Tuesday, January 1, 2013

New Year's Blog Hop


Happy New Year! To celebrate the start of 2013, I'm participating in the New Year's Blog Hop sponsored by author Carrie Ann Ryan. I'm giving away a $10 Amazon gift card, and the grand prizes for the blog hop are a Kindle Fire/Nook Tablet, $300 Amazon/B&N gift card, and a large swag pack. See all the details below for how to enter!

Here's a special deleted scene from LIFE ON THE EDGE, the first book in my EDGE series. It's a glimpse at what New Year's Eve 2001 would've been like for Emily and Sergei if certain events in the story hadn't happened ;-)

****
Aubrey rushed into the kitchen, shrugging her coat over her shoulders and flipping her blonde hair over the collar. "Em, I need help carrying the champagne and glasses upstairs."

I turned away from my conversation with Chris. "We're going on the terrace? It's snowing."

"It's tradition. We have to."

I'd been hoping to sneak up there for a private toast with Sergei, so my plans would have to change. "Let me grab a jacket," I said while Chris stepped in and gathered a handful of plastic glasses from the counter.

As I snaked through the living room crowded with our party guests, I tapped on Sergei's and Trevor's shoulders and let them know we were going upstairs to toast. I assumed our other good friends were already on the terrace since I didn't see them inside. After stopping in my bedroom and throwing on my pea coat, I met everyone outside, where tiny flakes were lightly falling. 

Chris popped the cork on the bottle, and it shot over the balcony and into the trees, eliciting a raucous, "Ohhhh!" from all of us. Aubrey and Nick lined up the glasses on the wrought-iron table, and Aubrey signaled to Chris to pour the drinks.

Marley snatched a full glass and laughed as she quickly put her hand over the top."I don't want snow in my champagne."

Once the eight of us had drinks, we gathered in a tight circle. Trevor peered at his watch and started the countdown with thirty seconds left before midnight. Across the circle, Sergei's blue eyes gleamed in the lantern light as he gave me a look I'd come to know well. The quick look no one else would notice but that told me how much he wanted me in his arms. My pulse sped up with anticipation.

Trevor reached ten seconds, and we all joined him in the countdown, getting louder with each number. Fireworks exploded in the distance in the moment before we screamed, "One!"

"Happy New Year!" Chris bellowed above everyone.

We all tapped our glasses together and downed the contents. I exchanged hugs with each of my friends and saved Sergei for last. He put his arms around me, and I whispered in his ear, "My room in ten minutes."

His hand squeezed my waist as confirmation, and I swiftly moved over to Chris, who poured more champagne into my glass.

"What's your resolution for 2002?" he asked.

"Hmm..." I sipped my drink and pondered the question. I could say, Win an Olympic gold medal, but that was partly out of my control. I decided to go with, "No regrets."

"I'll drink to that," he said and raised his glass to mine.

A few minutes later, I snuck away and ducked into my bedroom, leaving the lights off so no one would notice me. Not long after, Sergei stealthily backed into the room and shut the door, encasing us in total blackness. I heard the lock on the door knob click.

"No one's going to catch us this time," he said.

My eyes hadn't adjusted to the darkness yet, so I could only feel his body approach. The sizzling energy grew stronger with each step he took. His hands grasped my shoulders, and I jumped and let out a tiny laugh. He massaged my neck and drew me toward him, bringing me closer to his warmth.

I pressed my palms to his hard abs and then slid them over his chest, rubbing the soft knit of his sweater. Feeling my way upward, I touched his cheek, and his stubble tickled my hand.

"Happy New Year," I said softly.

Faint light slipped through the blinds, allowing me to see the dark outline of Sergei's tall figure. He bent his head toward mine and our lips crashed together, not holding anything back. We both knew we only had a few minutes to be alone.

Sergei's fingers sank into my hair, sending a shiver through me, and I wound my arms around his neck, holding him tighter. I didn't want to let him go, but the longer I kissed him, the less willpower I'd have to stop. I tilted my head back slightly, and Sergei's heavy breaths fanned over my mouth.

