Sandra Cox's Blog, page 64
January 17, 2022
Tuesday Stuff
I woke Sunday morning to find Izzy had made an uninvited visit, bringing with her snow, sleet, ice and rain. I knew we were in trouble when Frank wouldn't step a paw outside. You're probably thinking, "So? He's a cat." He is, but weather doesn't phase him. It can be snowing or raining, and like the mailman, he'll still be outside making his rounds. Here's Frank this time last year.
Needless, to say when he wasn't having any of it, it made me a tad bit nervous.
Monday. We missed a bullet and didn't suffer any power loss.
Frank ventured out Monday.
Earlier In the Week...
I received a package I had to sign for and I had to be twenty-one. What the? And it was heavy. Needless to say my curiosity was aroused. Had someone sent me garden rocks for my birthday?And if so, why did I have to be twenty-one to open a box of rocks? So I signed, took the package and opened it just enough to see the piece of paper sticking out. It had a Happy Birthday (Yes, I had a birthday between last Friday and today:) message from my daughter and son-in-law and three items all called Zen something. Ah, garden statuary. My curiosity aroused, I decided I didn't really need to wait till my birthday to open it.
No rocks. No statuary, but definitely welcome:) Thanks M and J:)
Since I can't offer you any leftover birthday cake, have a free download (if you are in the U.S. or the U.K.--I think). I would love it if the free downloads and countdowns were offered in Australia and Germany. Sigh. Hopefully one of these days.
Available at Amazon.
AND
Here's the earworm I've had since last (Writerly) Wednesday:) I go dancing around the house like a crazy lady--or writer;)
Wishing you delicious cake, beautiful birds and flowers, and fun earworms to dance to:)
January 13, 2022
This Weekend's Read: SANGUISUGE Book Five
Excerpt -“Young Jacob, sometimes forgiveness is for the best.”
Jacob turned toward Donall. “And sometimes, Lord Valsamis, enemies are dressed as allies.”
Donall glanced curiously at Jacob.
I sighed.
Donall laughed. “Speaking of stories… Did your sister tell you of her appetite?”
I chuckled, realizing Donall was trying to lighten the mood.
Jacob glanced at me curiously. “No, I haven’t heard this story.”
“She can out-feed a fledgling.”
Jacob was wide-eyed as he turned his attention to me.
I blushed as I nodded.
“You most certainly are not feeding enough if this is true.”
I chuckled. “I have drained a few pitchers.”
Jacob left abruptly and then returned holding a tray of five pitchers. Donall burst out into laughter.
Mom brought my plate and studied Jacob. “A little hungry, Jacob?”
I giggled.
“I was just going to challenge Trinity.”
“Oh, uh honey, I’m not sure that is a good idea.”
“Why?”
“Finn told me how Ethan tried the same thing.”
“Lord Valsamis just told me.”
“He told you that Trinity drank most of the seven pitchers that were set before her?”
Jacob shook his head. His expression was one of defeat. He took a pitcher and set it down on the table in front of him and then set the tray in front of me. Donall and Mom laughed.
Blurb- A feud that reaches its boiling point. A war that seems inevitable! Lurking behind the scenes, malicious plots are progressing unbeknownst to everyone! Will Trinity be able to go against fate to prevent a pointless bloodbath and protect the lives of her family?
Trinity is one of very few characters that can both drink blood and eat food. (Mostly meats.)
Fledgling vampires require the most blood to survive, but Trinity has consumed more than one!
Donall once drained an entire herd of cattle!
Buy link- https://books2read.com/u/mvW7aj
Sanguisuge Book 1 https://www.books2read.com/u/49PqBw
Trinity is haunted by a dream. A dream that seems to hold the secret not only to who she is but to who she will become.
Sanguisuge Book 2 https://www.books2read.com/u/bMQjK8
Dreams become reality. Secrets are brought to light. Trinity's life is changing. She questions who she is and what her purpose is. As her life changes, so do her dreams and her alliances. The only thing that seems sure is her bond with Ethan. But is this a bond that will do Trinity more harm than good?
Sanguisuge Book 3 https://books2read.com/u/bowRWp
Humans are being found drained of blood. As incriminating evidence mounts against Ethan's brother, can Ethan and Trinity prove his innocence, or will they find out he is responsible for the murders?
Ethan is reunited with someone from his past that tests the bond between him and Trinity. Can their bond withstand the strain? What will happen to them if the distance becomes too great?
