Kate Collins's Blog, page 62
May 27, 2018
MEMORIAL DAY
Honoring those who have sacrificed their lives for us.
May 24, 2018
New for you!
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
Woo-hoo! The second Lotus Bay, full-length novel, A REEL CATCH, is now available for pre-order in ebook. The paperback and audio links will come later (not so easy for a small press to get a pre-order for those editions).
I'm really happy with this book and hope you guys will love it, too. But why make you wait until August? Because I have (Lorna Barrett) books coming out in June and July (and possibly two short stories coming out this summer) and don't want to inundate you.
Here's the description:
Swans Nest Inn is about to open, and Kathy Grant solicits her BFF, Tori Cannon, to help spruce up her property at the marshy end of Lotus Bay, only they didn’t count on finding a body. Who was he? What’s his connection to their friend Paul Darcy? Meanwhile, two entrepreneurs with vast business ties are interested in helping Tori reopen the Lotus Lodge, and their real motives are as murky as the bay after a storm. Will Swans Nest open on time? Will the Lotus Lodge reopen at all?
Kindle US | Kindle Worldwide | Nook | iBooks | Kobo | My Website
Meanwhile, Cozy Chick emeritus, Ellery Adams's long-awaited 7th Supper Club Mystery, PASTA MORTEM is now available!
Librarian James Henry and his supper club sleuths will take a trip down memory lane searching for clues that will help catch a killer . . .
Get your copy now!
Kindle US | Kindle Worldwide | Nook
Kobo | iBooks
I hope you'll give both of these books a try!
Thank you!
Woo-hoo! The second Lotus Bay, full-length novel, A REEL CATCH, is now available for pre-order in ebook. The paperback and audio links will come later (not so easy for a small press to get a pre-order for those editions).I'm really happy with this book and hope you guys will love it, too. But why make you wait until August? Because I have (Lorna Barrett) books coming out in June and July (and possibly two short stories coming out this summer) and don't want to inundate you.
Here's the description:
Swans Nest Inn is about to open, and Kathy Grant solicits her BFF, Tori Cannon, to help spruce up her property at the marshy end of Lotus Bay, only they didn’t count on finding a body. Who was he? What’s his connection to their friend Paul Darcy? Meanwhile, two entrepreneurs with vast business ties are interested in helping Tori reopen the Lotus Lodge, and their real motives are as murky as the bay after a storm. Will Swans Nest open on time? Will the Lotus Lodge reopen at all?
Kindle US | Kindle Worldwide | Nook | iBooks | Kobo | My Website
Meanwhile, Cozy Chick emeritus, Ellery Adams's long-awaited 7th Supper Club Mystery, PASTA MORTEM is now available!Librarian James Henry and his supper club sleuths will take a trip down memory lane searching for clues that will help catch a killer . . .
Get your copy now!
Kindle US | Kindle Worldwide | Nook
Kobo | iBooks
I hope you'll give both of these books a try!
Thank you!
May 23, 2018
Launch Party for Murder With Cinnamon Scones
by Karen Rose Smith
You are invited to a Facebook launch party for MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES!
When I have a mystery book release I enjoy celebrating with my readers. For the release of MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES on May 29, I have planned an all day chat and prize giveaway as well as a fast-paced virtual party from 7-9 p.m.
Here are a few of my giveaways for the launch party which have an Amish theme.
In this Daisy’s Tea Garden mystery, quilts play a prominent role.
Join me on May 29th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. EDTatKaren's Facebook Author Page
Here’s a preview of MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES (which includes a recipe for the scones):
Daisy Swanson and her Aunt Iris run a delightful shop in Pennsylvania’s Amish country with an emphasis on tasty teas and treats—but murder is not so sweet . . .
As local merchants unite to attract tourists for a much anticipated weekend quilting event, business is sure to spill over into eateries like Daisy’s Tea Garden. Gorgeous craftwork is hanging everywhere—but among the quilts, potholders, and placemats, one gallery owner is wrapped up in some dangerous affairs . . .
