. . . Step back in time for an unforgettable winter wedding . . .

Hair stylist Scarlett Kerrigan lost her job and her apartment. To alleviate a touch of self-pity, she succumbs to her stepmom’s pressure to attend a wedding in the New Hampshire White Mountains. Unfortunately, she runs into the vacation fling who promised the moon but disappeared without an explanation. Months have passed, but she is not ready to forgive and forget.

After a chaotic year, executive Wes Harley settles into his family's event venue, The Timeless Manor. His carefully structured world is shaken to its core when Scarlett arrives for the Victorian Christmas wedding weekend. The feelings he never quite erased flood to the surface.

When secrets are revealed, will a magical chateau and a sprinkle of tinsel be enough to charm Scarlett?

Wild Women Authors welcomes author Jill Piscitello who celebrates Tinsel and Tea Cakes, the latest release for the Christmas Cookies series out of the Wild Rose Press. With Jill is hair stylist Scarlett Kerrigan who will go first.

Good morning, Scarlett. Let’s start with where you’re from. Rhode Island

Tell us a bit about Tinsel and Tea Cakes. This novella offers a lighthearted tale of second chances, revealed secrets, and forgiveness mingled with a Christmas Victorian wedding theme and a cast of eclectic characters.

What did you think the first time you saw Wes Harley? He’s prettier than most women.

Apparently you aren’t the only woman in the book who feels that way so what was your second thought? I don’t date pretty boys.

So it wasn’t love at first sight? No.

What do you like most about Wes? He was easy to talk to.

How would you describe him? His family is his everything.

How would Wes describe you? You’d have to ask him.

What made you choose hairdressing for a career? I enjoy making people feel good about themselves.

What is your biggest fear? Failure

How do you relax? Watching Gilmore Girls reruns.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. I love how she proves she is more than a flaky, pretty face.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? My stepmother is an endless source of unsolicited advice. Every once in a while, she shares a real gem such as “You can’t fully appreciate success without failing a few times. Take the chance.”

Good one. Thanks for spending time with us, Scarlett. Now we’d like to chat with Jill.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? I wouldn’t begin to compare myself to these authors, but some of my all-time favorite books include Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, The Stand by Stephen King, and The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel.

What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? The story includes a series of thefts. I can’t give away how and where the stolen items were found, but a similar discovery happened at a family member’s party years ago.

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? My publisher for this novella is The Wild Rose Press. After reading wonderful testimonials from other authors, I submitted my first novel, “Homemakers’ Christmas” to them. It was rejected. After more rejections, I significantly revised the manuscript and began submitting again to a new list of publishers. I was fortunate to have Melange Publishing offer a contract and had a positive experience. But I remained interested in The Wild Rose Press. A visit to their website revealed an open call for Christmas Cookies submissions. I got to work, read everything I could get my hands on regarding writing novellas, and submitted my manuscript. This time, a contract was offered, and I had the pleasure of working with an excellent editor.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? Where do I begin? I keep a running list of novels I’d like to read.

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? I have a cozy mystery in the final stages of editing and am working on the follow up to Tinsel and Tea Cakes. The next installment will again feature The Timeless Manor but will focus on a new character, a new love interest, a new event, and the hint of a mystery.

Jill brought an excerpt for our enjoyment:

Lights flashed in the side view mirror. Another car parked behind them, but snow blocked all visibility through the back window. Boots crunching through snow announced the hulking figure before he appeared at the door. A scarf and hat covered most of the stranger’s face, and only a pair of emerald-green eyes peered in.

Scarlett inched down the window a crack. The possibility of this person being a deranged lunatic couldn’t be overlooked.

“Scarlett?” The man stepped back and tugged down the scarf.

She knew that face and opened her mouth to speak but couldn’t find a word. This day just kept getting better. Those eyes should have been the first clue, but never in her wildest dreams did she expect to see him again. The blur of memories racing through her mind dropped a throat-constricting concoction of confusion, hurt, and vile hope on her chest. “Wes.”

“What are you doing here? Aren’t you a little far from home?” A line formed between his eyebrows.

Clarice leaned forward to get a better glimpse of their potential knight in shining armor.

“More than a little.” Coherent thoughts took shape in the form of questions and accusations. Every fiber in her being burned at the thought of asking him for help, but alternative options were few and far between. Who knew how long before roadside assistance arrived? Fine, maybe he’d get her out of this mess, but making small talk didn’t need to factor into the exchange.

To learn more about Jill Piscitello, go to:

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