"We should probably go," I moaned.

Sergei rested his forehead against mine. "I wish we could go back out there together... really together."

"I know." I sighed. "But I'm trying to look on the bright side. Last year all I could do was dream about giving you a New Year's kiss."

In the pale light, I watched his lips curl upward. He cradled my face in his hands and kissed me gently. "Funny, I had the same dream."

****
Read more about Emily and Sergei in LIFE ON THE EDGE (currently on sale for 99 cents) and EDGE OF THE PAST!

And now for the giveaways! You can enter to win the $10 Amazon gift card through the Rafflecopter below. In order to be eligible for the grand prize giveaway, please leave a comment and include your email address.

To hop around to the other sites on the blog hop, check out the list here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

157 comments:

  1. Thanks for taking part in the blog hop and Happy New Year.

    miztik_rose@yahoo.com

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  2. My resolution is to buy less books and try to get through all the books I already own. Which is a lot! :P

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  3. I don't really make resolutions since people always break them. But I do try to set goals. This year my biggest goal is to finally land the publisher I've had my eye on for the last couple of years!

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  4. I'd like to relax more this year.
    Thanks for the giveaway! And Happy New Year!
    by.evie at yahoo dot com dot br

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  5. My New Year's resolution is to become more assertive. I have a tendency to be kinda shy. Thanks for the great giveaway!!

    Happy New Year!!

    ehaney578 at aol dot com

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  6. Thanks for participating in the blog hop! I don't have a resolution, but I made a list of monthly goals for 2013 to keep me on track.

    susanaellisauthor@gmail.com

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  7. My New Year's resolution is to focus on my future, lose 100 pounds and read a ton more books then I did last year.

    fishiegirl22@yahoo.com

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  8. Be cheerful and happy.

    "Happy New Year!" Chris bellowed above everyone. [Yay! Chris! Of course he'd bellow. Such a happy guy.]

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  9. Eat healthier!

    Happy New Year!!

    aprilnu2003(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  10. Happy New Year :)

    JamieToddMiller(at)aol(dot)com

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  11. Thanks for the giveaway and Happy New Year!!!!!I need to lose about 30 pounds and eat healthier. I can't wait for all the new books that will be coming out in 2013!

    readingdiva@ymail.com

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  12. Thanks for the giveaway and for participating in the blog hop. Now if I could just lose that last 50 pounds. LOL

    woolfcindy@aol.com

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  13. very cool Blog Hop.. Happy New years to all
    ms74lt@verizon.net

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  14. Happy New Year!
    I actually didn't make any resolutions this year. Decided to take it one day at a time

    purple975@msn.com

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  15. I don't make resolutions but this year I'm looking forward to taking a few more chances in life. Happy New Year!
    bimmergrlmd at gmail dot com

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  16. I do, I'd like to find a job I love :)

    aircdrewood(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. Be more confident!

    Happy New Year!

    anasmithblue@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. No resolutions for me this year.

    Kassandra
    sionedkla@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Not use my credit cards anymore, lol. Thx for the hop stop. Happy Holidays.

    blinkysthebest at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I don't have one, but I know I should write more often, and exercise more. LOL Happy New Year!

    susangriscom@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for the giveaway! And Happy New Year!

    parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Happy New Year! Nope, no resolutions for me... I never keep them. LOL

    chellesy.clay at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. try to lose weight..my usual resolution. :P

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  24. Happy New Year! I spend New Years with family and my resolution is to lose more weight for 2013!
    susanmplatt AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Less junk food.
    Happy New Year!
    t.abule (a) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Happy New Year Jennifer!! My goals for this year are to get my daughter reading better (she is 6), to enjoy a fabulous vacation in Europe this summer, and to keep my recently acquired volunteer job or book reviewing! This in addition to my full time job, family, and my reading addiction - that should keep my busy ;)

    Theresa Esterline
    theresa.esterline@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I just want to learn to take life in stride this year!

