Ruth Anne Benziger's Blog, page 20

Blogmas Day 16: End of Year Review Summary

I’ve read a ton of books this year and today, I want to share with you the reviews of those books. Not all of them because there are over 100. However, the highlights for sure.

Enjoy!

First is the #buddyread I did with Iseult Murphy in January.

My review of The Rust Maidens by Gwendolyn Kiste

Something’s happening to the girls on Denton Street.

It’s the summer of 1980 in Cleveland, Ohio, and Phoebe Shaw and her best friend Jacqueline have just graduated high school, only to confront an ugly, uncertain future. Across the city, abandoned factories populate the skyline; meanwhile at the shore, one strong spark, and the Cuyahoga River might catch fire. But none of that compares to what’s happening in their own west side neighborhood. The girls Phoebe and Jacqueline have grown up with are changing. It starts with footprints of dark water on the sidewalk. Then, one by one, the girls’ bodies wither away, their fingernails turning to broken glass, and their bones exposed like corroded metal beneath their flesh.

As rumors spread about the grotesque transformations, soon everyone from nosy tourists to clinic doctors and government men start arriving on Denton Street, eager to catch sight of “the Rust Maidens” in metamorphosis. But even with all the onlookers, nobody can explain what’s happening or why—except perhaps the Rust Maidens themselves. Whispering in secret, they know more than they’re telling, and Phoebe realizes her former friends are quietly preparing for something that will tear their neighborhood apart.

Alternating between past and present, Phoebe struggles to unravel the mystery of the Rust Maidens—and her own unwitting role in the transformations—before she loses everything she’s held dear: her home, her best friend, and even perhaps her own body.

My review of Naked in Death by Nora Roberts

Here is the novel that started it all- the first book in J.D. Robb’s number-one New York Times-bestselling In Death series, featuring New York homicide detective Lieutenant Eve Dallas and Roarke.

It is the year 2058, and technology now completely rules the world. But New York City Detective Eve Dallas knows that the irresistible impulses of the human heart are still ruled by just one thing: passion.

When a senator’s daughter is killed, the secret life of prostitution she’d been leading is revealed. The high-profile case takes Lieutenant Eve Dallas into the rarefied circles of Washington politics and society. Further complicating matters is Eve’s growing attraction to Roarke, who is one of the wealthiest and most influential men on the planet, devilishly handsome… and the leading suspect in the investigation.

My Review of Mine Until Moonlight by Jennifer Bernard

It’s a fine line between feuding and flirting…

Ever since Megan Miller arrived in stunning Lost Harbor, Alaska, she’s been at odds with boat captain Lucas Holt. They’re opposites in every way. She’s a city girl, he’s from an Alaska homestead. She runs nature tours, he’s all about big-money charters. He’s also arrogant, annoying and oh yeah, wildly attractive. Lost Harbor would be the perfect escape from the tragedy that sent her running–except for her feud with the hottie captain.
Lucas Holt came home for one thing—settle his father’s affairs then hightail it back to Colorado. So why is he still here? Is it because there’s something fishy about his father’s death? Is it the endearingly eccentric locals and enchanting scenery? Or could it be Lost Harbor’s newest resident, a sassy scientist who’s as sexy as she is stubborn? Arguing with Megan is the best foreplay he’s had in years.
Until one of Lost Harbor’s dangerous storms tosses everything up in the air, and a feud turns to a passionate affair–with stakes higher than Megan ever imagined.

My review of Burn for Me by Lea Coll

We went from working on opposite sides of the courtroom to working for the same law firm. Working together reveals a whole new side to Logan Gray. Is he playing me or is he not the man I thought he was?

Now we’re in competition for the same promotion and nothing will stand in my way…not his sparkling blue eyes, cocky smirk, or those dimples.

He says I’m a challenge he can’t resist. The problem is…he’s gorgeous, charming, and irresistible…and he knows it.

Underneath the charming façade, Logan is a man I could fall for. As I get closer to him, I feel like I’m playing with fire and I’m going to get burned.

When the lines between us are blurred, are we competing for a job or each other’s hearts?

My review of Tempting Levi by Jules Bernard

Levi Cade’s firefighting career burned up after an accident on the job. Then his father died and left him in charge of the family’s multimillion-dollar resort. Now he’s forced to work with financially uptight advisors telling him what to do, and he needs someone he can trust at his side.

The perfect candidate walks through the door in her pencil skirt, fitted white blouse, and a mass of wavy blond hair she tries to contain.

The only problem? She’s his cheating ex’s younger sister.

Hell no. The last thing Levi needs is another Wright female in his life.

Then again, he always liked playing with fire.

My review of Common Ground by Jansen Schmidt

A woman destroyed his ability to trust. A man destroyed her ability to care. Can love unlock their fear and heal their wounded hearts?

His marriage over and his career in jeopardy, Trevor Donaldson seeks sanctuary at the Diamond D Ranch in Arizona. After gunning down the man who shot his partner, the accusations hanging over his head, the hounding media, and his own inner turmoil keep him awake at night.

Ketra Weston sought sanctuary at the Diamond D to escape the ugly backlash she suffered after a violent assault following a Good Samaritan act gone wrong. Time at the ranch promises to provide the peace and anonymity she needs to help her heal.

