Nancy Lee Badger's Blog, page 14

Stormy Weather and a Book

Wow! Tropical storms and Hurricanes are coming again? Not sure where FRED is going except toward the state to our west, and it looks like GRACE (my grandmother's name!) is headed for the Florida keys on its way to Texas. Please take care and consider reading a book while stuck indoors.

Suggestions...

Find all Buy Links HERE

Stay safe and dry!

Nancy Lee Badger

The Duke's Diamond Cover Contest

 

The August Cover Contest has started!

This promotion is by AllAuthor and helps writers share 

their latest works. My submission is my July 9th release of 

THE DUKE'S DIAMOND.

I would love to have your vote. I created the cover and always remind Mom that I am making use of my Art Degree!

Please Click HERE to Vote

Patriotic Parfaits by Nancy Lee Badger

I have been terribly busy this month: three days of Jury Duty, several doctor appointments, one surgery, exercising and swimming... but I made these parfaits for our recent get-together of the family. I cheated a bit (busy, right?) and used a yellow cake mix that my sister found. 

It is SUGAR FREE and smells and tastes exactly like a cake should. This made the creation easy, so I thought someone out there might enjoy making it, too.

Nancy's Red-White-&=Blue Parfaits

Pillsbury SUGAR FREE Yellow Cake mix (or Regular cake mix)

*cook as directed using 1 cup water, 1/3 cup oil, and 3 eggs)

Strawberries, hulled and sliced

Blueberries

Sugar Free Cool Whip or Whipped Cream

Clear Glasses

Bake cake as directed. Cool, then cut into small hunks. Place some in bottom of a glass. Top with some berries. Add some whipped cream. Add more cake, berries, and cream. Place two blueberries and a slice of strawberry on top for color. Yum!

I assembled them after our dinner, and served them to my family right away. Fresh and cool and sugar-free. My Christmas in July theme this month is to help celebrate the release of my new book.

You can find all buy links for 

this book and others HERE

Happy summer!

Nancy Lee Badger

Christmas in July Release Day - TheDuke'sDiamond

 

Enjoy Christmas in July by two of your favorite authors...

DONNA STEELE  and her new book COUNTRY DOCTOR

and

Me (NANCY LEE BADGER) with THE DUKE'S DIAMOND

These ebooks are surrounded by the authors' other 

Holiday-themed ebooks such as...

Find all Donna Steele's Books HERE

Check out all my books HERE

Keeping busy in the heat and under threats by Hurricane Elsa
Nancy Lee Badger

Christmas in July Release Day & Giveaway

 

Enjoy Christmas in July by two of your favorite authors...

DONNA STEELE  and her new book COUNTRY DOCTOR

and

Me (NANCY LEE BADGER) with THE DUKE'S DIAMOND

Sale Prices are just the beginning! 

These ebooks are surrounded by the authors' other 

Holiday-themed ebooks such as...

Find all Donna Steele's Books HERE

Check out all my books HERE

As a Thank-you to my readers, grab your copy of 

THE EARL'S TREASURE 

for FREE through July 12th.

AND...

Enter to Win a $10 

AMAZON Gift Card HERE

All this to celebrate my release of

THE DUKE'S DIAMOND

Contest ENDS July 14th

Keeping busy in the heat and under threats by Hurricane Elsa
Nancy Lee Badger

1st Chapter Peek: The Duke's Diamond by Nancy Lee Badger

 

THE  DUKE’S  DIAMOND

    A Treasure Tale

 by Nancy Lee Badger

 

 

North of London

December 27, 1816

“May I offer you a ride, Your Grace?” The jingle of tackle, the creak of a carriage’s axles, and the muffled pounding of hooves over a snow-covered street grew louder. “Here is my coach.”

Payton looked up at the viscount who stood about two inches taller than his own six-foot height and sported broader shoulders. Did the viscount box or fence to stay so fit? Or, did the man more likely wear a great coat lined with thick wool against the winter winds?

“I appreciate the offer, but I wish to walk,” he said. Payton lifted his feet, right then left, to keep warm. “Fresh air and new snow are inviting.”

“Then I shall join you.” He motioned for his driver to follow and the two men began their journey.

Despite the man’s smile, Payton grew wary. As they walked, they left the smells of the gaming hell behind, replaced by the fresh scent of newly falling snow and the slight spice of whatever the viscount had splashed on his face.

Facing away from Manning, he took slow, deep breaths of clean, crisp air that managed to soothe his sudden nervousness. His companion was not someone he would like to meet in a dark alley, but he had to remind himself that Manning was a gentleman.

A poorer one, tonight, but still.

T. Lights from closely built town homes lit their way through the night and reminded him of the late hour. Where his beaver top hat and evening cloak could not reach, the back of his neck grew chilled.

A hot bath will do me good.

“This is invigorating,” the viscount said.

Payton’s suspicions increased. Did Manning want him relaxed for some nefarious reason, such as to demand the return of his signet ring and the money he lost at cards?

I am glad I had the forethought to place them in Archie’s care.

Even though he had recently met Archie Kent, the former soldier came well-recommended by his good friend, Stone. Archie saved Stone’s life and now worked as the earl’s valet.

Payton’s rented townhome stood a few blocks farther. He had no idea where Manning lived. Archie knew the man’s address, as he had spoken with a few of the servants in the viscount’s employ. That Manning could afford even the few he housed was another mystery. Why didn’t he stay in rooms meant for bachelors, where servants were not needed? How could he afford a coach, a driver, and the four tired beasts pulling the creaking vehicle?

The coach in question pulled up beside them, which is when Payton realized they had paused. Many questions lingered on the tip of his tongue. As the coach door swung open, Payton said, “Manning, I should like to know—”

Slam!

Payton’s hat went flying to the curb while he fell backward through the open coach door. He tried to roll to his side, but the small dark space prevented it. Someone tossed a sack over his head. While stunned and in shock at such manhandling of a peer of the realm, he was yanked up onto his knees. Shoved sideways, he landed in an awkward angle with his head resting on the thinly cushioned bench. The sack’s rough fabric scratched his cheek and stank of wet horsehair and whiskey.

As he lay disoriented, his leather gloves were torn from his hands and his wrists bound behind his back. He assumed Manning or the viscount’s driver treated him with contempt, yet he sensed someone else’s presence. In an attempt to turn toward his assailant, something hard and metallic slammed his skull. Beneath the blackness of the foul-smelling sack, he saw stars.

Trying not to breathe too deeply, he swayed beside the bench. With escape on his mind, he turned his head toward what he assumed was the nearest exit. Before he could move an inch, the door slammed shut and the coach took off at an unsafe speed.

Striving to remain conscious, his other senses came alive. He managed to turn and sit on the floor of the coach. Luckily, they hadn’t tied his ankles. He thought to rise, find the door, and somehow jump from the coach, but the flowery fragrance of a lady’s perfume penetrated the sack. The rustle of silk was similar to the burn of the rope around his wrists…barely perceptible. The side of his head throbbed and his back ached from his fall, but he worked to sit a little straighter. His reward? A soft sigh that filled the dark void. 

The second book in my  Treasure Tales  series will be released on 

July 9th

Find all Buy Links HERE

p.s. Happy Birthday America July 4 1776

Enchiladas and a Book by Author Nancy Lee Badger

Well, I checked all my old posts while I was creating a cover reveal for last week's blog and saw that I never posted an enchilada recipe! 

We cook these at least once a month and this oven-baked method tastes better and is healthier for us than the fried version we used many years ago. 

I always make sure I have the ingredients in our pantry since it is a great easy-to-make meal when we haven't got time for something 'fancy'. 

Nancy's Mexican Enchiladas

*8 x 8 Baking Dish (I use my very old Pfaltzgraff Ceramic)*8" Whole Wheat Soft Flat burritos (I use 6 or 7 of them)*1- 10oz. can red enchilada sauce*about 4oz. half & half (any milk could work, to make the sauce go farther) and reserve some sauce for the top*1- 4oz. can diced green chilies*1/2 lb. cooked, chopped hamburger or chicken*1 diced onion*8 oz shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (reserve some for the top)*Aluminum foil
Preheat oven to 350. Assemble by pouring half the enchilada sauce and all milk in the baking dish. Dip one soft round shell in sauce to coat both side. Spoon meat, onion, chilies and cheese on end, roll up, and push to the end. Repeat. Pour extra sauce on top as well as leftover cheese. Cover loosely with foil. 
Bake about 20 minutes then remove foil and bake about 10 minutes more or until sauce is bubbling. Let sit 5 minutes. Reheats well. I serve dotted with sour cream.
While enjoying this yummy meal, consider Pre-ordering my next bookThe Duke's Diamond HERE
Enjoy summer and stay safe! Nancy Lee Badger

Cover Reveal THE DUKE'S DIAMOND by Nancy Lee Badger

The second book in my Treasure Tales series will be released on 

July 9th

This story follows The Earl's Diamond, which was released last December. The story goes something like this:

 

Tara Scott cannot believe her stepbrother kidnapped a nobleman and tied him up in his country manor’s barn. She saves Payton from the bitter cold and starvation, then is punished by an irate Viscount Manning. When Payton helps her escape, they find themselves on a journey into Scotland that is filled with ruffians, a Highland bull, wild weather, and a sexual awakening that surprises them both. Back in England at a New Year’s ball and the second discovery of a huge blue diamond comes to a head when the viscount and his men attack. It will take Payton, Tara, and all his friends to thwart a man set on vengeance and treasure.

You can Pre-Order the ebook HERE

Creating a full-length book takes time and energy and was an accomplishment during months of a pandemic. I even found the time to make the cover. 

Did you miss the first book in the series? 

Check out all the Buy Links HERE

Keep safe!

Nancy Lee Badger

A New $.99 BOXED SET from Author Nancy Lee Badger

 

What includes all four books previously published in the 

OPPORTUNITY FALLS series

AND

gives you a never-before-publishing

NOVELLA?

The newly released ebook 

OPPORTUNITY FALLS

BOXED SET! 