    vitajex(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. No, I never make any anymore.
    Thanks for the great hop.
    magic5905 at embarqmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. To get in better shape.
    Thanks for the chance and Happy New Year!
    sqwalker2@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. nah, i figure if it's something i actually want to do then i shouldn't wait for an artifical date

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thanks so much for a great beginning to a New Year. For this year I need to find a job since I’m graduating college this Spring, so yup.

    kp_kazamei(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  32. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  33. actually, no. I am not sure what goals I want to set for this year, so I am still kinda holding off on goals. Thinking I Might stick to them better if I set them in a few weeks..then they aren't New Years REsolutions...LOL

    kissyjensen at gmail dot com

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  34. I want to do more de-cluttering of my house.

    strive4bst(At) yahoo(Dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I have two resolutions this year. I have to lose weight, and I really want to get at least one of my books finished and ready to be published.

    adanger@live.com

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  36. In 2013, I want to to volunteer more of my time at my daughter's school and our church in order to in order to give back to the community

    abfantom at yahoo dot com

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  37. I knew you 'when'...you better remember that! :)

    My resolutions are get the book published like Jennifer. Just hope mine is even close to being as good as yours.

    melisa9717@gmail.com

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  38. I want to clear out some clutter and organize things in 2013.

    ReplyDelete
  39. My New Year's resolution is to finish my Master's thesis and get a good job! :)

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  40. I must declutter and get organized- no excuses this year.

    ReplyDelete
  41. It's more of a goal but I want to be lose weight and become healthier.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I don't make resolutions. The book sounds great, I love figure skating.

    Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  43. to read more

    Thank you for the chance!

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Be a better wife and mother.

    bacarter630@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. to exercise more and to not try to be the holder of every ones problems

    ReplyDelete
  46. To be a better person and to spend more time with my Grandchildren..
    adgaliatymaildotcom

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  47. Mine is to tackle all of my books in a series. I'll need a whole year for it!

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  48. I'd love to tackle all the clutter in my house and live a simpler life in 2013

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  49. Katharine Davis - to declutter and exercise more

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  50. To be good to myself. kathewv@yahoo.com

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  51. To get rid of the clutter in my house.

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  52. To read some new authors - thank you.

    barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com

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  53. I'm going to save some money this year.

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  54. Great way to start the new year!

    diane dot sadler at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  55. To stand longer than 5 mins...and spend more time doing things with my son.
    peach_hugs@yahoo.com

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  56. To keep up with my blog.

    chelseawoodring at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  57. My main resolution is to love the woman my husband married.
    Secondary ones to finish editing book A, start editing book B, write draft of book C
    cristinegasser (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Happy New Year! Thank you for sharing your heart and your soul with us through your books for another year!

    angelheart618@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. No resolutions for me because I never keep them!
    Thanks a lot for the giveaway!

    celine.guissart@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I stayed home and barely stayed awake

    kannw27 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ok, I did not read that right. My only resolution is to put more money away this year

      kannw27 at gmail dot com

      Delete
  61. Just the normal resolution...lose some weight and tone up my body.
    ericacarnes(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  62. My New Years resolution is to get healthy.

    ReplyDelete
  63. My New Years resolution is to eat healthier in the new year!

    ReplyDelete


  64. Thanks so much for the chance to win. It's a great way to start the year. No major resolutions beyond reading a lot (let's go 50 books!) and staying active (jog, jog!), but I hope you have a great year :)

    Thanks again!

    hisboywonder(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  65. My goal is to lose weight and make as many happy memories with my loved ones that I can.

    proudarmymom32(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  66. I hope 2013 will bring more happiness to myself and my family including my fiancee. Looking forward to finish my master's thesis and get a good job!

    jazzcarnation@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. played games
    happy new year! Thanks
    mrsbrinius at comcast dot net
    going to try to lose weight this year

    ReplyDelete
  68. My resolution is to be more organized.

    rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I do not do New Year resolutions
    wendy.pogrant@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. My New Year's resolution is to continue to be smoke free. I quit smoking on June 24th after twenty plus years of smoking.It has been hard but worth it.