Trevor and Ketra are careful to keep their distance from one another. Trevor’s contempt for women, after his failed marriage, and Ketra’s skittishness after here brutal attack, leave them both wary of the opposite sex. But, everything changes when Trevor discovers that their lives are intertwined and he learns that her past just might hold the key to his exoneration.

My review of The Enchanted Land by Jude Devereaux

For beautiful Morgan Wakefield, that land lay west of the bluegrass splendor of her Kentucky home…and within the powerful embrace of Seth Colter–the handsome rancher with whom she had struck a bargain that would change her life. Beneath the star-studded New Mexico skies Colter awakened in Morgan a womans passion, stoking the sensuous fires of a bold tempestuous romance. Though fate would make them enemies, theirs was a love that would endure, never to be forsaken.

My review of Mack Harte Was Here by Barbara Park

How could someone like Mick die?

He was the kid who freaked out his mom by putting a ceramic eye in a defrosted chicken, the kid who did a wild dance in front of the whole school—and the kid who, if only he had worn his bicycle helmet, would still be alive today. But now Phoebe Harte’s twelve-year-old brother is gone, and Phoebe’s world has turned upside down.

With her trademark candor and compassion, beloved middle-grade writer Barbara Park tells how Phoebe copes with her painful loss in this story filled with sadness, humor—and hope. Chosen by “Publishers Weekly” as one of their Best Books of 1996. “A full-fledged and fully convincing drama.”—(Publishers Weekly)

My review of Gumshoe Blues: The Peter Ord Yarns by Paul D. Brazill

“The adventures of this PI feel like they rolled out of a Tom Waits song — crime with the feel of a shaggy dog story” — K A Laity.

“An original homebrew with a kick. Well worth sampling.” — Mark Ramsden.

Following the breakdown of his marriage, in a booze-addled flash of inspiration, Peter Ord decides to become a private investigator. Dark farce and tragicomedy soon ensue. Peter must tackle many challenging cases, and when he comes under the radar of a local crime lord, he may have bitten off more than he can chew. With sidekicks, like boozy hack, Bryn Laden, failure is not an option – it’s compulsory. 

My review of Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

Passage, n.
i. A brief section of music composed of a series of notes and flourishes.
ii. A journey by water; a voyage.
iii. The transition from one place to another, across space and time.

In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles but years from home. And she’s inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she’s never heard of. Until now.

Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods—a powerful family in the colonies—and the servitude he’s known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can’t escape and the family that won’t let him go so easily. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, Nicholas’ passenger, can find. In order to protect her, he must ensure she brings it back to them—whether she wants to or not.

Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods’ grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are playing, treacherous forces threaten to separate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home… forever.

My review of Killman Creek (Stillhouse Lake #2) by Rachel Caine

Every time Gwen closed her eyes, she saw him in her nightmares. Now her eyes are open, and he’s not going away.

Gwen Proctor won the battle to save her kids from her ex-husband, serial killer Melvin Royal, and his league of psychotic accomplices. But the war isn’t over. Not since Melvin broke out of prison. Not since she received a chilling text…

You’re not safe anywhere now.

Her refuge at Stillhouse Lake has become a trap. Gwen leaves her children in the protective custody of a fortified, well-armed neighbor. Now, with the help of Sam Cade, brother of one of Melvin’s victims, Gwen is going hunting. She’s learned how from one of the sickest killers alive.

But what she’s up against is beyond anything she feared—a sophisticated and savage mind game calculated to destroy her. As trust beyond her small circle of friends begins to vanish, Gwen has only fury and vengeance to believe in as she closes in on her prey. And sure as the night, one of them will die.

My review of Desperate Measures by Kat Lee and Elle Casey

Drawn together over a love of books, three women strike up an unlikely friendship, and end up forming bonds that move well beyond what any of them ever imagined possible. Desperate Measures serves up laughter, romance, cookies, tea – and a whole lot of love.

Aimee: A housewife left in the dust by her philandering husband, with an outdated high school education but a serious talent when it comes to confections…

Elizabeth: An accountant tired of crunching numbers for hundreds of clients with more money than they know what to do with…

Kiki: An exotic dancer who wants nothing more than to get out of the game…

Content warning: Due to sexy situations and content, this book is definitely not appropriate for younger readers.

A message from Elle about this book: Being a huge bookworm myself, the idea of writing a story about friends finding one another through books was really appealing to me. One thing I’ve learned about people who love books is that they come in all shapes and sizes and from all backgrounds and places, but the common ground of literature somehow makes everything work. When I was younger, I was the only bookworm I knew. Now that I’m an adult, I’ve found the joy of seeking others out and spending time with them. It’s like a whole new world has opened up to me, and so of course I wanted to write about it! Not that I have a former stripper in my book club or anything…

You can find more of my reviews here:

https://ruthannegarciabooks.wordpress.com/category/book-reviews/

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Blogmas Day 15: Bea’s Christmas Miracle Part 1

This year, I’ve written a short story to share with you for the holidays. It will be added into a collection of Christmas Short Stories in 2021, but you all get the first look.