Reese Masemer had been dating one of Daisy’s employees, Tessa, an artist, though their last interaction was as strained as a cup of loose leaf tea. Now Reese has been found dead near a covered bridge where Tessa’s been practicing her sketches. She’s the obvious suspect, but Daisy’s learning that there were some major secrets in Reese’s background, and several of his relationships were infused with resentment. To save Tessa, she’ll have to find out who’s tainted this quaint little town with murder . . .
MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES on Amazon
MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES on Barnes and Noble
You are invited to a Facebook launch party for MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES!
When I have a mystery book release I enjoy celebrating with my readers. For the release of MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES on May 29, I have planned an all day chat and prize giveaway as well as a fast-paced virtual party from 7-9 p.m. 
Here are a few of my giveaways for the launch party which have an Amish theme. In this Daisy’s Tea Garden mystery, quilts play a prominent role.
Join me on May 29th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. EDTatKaren's Facebook Author Page
Here’s a preview of MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES (which includes a recipe for the scones):
Daisy Swanson and her Aunt Iris run a delightful shop in Pennsylvania’s Amish country with an emphasis on tasty teas and treats—but murder is not so sweet . . .
As local merchants unite to attract tourists for a much anticipated weekend quilting event, business is sure to spill over into eateries like Daisy’s Tea Garden. Gorgeous craftwork is hanging everywhere—but among the quilts, potholders, and placemats, one gallery owner is wrapped up in some dangerous affairs . . .
Reese Masemer had been dating one of Daisy’s employees, Tessa, an artist, though their last interaction was as strained as a cup of loose leaf tea. Now Reese has been found dead near a covered bridge where Tessa’s been practicing her sketches. She’s the obvious suspect, but Daisy’s learning that there were some major secrets in Reese’s background, and several of his relationships were infused with resentment. To save Tessa, she’ll have to find out who’s tainted this quaint little town with murder . . .
MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES on Amazon
MURDER WITH CINNAMON SCONES on Barnes and Noble
The yumminess of it all!
Hi, Duffy Brown here and today is watermelon day mostly because I went to the grocery store, finally, and they had watermelon. I love watermelon so today I’m doing a few ways to serve it up. And the serving has to be super simple, who wants to stay inside on a nice summer day and cook!
First there’s my fave, the watermelon pizza. If summer had a taste this is it! Bite into a slice of summer with this easy, no-carb dessert. In a small bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, honey, and vanilla together until combined. Spread mixture onto slice of watermelon and top with berries, mint, and toasted coconut. Serve immediately.
Then there’s watermelon salad. Watermelon, chicken, baby spinach, almonds, and blue cheese (yes!), drizzled with balsamic glaze… it really can’t get any better than that!
We can always do watermelon itself. I make the cutout bowl all the time but
this porcupine cutout is adorable! I need to try this next time. The kids would love it and even eat a fruit!
What about watermelon punch. I’m doing it this year. It looks like so much fun. Cut off the top and bottom leaving 2 inches of pulp at the bottom so it doesn’t leak, scoop out the inside, cut hole for spigot…you see these everywhere, add your fave fruit punch loaded or not. You can eat the scoopings and add the juice back into the watermelon. What fun.
Next week we’ll tackle corn. I just love corn on the cob!
First there’s my fave, the watermelon pizza. If summer had a taste this is it! Bite into a slice of summer with this easy, no-carb dessert. In a small bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, honey, and vanilla together until combined. Spread mixture onto slice of watermelon and top with berries, mint, and toasted coconut. Serve immediately.
Then there’s watermelon salad. Watermelon, chicken, baby spinach, almonds, and blue cheese (yes!), drizzled with balsamic glaze… it really can’t get any better than that!We can always do watermelon itself. I make the cutout bowl all the time but
this porcupine cutout is adorable! I need to try this next time. The kids would love it and even eat a fruit!
