Kate Lloyd's Blog, page 3
September 10, 2024
Snowbound on Skye + A Giveaway!
Dear Friend,
I’m thrilled to present Snowbound on Skye, my newest novel!
Whether walking Piper, my dearest cairn terrier, or pruning our garden my mind is constantly exploring storylines and characters. My thoughts often spin back to my childhood when my father, a Scotsman at heart, motored our family through Scotland, telling us of Glencoe while driving on the left side of the road, with my sister and me giggling in the back seat.
Photo by Colin + Meg on Unsplash We attended the Highland Games annually, sang Scottish ballads, and I learned to dance the highland fling. Hearing a bagpipe always stirs my heart. How about you? I once hired a bagpiper to wander toward our house on my father’s birthday. He and I toured Scotland just the two of us. My husband and I even took our sons there. Did I enjoy sticky toffee pudding? My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Ingredients for Cake:
6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups all-purpose or gluten-free flour, plus more for dish
8 ounces dates, pitted and coarsely chopped (about 1 ¼ cups)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup dark-brown sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
Ingredients for Sauce:
¾ cup whole cream
1 stick of butter
1 cup dark-brown sugar
Directions:
For the Cake:
For Sauce:
While the cake is cooking combine the butter, sugar, and cream in a medium saucepan and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to medium so the sauce does not boil over. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and darkens slightly. (For about 4 minutes).Remove the cake from oven and pierce holes to bottom of the cake at 1-inch intervals with a wooden skewer. Pour half of hot sauce over cake and let soak 20 minutes. Serve warm with remaining sauce.Cake soaked in sauce and remaining toffee sauce can be stored at room temperature up to 1 day. Before serving, warm the cake in a 300 degrees oven 10 minutes, and sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. What else do I love? The Scottish Isle of Skye, writing about romance and mending fractured relationships, sisters, puppies, snowstorms, used bookstores, and Lancaster County Amish nannies. Yup, I managed to squeeze all those elements into Snowbound on Skye. Pre-Order Here I was beyond delighted when Booklife, an arm of Publishers Weekly, wrote of Snowbound on Skye:“Lloyd’s masterful scene setting and keen eye for Scottish history transform this novel into a stunning tapestry of love, loyalty, and family. … Lloyd’s relatable characters—and a darling cairn terrier with a new brood of puppies—steal the show, making this not just an appealing love story, but a firm testament to self-empowerment.”
I write the kind of books I enjoy reading and hope you love it too!
Are you in the mood to read? Have you read New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Rachel Hauck’s newest novel, Meet Me at the Starlight a unique story with fascinating characters. I met lovely and generous Rachel Hauck at a writer’s conference and have been following her ever since. Visit her website to find her social media links.
Please help me celebrate by preordering an e-book copy of Snowbound on Skye and by entering my $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway! USA only. In one week, the winner will be notified by email that she or he won the gift card! Good luck to all who enter. Can’t wait to see who wins! a Rafflecopter giveaway Follow Follow me on Amazon! 
April 23, 2024
Congratulations
Please help me congratulate Kate Schaeffer, winner of my Spring All Around Giveaway of a $100 gift card and Mona Lisa Smiles. Many thanks to all who entered. I appreciate each and every one of you!
April 16, 2024
Spring All Around
I always get excited this time of year when I see spring blooms such as the chartreuse foliage unfurling from our ceanothus bush I was sure had died over the winter. Fortunately, I didn’t cut down its homely bare branches.
I spotted yellow primroses in our front yard which I’d forgotten about!
Out our kitchen window I can see our fabulous camellias flowers that remind me of my mother who died too young. She loved their vibrant red color and so do I, even if they leave a mess which I must clean up. Plus, my roses are showing signs of life. They are not planted in the best place for roses because of the minimum light but at least I didn’t prune them too early.
Plus I hear robins echoing their love songs, and bald eagles, both on the Island and in the city. On a walk the other day I saw a couple of spunky hummingbirds chasing a blue jay away from their nest I must assume. Life is exciting in springtime!
You can spot bald eagles by their white heads amidst all the greenery.
I feel like I’m juggling my new novel Mona Lisa Smiles with another new book I’m editing. And I’m pondering another manuscript which has several chapters written. I read once that people who think they can multitask well are wrong. But still my mind buzzes and prods me along.