Enjoy Bea’s story. ©Ruth Anne Garcia 2020

Bea’s Christmas Miracle

The snow falls in light fluffy flakes turning the ground white. A year ago, the sight of snow would’ve caused fear in the people of Grove Hills. The animals meander around the farms, huddling in the barns for warmth, or running in the fields with pure joy knowing winter is upon us. The sight of smoke billowing from chimneys bring signs of life in the vast emptiness. The mountain flanking the town stands tall, the tips already covered in fog and ice.

The stone fences around the boundary bring a sense of safety and security. The new addition was still something to get used to. It impedes the freedom of nature, the view of wild beauty. Signs surrounding the walls warn of Avalanches and a new ordinance to avoid hiking in the mountains. A hit to the tourism of the town, main street is struggling to regain its financial security.

That’s why I’m here, to surprise my grandmother and save her shop from the brink of bankruptcy. My grandmother, Bea Powers, is known to Grove Hills as Grandma Bea. She grew up here since the town was founded by her grandfather in the hills of Colorado in 1910. They’d traveled from Pennsylvania from a life of poverty and settled in the small town after seeing the riches of the land. A river ran through the town bringing the prospect of fishing and trade.

Wildlife like deer, boars, and foul made their homes in the mountains and were hunted for meat. The ground is fertile for growing and had been before Mr. Carter’s grocery mart opened in 1932. As I walk along main street, I see the prosperity of the town and how it grew in the last two generations.

A post office for Joel Evans to distribute mail stood next to Mona’s bakery and café. Peeking inside, I see that Joel has made changes since the rebuild. The front holds P.O. Boxes and a sectioned off area for boxes and envelopes. Behind the brightly painted orange desk, he sits staring at the screen of a computer looking bored.

Residents of Grove Hills enjoy their morning coffee and gossip inside and outside of the café. I smile as Mona waves me in and welcomes me into her shop. When I open the door, the smell of her brown sugar cookies fills my senses reminding me of my childhood.

“Tracy, I’m so happy you’ve come back to help our Bea.” Mona envelopes me into a warm hug, the smell of peppermint and cinnamon always remind me of her. When she pulls back, she holds me by the shoulders and tells me the same thing she has since I was thirteen. “You’re too skinny. Here, sit down and I’ll feed you some breakfast.”

“Thanks, Mona. I’ll have a coffee and some toast.” I smile at her scowl. Mona is just a few years younger than my grandmother at 82. The wrinkles around her eyes are from her constant smile. She’s earned them, she tells people. Her boxy figure is tucked in a pair of jeaned overalls and her brown boots are well worn from working in the garden.

“Toast? You’re skin and bones, you need more than toast to make it through the day.” She scoffs as she ushers me into a stool and hurries behind the corner. Through the swinging door, I hear the clashes of the kitchen. Roberto is singing a hymn and beating eggs in a bowl. He pokes his head through the window. “Hiya, Tracy. Glad you’re back.”

“Thanks. How’s Wanda?”

His cheeks redden making me smile at the mention of his new wife. “She’s amazing. You have to come to dinner so we can give you a proper welcome back supper.”

“Deal.” As I pull out my phone to check my email, I grimace to remember the internet connection in Grove Hills is atrocious at best. While my phone struggles to make a connection, Mona puts a full breakfast plate in front of me. “I said I wanted toast, Mona.”

“Oh, hush. You’ll eat more than toast and you’ll like it.” Mona puts a mug of hot coffee and the milk I like down and winks before sauntering off to fill drinks along the bar.

My boss has sent me several properties to check into in Grove Hills. My grandmother would be appalled to find that he’s inquiring on buying them up and adding them into Hanford’s legacy. There’s nothing wrong with the idea, per se, but the people of Grove Hills detest Hanford Industries and will protest until they have their way.

What used to be Donna’s Pizzeria, Jake’s pool hall, and Jones ale house, are on the list of purchases that I’m authorized to make. Frowning, I know the people won’t like it. With the fall out of the avalanche and the new wall separating from bigger towns, they need bigger stores to keep money coming in.

Grandma Bea has owned the antique shop in Grove Hills for a decade and while the tourism has halted her regular business, she’s in debt and the bank threatening to foreclose. Unbeknownst to her, I purchased the property and will be telling her on Christmas morning. I just hope it goes over as well when I tell her of the other properties.

What would it say about me if I changed the shop that I know she poured her blood, sweat, and tears into making it what it is today? I have to accept, looking around, that the people of the town don’t have the money to keep it afloat. Tourism is everything to this town and with the new fence separating the town from Radium Falls, there’s little that can be done. Changes will be made to modernize, and I know she’ll hate it, but it’s better than selling the property and losing her dream.

I devised a plan that I pitched to Hanford and Grove Bank and it worked. Setting foot back into the town of my birth, I know that I’ll do whatever I can to make it a reality. I eat the breakfast Mona put in front of me and add a pastry for good measure. My stomach may be hurting for a while but seeing her happy is worth it.

Main street has changed a lot since I was here last. The window displays are bright and cheerful, Christmas decorations and advertisements fill the windows and doors. Suzy Waters still works at the Inn where I’m staying for the next few months. Her light hair and eyes have become less childlike and more grownup in the last year. Her smile is still shy. “Hi, Tracy. Momma said you were coming to visit us. I have your room all ready for you.”

