sweaters. (I’m not a fan of Halloween
however, go figure) I also look forward to Thanksgiving, Christmas and
Easter—family times equal good times.
Around my parts May 24 weekend is a great time to open pools, go to the
cottage and have a party.
The one thing I don’t really look forward to is my birthday.
Not because I’m one of those women who are freaked out by ‘the number’. I’m
not. It’s just a number. I know many people who are a lot older than I who seem
younger than some half their age. No,
it’s more that I don’t like receiving presents, or rather, being the focus of
opening said present when everyone is watching.
Because of that I tend to not make my birthday a big deal which is kind
of hard when you have a husband who is Mr. Social Butterfly.
A few years ago, on my birthday, he planned a big
party. It was the year after I turned 40
and I believe on that particular birthday we were at a hockey tournament so we
didn’t do much. Which I was fine
with. But on this day I’d gone to watch
my son play at an outdoor event (he’s a guitarist in a rock band) It was a
Saturday, my hair was in a clip, I was wearing yoga pants and a T-shirt. I
remember my friend convinced me to go shopping even though I looked like crap.
I remember finally coming home and still looking like
crap. I remember seeing cars down the
street. Lots of them. At that point I
knew two things. Hubs had planned a party and invited everyone we knew.
And I still looked crap.
All I’m gonna say is that it took me a bit to warm up to the
idea and when I finally relaxed (which was easy ‘cuz I was in yoga pants) I had
a great time…so I’m glad I didn’t go with my first instinct and drive the heck
away!
LOL! That's always been a fear of mine; big party, everyone I know and me with no make-up and dirty hair. Glad to say it's never happened but if it did, I'm afraid my first instinct would have identical to your's. Glad you were able to relax and have a great time!
Juliana is giving away a copy of The Summer He Came Home, the first book in her wonderful small-town contemporary Bad Boys of Crystal Lake series (and one of my favorite books of 2013) in the winner's choice of e-book or print (if U.S./Canada) or a print copy from bookdepository.com if international.
The second book in the series, The Christmas He Loved Her releases on September 24th. I've read an early copy and it's a keeper!
Find more information about Juliana's books at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.
Find more information about Juliana's books at her website and connect with her online at Facebook and Twitter.
The Christmas He Loved Her
(Bad Boys of Crystal Lake)
Sourcebooks Casablanca
September 24, 2013
All he wants this Christmas is her...
In the small town of Crystal Lake, Christmas is a time for sledding, hot chocolate, and cozying up to the fire with those you love. For Jake Edwards, it's also time to come home and face the music. He thought there would never be anything harder than losing his brother. Turns out there is: falling in love with his brother's widow, Raine.
Ever since they were little, Jesse was the Edwards brother who was always there for her, and Jake was the one who knew just how to push her buttons. Raine can't imagine a life without them, which is why it was doubly decimating when Jake left town after his brother's sudden death. Now he's back and she doesn't know whether to be mad or thrilled. Maybe both. Or maybe it will be the perfect chance for both of them to finally find happiness again.
Okay, Readers. Now it's your turn. Tell me about your birthday memories. Or share what you'd like to do or what gift you'd like to receive for your next birthday. Or talk about your favorite books. Or your favorite birthday treat.
Bring on the comments and don't forget to include your location and email address to be eligible for the giveaways!
Let's get this party started!
~PJ
Okay, Readers. Now it's your turn. Tell me about your birthday memories. Or share what you'd like to do or what gift you'd like to receive for your next birthday. Or talk about your favorite books. Or your favorite birthday treat.
Bring on the comments and don't forget to include your location and email address to be eligible for the giveaways!
Let's get this party started!
~PJ
Happy Birthday, PJ and thanks for the invite to the party. I'm familiar with many of your author friends including a couple of Bandita buddies. Will have to come back later when the party is in full swing.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the US.
janie1215 AT excite DOT com
DeleteSo much fun whoo, I would live anew car whoo,
ReplyDeleteLike to go with friends to dinner and get flowers
Thanks so much for the giveaways whoo
kimehak@yahoo.com
Usa
Kimh
I love a great party & this is certainly that.
ReplyDeleteUp until the age of about 6 my sister & I received a gift for the other's birthday. My parents thought that since we were just a year apart, the other would not understand NOT receiving a gift. I don't remember, but I love the thought of it.
INT
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
One of my best gifts was a Barbie birthday cake when I was eleven. I'd been wanting one for ages, and I finally got it. It was one where the cake is the doll's dress.
ReplyDeleteGayle
gd830@hotmail.com
USA :)
WOW, what an interesting post. Some wonderful stories of birthdays past by some of my favorite authors.
ReplyDeleteA big happy birthday to you. I'll have to come back at a decent hour , when I am more awake to properly comment.
USA libr ary pat AT com cast DOT net
Happy birthday PJ and Julie!
ReplyDeleteThese were all very funny and interesting memories. Thanks authors!
For me I remember having to celebrate my birthday with my eldest brother who's 6 years older and not complaining one bit. This was during my early middle school years and his high school years so it was pretty weird when his friend would come for the party but only cousins for mines. LOL
But I enjoyed them because I was a party pooper. But when I entered high school and he was no longer at home, we stopped celebrating, but he did buy me a mp3/ipod stereo set, which I love and still have. :)
US
kp_kazamei(at)yahoo(dot)com
Just popping in to wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PJ!! Hope it's a fun-filled day and that you take a little time to pamper yourself!
ReplyDeleteReaders, have you tried Suzanne's books yet? Small town romance or gripping suspense...she has them both and they're terrific!
DeleteMwuah!! Big Thank you kisses for such kind words about my books! You really are giving out presents today!
DeleteHappy Birthday, PJ! WOW, I do love your guest list; thanks for inviting me to such a swanky party. It may not be my birthday today, but at least we share the same birth year! I'll check in later to keep up with all of your fabulous guests and all of the fun!
ReplyDeleteFlora USA fsbuchler@socal.rr.com
PS. I love all of the author's birthday stories!
The best, PJ! as well as all the ones that followed! I know that you have had some bad years just like the rest of us, but the way you have handled those bad ones are what has made you the loving, caring beautiful person you are. I am proud to be able to call you my friend. Congratulations, again!
DeleteFlora USA fsbuchler@socal.rr.com
PJ!!!!! Happy, happy birthday! I'll drink champagne and dance on tables in your honour tonight. And what a fabulous guest list you've already put together. I have a feeling we might have a few crashers just to make things interesting before we're done. On a serious note, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the wonderful support you give the romance genre. We all love you to death!!! xxx
ReplyDeleteYes, can we make Sven dance on the tables with us?
Deletejanie1215 AT excite DOT com
US
I'll drink champagne and dance on tables in your honour tonight.
DeleteSomeone will be taking video, right? ;-)
Thank you, dear Anna. Love you right back!
Many happy returns from the UK .... PJ what an amazing party .... what amazing guests.
ReplyDeleteI also had a birthday party recently where my grand daughter baked the most incredible cake. The decoration was like one of those abstract paintings where paint is dripped onto canvas from a height. We played 'pass the parcel' to the music of the Beetles with the winner (Me) getting to jive with the Grand ... also to the music of the Beetles. LOL
Mrs Q gave me a Dr Who scarf as something to wear to the party ... my Grand thinks it came from Gallifrey! LOL
Nothing to compare with this though!
Thanks, Q!
DeleteWow, that cake sounds amazing and the fact that your granddaughter made it makes it all the more special. I ♥ homemade gifts! I also love the Beatles. The music of my generation! :)
Forgot the e-mail:
ReplyDeletequantumphase AT supanet DOT com
Hi PJ, a big happy birthday to you! My family tends to celebrate all birthdays with a family dinner. I don't really have a specific gift that stands out, they're all wonderful to me because the gifts comes from those I love.