One author I admire for her super writing in any genre and her flexibility is Suzanne Woods Fisher. I’ve always enjoyed her Amish books. She’s written plenty and has won prestigious awards. I’m fascinated with her series centering around flowers. Perfect for this time of year.
Her soon to be released novel Love on a Whim has the cutest cover I can’t get enough of. Check it out and you’ll see why I feel like eating yummy sweets every time I see it! Pre-order here and save yourself a copy in advance.
“Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delights with this heartwarming story of love, friendship, family, and the irresistible charm of impulsive decisions.”
Speaking of food, are you ready to change your eating habits to celebrate the arrival of spring? I usually eat a homemade chicken soup for lunch every day but I’m ready to make the switch. How about you? Do you find yourself craving salads and fresh fruit?
Radishes, with their bright peppery taste and deep pink-red color, are practically synonomous with Spring in my family. I like to toss them into an easy salad. Radishes are one of Piper’s favorite treats. She loves chasing them and then gobbling them up. She likes sliced cucumber too! (True story)
SIMPLE RADISH SALAD
Ingredients
1/2 lb. radishes (10 to 15 small radishes)
3 Persian cucumbers
1/4 c. olive oil
2 tbsp. lemon juice
3/4 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper, plus more to taste
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 c. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
Directions
Thinly slice the radishes and cucumbers into a large bowl.Combine the oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a mason jar, and shake well to combine.Pour the dressing over the radishes and cucumbers, tossing to combine. Fold in the green onion, parsley, and dill. Taste for salt and pepper and serve.Enter my Giveaway by April 22 for a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card plus a copy of my latest novel, Mona Lisa Smiles or another of my books if you’ve already purchased a copy. US only. Winner will be announced Tuesday, April 23 and has three days to respond to my email. Only by responding to my email can you win.
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March 26, 2024
Celebrate the release of my latest novel, Mona Lisa Smiles
I want to take a moment to congratulate all 50 winners of my Goodreads Giveaway, who each won an ebook of my latest novel, Mona Lisa Smiles.
I thoroughly enjoyed writing this book. As a single woman, I used to own a restaurant, which brings both fond memories and the occasional nightmare. Family dynamics and relationships intrigue me and inspire my writing. My love of all things Italian motivated me to learn the language. And by the way, I’ve seen the real Mona Lisa painting a number of times.
Kirkus Reviews
Lloyd’s prose is buoyant and engaging throughout. … the novel will win readers over with its deftly drawn characters and spirited scenes.
A charming novel about how family can be destiny.
I can’t wait to hear how you like Mona Lisa Smiles, its unique cast of characters and unusual storyline. I wonder what you’ll think about Mona Lisa’s choices. Was she reckless or too timid? How do you deal with family members with unique personalities or a hidden past? So many questions I’m dying to ask you!
March 12, 2024
Green Giveaway
March makes me think of wearing green. Shamrocks, St. Paddy’s Day. Are you planning to wear green to avoid getting pinched? In Western Washington, AKA the Evergreen State, the color green abounds. As I walk the neighborhood, I can’t help noticing how many green shrubs and lawns are flourishing, and how many bushes are bursting with life or cling on to their green leaves through the winter.
A psychologist claims there’s a “Grass is Always Greener syndrome”, which extends far beyond yards and foliage. I admit to comparing myself to others, especially writers who are able to churn out bestseller after bestseller. Finishing and polishing a novel seems to take me forever, especially when research and editing is required. And it always is.
Pink shamrocks in a sea of green.
Several years ago, I was surprised when I heard that many people on Instagram and Facebook feel inadequate after reading about others’ accomplishments. The reader actually feels lonelier. I’ve met many fabulous people on Facebook and enjoy communicating with them, and would never want to give them up.
So it is with Mona Lisa Smiles, my newest soon-to-release women’s fiction with a lovely slice of romance. My mind frets. Will my readers like it? Is it good enough? Have I missed anything?
With Papa dead and Mama in assisted living, Mona Lisa Buttaro plans to sell the family home and restaurant, but her quirky brother, Joey, is a roadblock. Joey works at the family restaurant, and if she sells Booty’s where else could Joey work?