“Thanks, Suzy. Which room do I get?” I take a mint and pop it in my mouth letting the chocolate melt. The entrance of the inn is as homey and welcoming as I remember. Garland lines the desk with Christmas trees and polar bear figures in different sizes are displayed. There’s a tree in the corner decorated with glowing lights and bright bulbs.

“Momma put you in Irish Paradise. I made the beds and put the oils you like in the cupboards. I hope you don’t mind but Jolly still goes in and out of the rooms.”

Jolly is the Waters’ yellow lab beginning to show her age as she sniffs my pant leg. “I don’t mind at all,” I say reaching down and rubbing behind her ears. “Did you by any chance get an improved Wi-Fi network?” My hopes are shot down as her lip tucks into her teeth and begins to gnaw.

“Sorry, Tracy.” Her shrug tells me that she’s just as sorry as I am.

“Oh, it was wishful thinking. I’ll head on up. You have a good night. Mona asked me to give you these.” I smile as Suzy opens the top of a canister to find snicker doodles. Her smile tells me she’s going to eat them all by the time the sun comes up in the morning.

“Dinner is between 5 and 6, breakfast is at 9 sharp and there are snacks in the kitchen. Momma made me stock your favorite coffee and snacks.”

“Thanks, Suzy. I appreciate it.” I give Jolly one more rub before ascending the stairs and finding the second floor just as cheerfully decorated. A big Santa clause covers my door winking at me with red cheeks and a bright smile.

My room smells of coconut and lime, my favorite scent combination, and there’s a towel folded in the shape of a swan on the pillow. Chocolate kisses are used for the eyes and I start to think I’m about to gain weight on this little visit if they keep leaving me treats that I can’t resist.

As I boot my laptop up and unpack my clothes, the first kiss serves as my afternoon snack. To avoid eating the second, I pop it in the minifridge and am happy to see the fridge is well stocked. The small kitchenette will work for my visit when I’m not downstairs for meals.

I settle onto the bed and arrange the pillows to create a cocoon and bring up my business proposal. I’ve worked on it for the last few weeks and it’s solid. I know there are obstacles and my credit history may not be as solidly built as I’d like, but the real barrier is Mr. Rutherford. Henry Rutherford took over as bank manager after the avalanche.

His father was badly injured and couldn’t keep up with the demands of the job. I make changes and think of the best way to approach a man like him. In high school, he was arrogant and had a chip on his shoulder. As an adult, his chip grew and so did his attentions toward the ladies. The one and only time he turned those attentions on me, I turned him down flat.

If he holds grudges, I’m in for it. Frustrated, I decide to call my friend and colleague Evie. She answers on the third ring and I hear her through the crackling. “You’ve been gone four hours and you need me already? You sure you’re gonna last the next three months?”

I chuckle and try to ignore the crackling on the line. With the mountain the phonelines are crappy and forget cell service in this town. It’s almost nonexistent. “I’m fine. I need some advice.”

I hear her voice strong and true and I know that I’m being silly. “You have a solid plan and you need to stop worrying. Tracy Powers, you are a going to get this deal and you’re going to improve Grove Hills. Don’t let yourself doubt or you’ll tank it.”

“I’m not worried that I’ll build and improve,” I tell her. “I’m worried that my grandmother and the people of this town will be against progress. Modernization is still taboo to these people. Last month, the post office just switched to online orders.”

“They’ll have to get used to it, sister. If they want to live in the boonies, they have to buck up and accept changes. Starting with descent internet and phone lines. Jesus, my ears hurt talking to you.”

Buzzing comes over the line and I agree. It’s awfully annoying to hear. “If all goes well, it’ll be a thing of the past.”

“That’s the positivity I want to hear,” Evie says proudly. “So, how’s the room? Where are you in the world?”

I glance around and smile. Evie has always been envious of the way the rooms are decorated. The bed is a wooden frame and mattress with a high backboard with Celtic names woven with symbols. The walls are painted like the land, green and vast. “Irish Paradise,” I tell her.

“I’m so jealous,” she says as the buzzing continues. “Don’t get too comfortable, because if you don’t come back to Boulder, I’ll come and hunt you down.”

I laugh at her threats. “I promise I’m coming back.” I upload the excel sheet with my finances and add it to the business proposal. “I’ll call you in a couple of days. And Evie?”

“Yea?”

“Merry Christmas.”

Part 2 coming soon.

Holiday Desserts-Blogmas

What is a holiday meal without the promise of pies and delicious desserts after? I’m providing another list of recipes from another one of my favorite old recipe books. Southern Living, 1985 Annual Recipes

Let’s get cooking/baking!

ITALIAN SESAME COOKIES

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
Sesame seeds

Cream butter and sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.

Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt; add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Shape a heaping teaspoon of dough into a 2 1/2-inch-long cookie; repeat with remaining dough. Lightly roll each cookie in sesame seeds; place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 400° for 8 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.

Yield: about 5 dozen

SWEEDISH ALMOND COOKIES

½ cup shortening
½ cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups finely chopped almonds
Additional sifted powdered sugar

Cream shortening and butter until light and fluffy. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and salt; mix well. Add flour, water, vanilla, and almonds, stirring well. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place on ungreased cookie sheets. Slightly flatten each cookie; bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Remove from cookie sheets, and roll in additional powdered sugar.