ReplyDeleteI love reading all the author birthday memories, some really crack me up! LOL! Thanks for sharing your birthday with us. You are so sweet and generous to have this wonderful party (and giveaways)for us, hope you have a fabulous day! Hugs to you :-)
Canada, thebigbluewall77(at)gmail(dot)com
A very happy birthday to you, PJ and to you, Julie Anne!! I hope you both have spectacularly wonderful days!!
ReplyDeleteI love everything about birthdays and my family has always given me great gifts. I'm a big sports fan, especially hockey and my gifts tend to revolve around that theme. Clothing, trading cards, memorabilia....pretty much anything and everything a fan can want! It basically feels like I'm a kid at Christmas. :)
Thanks for inviting me to the party!!
ahui55 at gmail dot com
Canada
Thank you, Ada! A sports fan! Yay! As the first-born and only girl in my family, I never had a chance. I ♥ sports, with football and hockey being at the top of my list!
DeleteSince you like hockey so much, have you read Anna Sugden's Harlequin debut, A Perfect Distraction? It's out now and features a great hockey hero.
We don't have any boys in our house besides our dad so luckily, he was willing to share his passion with us! We used to take in games as a family, it was awesome.
DeleteI haven't read Anna's book yet but I'm watching my mail in anticipation! I was lucky enough to win a copy during her blog tour so I'm just waiting for it to show up :D I'll consider it my early birthday girl to myself haha
Happy Birthday PJ! Wonderful party with some familiar faces and some new ones.
ReplyDeleteI still think that coffee (at least) in bed is one of the best birthday presents anyone could offer me. That and a book I would not have thought of buying for myself. One year my mum gave me Sarah Turnbull's Almost French, about an Australian who moves to Paris for luuuurve, a story which mirrored my own very closely. I was so intrigued by it that I poured hot water into the (full and brand new) pot of coffee grinds instead of on to the filter... Proof that I need someone else to make me coffee on my birthday morning ;) It's a great story. A different angle from Eloisa's Paris in Love, but I think they should compare experiences.
Grosses bises pour ton anniversaire!
bcostedoat1 AT hotmail DOT fr
International, as you may have realised :D
Merci beaucoup, Pirouette! I love the concept of someone bringing me coffee in bed on my birthday. Unfortunately, knowing myself as well as I do, I'm afraid the coffee would end up all over the book and that just won't do. It's the reason I don't read in the bathtub either. lol!
DeleteI think it's an acquired skill ;) I was spoilt by my parents, or they despaired of me ever getting out of bed without caffeine, even at a young age, I don't know which. Now I'm trying to train the children...
DeleteI didn't even notice that I was Pirouette in the answer! It's my name on another blog which must work with the same system LOL
Happy Birthday again! Bridget C
Happy Birthday PJ!!!!!! I love that you are celebrating in style! For my 40th birthday, good friends came with me to Las Vegas and helped me celebrate in style. Memory-making activities are always the perfect gift!
ReplyDeleteWow, Jenni! That's a great way to celebrate a milestone birthday! So, any stories you want to share or did what happened in Vegas stay in Vegas? ;-)
DeleteReaders, Jennifer was our guest here earlier this week. If you haven't yet read her books, please do check them out. They're wonderful!
http://www.theromancedish.com/2013/09/todays-special-jennifer-mcquiston.html
Happy Birthday, PJ! Thanks so much for including me with all those fabulous authors! Hope your day is as lovely as you are, and you get lots of CAKE!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maggie! Don't know about the cake but I'm starting the day with a custard-filled long john donut. I haven't had one in years but they were fresh from the oven at the grocery store bakery this morning and calling my name. *grin*
DeleteThat sounds vaguely...naughty. :)
DeleteHappy Birthday Gorgeous Lady! I hope you have a wonderful day and thanks for letting me take part in your celebrations!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being one of my birthday authors! ♥ you!
DeleteI just remembered a birthday when I was maybe turning 5 or 6 and all my little friends had been invited out to our farm. They were told to stay away from KIng our watch dog, but um, one of the girls didn't and got bit on the bum and she ran home crying. Kind of ruined the day. Maybe that's why I've always shied away from my birthday LOL
DeleteGood Morning PJ. Happiest of birthday's my friend. Lots of awesome authors here.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday P.J.! Hope you have a wonderful day! Thanks to al the wonderful authors who stopped by!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite birthday was my 16th birthday. My grandparents gave me their 1968 mustang. They had it restored and had a huge red ribbon around . Lord I miss them so much!
Wow, what an awesome gift! In 1968, I was a high school junior with a need for speed. Probably a good thing nobody got me a '68 Mustang. ;-)
DeleteGrandparents are pretty special people, aren't they? Mine have been gone a long time but I still miss them. They've left me with some beautiful memories though that I will carry in my heart forever.
Enjoy lots of cake and ice cream PL and Julie Anne!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I don't like to shop so our birthday celebrations consist of our favorite meals along with my family's traditional chocolate angel food cake with chocolate whipped cream frosting birthday cake.
My birthday is in the middle of January. I always felt a little short changed as money was always tight after the holidays.
Favorite present: Tickets to see Camelot, Chanhassen Theater near Minneapolis
My dream present would be tickets to see Phantom of the Opera
Thanks for sharing your birthday memories.
Thanks too for the chance to win a birthday treat!
USA johns lake at usa dot com
Hi Laurie! Thanks for stopping by to help me celebrate. That cake sure sounds delicious! Do you have a recipe to share or is it a family secret?
DeleteHappy, Happy Birthday, PJ!!!! God's blessings to you all the year through!!
ReplyDeleteMy gram always, always made a birthday cake for each of her granddaughters, then created and sewed a beautiful outfit for them, THEN she and Gramps would take each one out for birthday suppers at Howard Johnson's.
I've had many neat birthday gifts and surprises, but one of the best surprises was just last weekend. My mother and I had planned to go out to lunch, and my sisters showed up....They took me to a little winery in northeast Iowa for lunch where the scenery is absolutely gorgeous. No wonder they call this area Little Switzerland with its hills, valleys, and meadows.
Have a wonderful day, PJ, and thanks to all the authors for sharing today.
Deb
debhins@gmail.com
M
Thank you so much, Deb.
DeleteSounds like Gram was a very special lady. I loved going to Howard Johnson's. All those ice cream flavors!
What a lovely surprise you had last week. I saw the photo you posted on facebook. Looked like you were all having a wonderful time!
Oops, I guess it's obvious that Iowa is in the U.S., but just to clarify
DeleteUSA.... ;)
Happy Birthday and celebrate and enjoy. For my milestone I was taken to a Paul Anka concert. This was memorable as was the birthday. Love books and teas. U.S. - saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, PJ. What a fabulous celebration!
ReplyDeleteHey, everybody! Miranda has a new book out and it's terrific! Check out THE RUIN OF A ROGUE and her delicious bad-boy hero, Marcus Lithgow.
DeleteSee? Now I just bought Miranda's new one....you are a fountain of suggestions! Thanks!
DeleteAnd thanks for your birthday, I had a soy pumpkin spice steamer at Starbucks this am...and a freshly made donut from the best donut shop around! Dutch Monkey.
Its fun celebrating with you!
Thanks for recommending The ROAR, PJ. I am so glad you enjoyed it. And I hope you will too, Hope.
DeleteThat donut is making my mouth water. Salad for lunch :(
Best wishes. Happy Birthday, PJ! This is a wonderful party. I think that celebrating birthdays is so much fun, so important and unforgettable. We used to go out for my birthday but we have the family over and enjoy the time together now. I love receiving journals, books, and a treat. I enjoyed this post so much. US. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteFavorite or interesting Birthday....well, frankly, I dont know if I have any....I just enjoy the day, always....