What about watermelon punch. I’m doing it this year. It looks like so much fun. Cut off the top and bottom leaving 2 inches of pulp at the bottom so it doesn’t leak, scoop out the inside, cut hole for spigot…you see these everywhere, add your fave fruit punch loaded or not. You can eat the scoopings and add the juice back into the watermelon. What fun.
Next week we’ll tackle corn. I just love corn on the cob!
May 22, 2018
Springtime. . . At Last!
by Maggie SeftonSorry to be late this Tuesday morning. Yesterday was a jammed full day which went into the evening.
I'm SO happy that's it's FINALLY Springtime here in Northern Colorado---and in other parts of the country if you watch the Weather Channel. ( I actually love that channel which shows what's going on all over the United States).
This week I will finally be able to buy some of my favorite annuals to plant in my flower garadens, planters, and pots that fill my front yard and line my walkway. And sit all around my backyard patio and hang from the tall hooks I have on all the corners. I love, love relaxing on a chaise lounge on my patio and being surrounded by bright, colorful summer flowers. :)
I will be busy planting this week and will keep you folks updated with some photos of the tiny annuals. Those bright, cheerful, colorful Petunias are still my favorites. And they're so very hardy. You can't beat that.
May 20, 2018
THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT.
Mary Kennedy
When I saw this cartoon, it reminded me of my own experiences with "things that go bump in the night." When you hear a noise in the house, for a heart-thumping moment, you immediately think, "Is it a robber? A home invasion? A ghost?"
But what if it's a furry four legged creature? Most of the time, it's been a cat! And it always seems to happen when I'm alone in the house, like one of those silly heroines in a Wes Craven movie. One night, I woke up from a sound sleep, when I heard a noise coming from the bathroom that's attached to the bedroom. Weird, I thought, and tried to go back to sleep. I was alone in the house, but not panicky because I remembered I'd left the bathroom window open to get some night air. And the bedroom is on the second floor so it seemed unlikely anyone would want to break in that way.
But Oscar, a slightly nervous cat, felt differently. He woke up the same time I did, and stared fixedly at the open bathroom door. I put my hand on him to reassure him, but he was having none of it. He gave a low growl and the fur was standing up on his back. Oh no! Now my heart was tap dancing in my chest.
"It's nothing, Oscar," I said in my most reassuring tone. Oscar ignored me and moved quickly to the bottom of the bed, never taking his eyes off the open door. And then, to my horror, he moved his head slowly from right to left, scanning something. Something I couldn't see. Something moving. Something approaching. As if an unseen person, or thing, was moving slowly towards the bed.
Now I was in full panic mode. I jumped up and turned on the light. Just as I expected, there was nothing there. But Oscar had given every indication, he'd seen something moving in the shadows. Was it impossible to get back to sleep? Well, let's just say I left all the bedroom lights on and the TV.blaring. I think I finally fell asleep around 3:00 am.
Do cats see things we don't? Sometimes I wonder. It took Oscar a long time to settle down, too.
Have you had any experiences like this? It was very unsettling for me. (and for Oscar!)
Mary Kennedy
When I saw this cartoon, it reminded me of my own experiences with "things that go bump in the night." When you hear a noise in the house, for a heart-thumping moment, you immediately think, "Is it a robber? A home invasion? A ghost?"
But what if it's a furry four legged creature? Most of the time, it's been a cat! And it always seems to happen when I'm alone in the house, like one of those silly heroines in a Wes Craven movie. One night, I woke up from a sound sleep, when I heard a noise coming from the bathroom that's attached to the bedroom. Weird, I thought, and tried to go back to sleep. I was alone in the house, but not panicky because I remembered I'd left the bathroom window open to get some night air. And the bedroom is on the second floor so it seemed unlikely anyone would want to break in that way.
But Oscar, a slightly nervous cat, felt differently. He woke up the same time I did, and stared fixedly at the open bathroom door. I put my hand on him to reassure him, but he was having none of it. He gave a low growl and the fur was standing up on his back. Oh no! Now my heart was tap dancing in my chest.