Yield: about 3 dozen.

CRANBERRIES JUBILEE

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups fresh cranberries
1/3 cup chopped pecans
3 tablespoons rum
Vanilla ice cream

Combine sugar, water, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally; boil 5 minutes. Add cranberries, and return to a boil; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in pecans. Remove from heat.

Heat rum in a saucepan just long enough to produce fumes (do not boil); remove mixture from heat, ignite, and pour over cranberries. When flames die down, spoon over ice cream.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

FLAMING CHRISTMAS PUDDING

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 ½ cups cranberries
1 cup peeled, chopped cooking apple
1 cup light molasses
1 cup cold water
1 ½ cups finely chopped suet
3 candied red cherry halves
3 orange rind strips tied into bows
1/3 cup brandy
Brandied Hard Sauce

Combine flour, soda, salt, water, and suet; add to dry ingredients, stirring well. Spoon mixture into a well-buttered 10-cup steamed pudding mold; cover pudding with aluminum foil, and place lid securely in place.

Place mold on a shallow rack in a large, deep kettle with enough boiling water to come halfway up mold. Cover kettle. Steam pudding 3 hours in continuously boiling water. (Replace water as needed.)

Unmold pudding onto serving plate, and allow to cool slightly. Decorate pudding with candied cherries and orange rind bows, as desired.

Heat brandy in a small saucepan just long enough to produce fumes (do not boil); remove from heat, ignite, and pour over pudding. When flames die down, slice and serve with Brandied Hard Sauce. (Pudding will flame whether warm or at room temperature.)

Yield: 8 to 10 servings.

Brandied Hard Sauce:

½ cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons brandy

Combine softened butter, sugar, and brandy; beat until mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Yield: 3/4 cup

SANTA’S WHISKERS

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup chopped red and green candied cherries
½ cup chopped pecans
¾ cup flaked coconut

Cream butter; gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add milk and vanilla; beating until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients except coconut. Shape dough into two (8- x 2-inch) cylinders; roll each in coconut. Cover and chill 3 to 4 hours; cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place on ungreased cookie sheets; bake at 375° for 12 to 14 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Yield: about 4 1/2 dozen.

HEAVENLY DELIGHTS

½ cup butter or margarine, softened
½ cup shortening
2/3 cup sifted powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup chopped pecans
Sifted Powdered Sugar

Cream butter and shortening; gradually add 2/3 cup sugar and flavorings, beating until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour; beat well. Stir in pecans. Shape into 1-inch balls; place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Remove immediately from cookie sheets, and roll in powdered sugar. Cool and roll again in powdered sugar.

Yield: about 3 1/2 dozen.

PECAN CRESCENT COOKIES

½ cup shortening
½ cup butter or margarine, softened
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sifted powdered sugar
1 tablespoon water
2 cups all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans

Cream shortening and butter; gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add water, beating well. Combine flour and salt; add to creamed mixture, stirring well. Stir in vanilla and pecans.

Shape dough into 1 1/2-inch crescents. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake at 325° for 17 to 20 minutes.

Yield: 3 dozen.

CHOCOLATE CREAM ROLL

Vegetable cooking spray
½ cup sifted cake flour
3 tablespoons cocoa
¾ teaspoon baking powder
3 egg yolks
¼ cup sugar
2 tablespoons skim milk
4 egg whites
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
1 (1.25-ounce) envelope whipped topping mix
½ cup skim milk
¾ teaspoon instant coffee powder
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Fresh Strawberries (optional)
Seedless green grapes (optional)

Coat a 15- x 10- x 1-inch jellyroll pan with cooking spray, and line with waxed paper. Coat waxed paper with cooking spray; set aside.

Sift together flour, cocoa, and baking powder; set aside.

Beat egg yolks at high speed of an electric mixer until thick. Gradually beat in 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time; add 2 tablespoons skim milk, beating well. Fold in flour mixture.

Beat egg whites (at room temperature) and salt until foamy; gradually add 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until peaks are stiff, but not dry. Fold egg whites into chocolate mixture. Spread butter evenly in prepared pan. Bake at 375° for 10 to 12 minutes.

Immediately loosen cake from sides of pan, and turn out onto a towel. Peel off waxed paper. Starting at short side, roll up cake and towel together. Place seam side down on a wire rack, and cool completely.

Combine whipped topping mix, 1/2 cup skim milk, coffee powder, and vanilla in a deep, narrow-bottom bowl. Whip at high speed of an electric mixer about 4 minutes or until topping is light and fluffy. Unroll cake, and remove towel. Spread cake with whipped topping mixture, and reroll. Place on serving plate, seam side down. Chill 3 to 4 hours. To serve, sift 1 tablespoon powdered sugar over top. Garnish with strawberries and grapes, if desired.

Yield: 12 servings (about 95 calories per serving without garnish).

CRANBERRY-RAISIN PIE

Pastry for double-crust 9-inch pie
1 ½ cups cranberries, chopped
¾ cup raisins, chopped
1 cup sugar
1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup water
1 ½ tablespoons butter or margarine
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Line a 9-inch pieplate with half of pastry; set aside. Chill remaining pastry.