Sanguisuge Book 4 https://books2read.com/u/4jLBZZ
Clan law interferes in what should be a joyous time for Ethan and Trinity. Opinion differences make the family turn against one another as she tries desperately to hold them together. With time against them, they must make a major decision that could prove deadly.
Bio- Sharon is a multi-genre young adult author that dabbles in adult tales from time to time. As a defender of the defenseless, Sharon’s characters take on this persona with strong female leads and males that are protective, perfect, boyfriend material.
January 12, 2022
Did You Know
Did you know, the most common tree in the United States is the red maple?
AND
January 11, 2022
WRITERLY WEDNESDAY
Mine's: Crackerjack :)Anybody else see OVERBOARD with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell? I always think of that movie when I hear the song Jim-Dandy or see the word.
January 10, 2022
It's Tuesday
The Christmas roses (hellebores) are blooming.
This particular Iris is always confused about blooming time and thinks January is just a fine month to bloom in. This year I wised up and brought the buds inside when the weather turned cold. I don't know if all the buds will bloom out but at least this guy did.
What do you do with your clippings from bushes? Sometimes I stick them in the ground to see if they'll take root, sometimes I bring in the cuttings and stick them in a vase and other times they end up on the compost or trash pile.
Yes, I know my shoes have holes in them, but they are soooo comfortable:)
We went grocery shopping yesterday. These were shelves for cat food and produce. Plenty of toilet paper though:)
And last but not least, Happy Birthday to the Birthday Girls.
Got birthdays? Critters? Flowers? Groceries?
January 6, 2022
This Weekend's Read: ARRANGING A DREAM by J. Q. Rose
Information Sheet
BACK OF THE BOOK Arranging a Dream: A Memoir
In 1975, budding entrepreneurs Ted and Janet purchase a floral shop and greenhouses where they plan to grow their dream. Leaving friends and family behind in Illinois and losing the security of two paychecks, they transplant themselves, their one-year-old daughter, and all their belongings to Fremont, Michigan, where they know no one.
Will the retiring business owners nurture Ted and Janet as they struggle to develop a blooming business, or will they desert the inexperienced young couple to wither and die in their new environment?
Most of all, can Ted and Janet grow together as they cultivate a loving marriage, juggle parenting with work, and root a thriving business?
Follow this couple’s inspiring story, filled with the joy and triumphs and the obstacles and failures experienced as they travel along the turbulent path of turning dreams into reality.
Amazon Buy Link: 99 cents https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NDZNYQJ
1. I like potato chips dipped in ketchup accompanied by a cold glass of chocolate milk.
2. I kicked up my heels as a hobo from Hooverville in the chorus line of the community players production of Annie. So much fun and a dream fulfilled.
3. I helped to build the ark. No, not THAT ark, silly. The ark is the centerpiece of the Ark Park, a playground for the community.
About J.Q. Rose
Whether the story is fiction or non-fiction, J.Q. Rose is “focused on story.” She offers readers chills, giggles and quirky characters woven within the pages of her mystery novels. Her published mysteries are Deadly Undertaking, Terror on Sunshine Boulevard and Dangerous Sanctuary released by Books We Love Publishing. Using her experience as a journalist, she provides entertainment and information with articles featured in books, magazines, newspapers, and online magazines.
J.Q. combined her work in freelancing articles and her storytelling skills to pen her memoir, Arranging a Dream: A Memoir, the story of the ups and downs she and her husband experienced in their first year of establishing a floral business.
Blogging, photography, Pegs and Jokers board games and travel are the things that keep her out of trouble. She and her husband spend winters in Florida and summers up north with their two daughters, two sons-in-law, four grandsons, one granddaughter, two grand dogs, four grand cats, and one great-grand bearded dragon.
J.Q. Rose blog http://www.jqrose.com/
Facebook http://facebook.com/jqroseauthor
Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/jqrose
January 5, 2022
Did You Know
Did you know, that a cumulonimbus is a thundercloud?
January 4, 2022
IWSG Wednesday
The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.
This month’s co-hosts:
Erika Beebe https://erikabeebe.com/
Olga Godim olgagodim.wordpress.com
Sandra Cox http://sandracox.blogspot.com/
Sarah Foster http://thefauxfountainpen.blogspot.com/
Chemist Ken http://hogwartssabbatical.blogspot.com/
January 5 question - What's the one thing about your writing career you regret the most? Were you able to overcome it?