Mona Lisa hires former classmate Cliff McFarlane to do repairs on the family home. Newly sober, Cliff was in the popular crowd that excluded her in the past, but she is still attracted to him — not that she’d let him know. Mona Lisa wonders if she should give up on all men — unless she could find one like Papa, whom she idolized. Then she makes an outrageous discovery.
Is the grass always emerald green in your world? Does anyone live free of worry and in complete contentment? Is comparing ourselves with others a losing battle?
Enter my Goodreads giveaway to win one of 50 Mona Lisa Smiles Kindle E-books on March 25th. Winner will be announced on Tuesday March 26th. US only.
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February 27, 2024
Congratulations
Please help me congratulate Jennifer Cervantes, winner of my Early Spring Giveaway of a $100 gift card and Reinventing Ruthie. Many thanks to all who entered. I appreciate each and every one of you!
February 20, 2024
Early Spring Giveaway
I’ve finally put away all my Christmas decorations and tidied up from Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day. An unintentional start to spring cleaning perhaps? My husband gave me a lovely card and a heart shaped Frans box filled with assorted chocolates to satisfy my sweet tooth. However you spent Valentine’s Day, I hope it was with family or friends, or just treating yourself to something fun.
Frans Chocolates at their best.
When I was single, I cooked a romantic dinner for my parents, or went to the movies. I never mind watching movies by myself – it just means I can see the movie that interests me (even if it interests nobody else), and of course, I get all the popcorn with as much, or little, butter as I want. Sometimes I would bake something just for me, and not share it with anyone!
One of my favorite desserts is lemon bars. Not too sweet, not too tangy, something about them reminds me of spring, though naturally, I’ll eat them any time of year.
Lemon Bars
For the Crust:
10 tablespoons butter room temperature
1 ¼ cups flour
½ cup + 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
3 large eggs room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon lemon zest
⅓ cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
½ teaspoon baking powder
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×9 inch pan.
2. Make by crust by mixing the flour, powdered sugar, and salt together. Cut the butter into the mix until crumbly and then press into the bottom of the pan.
3. Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden.
4. While the crust is baking, whisk all the filling ingredients together until combined.
5. Pour over the cooked crust and place back in the oven for 17-20 minutes until filling is set.
6. Cool completely, dust with powdered sugar, cut into squares.
In between final edits on my latest book, I find myself staring out the window, planning this year’s spring planting. We’ve lived in our house for almost 40 years, and with well-established and mature landscaping, most of my planning involves container gardening. Do I want to focus on flowers or kitchen herbs this year? What colors would look best in that corner of the patio? How many hanging baskets do I plan to put out? Should I move the bird bath to a sunnier corner of the yard so I can surround it with bright blooms?
While I sometimes surf the internet for gardening ideas, a more enjoyable approach is to take a walk with Noel and Piper, and look around for inspiration. My husband wore a light jacket, and I wore a cold weather down jacket and silk glove warmers. Piper wore her winter coat, as well.
Spotted these just getting ready-to-bloom daffodils.
Mother Nature pulled a fast one earlier this week. After teasing us with warming temperatures in the low-50s early in the month, encouraging the crocuses, daffodils and tulips to start emerging from below the ground, we got a couple of days of wet, heavy snow. Nothing like the cold hitting New York, Pennsylvania, and other mid-Atlantic states, but quite cold enough for me.
While I wait for the weather to warm back up, I picked up a copy of Susan Mallery’s latest book, The Summer Book Club. Susan writes that she “wrote The Summer Book Club to bring a burst of sunshine to a dreary winter.” So far, it’s living up to its promise.
This year, the book club is all about fill-your-heart reads, an escape from the chaos of the everyday—running a business, raising a family, juggling a hundred to-dos. Even the dog is demanding (but the bestest boy).
Since Laurel’s divorce, she feels like the Worst Mom Ever. Her skepticism of men may have scarred her vulnerable daughters. Cassie has an unfortunate habit of falling for ridiculous man-boys who dump her once she fixes them. Paris knows good men exist. She’s still reeling after chasing off the only one brave enough—and foolish enough—to marry her.
Inspired by the heroines who risk everything for fulfillment, Laurel, Paris and Cassie begin to take chances—big chances—in life, in love. Facing an unwritten chapter can be terrifying. But it can be exhilarating, too, if only they can find the courage to change.