    ReplyDelete
  71. My New Years resolution is to lose 10 more lbs... and get a job in accounting by the time i finally graduate college in October. Thanks for being part of the blog hop

    j.m.platt83@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. no resolutions! why add that kind of pressure :) sstogner1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I want to make healthier meals for my family in 2013.

    ReplyDelete
  74. I do have resolutions this year - to "man up" and get my life, home and health in order - especially getting back on track with my weight loss.

    Felicia
    mrschopchop(at)verizon(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  75. I don't have any real concrete resolution. basically to just do better

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  76. to contiune to loseweight. ihave lost 70lbs in 2012 and have 40 more to go

    mmas4370@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. My resolution is usually not to have any, lol! Great hop. Looking forward to the next book in the Edge series.

    ReplyDelete
  78. I would love to complete my reading challenges I signed up for this year.

    Rafflecopter Name:Dawna Newman

    vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  79. My resolution is to exercise 5 times a week.
    bituin76 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  80. My resolutions are to get healthy and to better myself and my relationships :)
    Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
    cassandrahicks1989@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. to exercise more
    Happy new year!
    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  82. I want to be more organized this year

    sweepymummy at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  83. I would like pay off some of our credit card debt and put some money to the side. thank you!
    crystalfaulkner2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  84. Howdy! Quick question that's completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I'm trying to find a template or plugin
    that might be able to fix this issue. If you have any recommendations, please
    share. With thanks!
    My site: how to get rid of man boobs

    ReplyDelete
  85. I actually made some goals for myself this year. Here is a few of them :
    I have set some goals this year
    1. Quit smoking by 2014
    2. Spend more quality time with family & friends
    3. Finally finish my 1st novel
    4. Go back to work
    5. get my own place (home) again

    Hope u have a wonderful New year :D
    Missie Jones
    missie25524 (at) netzero (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I stopped making New Year resolutions years ago and I am very happy I did.
    gatormaryd(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  87. No, I don't have any New Year's resolutions :)
    laceyblossom1(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  88. nope no resolutions - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

    ReplyDelete
  89. no resolutions, just long term goals this year.

    Thanks for the fun and Happy 2013!
    zenfoxflowerATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  90. I want to eat healthier and exercise more.
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  91. No special resolutions this year, just live day to day and be happy. Hopefully good karma will come back around and return the favor. LOL

    Happy New Year

    mrsqueentutt@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. I don't usually do new year resolutions. Just to stay happy and healthy (and I have a bad cold already!)

    sugarsweet7202@yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  93. To read more!
    Hopping away!
    Thanks for the hop!
    deethomas291 at gmail dot com
    I did tweet I just can't work that url thing!LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  94. Happy New Year,thanks for the chance to win.

    dragonkeep62(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  95. Yes, to get in better shape =)
    Miz Vickik

    ReplyDelete
  96. No resolutions, sadly. But I plan to read more this year!
    Thank you for participating in the New Year Blog Hop!
    Best Wishes in 2013
    uilani25 (at) hotmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  97. I have a resolution to eat healthier.

    ReplyDelete
  98. I dont

    Happy New Year!!

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    ReplyDelete
  99. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE! Yes, I'm going to lose 25 # and read 52 + books this year.

    Judy
    strawberryrose@earthlink.net

    ReplyDelete
  100. My goal for 2013 is To find a job I love!

    dita(dot)skarste(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  101. no i don't have a new years resolution

    ReplyDelete
  102. To loose weight
    annabella @ centurytel dot net

    ReplyDelete
  103. Happy New Year. Start walking again.

    ReplyDelete
  104. Happy New Year!