Combine cranberries, raisins, sugar, flour, and water in a medium saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring occassionally, until mixture thickens. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Spoon into prepared pastry shell.

Roll out remaining pastry to 1/8-inch thickness; cut into 1/2-inch strips. Arrange pastry strips in lattice design over filing. Bake at 425° for 25 minutes. (Cover edges of pie with aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning, if necessary.)

Yield: one 9-inch pie

SPANISH FLAN

½ cup sugar
2/3 cup sugar
6 eggs, beaten
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Sprinkle 1/2 cup sugar evenly in a heavy skillet; place over low heat. Caramelize sugar by stirring often until it melts and is lightly golden. Quickly pour syrup into a 10-inch flan pan; tilt pan to evenly coat the bottom. Set aside.

Combine remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl; beat well. Pour over caramelized sugar in flan pan. Place pan a large baking dish; pour hot water into baking dish to a depth of 1 inch.

Bake at 325° for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. Remove flan pan from water; cool. Chill thoroughly. Unmold onto serving platter.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings.

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The 12 Days of Christmas Book Tag

I stumbled upon a YouTube video of LizzieLovesBooks and her Book Tag. It’s an older one, but I wanted to do it. It seems like fun and I want others to answer too so I can see what answers they come up with. I also saw this on SilverButtonsBooks post too. So, here goes. I hope you enjoy and follow along.

Blogmas Day 14: Guest Post by J.M. Mills

I want to thank Jann for joining us on the blog today. I appreciate her guest blogging today and I sincerely hope you enjoy her post.

You can find Jann and her work at www.jmmillsauthor.com or contact her at jmmillsauthor@gmail.com Her newest release is Our Shadow Selves and can be found online through Balboa Press.

I got mine. Where’s yours?







Christmas in Australia

Well in most parts of the world it is ice cold. Here in Australia, it is always very very hot. Western Australia is one of the warmest states. I live on the outskirts of WA in the capital city of Perth, where I am about a five-minute drive from the beach. I love it here. Christmas is usually around 38-42 degrees (or 93-107 Fahrenheit).

In Australia, the traditional Christmas “leave out” for Santa is a beer and some crackers (biscuits). Everyone has a different way. But beer is a cold drink for warm weather. Christmas morning the kiddies open their presents. Then the day begins.

Christmas in Australia mainly consist of seafood, salads, or BBQ’s and is spent around a swimming pool, ocean, or sprinklers on the grass. If it is too hot people usually move inside if they have air conditioning. People also do their roast Christmas meals on a BBQ rotisserie with desserts such as Trifle, pavlova, or Christmas pudding.

We usually eat and drink too much over here (lol) so a midafternoon nap is usually on the cards. This way we can still undergo festivities until the wee hours of the morning.

When I had time and was very involved in a Christmas event, I was well known for my hand made Christmas puddings. Dried fruit soaked in alcohol for weeks; then added ingredients, boiled, wrapped in calico material, soaked in alcohol, and hung up in the cupboard for a few months. I was very proud of this. It was my thing.

I leave you with visions of an Australian Christmas, without snow, ice, chill or rain. But with a poem I wrote in homage to either the crackers we left out for Santa or the Christmas crackers we popped on the table at lunch time to see who wins with a colorful paper hat.

CHRISTMAS FOR CRACKERS

Christmas for everyone
All around the world
Family laughter and fun
The festivities unfurl

The snowflakes fall
The wood burns bright
The lights glow tall
The warmth invites

A run jump whoosh
Off down hills on sled
Wet but happy toosh
Sharing candy with friends

There is a sunburnt mood
Heat Koalas and kangaroos
Cold meat, salads and seafood
The BBQ works through

Laughter in the outdoors
Lights outside to see
Santa also visits shores
Leaves gifts under the tree

There is always shortbread
Ham in the fridge to snack
A nod to sleeping children
Next year Santa will be back

From: Our Shadow Selves
Poetry by J M Mills Author

Website:              https://www.jmmillsauthor.com/

Twitter:                https://twitter.com/JMMillsAuthor

Facebook:           https://twitter.com/JMMillsAuthor

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Our Shadow Selves

Locked in emotions our minds can dream, remember, construct, or believe. Existing in reality or imagination this poetry collection thrives on visions from the soul.

Escapism at its best, wondering in and out of illusion and truth, everyone has soemthing to connect to, remember or dream of.

Fantasy, love, loss, and hope. Dreaming in the shadows of our mind, remembering the darkness and hoping in the sun. Each poem succinct in its fortitude to digress into the deepest corners of our minds.

Our Shadow Selves is truth and fiction. The fact is it does not matter except that it exists and can fade or come to pass.

Determine your own path, take with you what you need and learn from what has helped you grow.

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Holiday Recipes-Blogmas

We all love to eat during the holidays and I want to share some recipes with you from one of my favorite cookbooks. Country Woman Christmas 1998.

Recipe by Edith Johnson

BLACK FOREST WAFFLES

With their dark chocolate flavor and cherry and cream topping, these waffles add a fancy touch to brunch with very little effort.