"It's nothing, Oscar," I said in my most reassuring tone. Oscar ignored me and moved quickly to the bottom of the bed, never taking his eyes off the open door. And then, to my horror, he moved his head slowly from right to left, scanning something. Something I couldn't see. Something moving. Something approaching. As if an unseen person, or thing, was moving slowly towards the bed.
Now I was in full panic mode. I jumped up and turned on the light. Just as I expected, there was nothing there. But Oscar had given every indication, he'd seen something moving in the shadows. Was it impossible to get back to sleep? Well, let's just say I left all the bedroom lights on and the TV.blaring. I think I finally fell asleep around 3:00 am.
Do cats see things we don't? Sometimes I wonder. It took Oscar a long time to settle down, too.
Have you had any experiences like this? It was very unsettling for me. (and for Oscar!)
Mary Kennedy
May 18, 2018
It's rhubarb season
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
This year I've got a bumper crop of rhubarb. Of course, the thing I love to make is rhubarb chutney, but I made so much of it two years ago, that I haven't even started last year's jars. And -- holy cow, did I mention that bumper crop???
Luckily, Mr. L loves rhubarb ANYTHING. In years past, I've made him rhubarb crisp and strawberry rhubarb pies. My folks like rhubarb and Bird's custard.
I'm going for rhubarb bread and here's the recipe I'm using.
Rhubarb Bread
Ingredients
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1½ cups brown sugar
1 egg
2½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk (liquid or made from powder)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1½ cup chopped rhubarb (small but not fine)
¾ cup chopped walnuts
Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC, Gas Mark 4). Mix the oil, brown sugar, and egg together in mixing bowl. Alternate with flour, salt and soda. Add buttermilk, vanilla, rhubarb and walnuts. Bake in a well-greased tube pan for 34-55 minutes. Test with a toothpick to see if done. This recipe tastes better the day after baking. Refrigerate any leftovers. Keeps well in the freezer for several weeks.
Yield: 12-16 slices
What's your favorite rhubarb recipe?
This year I've got a bumper crop of rhubarb. Of course, the thing I love to make is rhubarb chutney, but I made so much of it two years ago, that I haven't even started last year's jars. And -- holy cow, did I mention that bumper crop???Luckily, Mr. L loves rhubarb ANYTHING. In years past, I've made him rhubarb crisp and strawberry rhubarb pies. My folks like rhubarb and Bird's custard.
I'm going for rhubarb bread and here's the recipe I'm using.
Rhubarb Bread
Ingredients
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1½ cups brown sugar
1 egg
2½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk (liquid or made from powder)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1½ cup chopped rhubarb (small but not fine)
¾ cup chopped walnuts
Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC, Gas Mark 4). Mix the oil, brown sugar, and egg together in mixing bowl. Alternate with flour, salt and soda. Add buttermilk, vanilla, rhubarb and walnuts. Bake in a well-greased tube pan for 34-55 minutes. Test with a toothpick to see if done. This recipe tastes better the day after baking. Refrigerate any leftovers. Keeps well in the freezer for several weeks.
Yield: 12-16 slices
What's your favorite rhubarb recipe?
May 17, 2018
Lancaster County Tea Room
by Karen Rose Smith
I've been participating in book signings for as long as I've been published in 1992. They usually take place at a book store or with a group of authors. With the first book release in my new cozy series, Daisy's Tea Garden, I decided to do something a little different--have book signings at tea rooms in the area.
For Mother's Day weekend, I signed books at Sugarplums & Tea in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. My new series is set in Lancaster County and I was excited to meet everyone who came for lunch and tea on Saturday. The setting for the Sugarplums & Tea establishment is gorgeous. As you can see from the photos, the gardens are beautiful. Customers can enjoy lunch or Courtyard Tea at one of the outside patios where the umbrellas are positioned.
This is the pastry case at the tea room. The baker baked a special version of Sugarplums' lemon tea cakes.
At the book signing, I met many women who enjoy both cozy mysteries and tea rooms. We discussed books, tea delicacies, and life in Lancaster. The time sped by.