ReplyDeleteBut I will say that, I know it is corny but everyday I find a new author or book that I can savor...it really does feel like a special day...
So..
AND I must wish PJ a very happy birthday but today is not the only day she gives gifts instead of receiving....you see, PJ has opened my eyes to so many new authors! And frankly, there are quite a few on this page wishing her a happy birthday and sharing their birthday memories! So, thanks PJ for all the wonderful experiences you have allowed me to take part in by sharing these wonderful authors and their work.
I owe you big time!
Hope
I know it is corny but everyday I find a new author or book that I can savor..
DeleteHope, I don't know a single romance reader who would say that was corny. I know I wouldn't! :)
So, thanks PJ for all the wonderful experiences you have allowed me to take part in by sharing these wonderful authors and their work.
Awww...you're very welcome, Hope. It's my pleasure!
Happy Birthday, dearest PJ! I love what Anna said - you are truly an adornment to the world. I hope it's a wonderful day for you, and thank you for all you do on behalf of romance readers and writers. Mwah!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vanessa and thank you for being one of my birthday authors!
DeleteReaders, Vanessa and her husband, Randy (they write as V.K.Sykes) was our special guest earlier this week. Check out our interview and do check out their new romantic suspense novel, LETHAL CONFESSIONS. It's so good!
http://www.theromancedish.com/2013/09/todays-special-vk-sykes_17.html
Thank you, PJ! We're absolutely thrilled you liked the book!
DeletePS ....PJ, love these gatherings because not only do I get to hear from other readers AND authors, I get to find new books AGAIN....
ReplyDeleteI am an addict I tell you, a BOOK ADDICT LOL
And I noticed Julie Anne Longs fave book is one of my all time fave book....What I did for a Duke
Maggie Robinson...I loved your suggestion to read her latest and guess what? I had to get her back list...yup, she is a great find!
And of course Anna Campbell. I find myself re reading her latest in the middle of the night when I cannot sleep. I am so eager to find out about Cam next....!
All of the authors here....my faves!
I am an addict I tell you, a BOOK ADDICT LOL
DeleteYou say that like it's a problem, Hope. ;-)
Maggie Robinson...I loved your suggestion to read her latest and guess what? I had to get her back list...yup, she is a great find!
Told ya. ;-)
And of course Anna Campbell. I find myself re reading her latest in the middle of the night when I cannot sleep. I am so eager to find out about Cam next....
Me too!
Sounds like a great celebration. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteOne of my best birthday memories was from my 16th. I was away from home at a summer youth leadership conference. I only knew the two girls I had gone with, but I was having fun and meeting people from all over the world. However, I was bummed that I wouldn't be with my family for my birthday, and I didn't think anyone would make a big deal about it. In fact, my friends kind of blew me off that day and I felt even worse. Turns out they were just trying to sneak around and they got me a cake! It was a great surprise!
Mary D.
1mad@marktwain.net
United States
Happy Birthday PJ! Favorite birthday will be next year (jan 2).. because it will be the first having my baby girl around (7 months now) to celebrate it with her mommy. :)
ReplyDeleteShannon- smupright@hotmail.com USA
Happy birthday! :) I love your blog and look forward to it daily! :) Hope you have a wonderful day. :)
ReplyDeleteI love getting books for my bday of course! Also love dresses but that's hard to buy for me since I am picky about them... My favorite presents from the past are just kisses from my two daughters!
I am from Canada! maybe31 at yahoo.com
Happy Birthday to PJ and to Julie too! I hope you have a fantastic day. I had a wonderful birthday last year when my whole family took me out to a restaurant to celebrate my 50th birthday.
ReplyDeleteI am in the US mce1011 AT aol DOT com
Happy Birthday!!! Mine is in 7 days!! Have a Great Day!!!!
ReplyDeletedisneywag@gmail.com
Blaine, MN
Happy early birthday, Dawn! Hope your birthday will be filled with as much joy as mine!
DeleteAlways had cherry chip cake with cherry icing. Since my birthday is in December we always put tree up on my birthday.
ReplyDeletecatlover0112 at yahoo dot com
I looked it up they still make cherry chip cake. Since I don't eat sugar now found a cake recipe modified it and added sugar free cherry syrup. Then got sugar free icing and mixed a little cherry flavoring into it
DeleteWhat I would like this year is to see all of the kiddos I used to take care of there were 6 of them 5 of which I have known since they were 6 weeks old. The last one turned 13 this week. Since they are in school I don't don't get to see them as much. Too many activities
ReplyDeleteI did that a few years ago and a few of kiddos were able to come so that was nice, but some weren't available. They are at that age now were Miss Alisha is not so cool anymore. They embarrass easily
DeleteWhat a party! When you say you start at midnight, you mean it. LOL! HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS, my lovely friend. And thanks for letting me be a part of the celebration. May your day be filled with as much joy as you bring to the rest of us all year long. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks to you, Terri for being one of my birthday authors...and a great friend!
DeleteReaders, I know I said something up top but if you haven't read Terri's debut, Meant to Be yet, you're missing out on a wonderful story. I highly recommend you take a trip to Anchor Island through the pages of Meant to Be!
MWAH!
DeleteTerri is an awesome author and person if you haven't read Meant to Be you need to check it out
DeleteThank you!!
DeleteOkay, I've moved on from the long john to the apple fritter. Don't worry, I didn't buy out the whole case! lol! Just these two treats that I don't often allow myself. ;-)
ReplyDeleteLove Apple Fritters used to get those at a local bakery when I was a kid. Like the eclairs too. Dad got a apple fritter when we went to Scots Fest last Saturday
Deletehappy b-day!! I do love parties in romance land -- they are always so much fun with lots of great folks, fab refreshments & the most delish help ;) Hope you have not just a great day but a wonderful year filled w/ romance & happy memories
ReplyDeletegamistress66 (at) aol (dot) com
us
PJ, this is the coolest birthday party ever! :) Happy Birthday, to such a wonderful lady.
ReplyDeleteI love all these stories. As to birthdays, my birthday was just a couple weeks ago and my hubs gave me the greatest gift. He had his mom take our kids for the night (they're still young enough that this is a real treat), he took me out for sushi, I drink an extra (few) glasses of wine, and then he drove me home and made me a fire in our backyard so I could make smores. Bliss. :)
I'm in NJ and my email is marneejo@hotmail.com
Oh, Marnee, hold on to that guy. He's a keeper! What a perfect birthday gift for a mom.
DeleteBtw, I would have skipped the wine and gone straight for the s'mores...but that's just me. ;-)
I just finished reading three terrific books that come out Sept. 24th: Summer is for Lovers by Jennifer McQuiston, The Christmas He Loved Her by Juliana Stone and The Trouble with Christmas by Debbie Mason.
ReplyDeleteWhat are you reading today?
I just read a book that was a recommend ...and older book, Flowers from the Storm and I loved it...it was a treasure to find! It is by Laura Kinsale. I highly recommend to everyone. I couldnt put it down and was thrilled that a fellow avid reader told me about it.
Deleteoops that was AN older book, from 2009 I think......
DeleteI am reading Eloisa James' Once Upon a Tower right now. It's really good and quite different because most of the story takes place after the marriage.
DeleteHappy Birthday PJ. I am an avid reader! The best birthday celebration that I have had is my sister's 50th birthday that we just celebrated in Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHappy Birthday to the most wonderful lady and friend a girl could have!!!!! Seriously, books aside (gasp) I am so glad to have you in my life and celebrating such an important day! I have to run right now but Cricket Marie and Grayson the Monkey Cat will now sing you greetings in the "Song of Their People"...ahem...