1-3/4 cups cake flour
6 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs, separated
1 cup milk
2 squares (1 ounce each), unsweetened baking chocolate
3 tablespoons shortening
1 cup whipping cream, whipped
3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
Fresh mint, optional

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine egg yolks and milk; stir into dry ingredients. In a double boiler or microwave, melt the chocolate and shortening. Add to batter, mix well. In another mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into the batter. Bake in a preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions until browned. Combine whipped cream and confectioners’ sugar. Serve waffles topped with whipped cream and pie filling. Garnish with mint if desired.

Recipe by Rita Sherman

SAUSAGE ROLLS

Handy packaged crescent rolls and prepared sausages make this finger food quick and easy for breakfast or brunch.

1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
8 brown-and-serve sausage links, cooked
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon rubbed sage
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
Dried parsley flakes
Paprika

Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into four rectangles; seal perforations. Place two sausage links end to end along the long side of each rectangle. Sprinkle with garlic powder and sage. Roll up jelly-roll-style and seal the seam with water. Place seam side down on an ungreased baking sheet. In a bowl, beat egg and water; brush over rolls. Sprinkle with parsley and paprika. Cut into 2-in. pieces. Bake at 375° for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.

Yield: about 1 dozen.

Recipe by Virginia Abraham

HAM N’ CHEESE QUICHES

When I need a festive finger food, the quiche recipe’s the one I reach for. With cheese in both the crust and the filling, eating one naturally leads to another.

½ cup cold butter or margarine
1 jar (5 ounces) process sharp cheese spread
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons water
FILLING:
1 egg
½ cup milk
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup finely chopped ham
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

In a bowl, cut butter and cheese spread into flour until well blended. Add water and toss with a fork until a ball forms. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Press tablespoonfuls onto the bottom and up the sides of greased miniature muffin cups. In a bowl, beat egg, milk, and salt. Stir in ham and cheese. Spoon a rounded teaspoonful into each shell. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Yield: 2 dozen

Recipe by Lisa Rupple

CHOCOLATE REINDEER

These cute cutout reindeer really fly off the plate when my brother’s around. They’re his favorite! The subtle chocolate color and taste make them a nice alternative to plain vanilla sugar cookies.

1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
1 cup sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2- ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
44 red-hot candies
ICING (optional)
1- ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons milk

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour, cocoa and baking soda; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. On a lightly floured surface, roll cookie cutter. Place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 8-9 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. If desired, combine confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth. Cut a small hole in the corner of a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; fill with icing. Pipe around edges of cookies and add a dot for eye.

Yield: about 3- 1/2 dozen.

Recipe by Kelly Pickering

COFFEE STIRRER STICKS

As a holiday novelty, it’s hard to lick this lollipop for grown-ups! It doubles as a coffee stirrer, and it makes a special party favor or stocking stuffer.

1 cup sugar
1/3 cup brewed coffee
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
¼ teaspoon baking cocoa
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
12 wooden lollipop or craft sticks
Plastic wrap
Red and Green narrow ribbon

In a saucepan, combine sugar, coffee, corn syrup, cocoa, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 290° (soft-crack stage), about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat. Immediately stir in vanilla, then pour into a greased 2-cup heat-proof glass measuring cup. Working quickly, pour tablespoons into circles on a greased baking sheet and lay a stick in each circle. Allow to cool until hardened. When cooled, wrap with plastic wrap and tie with ribbon. Store in an airtight container.

Yield: about 1 dozen

Recipe by Trudie Hagen

RED BEANS AND RICE MIX

Since there’s food galore during the holidays themselves. I like giving this zippy mix as an after-Christmas present instead. I just slip the containers of seasoning, beans and rice into a decorative paper bag. A recipe card completes the package.

1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon dried sweet pepper flakes
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
2 tablespoons seasoned salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon celery seed
½ teaspoon dried minced garlic
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups dry kidney beans
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:
4- ½ cups water, divided
1 ½ to 2 pounds smoked ham hocks
1-pound smoked sausage, sliced
½ teaspoon salt
Minced fresh parsley, optional

Combine the first 10 ingredients; place in an airtight container. Place beans and rice in separate containers.

Yield: 1 Batch

TO PREPARE BEANS AND RICE: Place beans in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain. Return beans to a pan; add seasoning mix, 2- 1/2 cups water and ham hocks. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours. Remove ham hocks; cut meat into bite-size pieces and return to pan. Add the sausage. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until beans are tender and sausage is heated through. Remove bay leaf. Meanwhile, combine rice, salt and remaining water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Spoon into bowls; top with bean mixture. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Yield: 4-6 servings

Recipe by Edie Despain

BACON ROUNDS

On my family’s list of favorite nibbles, this appetizer is tops. I’ve served the satisfying canapes at showers and brunches.

1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon celery seed
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/3 cup chopped salted peanuts
4 green onions, thinly sliced
24 small French bread slices or 12 slices white bread
Additional sliced green onions, optional

In a bowl, combine the first seven ingredients; mix well. Stir in cheese, bacon, peanuts and onions; mix well. Spread over bread. Sprinkle with additional onions, if desired. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. If using white bread, cut into quarters.

Yield: 4 dozen

NOTE: Rounds may be frozen before baking. Bake at 400° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned (they do not need to be thawed first).

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Blogmas Day 13: Reading Goals 2021

This year, I managed to read over 100 books and next year I have a goal to read the same or more. There are so many books coming out that I want to read.