    Thanks for participating!

    daringzoey@yahoo.com
    Melissa

    ReplyDelete
  105. I don't make them anymore never keep them! Thank you very much for the great giveaway and fun blog hop!
    I wish you a very Happy New Year!
    Latisha D
    tishajean@ charter.net

    ReplyDelete
  106. no resolutions this year happy new year and thanks for the giveaway! - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

    ReplyDelete
  107. I want to have more giveaways on my blog in 2013!
    Dede

    ReplyDelete
  108. Diet and Exercise.
    r.d1@myfairpoint.net

    ReplyDelete
  109. I generally don't do resolutions. happy new year
    gamistress66-at-aol-dot-com

    ReplyDelete
  110. This year we are going to take a real family vacation. We have been married for 15 years and haven't taken the kids anywhere. Many reasons why, but this year, we are changing that. Looking for a pet friendly cabin for a week's vacation. We will do it.
    Happy New Year.
    Mel
    bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  111. Not really resolutions, more goals. I plan to read 365 books this year! fingers crossed!
    Thanks for doing the hop!!
    grapeapril75(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I don't do resolutions...but my 30th birthday is the 6th and I have been really dreading it but My goal is to focus on the fact the I am able to enjoy another year not the age!
    allysonbrann06@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  113. Don't really do New Year's resolutions, but I do have a goal to exercise more.

    jmcgaugh (at) semo (dot) edu

    ReplyDelete
  114. Read more.
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  115. to draw read and write more this year
    kaholgate at ymail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  116. My goal is to swim 3 times a week.
    Thanks for the contest.

    slehan at juno dot com

    ReplyDelete
  117. I don't really make any resolutions.
    Happy New Year to you!
    verusbognar (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  118. no. never make em. myamurphy@mail.com

    ReplyDelete
  119. My resolution is to naturally lower my high blood pressure.

    ReplyDelete
  120. I've never made resolutions, but I have a short-term goal to finish editing my current novel.
    tp DOT quixotic AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  121. My new year's resolution is to believe in myself and what I will be able to accomplish on my own.

    Lisa Garner

    ReplyDelete
  122. No, I never make any.

    cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  123. I have a list of "13 Things to do In 2013" that I will work on throughout the year. Some things are daily items, some are Bucket list once in a lifetime items, some are ongoing changes to my life items.
    hockeygalnc(AT)hotmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  124. My resolution was to not write 2012 on anything, already failed!

    ReplyDelete
  125. Happy New Year! My New Years traditions are easy, I spend time with my family and friends. I can’t think of a better way to ring in the new year. My resolutions this year is as always to loose a few pounds and spend a little more time with my family.

    Ifightforlove36@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  126. great excerpt :)

    i want to write more in 2013 :)

    Happy New Year
    staceyprice(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  127. I'm hoping to become healthier this year.
    annettekz2@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  128. I didn't make any this year.
    mizztuts AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  129. Just to be more organized!


    Carriefort29ATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  130. thanks for the hop
    myboo63@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  131. Spend more time with friends.
    bones_mcp(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  132. Joining in for the bloghop!!! scotttianna@yahoo.com

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  133. To cook a dinner every night

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  134. Mine is to finish writing and publish at least one e-book.

    ReplyDelete
  135. no, I don't make any

    alterna7 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  136. just to travel more thank you for the giveaway thank you angel0319@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  137. I'd like to continue to save money to buy a house this year. Thanks! katieamanda1(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  138. My goal for 2013 is for both my husband and i to be working/living in the states rather than overseas!
    kacidesigns AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  139. My resolution is to try new things.

    ReplyDelete
  140. To lose 5 pounds. Happy New Year.

    Sue
    sue_holston@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  141. To pay down my credit cards.

    willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  142. My resolution is to become better organized. Thanks for the giveaway. Happy New Year!

    bhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

  143. I resolve to meet the goal of finishing the polishing of my first book in the Existence series and to submit it to agents/publishers.

    j.lennidorner@facebook.com

    Happy New Year from What-Are-They.com ! I hope you have a great one. Thanks for taking part in the hop.

    ReplyDelete
  144. Thanks for the giveaway!

    amnell(dot)khalan(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete