Karen Docter's Blog, page 154

**Author Peek** Interview & Killer Book Bench with by GONE TO THE DOGS, A Second Chance Romance Author Linda Rettstatt

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 [image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

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GONE TO THE DOGS

A Second Chance Romance

BY LINDA RETTSTATT

Blurb

When her best friend is injured in a sky-diving accident, Emily Price jumps at the chance to flee New York and give Carrie the support she needs. Ransom Cove, the small town on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, turns out to be just what Emily needs to overcome writer’s block. Dr. Noah Holt, the local veterinarian and Carrie’s third-best friend, is skeptical from the start that Emily is the person Carrie most needs. He could be right, but Emily is the person Carrie has chosen. The biggest challenge for Emily isn’t uprooting herself from New York, finishing her manuscript, or nursing her friend back to health. Her biggest challenge is Daisy, a twelve pound terrier mix, and stepping in to run Beach Dawgs Spa & Resort, her friend’s business. Emily tells everyone she is not a dog person, but no one seems to be listening–least of all Daisy. Then there’s Noah…

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[image error]GONE TO THE DOGS

A Second Chance Romance

BY LINDA RETTSTATT

Excerpt

Emily hung up with a familiar feeling of self-loathing. Here she was—thirty-five years old and still not settled down. She had a college degree in English. She could teach. She could do a lot of things. But, no, she had to follow her dream. And look where that had gotten her. An agent who was threatening to sever ties. A publisher that was growing impatient. A career that had barely gotten off the ground. She was pathetic. Perhaps her father was right. She should get a ‘real’ job. She could go back to teaching. That thought brought a shudder. Teaching was an honorable profession, but not for her.

Before the pity party took on a life of its own, she looked up Noah Holt’s phone number on her phone.

He answered on the second ring. “Dr. Holt.”

“Hi. This is Emily.”

“I’m sorry, I…”

“Emily Price. Carrie’s friend.”

“Oh, yes. I think it’s just worms.”

“Excuse me?”

[image error] INTRODUCING Linda Rettstatt….

BIO: Linda Rettstatt is an award-winning author who discovered her passion for writing after years of working in the human services field. When she’s not writing, Linda loves travel, penny slot machines, and figuring out what makes people tick. Her fantasy is to win the lottery, buy an old Victorian home on the eastern shore, and open a writer’s retreat. While she waits for that fantasy to materialize (i.e. that miracle to happen), she continues to live and work in NW Mississippi and to write under the constant observation of her tuxedo cat, Binky.

Interview:

Before we get started talking about your writing, tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you do for a living (if you’re not a full – time writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share to introduce yourself.

I’m Linda Rettstatt. I grew up in the small town of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, south of Pittsburgh. So I’m a small-town girl at heart. After getting my master’s in social work later in life, I made a move to Mississippi to work for a non-profit. I still work four days a week in social work to pay the rent, but writing is my true passion. Nine years ago, I adopted a cat from a local shelter Binky now owns my heart and my apartment. She’s my personal mews. Two things I enjoy for relaxation are playing penny slot machines and traveling when I can. I belong to a local group of writers who meet weekly for dinner and writing, but mostly we just talk (and eat). We also formed the Desoto Writers Alliance that works with the local libraries to offer writing-related programs for new and emerging writers, as well as setting up book signings with local authors. I also recently started my own editing/proofreading service.

1. What’s your favorite part of the writing process? 

I love that first burst of inspiration when the idea for a story is fresh and new and developing. It’s exciting to start writing and see where the characters will lead me.

2.  If you were to choose one superpower, what would it be?

Definitely invisibility. I love to people-watch, and what better way then close-up when they can’t see you?

3. Do you ever get stuck when you’re writing a book? What do you do to get “unstuck”?

I’m usually writing two or three books at the same time, and often in different genres, so I’m rarely stuck. If I’m not sure what comes next, I hop over to another story and write there for a bit until the problem becomes clear with the first story. It works for me.

4. What is your least favorite part of writing?

Marketing—ugh. It is such a chore to find avenues for promotion without flooding the same people over and over.

5. If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?

My own version of a dish Olive Garden used to have on their menu—Chicken Giardino. It’s chicken in olive oil, the juice of one squeezed lemon, and the juice of one can of black olives, with broccoli, zucchini, yellow and red peppers, yellow squash, carrots, tomatoes, and the black olives, all served over angel hair pasta with grated romano or aged asiago cheese. You can also make this dish without meat. (And now I’m hungry for this dish, and it’s hard to make for one person. So come on over.)

6. What do you wish you’d done differently when you first started the publishing process?

Probably that I knew more about the PR and Marketing aspects of this business. I knew nothing about the ‘rules’ when I started writing eighteen years ago. That was a good thing because I wrote freely, unfettered by those rules. Now I’ve learned the rules and how to break them. I published first with small indie publishers and quickly learned that it meant I would do a lion’s share of the promotions for my books. I’m still on the learning edge of how to do that well.

7. What is most difficult for you to write?  Characters, conflict, or emotions? Why?

I’d say conflict is a challenge for me. Of course, it depends on the genre I’m writing. I’m better with internal conflict than with external conflict. I think my former work as a psychotherapist (one word, please) is both a help and a hindrance. I can delve into internal conflict easily. But my instincts often are to help the characters resolve conflict too quickly, and I have to pull back and let them suffer a little.

8.  A penguin walks into your office, right now, wearing a sombrero. What does he say to you and why is he here?

“Ola. Is dinner ready? I heard about this great recipe you have for pasta.”

9.  If you could wave a magic wand, what ill in the world would you solve and why?

Oh, where do I start? I think, perhaps, the fear and hatred that divide people. We’re all more alike than we are different. But fear of those differences seem to fuel the hatred and division among people. And why? Because it would be so nice to live in peace.