ReplyDeleteMeow meow meow-meow meowmeow....Meow meow meow-meow meowmeow.... Translation Happy Birthday to You!
LOL! Thank you, Cricket Marie and Grayson! Oh yeah, and your mom too. ;-)
DeleteSeriously, thank you Joanie. Love you, my friend. ♥
Readers, do check out Joanie's wonderful Roman historical romances: The Patrician, The Patrician's Fortune and the recently released Barbarian's Soul!
Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday PJ!!!!
ReplyDeleteOne of my worst childhood birthday memories is the year we went roller skating Before eating cake and ice cream. We got home to find the dog had eaten the entire cake and then got sick on my bed. O.o Very traumatizing for a group of 10 year old girls.
my best birthday was the year I was pregnant with my daughter my hubby pampered me the entire day. Nothing super special or elaborate, just a relaxing day for an expectant mommy. My daughter was born 15 days later.
Hi Glenda!
DeletePlease forgive me for laughing at your birthday memory but oh, my gosh...the whole cake? As the "mom" of many dogs, I have many stories of just such occasions but I do understand how awful it would be for a 10 year old. Hope you can laugh at it now!
Glad the cake incident is balanced by that lovely memory of the day of pampering!
No worries PJ, I'm glad you got a laugh. I can laugh about it now but at the time it was traumatizing. :-)
DeleteIt is a testament to how times have changed in that the mess on my bed was the worst thing most of my friends had been exposed to in their young lives growing up in Southern California in the 70s. Parents used to be able to shelter their children from life's realities.
On the positive side of birthdays and pampering, it has become a traditional birthday event for breakfast in bed whenever possible (or on weekend day closest to b day).
Again, happy birthday to you!
Happy Birthday and can't wait to read your books!
ReplyDeleteHappy, Happy Brthday, PJ! I think your birthday bash is a wonderful idea and how sweet of all of your author friends to get together and give you gifts!
ReplyDeleteThe biggest birthday I can remember is my 40th. My female office friends got together and took me out for lunch. Then, they brought out a sheet cake with a HUGE black DORK on it made out of licorice and made me take a big bite out of it. There were so many laughs that day and I will never forget it. I have tried to find something like that to surprise other friends and have never been successful. But, it was fabulous! I still blush to this day when I think about it.
Hope you have a wonderful time partying!
Today, I’m reading A LADY MOST LOVELY by Jennifer Delamere. I so enjoyed her first book AN HEIRESS AT HEART and this one is equally as good. I hope you will look for my review on our blog, bookworm2bookworm.
Happy Birthday! Sending you cyber birthday hugs!
Connie Fischer
conniecape@aol.com
US
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteOh, do check out Jennifer’s novels. These are the only two she’s written, but I can certainly say that I admire her tremendously and I see a very successful future for her.
DeleteAll the best, Birthday Girl!
Happy Birthday PJ and Julie Anne too. My most memorable birthday took place when I was about 9. My dad was supposed to take me, just me, to a movie. We got to the theatre and he said he forgot his wallet. We had to race home and when I went into the house, there were about 15 kids there yelling, "surprise". I kept on going past them to my dad's bedroom looking for the missing wallet. While the surprise party was a nice idea, I really wanted to spend the day with just my dad.
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a good time at your party, Ruth but I understand wanting that special time with your dad. Sometimes, less is more.
DeleteI know just what you mean, Ruth and PJ. When my older sister and I were growing up, it believe that our parents realized the importance of having that kind of one on one time. We used to have a standing Tuesday night date with either our mom or dad to go out and see an early movie together. We had two younger brothers and they were too little to go see a movie and they seemed to get all of the attention; so our parents devised this way to each spend some special time each week with just the two of us while they alternated taking care of the little ones at home. It's still one of my fondest childhood memories, and probably why I love movies so much.
DeleteFlora USA fsbuchler@socal.rr.com
Happy Birthday, PJ!!! I seem to be late to the party, and it's only morning! :-)
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite birthday memories was when I turned 40. My co-workers presented me with a cake with all 40 candles. The candles completely covered the cake, so it looked like a hundred. Blowing out all those candles wasn't easy, but when I did, the smoke alarm went off!
Hi Cheryl! The party will go on all day so some will be early...but nobody will be late! :)
DeleteLOL @ your smoke alarm birthday! I bet everyone will remember that one!
Duh! Must learn to follow directions!!!
DeleteGeorgia (Atlanta area)
castings at mindspring dot com
Happy birthday, PJ! It's such fun to celebrate with you today! You are a great gift to readers and writers, and this party is just another example of your generous spiriti. I hope you have a wonderful day and a lovely year to come!
ReplyDeleteThank you for that lovely wish, Katharine and thank you so much for being one of my Birthday Authors! I loved your post and especially those adorable photos. Do you still dress up for Halloween?
DeleteHad ONE birthday party (in Grade 2) that I'd rather forget, as basically it was my mom's idea, including cute little frocks for the girlies.
ReplyDeleteMy MIL's birthday is three days before mine, so I've had to share our supper celebrations with her for decades.
My best memory, though, is when my husband and I hosted our own birthday party. He turned 50 and I turned 40, so we invited friends/family to our 90th birthday dance. I wore jeans and slippers, and we danced the night away to the music of a great DJ. People still comment on that (I'm glad) ... that they enjoyed the casualness of it ... the music was good ... our present was their presence, so no stress in getting ready to attend ... and then there's the fun memories (like my brother polka'ing me out the door). I'm thinking that next year we should have a 120th birthday celebration (65/55)!
seytype {at} hotmail {dot} com / Canada
Many apologies. I MEANT to wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PJ, before I went on a trip down Memory Lane.... Not only that, but I'd like to thank you for sharing such a beautiful blog, as I'm really enjoying the authors' and readers' stories. "Thanks for the memories!"
DeleteLaney, I love your 90th birthday party! What fun! Yes, you should definitely go for a 120th next year. I wouldn't be surprised to discover your family and friends are already counting on it! lol!
DeleteHappy birthday, PJ!! I hope you have a wonderful day. You have certainly started the day off with a bang with this rocking party! :) My birthday is in October and it always manages to fall right on or around Columbus Day weekend. I love it! It's like every year is a holiday for me. I am sure me being born is more significant than whatever that other guy did. ;)
ReplyDeleteI am sure me being born is more significant than whatever that other guy did. ;)
DeleteIt certainly is for anybody who knows you, Crystal! Happy early birthday! (it really is just around the corner)
Happy Birthday to another September baby!
ReplyDeleteI started first grade on my 6th Birthday - the day after we moved into our first house (lived with the grandparents before that).
I remember one birthday (must have been 7th or 8th) we had my family birthday party at my aunt and uncles house and I got a bike! They had a nice long driveway I could practice on and it was paved! Much easier to ride on than at home where the driveway was all stones. The bike was blue & silver and I rode it for much longer than was feasible as I grew taller and it remained smaller.
My mother's birthday was June 14th which is also Flag Day - she thought all the neighbors put out flags to celebrate her birthday!
sallans d at yahoo dot com
Happy September Birthday to you, Di! What a sweet story about your mom! I love that she thought all the flags were for her. :)
DeleteHappy Birthday, PJ! Enjoy today to the fullest and may there be many, many more! So wonderful of you to share your day with us in such a special way.
ReplyDeleteOne fond birthday memory is from about my eighth year. We went over to some distant relatives home, which was almost an estate compared to the small house I lived in, and was welcomed with a surprise swimming party in their luxurious pool. There was food, cake and ice cream, and, boy, was I surprised.
You're giving away such fantastic prizes, both from familiar and new-to-me authors. What a fun day!