Anticipated:

Books I didn’t get to this year:

Books I want to read in 2021:

Books Recommended to be from Twitter Followers:

There are many more that I’m excited about reading. But I’m starting the year off with all of these.

The Jingle Bell Book Tag

I’ve been having a blast lately going to read all the #blogmas posts around the internet and came across the Jingle Bell Book Tag BY KRISTIN @ KRISTIN KRAVES BOOKS Head over to see her page and see what she came up with. I wanted to do this and I’m happy to join the #booktag

Join along with me and let’s see what books you add.

Blogmas Day 12: In Memory of Roxanne Conrad AKA Rachel Caine

The world lost a beautiful soul on November 1, 2020.

I knew Roxanne as Rachel Caine because of her amazing stories that she shared with us. I was reading the Stillhouse Lake series and fell in love with her writing. I was so enthralled with the book and had just started posting author interviews, I had to reach out and ask her to be interviewed. She said yes with no hesitation and a beautiful friendship was born.

With my limited interactions with her, she was kind and very helpful in my early writing career. She gave me advice and she was really looking forward to reading my book, which won’t be released until March 2021. I’m sad that she won’t be able to read it, but I know she would have wanted to support me. Her works spoke to me as a reader and her attitude towards her craft inspired me.

Join me in remembering Roxanne today. I’ll share excerpts from her interview in 2019 as well as a list of her work and where you can find that.

Her assistant, Sarah, announced that there will be a live-stream virtual tribute to Roxanne on December 15, 2020 at 8pm. You can find that on her YouTube Channel.

Rachel Caine was the pen name of Roxanne Longstreet Conrad (April 27, 1962 – November 1, 2020) who was an American writer of science fiction, fantasy, mystery, suspense, and horror novels. She also published media tie-in novels as Julie Fortune.

Conrad grew up in West Texas and graduated from Socorro High School in El Paso, Texas, in 1980. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University in 1985, with minor in music. Caine wrote and published novels and short stories since 1990. She was a professional musician who played with notable musicians including Henry Mancini, Peter Nero, and John Williams. She was also an avid movie buff and TV watcher and said she “prefers a good stout Guinness to wimpy American beers”.

From 1999, Conrad was employed in corporate communications as a web designer, editor, corporate communications manager, and finally as director of corporate communications for a large multinational company. She took an eight-month hiatus for most of 2008 to meet pressing deadlines, and retired from her position to write full-time in 2010. She lived in north Texas with her husband, artist Cat Conrad. Conrad did most of her writing at home and on the road during appearances.

In 2018, Conrad was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma. She passed away from that illness on November 1, 2020.

Rachel Caine iwas the NYT, USA Today, and #1 WSJ bestselling author of more than 50 novels to date in a wide variety of categories and genres. Her most recent series are the Stillhouse Lake books (thrillers), the Great Library series (young adult), and the Honors series with Ann Aguirre (young adult).

Interview Excerpts from 2019

What inspired you to first start writing? Is your motivation to write now different or the same as before?

I started writing at age 14 because I was frustrated with a TV show, and I didn’t think it had done the story right. So I rewrote it, and in the process, added new characters. Before I finished that story I killed off all the TV characters, so my career (then) as a fan fiction writer was very short indeed; I continued to write those original characters into new stories for years before I realized that I might be able to actually do something with my writing other than just entertain myself.

Fundamentally, my motivation remains the same: to tell a good story. I love writing, or I’d find an easier way to make a living (I had a perfectly good day job for a very long time). And of course, the motivation to keep going now has to be at least partially about contracts and deadlines! But mostly: I just love telling stories.

Can you share any tips on inspiring other writers to pursue their dreams?

The biggest thing I can offer is this: be persistent. Understand the business you’re getting into. Understand that it’s a very crowded industry, and getting more crowded every day. So you need to be in it for the long game. Finish something? Celebrate, then start something new. Don’t stop. Don’t think that you’ve ever “made it” because that goalpost changes every day. Keep working, reading, improving, listening, learning. You’re not as good today as you will be tomorrow, so learn your craft and learn the business on an ongoing basis because both will change over time.

What do you want to be remembered for as a writer? A person?

Honestly, I don’t think about “legacy.” That’s not in my control. I just try to be a good person, be kind, do what I can for others, and tell good stories. My legacy, if I have one, is the impact I have on the world for good or ill. So I try to make it for good, and I don’t worry about the rest of it.

Works

Roxanne may be gone and moved on from the world, but her words have been left behind. You can find her works at a number of places and I’ll share those now.

Stillhouse Lake Series

































The Great Library Series

































Morganville Vampires







































Weather Warning













































Honors

You can find more of her work on her Amazon Page.

Leave a message on the Youtube link on December 15 and let her family read the amazing messages about her life and her writing.

In memory of Roxanne/Rachel. I know that she will live on in my heart and the heart of anyone who read and love her stories.

Blogmas Day 11: Craft Ideas for Kids

I’ve been really excited about this one! I’ve done a bunch of these with the kids and I’m happy to share what we’ve done. I couldn’t find some of our awesome pictures but I can assure you, it will be fun. There are also some fun ones that we want to do and will do in the future.

Let’s get crafting!

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