I’m having an early Spring giveaway while we wait for Spring to properly arrive (hello March 19). Enter by February 26 for a chance to win a $100 gift card, a copy of my latest novel, Reinventing Ruthie or another of my books if you’ve already purchased a copy. US only. Winner will be announced Tuesday, February 27 and has three days to respond to my email. Only by responding to my email can you win. Good luck and stay warm!
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January 23, 2024
Congratulations
Please help me congratulate Jill Oosterhof, winner of my New Beginnings Giveaway of a $100 gift card and Reinventing Ruthie. Many thanks to all who entered. I appreciate each and every one of you!
January 16, 2024
New Beginnings and a Giveaway
I’m excited to begin a new year! I don’t need everything new. I’m content with our home of thirty plus years and my 1995 Mercedes C220. I’ve kept some of my clothes for decades; I do not need a new wardrobe.
The house will seem stark when we take down our tree, but I’ll adorn our home with winter white. I keep white lights around our front door on a timer and some in the back yard all year. I will decorate the house for winter. I have cute little snowmen, white snowflakes, and white floral arrangements that I display. And I ignite our two gas fireplaces. Up on the island we have a wood burning fireplace with an insert that puts out tons of heat, but these gas burning fireplaces are mostly ornamental. Yet I love to watch the flames and I feel cozy.
Our weather in the Puget Sound area has turned icy cold. I doubt we will get above freezing all day, which puts a damper on my walking with Piper, our Cairn terrier. Fortunately, I have a treadmill in the basement and a stationary bike with a stand that I built for my laptop. But those don’t help Piper, who gets squirrely when she doesn’t get enough exercise. So, I layer up and take her at least around the block.
No matter the temperature, my husband loves to go to the island! Freezing air has moved into Puget Sound, but nothing like when I was growing up in NJ, CT, and visiting my grandma on Manhattan. We’d simply bundle up and go.
Chilly winter makes me yearn for hearty meals. Since our two sons and I eat gluten-free, spaghetti is always a yummy choice using gluten-free noodles. I’ve tried to emulate my mother’s fabulous spaghetti sauce my whole adult life but have come up short. And spaghetti is one of those recipes with endless variations around the world.
Here’s a good sauce recipe almost anyone will enjoy. I used to hide diced carrots in my spaghetti sauce so our two boys would eat more vegetables. My mother told me that carrots make the spaghetti sauce taste sweeter. And of course, a hearty dessert must follow. Bread pudding using gluten-free bread if needed or rice pudding are delicious. I get hungry just thinking about food, don’t you?
Easy Spaghetti
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 lb. ground sausage
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
pinch (1/8 teaspoon or less) red pepper flakes
salt and pepper, to taste
2 Tablespoons minced fresh basil
1 (15 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 cup water
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1–2 Tablespoons additional fresh basil, to finish
Directions:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté 4-5 minutes or until slightly softened.Add ground beef and sausage. Stir and cook the meat until it’s no longer pink. Drain, though I like to leave a tablespoon or two of fat for added flavor.Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, and 2 tablespoons of fresh basil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Stir to combine.Simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.Stir in 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar. Add the rest of the fresh basil and serve warm with grated parmesan cheese!January is a good time to make plans and take up a hobby such as knitting, crocheting, or trying new recipes. Have you ever made Waldorf Winter Stars? It’s a fun and easy papercraft to add color to your windows. And of course, reading new books or revisiting favorites from the past. Indoor activities when it’s too nasty and slippery to go outside.
I’m making new friends. Among them is bestselling author Debbie Macomber! How cool is that? Although she has closed her fabulous and spacious office in the Pacific Northwest, she has not retired and is working on a new manuscript. She has always been such an encouragement to me. I recall hearing her speak to a small group years ago about how she never gave up. Personal testimonies by people who persevered are always uplifting for me. That’s one reason I write about women who have stayed true to their dreams.
Enter my Giveaway by January 22 for a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card plus a copy of my latest novel, Reinventing Ruthie or another of my books if you’ve already purchased a copy. US only. Winner will be announced Tuesday, January 23 and has three days to respond to my email. Only by responding to my email can you win.
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November 28, 2023
Congratulations
Please help me congratulate Barb Wagner, winner of my Soup Weather Giveaway of a $100 gift card and Reinventing Ruthie. Many thanks to all who entered. I appreciate each and every one of you!