~Donna
dbrown3400 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I am a U.S. resident.
I LOVE THIS! You certainly know how to do up a celebration right. I have several birthday memories. There was the one when I was in second grade and my sister made me a cake with chocolate horses on it and she took me and my class of schoolchums to the roller rink--I remember how much I LOVED the chocolate horses on the cake. Marsha took them off so I could eat them later, but I remember keeping them in the freezer, never eating them because they were too special to eat.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 26, I was having a bad time with that birthday--I was supposed to be married, published, happy, successful by that age and I was NONE OF THOSE THINGS. (I know, I know.) So my friends talked amongst themselves and then for the week of my birthday, I kept getting successful larger or cooler gifts by surprise. I got a bouquet of flowers (which I'd never gotten); I got fun stuff and chocolate--but the night of my birthday, when I was dressed up and partying and drinking, they brought a handsome man in a kilt to the table as a surprise. The picture of me meeting him is quite comical. That was probably the best birthday party.
The worst? --because you have to have that--and it's not worst in what we did because we did get massages that day and whatnot, but it was my 30th birthday, and my friends did a whole string of surprise stuff and took me around to various stuff, but at 8 am (and I like to sleep in and I wasn't allowed. ON MY BIRTHDAY), I was given 30 jello shots to drink during the day--and my friends were upset I wasn't consuming them. Then there was the spa--like Julie Anne Long's--we hadn't been to one before and my friends worried I hated it after they bought the experience because I wasn't "smiling" after (I looked sleepy and hungover--which I usually do after a massage)--and then I remember I was getting my hair styled at the spa place and the stylist asked me what I wanted to do, and I pointed at a picture of one of the models on the wall whose hair I liked. It was short/medium and layered and curly--and I knew I could achieve that style thanks--and the stylist said, "I'm not a miracle worker. I can style your hair like that but you won't look like her." *LOL* All in all, an interesting birthday. Fortunately now they've been scaled back and relaxing with friends and enjoying ourselves--so we're doing it right. :)
You have some wonderful friends, Hellion which says a whole lot about what a good friend you must be to them. Cute guy in kilt? That one would be hard to top!
DeleteI have a tip for that hair stylist...and not the monetary kind! Sheesh!
Happy Birthday, PJ! Thanks for inviting me! :)
ReplyDeleteLots of Sept birthdays scrolling down. There must be something about December...
My birthday was 12 days ago. I turned 30.
My husband is a HUGE football fan--think counts down the days until kick off the day after the Super Bowl. We have 2 young boys and I own a daycare. I'm surrounded by children from the time I wake up until the time our boys go to bed at night.
My birthday was on opening Sunday for football. The night before, my mom made me a big pot of my grandmother's spaghetti. After church my husband brought us home, I ate leftover spaghetti, and he sent me straight to our bedroom for some reading and nap time!
This was the best birthday gift I could have possibly received at this stage in my life! haha We didn't spend money, I didn't have to cook, I wasn't surrounded by children and I had uninterrupted ME time. Bliss. :D
Jessica
jpchez02@hotmail.com
US
Thanks for coming, Jessica!
DeleteLots of Sept birthdays scrolling down. There must be something about December...
LOL! I was just thinking the same thing a little while ago. ;-)
Being a huge football fan myself tells me exactly how much your husband must love you to give you that gift of time on OPENING DAY! Good for him and glad you had a wonderful day. Happy 30th!
Happy Birthday PJ.. I hope you have the best day ever.. I have had so many wonderful birthday's, but I think the best one was my 50th, because it was such a surprise. My friends and family gave me a wonderful day and I felt so loved..
ReplyDeleteWorst birthday.. Don't think I have had one.
superauntkx9_(at)live(dot)ca
Thanks, Kathleen! Glad your friends and family made your 50th so special.
DeleteHappy Birthday PJ!! My best birthday memory was definitely this past year! My parents came in to visit from out of state about 2 weeks prior to my birthday and we went out to dinner... little did I know that my husband had booked a place to throw me a suprise 30th and family and friends both local and from afar were there to visit! In addition, he had my favorite band perform! I felt so loved and was so so happy to be joined in the celebration by family & friends. I think it's the people in life that matter the most!!
ReplyDeleteLocation: New Jersey (just outside Philadelphia)
Email: Azacia@gmail.com
Oh, what a great surprise! How wonderful that you were able to celebrate your 30th surrounded by the people you love.
DeleteHappy, Happy Bday, hope you get lots of tasty cake and lots of presents.
ReplyDeleteI am from NY about 1 hr from NYC.
patoct@yahoo.com
I like to celebrate by going out to a nice restaurant. Best gifts are books, restaurant gift cards or amazon gift cards.
What a fantastic birthday party you are having, PJ. This is definitely the place where all the cool kids are today. LOL And how like you to be giving gifts to celebrate your day. Happy, happy birthday, my great-hearted, sweet-smiling friend!
ReplyDeleteI told everyone when my younger sister was born a few days before my third birthday that I was getting a little brother for my next birthday, thereby evoking much laughter. He arrived a few weeks early, but I had a little brother by the time I turned four. That was many years ago, and he's been a foot taller than I for most of those years, not so little. But he and my sister are still my favorite birthday presents.
How lovely, Janga! I had a baby brother for my 8th birthday, but I wanted to go home and read an Enid Blyton, so I didn't appreciate visiting him at the maternity ward for the first time :D Good thing I got to like him when he grew up a bit ;)
DeleteThis is definitely the place where all the cool kids are today.
DeleteReaders are the cool kids, aren't they? :)
Love that your brother and sister are your favorite birthday gifts. My youngest brother still remains my all-time favorite Christmas present. (He was born Christmas morning)
Happy Birthday, PJ! How kind of you to give us presents!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite birthday was actually the one I just had last month when I turned 32. On Friday I met Julie Garwood, the author who started it all for me, and had dinner and drinks with some great new friends. On Saturday my family surprised me with Sprinkles Cupcakes and a girls' shopping day. Finally on Sunday, my actual birthday, my nephew took me to see the new Percy Jackson movie and made me a birthday cake from scratch, he's only 12! My whole family had dinner together and then we played girls vs. boys put-putt, we are very cut-throat about our put-putt (think Bridgerton Pall Mall). It was a perfect weekend!
I'm in the Dallas, Texas area. And I'm at kristina.birch@gmail.com
I want your birthday! No, really. I want your birthday! lol
DeleteMeeting Julie Garwood is my dream. Saving Grace is my all-time favorite comfort read. I long ago lost track of the number of times I've read this book. I've worn out two paperback copies of it...so far. ;-)
And cupcakes from Sprinkles! I'm addicted to Cupcake Wars. I'd love to have cupcakes from Sprinkles!
Oh! Oh! Putt-putt! I'm the family putt-putt champion; have been since we were kids and still holding onto my crown. Not that I'm competitive or anything... lol
I will put my location and email first so I don't forget :) Pennsylvanian USA, brandon_savannah@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!! What an awesome way to celebrate by talking about books :) It sounds like my kind of birthday!
I have a 2 and 5 year old so my gifts have been of the hand made nature for the past few years, but this year my 5 year old told my hubby he wanted to get my something really special. He knows I love to build puzzles and he wanted to get me a puzzle! I thought it was super sweet that he put some much though and love into his gift :). It has become my favorite gift for that reason..... By the way my 2 year old got me a picture that he colored (with crayons and I think spaghetti sauce hehe) he later ripped it in half lol
I hope you have an amazing birthday!!!
What a sweet and thoughtful gift from your 5 year old. You're obviously raising a wonderful little boy. Had to laugh at the 2 year old's gift. I've received many similar gifts over the years. All of them are precious, especially the ones with spaghetti sauce, etc. *grin*
DeleteHope you have the happiest birthday, PJ! Sending you love and hugs across the waters! In your honour, we'll crack open some bubbly tonight and toast one of the loveliest people I know!