I regret not getting involved in writing groups and going to conferences as soon as I started writing. It helps dispel the solitariness of writing, keeps you up-to-date on changes in the industry and offers you classes and information on how to improve your craft. AND you meet people in the process whose likes, dislikes and goals mirror your own, often developing lifelong friendships.
December reviews in no particular order.
*Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore it and don’t factor it into my review.
THE TEXAN’S FAVOR by D. K. Deters
This is an adroitly composed romance set in the Old West. The characters are well-fleshed including the secondary characters and the world building pulls the reader into a historic Western setting. I admired Kat’s—the female protagonist—spirt and independence. She show’s grit and courage throughout. Abby, the little girl is a gem, as is Jake’s grandparent. Jake—the male protagonist—is strong and tough. His weakness, Kat. I loved the fact that the author mentioned Arbuckle’s Coffee. It was the premier coffee used in the Old West but this is the first time I’ve seen it referred to in a fictional novel. If you love a romance filled with a lot of romantic tension, grab your beverage of choice, kick back and enjoy the read.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE WRIGHTS: Justinia Wright Private Investigator Mysteries by C. W. Hawes
Hawes delivers.
These shorts are every bit as fun as the rest of the series and perfect for the season. The stories flow smoothly and are a joy to read.
The author has created a fascinating set of characters with the Wright Private Investigator Mysteries, but especially Justinia, the piano playing, cigar smoking P.I.
Recommended for readers who like their mysteries crisp and humor dry.
LOVE ME by Jacquie Biggar
The author had me at Cassie’s letter to Santa.
LOVE ME is a heartwarming story that is perfect for the season, filled with feel-goods and love.
Grace Donovan’s life hasn’t been easy. Her husband passed and her daughter Cassie has cancer. She moves to a small town to enroll her daughter in an experimental cancer program at the local clinic. Cassie wants a puppy, but instead asks Santa for someone to take care of her mom in case something happens to her.
Kyle Roberts, the school principal, takes one look at Grace and is smitten. He offers her a job running a childcare program. Unknown to Grace, Kyle is also the benefactor of the grant she’s received to cover her share of the trials’ expenses.
As Grace fights the growing attraction between herself and Kyle, their daughters become fast friends and she discovers that miracles do indeed happen at Christmas.
THE RAVEN AND THE PIG by Lou Kemp
THE RAVEN AND THE PIG is a story of magic and high adventure under the sea and above it. Jonas Celwyn travels with Nemo, author Jules Verne, Pelaez his dark immortal brother and his pet Qing—a unique bird—along with others, to reach and work on a new flying machine, where disaster ensues.
The writing flows with smooth grace and fluid sentences that capture the imagination. Such as: “The glow of the Nautilus’ lamps illuminated the ruins, then dissipated and the inky water enveloped everything.”
AND: “From beside him, Verne’s eyes bounced like excited fireflies.”
AND: “A restless sea sloshed against the window.”
This second in the Celwyn Series will be much enjoyed by Kemp fans.
SHATTERED by C. Lee McKenzie
Dreams are shattered when a young skier, who plans to take part in the winter Olympics, is run down by a snowboarder and paralyzed. Now she must rebuild her life and make the inconceivable her norm.
The author took a difficult subject and turned a story that could have easily been depressing and difficult to read into an inspirational journey.
Very well written.
THE GIRL WHO LOVED CAYO BRADLEY by Nina Romano
Education shouldn’t be a deal breaker in a romance but it certainly causes problems for Darbee and Cayo.
This story is a steamy western romance set in New Mexico in the 1870’s. It’s chock full of historical tidbits from the foods eaten, clothes worn, utensils and accessories used, to native American customs. While Cayo and Darbee are trying to sort out their feelings and future, the author inserts flashbacks to Cayo’s time spent with the Apaches and how they shaped who he is now.
Recommended for history buffs and romance readers who like heat, tension and conflict in their stories.
January 3, 2022
It's Tuesday, 2022
I trust all my blogger buds had great holidays. Christmas and New Years.
Except for one other this was the first Christmas without family in over forty years. We did though, zoom with the bro and sis-in-law that night and then again New Year's Eve. That was a definite plus or two pluses:) Christmas morning we were zipping along, opening our gifts and enjoying our quiet Christmas. Then I started going downhill and crashed. I did my zooming from bed, adding an occasional nod of the head;) We had went to the vineyards for our anniversary lunch and I may have picked up something there. I really was lucky. It could have been much, much wore.
