21 December, 2012

#GuestPost & #Giveaway :: Shiny Bling or New Tires? by Elizabeth McKenna


Shiny Bling or New Tires?

Tis the season for gift giving and the holiday jewelry commercials are doing their part to make you and your significant other feel inadequate. You know the ones, where the woman is happily shocked by the shiny bling she just unwrapped while the husband stands proudly beaming by her side. Somewhere deep down inside me, the little princess stomps her foot and pouts, “I want my husband to waste hundreds – no thousands – of dollars to show how much he loves me.” However, it’s never going to happen, and for that, the mature woman in me is truly grateful. (Though it may be why I write romances!)

My husband was raised by a single mother who was also a banker. Born under the sign of Taurus, he is practical to the core. Years ago, when I thought it was about time we got married, I waited for him to romantically present an engagement ring for my birthday. Instead, I got golf clubs – which I really needed at the time. After I stopped crying, I told him what was wrong. He was bewildered. It never occurred to him to buy something that expensive without me picking it out.

Over the years, he has surprised me with a few shiny objects that I treasure, but what he has done that is worth more is be a loving husband and father day in and day out. With our girls, he spends his spare time going over homework or coaching them in whatever sport is in season instead of relaxing after a hard day at work. Any extra money goes into the college and retirement funds. He plans for our future and considering the divorce rate, this warms my heart more than anything else does.  

For Christmas this year, he bought me new tires for my truck, because “I don’t want you driving in the snow and ice on what you have now.” It’s not an expensive bauble, but considering Wisconsin’s winters, it’s another expression of his love.

It’s not about the bling. It’s about the everyday things.

Dear readers: What was the most memorable gift you gave or received?

About the Author
Elizabeth McKenna is a full-time technical writer/editor for a large software company. She never read romance novels until one Christmas when her sister gave her the latest bestseller by Nora Roberts. She was hooked from page one (actually, she admits it was the first love scene).

Elizabeth lives in Wisconsin with her understanding husband, two beautiful daughters, and sassy Labrador. When she isn't writing, working, or being a mom, she's sleeping.

Reach her at :: Website I Facebook I Twitter I Goodreads


About the Book
A story wrapped in love and justice
It was her saloon and her rules – until the day he walked through the swinging doors…
In 1869, San Francisco saloon owner Cera Cassidy offers redemption to any woman looking for honest work. At Cera's Place, men can get a decent hot meal with a whiskey, but if they want anything more, they have to take their desires elsewhere. One summer night, a distraught Chinese girl bursts through the swinging doors with a shocking tale of murder, kidnapping, and prostitution. Outraged, Cera vows to set things right. 
Jake Tanner, a scarred ex-soldier haunted by the horrors of the Civil War, is on a mission to fulfill a friend's dying wish. The trail has brought him to Cera's door. Captivated by her beauty, he wants to join her fight - but will she let him?
Elizabeth McKenna's debut novel is a fast-paced adventure filled with memorable characters that will leave you wanting more. Get lost in a time gone by and fall in love today!


Giveaway
Now you have a chance to win a Digital / Paperback (Winner's Choice) copy of this book all for yourself! Its Open Internationally!! All you have to do is enter in the Rafflecopter below.

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5 comments:

  1. I know it sounds a little crazy, but one of the most romantic things my husband ever got me was a toilet riser. When we were dating, I was involved in a nasty car wreck and broke my hip. He got me my own special toilet riser for his house so that he could bring me over and I'd still have what I needed for my recovery.

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    1. I think that's wonderful! He sounds like a very caring guy. Thanks for stopping by.

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  2. I like your answer Emily. We just had my bathroom redone and my husband let me choose one of those slightly taller slightly longer toilets--just perfect.

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  3. I’d most probably go with the new tires. :) I think shiny bling isn’t fit for my persona. I’m not saying it’s awkward for mothers of my age to be riding a blingy car, okay? I simply love the feel of driving with new tires. You can feel that the tires are really sticking on the road. The vehicle stability is awesome! -->Rita McCall

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  4. You know, I consider my car as a necessity because I use it whenever I go to work. So if I were in your situation, I would prefer new tires rather than a shiny bling. I will be more satisfied if the car I’m driving is equipped with good quality tires as it assures me a smooth and safe drive.

    Enoch Ross

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