ReplyDeleteMy recent 50th birthday was awesome - a wonderful trip to Antigua, amazing presents and a surprise visit from our dearest friends on my birthday! :) I don't know how my lovely hubby will top that LOL.
Hi Anna! Your hubby hit it out of the park with your 50th. Not sure he'll ever be able to top that one!
DeleteReaders, be sure to check out Anna's debut book, A Perfect Distraction and my recent interview with her here at The Romance Dish!
http://www.theromancedish.com/2013/09/todays-special-anna-sugden.html
Happy, Happy Birthday!!! Oh, what fun. I really enjoyed hearing all the different stories. I've never really had a birthday party - I know lol. Not to say I don't get presents from my family and I've had my share of cakes and some dinners out but only with a few family members. To this day I tease my older sister because she got a birthday party once when young. I was told because she had a summer birthday and mine is always near Thanksgiving so I have had pumpkin pie instead many times lol. But like you, I enjoy celebrating and giving to others. And I always made sure my two daughters had birthday parties.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm sorry. I forgot to say I am in the USA.
ReplyDeleteOh, ack, ack, ack. I forgot my email lol. My excuse is that I haven't finished my first cup of coffee. So sorry.
ReplyDeletecatslady5(at)aol.com
I can relate! :-)
DeleteThis might be a great birthday my cousin's due date is on my birthday. That would be cool.
ReplyDeletecatlover0112 at yahoo dot com
Happy Birthday, PJ! and thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteEvery year on my birthday, I would get together with my family and have a nice dinner. Since we all are busy and hardly find time to see each other, so it is very special to me:)
WP
Thailand
wowwarin@gmail.com
How lovely to have those special memories!
DeleteHippo Bird Day to you PJ!!! After dealing with my mom's ill health, death and subsequent estate..my out-of-state sister gave me an e-reader.. 'just because', but mostly her appreciation for my being able to be with our mom when she needed it.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm so sorry about your mother's death. How thoughtful of your sister to show her love and appreciation with your "just because" gift.
DeleteWorst birthday was #40 Got a call from our agency... The group that did our homestudy was being blackballed in Russia. Our papers had been sitting there for a year. Had to scramble to get a new homestudy completed by a different agency.
ReplyDeleteOh, how awful! I hope you were able to get a new homestudy done quickly. Are you still waiting?
DeleteHappy Birthday PJ, have a wonderful day! You have some great people here today! I try not to have birthdays any more because I feel I am getting old. Every year I go spend my birthdays with my sisters and we always have a great time. They have a hugh dinner for me and its just nice spending time with the family.
ReplyDeleteQuilt Lady, I'm on the down-slope of the age hill but I'm still celebrating. I figure every year on this side of the dirt is a reason for celebration! :)
DeleteHappy Birthday! The best book I've read lately is Lessons From a Scarlet Lady by Emma Wildes.
ReplyDeletealysap AT yahoo DOT com (US) (P.S.I don't have an e-reader.)
Another book to add to my list. Thanks, jcp!
DeleteHappy Birthday, PJ! What an amazing celebration you've got going on here. One of my best birthday surprises happened the first year I was married. The DH told me to get dressed up and wouldn't tell me where he was taking me. I, of course, getting to know him pretty well at this point, did what I was told. I was rewarded with awesome seats to see Donny Osmond in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Very, very cool.
ReplyDeleteMy birthday is next week and I think I'm going to treat myself to a few of those new releases and something with chocolate in it!
Happy Birthday, PJ & Julie Anne. When I was younger, my family always celebrated my birthday with my favorite cake. It was made by a local bakery and had custard filling and whipped cream topping. The cake itself was either chocolate or a mixture of chocolate and vanilla. My best gift was a laptop.
ReplyDeletepenfield716(AT)yahoo(DOT)com (USA)
A laptop is a very good gift! That cake sounds pretty good too! :)
DeleteI don't celebrate my birthday a lot, other than with a nice dinner occasionally, since my birthday is two weeks before a major tax deadline and my CPA husband is usually out of town or crazy busy. He did give me my Corgi Eva the Diva on my birthday one year, so that makes up for a lot.
ReplyDeleteBest birthday thus far was 18 - I was on speech team and my birthday fell on the day of the state qualifiers. All my friends were busy all day so I didn't plan anything. After qualifiers I went over to a friend's house, only to be surprised by the ENTIRE TEAM, cake, and the announcement that we were all going to state in various events!
Susanleerahmsdorff@yahoo.com
Denver, Colorado
Hi Susan! Thanks for stopping by today. Having CPA friends, I can understand why there aren't any major celebration on your birthday. Thanks for sharing your 18th birthday memories with us. Sounds like that was a fantastic birthday!
DeleteHappiest of birthdays, my dear friend. Lunch next week but many hugs and good thoughts to you today.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHappy Birthday! Hope it's full of lots of joy and presents and fun!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sabrina and many thanks for being one of my awesome Birthday Authors!
DeleteReaders, if you haven't yet read Sabrina Jeffries' wonderful historical romances, now's a great time to give her a try. Her wonderful 2012 hardback (up for grabs today) 'Twas the Night After Christmas is being released in paperback on October 29th. I loved it!
Love Sabrina's books
DeleteI have totally enjoyed reading the author posts and replies! What a fun way to celebrate a birthday!
ReplyDeleteMy very favorite gift was at my last birthday. My husband had all of our old home movies transferred to dvd's. We hadn't been able to watch them in years, so it was a special treat to watch them on my birthday. It was so sweet to see movies of the kids when they were little. The dvd's are a treasured gift!
What a wonderful gift, Cheryl! I'm the holder of the family home movies. I really need to investigate having them transferred to DVD before they fade away into the sunset.
DeleteHoly cow! I forgot AGAIN!!! :/
DeleteUS
castings at mindspring dot com
PJ, you will be so glad that you did! Don't wait too long because that old tape deteriorates.
DeleteHappy Birthday! I think birthday's are awesome I look forward to them every year. I think all my favorite birthdays are ones my sister had a hand in. For my 16th she baked me a cake exactly how I asked, a pink cake with yellow and blue frosting, and she did a three tier cake to boot. She topped this one on my 20th birthday by taking me to see Les Miserable. I grew up a Jehovah's Witness and was not allowed to celebrate my own birthday until I was in my teens. So I make the most of them now, and do the same for my kids.
ReplyDeletehondapearl@gmail.com
Ponder, Texas
Your sister sounds like a very special lady. Thanks for coming by to celebrate with me today!
DeleteHappy Birthday PJ!
ReplyDeleteMy husband of nearly 23 years has managed to give me both the best and worse birthday gifts ever -- one year, he bought me a Paderno stainless steel dutch oven. It's a lovely pan, and I still use it. But, when I asked her about dinner, he told me he thought I may want to cook in my new pan! He's never done that since. However, when I turned 40, he bought me a new car, which was really nice.
This year, I was away on a business trip on my birthday, the only time I can think of that that I've been away from family on my birthday. I was a little sad, but my boss took me to a teppanyaki place for dinner (I'd never been before!), and that was lovely. I also managed to lock myself into a bathroom at that same teppanyaki restaurant, but that, my dears, is a story for another time.
-Ally
achingchew(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
I also managed to lock myself into a bathroom at that same teppanyaki restaurant, but that, my dears, is a story for another time.