Any hoo, here are some of my fun Christmas gifts:)
My literary jammies:)
This is from my bro and sis-in-law. As you can see it's made from recycled paper and elephant dung, which is basically raw cellulose. As there aren't enough safe areas, elephants in Sri Lanka wander, interfere in agriculture and are consequently killed. The idea of this paper is to hopefully bridge the gulf between elephant and man and to show the elephant as an economic asset to the farmer instead of a source of lost income.
Another box of rocks. (Rainbow fluorite.)
This knife is to scrape the peanut butter out of an emptied jar.
And my creative gifts.
From good bud, poet and photographer D. L. Finn. I look forward to these calendars:)
And my daughter painted this picture of my Sweet Belle, which I treasurer.
What about you blogger, buds? What were your most fun and/or treasured gifts?
ANDMonday A.M.
Monday P.M.
For those who love horses and rooting for the underdog, this is a fascinating story: Hard-Luck Horse and His Jamaican Truck-Driver Owner.
December 30, 2021
Friday's Great Read: THE TEXAN'S FAVOR by D. K. Deters
THE TEXAN’S FAVOR
Release Date: 10-06-21
Historical Western Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
A stranger’s path, a broken promise, and a second chance…
Blurb:
Ambushed, Texas Ranger Jake Fontaine's a dead man until a Kansas spinster raises her shotgun in his defense. Despite the rogue lawman's obsession to bring in his brother's killer, duty demands he escort her to the next town.
Kat Collins is a thief, though an honorable one. She's on the run from controlling kin and aims to escape her past. Traveling with Jake offers the perfect cover—until her uncle finds them sharing a campfire and imposes his own kind of justice—a wedding.
Marriage will cost Jake his freedom but refusing may cost him his life. Kat figures he's bound to recognize her on a wanted poster. Would sharing passionate nights in his arms be worth the peril?
Excerpt:
“Not that it’s any of your affair, Ranger, but I’m goin’ to St. Louis. I didn’t plan for any delays. You were in trouble, and I tried to help.” She lifted her chin. “Although you bein’ a Texas Ranger and all, I’d think you would’ve had the upper hand.”
He stuffed his hat back on. Contrary to his usual confidence around women, she baffled him. “Lady, you’re riding a horse to St. Louis, alone?” Stubborn woman, someone should be responsible for her welfare. Was Emmett involved with her decision?
She slammed the coffeepot to the smoking fire and a moment later stomped across the ground separating them. At over five-and-a-half feet tall and her boot heels adding an extra inch, she dug her forefinger into his chest. “Ranger, you question where I’m going? Don’t forget you’re in Kansas. Don’t Texas Rangers ride in—Texas?” She stretched the word Texas and placed her hands on her hips. “Did you lose your way?”
Her words strained his good intentions. He leaned forward, wrapped his hands around her thin wrists, and murmured, “Honey, it’ll be a cold day in hell before I ever lose my way to Texas.”
Kat is a farm girl with plenty of cooking experience.
To cook soda biscuits, place them in a small Dutch oven (cast iron pot with a lid) surrounded by hot coals. Another method, wrap a biscuit around a large stick and hold it over the campfire.
One Shot Pot is a stew made with beef or venison and all the vegetables one would have on hand.
Soda Biscuits and One Shot Pot recipes are here:
https://www.chroniclesoftheoldwest.com/chuckwagon.shtml
Kat also makes molasses cookies. There are several old-time recipes, but the one below is a gem that includes ¾ cup of strong coffee.
https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/dessert/cookies/grandma-gobles-molasses-cookies.html
Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09DXJNVP6/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i1
Apple Books
https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-texans-favor/id1585168972
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-texans-favor-d-k-deters/1140125709?ean=2940162583233
BookBub
https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-texan-s-favor-by-d-k-deters
Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=Qd5EEAAAQBAJ
Rakuten kobo
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-texan-s-favor
Target
About the Author:
D. K. Deters is a fantasy and historical romance author. She was a communications consultant before turning to a writing career. Like many historical romance authors, she's always had a deep interest in history, and the nineteenth century is her favorite. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her adult children and their families. Her hobbies include restoring old dollhouses and secondhand furniture. Christmas is her favorite time of the year.
Connect with D. K. Deters:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/D-K-Deters/e/B07HDSG9RQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
BookBub:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/d-k-deters
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dkdetersauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18486948.D_K_Deters
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dkdeters_author/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dkdeterscom/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dk_deters
Website/Blog: https://www.dkdeters.com/
