Can you believe it’s the LAST day of 2010? I can’t either. Where did the time go? We hope you’ve enjoyed our posts and stories in 2010 as much as we’ve enjoyed writing them for you. Tune in Monday to start our month-long Petit Four and Hot Tamales Second Year Anniversary Party, loaded with lots of fun and prizes! ~ ~ ~ And speaking of prizes, the winners of the Merlin’s Daughter contest are: – Noelle Pierce wins a copy of “Cooking with the Petit Fours and Hot Tamales.” – Cathy Phillips wins a $25 gift certificate to your choice [...]

By Linsey Lanier “And so, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I beg you to consider all the evidence I’ve presented today and find Courtland Enterprises and its CEO guilty of all charges.” Lydia gestured toward the charts, maps and videos she’d presented, then looked into twelve pairs of eyes with her most beseeching expression. She paused, waiting for her words to sink in. Then, just below the stillness came a low murmur. A rumble. Guilty. Guilty. Guilty. She could hear their thoughts. She turned around and faced the judge. “The prosecution rests, Your Honor.” He nodded solemnly. Guilty. She [...]

By Sandra Elzie Two Weeks Later “Welcome home, daughter!” Merlin’s voice seemed to echo in the long room where two places were set at one end of an immense table. “You realize that it’s going to take me a while to get used to this life,” Lydia said, a smile lifting the corners of her mouth, even as she dragged her eyes from his face to glace at the grandeur of the dining hall. Tapestry drapes hung along the walls with lit torches held in brackets spaced in between to light the great room. The table was massive, easily able [...]

By Sandra Elzie Lydia’s heart pounded as she whirled around to face her nemesis, the one who had cunningly cast a spell that changed her appearance and left her confused and tongue-tied in the courtroom. In his bold move on her, he had shown Merlin that the precious daughter of the highest wizard was not safe…that someone who was considered an inferior wizard could reach into the other world and strike her down even when she was surrounded by three of her seven protectors. In front of her, dressed in black-clothed splendor, stood Heath, his cloak billowing slightly as he [...]

By Sia Huff Lydia gasped and grabbed the side of her head. Jackson lunged for her but retracted his hand at the last second. That damn spell. “What is it?” He was helpless to comfort her. “Not again,” she mumbled as she swayed. Her beautiful crystal blue eyes fluttered, then closed. She slumped and the branches of the massive oak tree cradled her to the moss-covered ground, lavender pillowing her head. “Lydia…” Jackson knelt at her side. He snapped his fingers and liquid silver gloves lined his hands. There was more than one valid reason not to touch her. She [...]

By Marilyn Baron “If you’re my protector, I’d say you’re falling down on the job.” Jackson winced. “Where were you in the courtroom today when Courtland whipped my butt?” “Milady.” “Cut the crap, Jackson. I made an ass of myself in front of everyone. That’s not my style.” “That’s just it, M’… Lydia. You aren’t yourself. Courtland has woven a powerful spell.” The thought of Heath Courtland’s antics in court made Lydia’s blood boil. After her humiliating afternoon of bumbling, he’d whispered to his attorney, who proceeded to address the judge. “Your Honor, Ms. Banks is not herself today,” at [...]

     The Best Christmas Pagent Ever    By Barbara Robinson         Publisher:  Harper Trophy  Copyright 1972  ISBN 0-06-440275-4     It’s that time of year again, folks.  Pick that copy of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever off the bookshelf and settle back to read a fabulous Christmas story—again.  Oh, and, sit the hot chocolate down; you will spill it all over your new PJs or spew it out your nose when you laugh out loud.  And don’t forget that box of tissues for, well, you’ll see.  I read these 80 pages every year.  I laugh and I cry [...]