DeleteOh, Ally! That's a story I want to hear! lol
Most husbands manage to hit both the best and worst ends of the birthday gift scale, don't they? ;-)
Happy birthday PJ! You have some great authors here helping you celebrate today! I even found some new ones to add to my TBR list (like it needs to get longer). One of my best birthdays so far was my last one. Hubby took me to Vegas. It was a great trip and we had lots of fun. The best part is he did all the work, from booking the trip and show tickets (we went to see Celine Dion) to figuring out which grandma could take the kids for a couple days. The only thing I had to do was pack my clothes and go along for the ride.
ReplyDeleteMy email address is laurelskoog at comcast dot net and I'm in the US. Thanks to all who are doing giveaways today! :)
What a nice gift, Lea! Kudos to your hubby for all that great planning!
DeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! My husband has always been horrible at gifts. He puts zero thought into them, and he is cheap.If I want something, I need to spell it out. My best gift ever was my kindle fire Hd. My worst was a smoothie maker. I actually like getting useful things, even household appliances, but he is the one who wanted the smoothie maker. It was a gift for him. He handed it to me and then suggested i get to making chocolate shakes for him and the kids.
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa! I don't think your hubby would have appreciated my response to his "request" for smoothies. ;-)
DeleteThe Kindle Fire HD is a great gift though. Hope we've given you some new titles today to add to it! :)
My birthday is 9-28 and I am hoping for a subscription to Romantic Times (renewal) also if I could win Terri Osbourne's book...lol...
ReplyDeleteI remember when I turned 16 my mom gave me a cake with a mustang on it which was so sweet... just like to feel special once in a while, I guess. Happy Birthday PJ!!!!!
Donna
LOL @ Donna! I'd like to win Terri's book too but I've made myself ineligible. ;-)
DeleteHope you get that subscription!
Enjoying reading all the posts! My mom's birthday is Sept. 1st and she just turned 91! My nephew's son just turned 1 on the 2nd. So we had a big party for both of them this year! (last year we had a huge one for my mom but my nephew's family missed it because she was in the hospital having her son).
ReplyDeletecatslady5(at)aol.com
u.s.
Happy Birthday to your mom, catslady! Turning 91 is a wonderful reason to celebrate. I love that you combined it with your grandnephew's first birthday. What fun!
DeleteOh wow, I am way late to the party, Happy Birthday PJ, wishing you many more!
ReplyDeleteOne of the best birthday presents I ever received was from my daughter. She made me a book of coupons. She had hug and kiss coupons, foot massages, breakfast in bed, etc. I stretched that sucker out like it was gold, made it last a whole year...... :-D
Hrdwrkdmom52(at)aol.com
U.S.
Another really special gift I got was tickets to an Elton John concert. The concert was at an old historic theater with just Elton and his piano. It was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteUS
castings at mindspring dot com
(Woohoo! I remembered to put my info this time!)
Sounds wonderful, Cheryl! I'd love to see him in concert. Was it at the Fox?
DeleteYes, the concert being at the Fox made it even more special.
DeleteOkay, folks. I'm heading out with a girlfriend for a few hours. Y'all hold down the fort and I'll be back later to re-join the party.
ReplyDeleteThanks again to everyone who's come by to help me celebrate my birthday. I'm having a blast!
Oh, a fun time with a friend - enjoy!!!
DeletePJ, have fun with your girlfriend! You certainly need a break from this party if you plan to celebrate from midnight to midnight! With all these birthday attendees, you must be feeling well-loved.
ReplyDeleteUS
castings at mindspring dot com
Due to difficult family circumstances, I only ever had one birthday party as a child. That was when I turned six in 1955. All the neighborhood kids came. My mom made a spectacular birthday cake; the cake contained bits of maraschino cherries and the icing was very pink because of the cherry juice. I don't remember any of the presents, but I still have the recipe for that cake.
ReplyDeleteI am shysanta@verizon.net and reside in the US.
Enjoy your birthday. The book giveaway is a lovely idea.
I'm so sorry for the difficult circumstances of your childhood but very happy that you have the memory of your sixth birthday to cherish.
DeleteHappy Birthday, PJ (and Julie Anne!) What a wonderful celebration. Chocolate cake and champagne all around.
ReplyDeleteHubby and I share the same winter birthday. This year, our daughter gifted us with a grandson born just a couple of days before our birthday. This is our fourth grandchild, but the first one born outside of the summer. That he is so close to our day is special to us. I can see we'll be celebrating together for years and years!
LSU, what fun to share a birthday and what a lovely gift of your grandson. That will be special to celebrate with him as he grows up.
DeleteHappy birthday again PJ. and Julie Anne Long! Eloisa James' comment about her husband's gift of "two black t-shirts, XL, men's style, from TJ Maxx," made me almost spit my morning coffee onto the computer! I think we have all had some kind of "what were they thinking" present from our husbands!
ReplyDeleteThat comment made me remember the present my DH gave me on our First Anniversary: We were going on a lovely trip up the California Coast to recreate the trip we had taken the year before on our Honeymoon. My DH handed me a beautifully wrapped gift the night before we left saying I would then not have to lug it along with us for the entire trip. I unwrapped the gift and found a very romantic RICE COOKER! Let's see: First Anniversary==Rice cooker==did not compute IMHO! I thanked him for the present and later I was so glad I did not say anything bad about it. When we got to our first stop the next day I went to take a shower. When I came out of the bathroom there was another boxed gift sitting on the bed. This time it was a beautiful, lacy, pink, Dior negligee! My DH had faked me out with the Rice Cooker! He said he had been really difficult to maintain a straight face when I opened the gift the night before. We have been married over 35 years and he still likes to buy me little surprises and leaves them on the bed for me to find even when it's not a special occasion! Like that old commercial said: I think I'll keep him.
Flora USA fsbuchler@socal.rr.com
PS. That old Rice Cooker still works!
fsbuchler said, Eloisa James' comment about her husband's gift of "two black t-shirts, XL, men's style, from TJ Maxx," made me almost spit my morning coffee onto the computer!
DeleteWasn't that hilarious?
Tell your hubby he did well with that first anniversary surprise. Love it! lol!
I'm not much of a birthday party gal, so don't usually run into weird or 'butt ugly' kind of presents. But one yr while at a dorm at O.U., my friends decided to bake a birthday cake for me as a surprise, but the oven in her apt didn't work right, so the layer caked was like a landslide kinda cake to one side, and to hold them together to stop the sliding, they decided to stick a bamboo skewer in the middle of it, like a giant toothpick! We had a good laugh and it turned out to be one of my fun birthday party.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday PJ!!! Here's wishing you best of luck and many, many more :) I haven't really celebrated my birthday very much as I got older. Last year was terrible but the year before that was fun as my friends took me out to dinner and as we were walking out, a bird pooped on my shoulder. We all died laughing and decided to take it as a sign of good luck :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday PJ.
ReplyDeletesorry if this posts 2x but the internet seemed to eaten my first one...
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday PJ (and Julie Anne :) ) Here's wishing you best of luck and many, many more!!!
The best b-day memory I have is of a few years ago when my friends took me out for a very nice dinner. We had a great time but when I walked outside to leave, a bird pooped on my shoulder. We all laughed and decided to take it as a sign of good luck. Don't really celebrate the b-days anymore... I think I might have to start :)
Trying to think of a great gift dad got us tickets to Arkansas homecoming game one year. It was great even though I had to crawl to our seats in the nose bleed section. I am scared of heights so this was trying for me. But, it was fun brought back memories of cheering at football games in high school. Only thing I had a razorback tattoo on cheek and sun only hit one side so I was burned on one side and not the other and had a little razorback on my cheek :-)
ReplyDeleteWow! Happy Birthday PJ...and Julie Anne Long! What a great group of friends you have at your party. :)
ReplyDeleteMy Mother-in-law if my favorite gift giver as she always gives me a high dollar gift card to B&N. LOL She also does this for my Christmas gift. I'm lucky that way.
