While the rest of you have been decking halls and trimming trees, I’ve been busy putting the finishing touches on Destiny Book 4, HOLLY LANE. And just in case the title didn’t tip you off, it’s a Christmas story – which I’m super excited about! Think snowbound cabin, hot chocolate, sleigh rides, and lots of snuggling (and more, of course!) next to the fireplace. HOLLY LANE will be out next November, in plenty of time for holiday reading, so mark your calendars. (Or just sign up for my book release announcements. : ) )

In addition to working on HOLLY LANE, I’ve been busy in lots of other ways lately, too. I have squeezed in a little tree trimming, along with some holiday baking, get-togethers with friends, and even a couple of booksignings. In mid-November, I met up with good friend Lori Armstrong/Lorelei James for a signing in Lexington, Kentucky. And earlier this month, I took part in a large group holiday-themed booksigning in Cincinnati, where I got to catch up with author buddy Lori Foster among others.

Of course, the REALLY big news is that Destiny Book 3, WHISPER FALLS, comes out on December 28, so the countdown is officially on. And though it will be a few days too late for stocking stuffing, it’ll be right on time for all those bookstore gift cards you’ll be getting for Christmas! : ) To add to the countdown fun, on December 16 I’ll be starting “The 12 Days of WHISPER FALLS” on my Facebook page, where each day right up to the book’s release I’ll be sharing tidbits or fun facts about Tessa and Lucky’s story. So if you haven’t already clicked the Like button on my page, now’s the time! Tessa’s story is near and dear to my heart, and Lucky is probably the baddest bad boy I’ve ever written, so I’m thrilled the time has come for this book to hit the shelves.

Meanwhile, I thank you all for your interest in my books and I wish you all a very happy holiday season! Merry Christmas, and may Santa leave lots of books in your stocking!

We have four e-ARCs of Whisper Falls up for grabs  - that’s four people who’ll get a sneak preview of Toni’s baddest bad boy yet!

How can you enter? Any or all of the ways below – spread the word on multiple social networking sites to earn multiple entries and more chances to win one of the four e-ARCs.

1. Read the Whisper Falls excerpt, and email the answer to the following question to toniblakecontests@gmail.com: What is written across Tessa’s tank top?

2. Tweet or retweet this post on Twitter. Be sure to include #WhisperFalls in your tweet.

3. Share this note on your Facebook profile. Just hit the Share button to add this note to your own profile, then leave a comment on Toni’s page letting us know you’ve shared it.

4. Like this post on Goodreads. All you have to do is click the “Like” link at the bottom of the post.

There you have it. Enter up to four times and increase your odds of winning. The contest closes Thursday, November 11 at 9:00 p.m. EST and winners will be announced Friday, November 12. Please keep in mind that advance copies are meant to build early buzz for the book, and it’s best if winners are able to read the book in advance of its release (the e-ARCs expire on release day) and post a review somewhere online – Amazon, B&N, Borders, Goodreads, a blog or messageboard, or any social networking site. These advance copies are available in digital format only, and require the reader to register a free account with NetGalley to claim.

Read more about Whisper Falls, which releases December 28, 2010.

Toni and our panel of celebrity cat judges were thrilled with the entries for the Destiny Cat Idol contest, and it’s been a long week of catfighting–er, deliberation. But after much debate (and quite a lot of catnapping), the judges are excited to announce that the next Destiny Cat Idol is…

Milo!!! Submitted by Jen S., this 20-lb Maine Coon is clearly meant to be a star. As Grand Prize Winner, Milo will be mentioned in an upcoming Destiny book, as well as receive a cat toy, cat food samples & a $25 Borders Gift Card for his owner.

In case Milo is unable to fulfill his duties as Destiny Cat Idol the judges also chose three runners-up, who will each receive an e-ARC of the upcoming Destiny book, Whisper Falls:

First Runner-Up: Audrey, submitted by Manda H.

Second Runner-Up: Xander, submitted by Sarah

Third Runner-Up: Buddy, submitted by Theresa

Honorable Mentions (and a signed Toni Blake book & cat food sample) go to:

Church (submitted by Pam B.)

CP (submitted by Megan F.)

Finally, when the fur stopped flying over the decisions, each of the judges insisted on giving their own award. These special picks will each receive a signed Toni Blake book.

Jack (owner of fantasy/paranormal author Kristen Painter) chose: Tony, submitted by Laurie D.

Bubbles McFancy and Miss Cleopatra(co-owners of contemporary author Sophie Gunn) chose: Miss Kitty and her fabulous fluffy tail, submitted by Lynn H. and Max, submitted by Blanche P.

Domenic (owner of historical author Julie Anne Long) chose: Ashes, submitted by Rebecca.

Huge thanks to everyone who entered – all participants will received a signed Whisper Falls coverflat – and a special thank you to our fabulous panel of celebrity judges! Check out all the fabulous Destiny Cat Idol entries in Toni’s Facebook Photos.

It’s no secret that cats and the Destiny series are a purrfect combination. One Reckless Summer had Trouble, the adorable kitten who found a home with Mick and Jenny. In Sugar Creek, Rachel and Mike ended up with the demanding stray, Shakespeare. And each subsequent Destiny book will bring a new cat into the lives of a couple about to find love.

Now you can make your cat a part of Destiny in the Destiny Cat Idol Contest. Just take a picture of your cat with either One Reckless Summer or Sugar Creek (or both!) for a chance to win.

The Grand Prize includes:

• Your cat mentioned in an upcoming Destiny book
• a $25 Borders gift card
• a squeaky feather boa cat toy and a sampling of all-natural cat foods

Other prizes up for grabs are an e-ARC of the next Destiny book, Whisper Falls, signed copies of One Reckless Summer and Sugar Creek, and signed coverflats for Whisper Falls.

To enter, take a picture of a cat with one (or both) of the books from the Destiny series, One Reckless Summer and Sugar Creek. Post the picture on Toni’s Facebook page or email it to toniblakecontests@gmail.com. Don’t forget to include your cat’s name! Entries must be received by Monday, October 11th at midnight EST.

Like any good Idol Contest, winners will be chosen by our panel of celebrity cat judges:

Jack (cat of paranormal/fantasy author Kristen Painter)

Jack is a Siamese/tiger mix with a great love for lizards, affectionate women and anyone with a can opener. He likes long naps in the sun or in front of the monitor and despite his asthma, will run circles around anyone with four legs or two.

Bubbles “Simon is a Wuss” McFancy and Miss Cleopatra (cats of contemporary author Sophie Gunn)

No, Bubbles McFancy isn’t his real name. But every cat as accomplished as Bubbles needs at least four or five names. (Sleepy McLumpy, Hungry McChubbers, Fuzzy McHairball…) He enjoys all kinds of books, just so long as he can sleep on them. Bubbles is known for being a fierce critic, not shy to show his claws when displeased. Luckily, he’s usually asleep.

Miss Cleo is Bubble’s opposite in every way. She is a kind, gentle kitty, more apt to nuzzle up and purr than to attack. She loves all literature, all sleeping nooks, all people, and, well, everything. If Miss Cleo had a motto, it would be, “Mmmm….pet me some more…ahhh, yeah, right there!” She is not above being bribed with affection, treats, and dead mice.

Domenic (cat of historical author Julie Anne Long)

Domenic is a lover of sunbeams and stealer of Q-tips (perhaps because they look like mouse tails?). He has impeccable taste in literature, as his picture makes clear.