After my book signing, I enjoyed Courtyard Tea with my husband and a friend. She brought along one of her friends and we all connected right away. Bookclubs, research and past history kept us engaged as we enjoyed each course.
Some of the savory offerings were chicken Cordon Bleu bites, fried zucchini drizzled with raspberry sauce, chicken salad with habenaro sauce. Sweet treats included the lemon tea cakes, cherry tarts, coffee and brownie mousse. I enjoyed Orange Oolong tea with the servings. All of the food was excellent.
Have you ever been to a tea room?
I've been participating in book signings for as long as I've been published in 1992. They usually take place at a book store or with a group of authors. With the first book release in my new cozy series, Daisy's Tea Garden, I decided to do something a little different--have book signings at tea rooms in the area.
For Mother's Day weekend, I signed books at Sugarplums & Tea in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. My new series is set in Lancaster County and I was excited to meet everyone who came for lunch and tea on Saturday. The setting for the Sugarplums & Tea establishment is gorgeous. As you can see from the photos, the gardens are beautiful. Customers can enjoy lunch or Courtyard Tea at one of the outside patios where the umbrellas are positioned.
This is the pastry case at the tea room. The baker baked a special version of Sugarplums' lemon tea cakes.
At the book signing, I met many women who enjoy both cozy mysteries and tea rooms. We discussed books, tea delicacies, and life in Lancaster. The time sped by.
After my book signing, I enjoyed Courtyard Tea with my husband and a friend. She brought along one of her friends and we all connected right away. Bookclubs, research and past history kept us engaged as we enjoyed each course.
Some of the savory offerings were chicken Cordon Bleu bites, fried zucchini drizzled with raspberry sauce, chicken salad with habenaro sauce. Sweet treats included the lemon tea cakes, cherry tarts, coffee and brownie mousse. I enjoyed Orange Oolong tea with the servings. All of the food was excellent.
Have you ever been to a tea room?
May 16, 2018
Graduation Gifts
It’s graduation time and always exciting. The ceremony, cap and gown, off to a new school or new career, maybe even a new place to live and the parties. I love graduation parties and seeing everyone. And it’s always fun to think about where the graduate has come from and where their future plans will take them.Even if it’s just graduation from kindergarten the little ones are already thinking about first grade and the big kids school. Then graduation from eighth grade and going to high school. Always a big step.Graduation from high school is probably the biggest and most celebrated. This is more of not just graduation from high school being celebrated but the fact of going on to being an adult.This is probably why graduating from high school is so important, it’s the passage from childhood to adulthood and now making your own way in the world.The child no longer exists where the parent makes the decision but the child now adult makes his/her own decisions and chooses their own path in life. They choose their major and certain field of work.I think this is why I always give this book to the graduates along with some money. Why give money is obvious, life is not cheap no matter what they decide to do and at this stage they are contributing to their expenses, at least they should be IMHO. Money helps get them on their way.This book promises the future and the adventures that lie ahead. Nothing more fun and exciting than that.
May 15, 2018
Twenty-three Days And Counting
by Maggie Sefton
I apologize for my late posting today, Cozy Chicks Readers and Friends. I was traveling
all day yesterday, returning from over three weeks back in Northern Virginia with Family and Friends. Non-stop busy. Plus, the yearly mystery conference, Malice Domestic, also took place during that time at a new hotel location in Washington, D.C. it was great to touch base with old friends and fellow mystery authors.
Plus, this morning I set my alarm to wake up in time to watch my NASA Astronaut daughter Serena in an interview and answering questions about her upcoming launch to the International Space Station, ISS, on June 6 next month. Exciting!
Since this is a late post already, I want to get it up on our Cozy Chicks Blog website right away, so no new photos. I'll simply post a previous photo of Serena and her crewmates that will also launch with her on June 6th. They will replace three other astronauts who will be returning to Earth. Six months is a long time, folks. Needless to say, I'll be checking that NASA website frequently. :)