With my hubby and two teen boys I'm just happy if I get food I didn't have to prepare and a cake. One year my hubby made a triple layer cake where each layer was a different flavor. They didn't exactly taste very good together but I did appreciate the effort it took and ate it without complaint.
Marcy Shuler
bmndshuler(at)hotmail(dot)com
USA
Happy Birthday to all that had a birthday today. I looked at the calendar yesterday thinking there is something on this day I need to remember. My aunt aunt and uncles birthday was yesterday. Mom forgot too and they are her brother and sister
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I saw the picture of where you are tonight. You ARE having a nice birthday. ;-)
ReplyDeleteUS
castings at mindspring dot com
Hi PJ!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday PJ! It sounds like you're having a great time with all your special guests today and it was thrilling to get an invitation to join in the fun and to be able to send best wishes of my own!
The best birthday I ever had was the year my older son was in the Navy and my younger son was away at college and I thought that for the first time it would just be my husband and I would be sending the day alone and yes I was depressed because it was going to be the first time we wouldn't all be together for the holiday which also happened to be not only Thanksgiving but also my birthday!
As I was just finishing getting the table set for two the doorbell started ringing and my husband called out to me to answer the door. As I got there all I could see through the window was someone standing with their back to me with flowers in their hands. Can you see the tears in my eyes as I opened the door and their wasn't one person there but two? Yes, both my sons had flown into the airport, rented a car and driven home together!
I'll never forget that birthday and have the pictures to prove it! Yes, my husband got a picture of me with tears running down my face and both my sons hugging me! They both have families of their own now but still remember my birthday every year and even though neither one lives close by we still celebrate birthdays but now it's most likely by Skpe!
PJ -
ReplyDeleteI forgot to put my email and where I lived on my post!
jeannemiro(at)yahoo(dot)com
USA
Ah, happy, happy birthday, PJ! It's so fun to celebrate friends' birthdays! And I can't resist cake! ;) But I can't say that I necessarily enjoy the fuss or being the center of attention on my own birthday :D But I do enjoy receiving books, of course! :D
ReplyDeleteWe have a group of friends who try to get together annually for a birthday celebration--for our most recent one, we tried a Segway tour, which was surprisingly fun, once we all got over our fear of falling off or running into pedestrians ;)
Fedora, USA
fedora at gmail dot com
Happy Birthday PJ! :)
ReplyDeleteMy mom always made a big deal when it came to birthdays. She and my father divorced when I was 7 back in '74. She was left to raise to girls on her own, but she made sure that our birthdays were special. She would always bake a big birthday cake with homemade fudge icing and cook our favorite meal. There was no better feeling.
I hope your birthday has been all you have wanted it to be and more. :)
Wendi
wtarlton@ymail.com
US
Deerdoe69 and I share a 16th birthday experience. Now that I think of it, though, I could be wrong. My mustang was a ceramic horse. Was hers a horse or a car?
ReplyDeleteI can relate to Melissa Feehan's situation. My husband doesn't take hints well. I usually end up with practical gifts, which I really don't mind if we need them. One year I turned the tables on him. I had been asking to go to New Orleans for years with no luck. Our birthdays are only a couple of months apart, so for his birthday, I gave him a trip to New Orleans. We had a wonderful time and have been back since. We have been happily married for 41 years and look forward to many more. Don't get me wrong, he has given me some lovely gifts over the years. I just like to keep him on his toes.
P J, I hope you had a wonderful day. Thank you and your author friends for offering us such wonderful prizes. Have a great "New Year."
Hi to everyone who came by while I was gone! Apparently we hit a Blogger comment wall which was why some of the comments weren't displaying. I deleted some of my responses (only mine) to make room for all of your comments. Never fear, all of your comments are here. They just weren't showing up before.
ReplyDeleteThanks again to all of you for making this an amazing birthday. I've had a great time!
Be sure to check back this weekend for the list of all my birthday winners. Good to everyone! :)
Late to the party, and what a party it is! The place is rocking! Just wanted to wish you the happiest of birthdays!! PJ, you are such a big part of my memories of every single RWA National Conference and so many blogs we visit together. You are such an amazing woman and an incredible friend to all romance writers, published or aspiring! So when it comes to gifts rest assured we consider you a gift to all of us!
ReplyDeleteI don't have very many memories of great birthday presents and parties as I was born four days after Christmas! No one wants a party that close to Christmas and I received many, many gifts that were designated "for your Christmas and birthday too." SIGH !!
I do, however, have a very special gift given to me the day I was born by my paternal grandfather. Bernie the teddy bear has traveled all over the world with me for nearly 55 years. He is a bit worse for wear but no less loved. My grandfather died when I was three so I don't have many memories of him, but Bernie is my tangible proof of his love and his enduring presence in my life.
Happy Birthday PJ! My birthday is the day after Halloween and my funniest memory is my mom taking my Halloween candy and using it as treats for my birthday party. I was appalled! My favorite birthday treat is pumpkin pie with whipped cream. I always have it instead of cake for my birthday. The gift I'd like to receive for my next birthday is books of course, they always make the best gift for me.
ReplyDeleteBarbed1951 at aol dot com
Florida, USA
Happy Birthday! I can't wait to celebrate mine (in less than a month)! When I turned 10, we had a family party at my house. I was super excited of course because, hey, junk food, cake, and presents for me! But of course one of my cousins "helped" me open all of my presents (she ripped them open herself) and one of the only ones I actually opened was a set of 20 earrings (that were actually really cute). Only problem was my ears were not pierced... Thanks family for noticing. :/
ReplyDeletekmichels06@gmail.com (USA)
Happy Birthday PJ
ReplyDeleteI am late to the party because my internet went down it is back now and I do hope you have had an awesome birthday that is so well deserved.
I have had lots of good birthday presents over the years but I did get married on my birthday 36 years ago so I get to celebrate my wedding anniversary as well :)
Have Fun
Helen
rsibbrit@bigpond.net.au international
My wonderful husband did a true surprise party for my 50th. He managed to get videos of my family from 1600 miles away wishing me Happy Birthday. And to top it off, he flew my sister in. And it was alllll a complete surprise. Awesome!!
ReplyDeleteLisa Hutson Peoria, AZ lisakhutson(at)coxnet
This year on my birthday - the kettle broke - guess what husband went out and bought as a birthday present? But it was at least better than the electric drill I had one year, or the supermarket vouchers he gives me for Christmas. Mr. Romance he is not!
ReplyDeletebjel@btinternet.com
One of my favorite birthday memories wasn't about my birthday. My older brother was in the US Air Force in the early 50's and he was stationed in French Morocco. We were so glad the he wasn't in Korea. We had a huge birthday party for him. We got ahold of a roll of white paper and taped it up all around the kitchen after coloring "HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONNY" with lots of pictures. I come from a large Italian family and we all pitched in to make it festive. It was a great party. The next day we wrote him letters about how we celebrated his being alive to get to being eighteen. I still remember it after sixty years.
ReplyDeleteElaine Carlini-Davis, USA, elainecarlini_davis@hotmail.com
Happy belatef birthday PJ! Wishing you lots of good books to read.
ReplyDeleteWhen you asked about birthday, all i can come up with is when i fell off my bike right on my birthday, exactly before birthday dinner. I forgot how old i was, but it's around the year i started elementary school.
Sienny, smile_1773 at yahoo dot com (international)
Happy Birthday PJ,
ReplyDeleteI hope it's not too late for good wishes but I just found your website.
I had my own 50th birthday party last year.
It was a lot of fun with close friends and family.
Hope your day was just as special and that you got loads of books.
Sharon Mayer, USA, Sharon61@aol.com