So, Teenage Princess turns sixteen today. For the first twelve or so years of my kids' lives I threw some awesome birthday parties. Themed cakes (made from scratch), homemade decorations, snacks and food fitting each theme, games, scavenger hunts, homemade piñatas, haunted houses (that I designed in the basement and in the woods), and party favors galore. They were a lot of work and I enjoyed every aspect, every detail of every party. But as each kiddo hit double digits, they didn't wan't Mom making a "kid" party anymore. Or heck, even making a cake.

Princess grew out of the "Mom" parties first. Instead, of my fancy cakes she wanted ice cream. Maybe a brownie sundae. By the time she hit thirteen I talked her into at least letting me make an ice cream cake. But I still had Sports Girl and Little Guy who wanted the "cool" parties. Now that they're eleven and thirteen, I'm not busy brainstorming and crafting parties for weeks before the big day. Part of me is thankful, but a teeny-weeny part of me misses it.

So now birthdays aren't as exciting around my house. For her sixteenth, Princess wants to go to the mall with a friend. Bo-Ring! And since today is a school/work day and Little Guy has baseball tonight, we can't do anything exciting for the Sweet Sixteen Princess. Leftovers and ice cream today and a little gathering and the mall this weekend.

I'm also thankful she didn't want some extravagant party like many of her friends have had. I mean, they're sixteen, it's not THAT exciting. I'm not being a party pooper; I've thrown my share of parties over the years. When it comes time for wedding planning, I'll be all over that (please, give me at least 15 years though!). I'm finding less energy and less time the older I get.

I do love looking back at some of the cakes I've made over the years. I don't have all of them handy, but here are a few. Enjoy the slideshow. (Yes, even the pizza, burgers and taco are cakes!).

​Oh, and Happy Sweet Sixteen, Princess!
​

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Maine Romance Writers Retreat. This is an event I look forward to every year. It may be in part because I plan/run/organize it, but mostly because of the amazing people who attend year after year, and the fantastic people who attend for the first time. We attract the best of the best. 

Those of you who know me know I'm quite busy. I work full time, have three children who are involved in every sport under the sun. Princess works and has her permit so she can't drive herself, but now needs to log in 70 hours of driving with an adult. So there's that as well. I'm extremely involved with the Maine Romance Writers, I'm trying to write as often as I can, and maybe even read a book here and there. So, yeah, I'm busy.

However, organizing this event, the MRW Retreat, does NOT stress me out. It's therapeutic. I'm a social person and love connecting with our speakers and newcomers. I love coming up with new ideas to make each retreat even more fun than the last (we played an awesome game of Man Candy Bingo!). And I absolutely love getting swag in the mail from authors all over the country and making THE BEST swag bags for our attendees. Knowing how excited everyone else is about the retreat gives me energy to keep doing what I'm doing.

It's amazing to see it all come together. The laughs, the learning, the networking, the new friends. Whether you're a published author or barely have your pinky toe wet in the writing world, our intimate retreat of 45 seems to be "just right" for everyone. We have authors come from across the country to speak and I'm constantly in awe with how genuine they are. 

I remember being a newbie at the MRW retreat ten years ago. I was welcomed with open arms and didn't interact with anyone at MRW until he following year, and they remembered little 'ol me! I joined the chapter and slowly got involved, learning from the best. It's my way of giving back to this amazing network of writers. 

Now that the 2017 retreat is all over, I'm a little sad, but my wheels are already spinning for the 2018 retreat. We sold out this year and are sure to sell out next year as well. I can't wait to see the speakers we round up for next year.

The writing world truly relaxes me, whether it be the actual writing of words (I need to!), networking, attending conferences, or reading, it all helps me escape the craziness of the work world and my children.

Writers are awesome. And so are readers! I'm looking forward to attending the Fall in Love with New England reader event this fall. Talk about nonstop FUN!! Oh, and there will be Man Candy Bingo there as well :-) ​

Wow! I've made double-digits now with my TENTH book, Wounded Love. Colton and Ellie's story is the most emotional one yet. I can't wait for you to read it!!

Ten years ago, Ellie Fairfield left Rocky Harbor brokenhearted and pregnant…
 
Trying to take care of her son the best she can, the single mother returns to the town close to her heart to run a local inn. Ellie knows it will be tough moving back to Rocky Harbor, and that old memories will haunt her. But the last thing she expects to find on her doorstep is the man who abandoned her when she needed him the most.
 
Angry at the war, the world, and himself, Colton Riley’s homecoming isn’t a pleasant one…
 
Being medically discharged from the Marines is one of many disappointments Colton has suffered over the years. A decade ago, he lost a chunk of his heart when the love of his life betrayed him. A year ago he lost his leg. Now, half the man he once was, Colton tries to put back the pieces of his life by accepting a construction project at the local inn, but he didn’t count on finding Ellie standing on the front porch.
 
The more time they spend together, the more they realize the love they shared years ago hasn’t died…
 
Even though Ellie is still hurt and angry, she knows her heart belongs to Colton. It’s not easy letting go of the past, especially with the secret she’s hiding from everyone. But when an illness puts her little boy’s life in danger, she has no choice but to tell Colton the truth—a truth that threatens to destroy their love once and for all.
 
With a past spun together in a web of lies, will Colton and Ellie be able to mend their wounded love?
 
PURCHASE LINKS:
Kindle: smarturl.it/kq8k0c
Paperback: smarturl.it/kq8k0c
 
MEET THE AUTHOR: Marianne Rice writes contemporary romances set in small New England towns. Her heroes are big and strong, yet value family and humor, while her heroines are smart, sexy, sometimes a little bit sassy, and are often battling a strong internal conflict. Together, they deal with real life issues and always, always, find everlasting love. When she’s not writing, Marianne spends her time buying shoes, eating chocolate, chauffeuring her herd of children to their varying sporting events, and when there’s time, cuddling with her husband, a drink in one hand, a romance book in the other.
 
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