The contemporary romance novels & novella are a 

$15.95 value (US) if bought separately, 

but are available on Amazon 

for only $.99 (US)

or

FREE on Kindle Unlimited

Buy Links

Amazon

Amazon UK

Amazon CAN

Amazon 

Stay safe and get ready for summer!

Nancy Lee Badger

Strawberry Time means a FREE Recipe

The weather is warming up and strawberries are ripening here in North Carolina. Its a treat since I recall having to wait until July to pick strawberries back when we lived in New Hampshire. I saw a recipe and decided to make it as sugar-free as possible. 

Nancy's Strawberry Cheesecake

2 pints strawberries, hulled and divided

2/3 cup plus 2 Tablespoons Splenda

8 rectangles graham crackers, crushed

1/2 cup butter, melted

` 8 oz pack 1/3 Fat cream cheese

2 teaspoons vanilla

3/4 container sugar-free whipped topping

In blender or food processor, roughly cut then blend 1 pint of the strawberries. Add 2 Tablespoons Splenda and the vanilla. Place mixture in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring for about 5 minutes. Cool completely.

In a bowl combine the graham cracker crumbs and butter, pour into a 9" springform pan, pie pan, aor cake pan. Tamp down with the bottom of a small measuring cup, then place in freezer. 

In a mixing bowl or food processor, blend the cream cheese until smooth. Add cooled strawberry mixture, 2/3 cup Splenda, and vanilla. Mix. Add cool-wip and blend.

Remove crust from freezer and pour in the mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. at least 4 hours. When ready to serve. add halves of strawberries on top and enjoy!

The weather might be warming up, BUT... if you are in need of a book to read while snacking on your cheesecake, consider The Earl's Treasure . Here is a short sample.

1 

 

South of the Scottish border

December 1816

 

A door slammed, and Adele grabbed the top of her dressing table to keep from tumbling from the cushioned stool. Her startled movement caused Violet to almost pull a handful of her hair from the roots. Closing her eyes, Adele choked back a whimper.

“Be still, my lady. ’Tis only the wind. I fear winter is making itself known.”

Adele shivered. Not from the gathering cold that swept over the English countryside and seeped through the manor’s cracked windows, but from the thought of venturing into the public’s eye tonight.

Light snow had started to fall that morning, darkening her mood and making her rethink her plans. Breathing slowly and pulling strength from deep inside, she concentrated on her young maid. Violet, her dark red hair tucked beneath a white mobcap, hummed a Scottish nursery tune.

The servant helped her dress for an invitation she should have ignored. How unfortunate that Violet ran the hairbrush through Adele’s long curls as if currying a horse. Since trying and failing to sell enough personal effects to pay wages, she had no cause to complain.

However, a question scratched at her mind. In lieu of wages, had Violet taken her silver mirror, the one her father had presented to her as a wedding gift? Would her servants resort to theft without asking for their wages first?

“There, my lady, yer hair shines like spun gold.”

Adele huffed in exasperation as the maid tugged and twirled and pinned her hair upon her head.

“Thank ye, Violet, though my hair is a tad too dark to call gold.Why can I not wear it in a bun at the nape of my neck as I normally do?”

“Nay, my lady! Yer a baroness! ’Tis fine for a simple life at home, here at Maxwell Hall, but not for a ball at the Duke of Bellmeer’s estate!”

“I suppose ye speak the truth, although I am concerned the dress will not do me justice.”

“Doono’ fret. Let me help ye into yer lovely gown.”

Adele had to agree the icy blue fabric’s beauty thrilled her. “’Tis not even mine.” She’d traded several jars of homemade blackberry jam with a neighbor for its use tonight. Violet clicked her tongue and helped Adele to her feet.

The fledgling maid slipped the borrowed gown over the long curls pinned atop Adele’s head. Adele fluffed the skirt and smoothed the shoulder-baring bodice, then stood as still as a Lochmaben Standing Stone.

From the corner of her eye, her image in the cracked looking-glass atop her dressing table was less than flattering. The gown itself was pretty, but two or three years out of fashion. She didn’t mind. The rounded bodice cradled her generous breasts, but felt too loose in other places.

A deep breath and a less than stellar smile would keep Violet from fussing over her any longer, but Adele’s senses reeled as the hour to depart drew near. Panic grew with every labored breath.

Ridiculous!

She had no reason to be afraid. Any excuse for leaving Maxwell Hall ought to be a cause for celebration, not something to fear. She had to go. She must thank Fanny Hartwell for inviting her to the ball. The dowager duchess had spent months trying to coax her to return to society and would welcome Adele’s presence, tonight.

“Although, staying home would be a lot less trouble.”

“Did ye say something, my lady?”

Adele snorted.

She seldom talked anymore. Over the last few years, she’d lived like a recluse and so unlike the lass of her youth. Fanny’s ball, at her grandson’s nearby great estate, might turn into an opportunity to end her loneliness. Meeting neighbors and nobles from London was a treat and she would mingle, dance, and enjoy the company of ladies and well-dressed men.

Liar.

Find all BUY LINKS HERE

Keep safe and enjoy Spring!

Nancy Lee Badger