10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?

I just published a new sweet seasoned romance (characters in mid- to late-thirties/second chance) titled Gone to the Dogs. Think Hallmark movie material. Struggling author Emily Price gets a call that her best friend, Carrie Spiegel, was badly injured in a sky diving accident. She flies from New York to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to help care for her friend. Part of her responsibility is to also look after Carrie’s dog, Daisy, and her business, Beach Dawgs Spa & Resort. The problem: Emily is NOT a dog person. She gets little sympathy from veterinarian, Dr. Noah Holt, Carrie’s other best friend. As much as Emily does not want to get involved with a man (recent breakup), Noah is equally resistant to an attraction. But things do change once Emily’s ‘gone to the dogs.’

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Links to Linda’s website, blog, books, etc.

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/2Il0mMu

Website:  www.lindarettstatt.com

Blog:     www.onewomanswrite.blogspot.com

Facebook:  Linda Rettstatt, Writing for Women

Editing service FB page: Linda Edits 4 U

Twitter:   @linda_rettstatt

Or at Amazon.com as Linda Rettstatt

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[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY: Linda is giving away an ebook copy of GONE TO THE DOGS to one person who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.

Thanks, Linda, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

 

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: 8 SECONDS TO LOVE, Tumbling Creek Ranch Book 1 by Paty Jager

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 [image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

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8 SECONDS TO LOVE

Tumbling Creek Ranch Book 1

BY PATY JAGER

Blurb

Lacey Wallis has put blood, sweat, and tears into her dream of making it to the National Finals Rodeo and isn’t about to let an injury stop her. However, she didn’t expect the ER nurse to be the man she had a crush on years ago, or to discover that crush hadn’t been one-sided.

Jared McIntyre lived through loving and the death of one thrill-seeking woman, and wasn’t about to let that happen again. Especially not to Lacey. But that would mean he’d have to allow himself to love again.

Which will it be, a life-long dream, or the love of a lifetime?

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[image error]8 SECONDS TO LOVE

Tumbling Creek Ranch Book 1

BY PATY JAGER

Excerpt

She stared at him. “You care whether or not I get a chance to ride in the finals?”

“I don’t like you riding bulls, but I don’t like to see dreams crushed.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “Everyone needs a dream or goal. It’s what gets them out of bed every day.”

“What is your dream?” She stepped closer, nearly touching their bodies.

His body sprang to life at her nearness. He cupped the back of her head with his hand and brought her lips an inch from his. “To forget the past and take charge of the future.”

Her wide eyes stared into his. “How about take charge of the present?” The breath from her words whispered across his lips moments before she closed the inch between them.

She’d made her move, now it was time for him to make his. Jared opened his mouth and she followed. His tongue sought her moist heat and sweetness. He could tell by her clumsy attempts to mate her tongue to his, she had less experience. The knowledge only made him want to show her more.

The hand not cupping her head, slipped under her open shirt and cupped her breast. She moaned and pressed closer. He squeezed her breast and slid his leg between hers, lifting her slightly. Her body wiggled, and he felt her desire dampening his thigh.

A horse snorted and stamped a hoof.

He broke free of the kiss and lowered his leg. This wasn’t the place to bring her to an orgasm.

Lacey’s hand fisted in his shirt. She peered up at him. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No.” He nodded toward the barn and the buildings beyond. “I’m not a fool. Someone could come along…” He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t want anyone to get the wrong impression about you or me.”

“What does that mean?” She released his shirt and took a step back.

“I won’t take advantage of you when you’re vulnerable.”  The sparks in her eyes revealed he’d said the wrong thing. But he needed to keep her away. While he cared for her and God knew his body reacted to her without provocation, he didn’t want her in his life. She was too much like Anita. He couldn’t lose another woman he loved.

“I’m not vulnerable. I might have a bum arm, but I am sure as hell not vulnerable. I knew what I was doing when I pressed my lips to yours.” She spun away from him and marched into the barn.

The door slammed shut.

“No, you aren’t vulnerable.  I am.”

[image error]Meet Author Paty Jager…

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 30+ novels, 8 novellas, and a dozen short stories of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

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Links to Paty’s website, blog, books, etc.

blog / website /  Facebook / Paty’s Posse / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest / Bookbub

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Paty-Jager/e/B002I7M0VK

Universal buy link:

https://www.books2read.com/u/b5M1Ep

Newsletter- Mystery:

https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/93704/

Newsletter- Western:

https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/94031

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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY: Paty is giving away an ebook copy of the second book in the series, Love Me Anyway, to one person who comments on her **Author Peek** Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs.

Thanks, Paty, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

 

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: STRIPPED, The Blue HEAT Series by Tara Wyatt

 [image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

STRIPPED

The Blue Heat Series

BY TARA WYATT

Blurb

The first in a sexy new series from Tara Wyatt!

Detective Sawyer Matthews isn’t just having a bad day—he’s having the worst day. His hunt for the criminal who killed his team member has stalled and now… he’s got to play nice with his new, totally unwanted partner. It’s not that she isn’t qualified, or that he doesn’t like her—it’s because he knows what she looks like naked. So very, very naked.

Brooke Simmons finally landed her dream job working for H.E.A.T, an elite undercover detective squad, and she’s not giving up simply because she had a one-night-stand with her sullen—but undeniably sexy—new partner. They’ll just have to keep it professional. Easier said than done, considering their first case requires Sawyer to infiltrate a drug cartel operating out of a male strip show. Watching him do his best Magic Mike impression every night isn’t just hot—it’s torture.

Sawyer doesn’t need any distractions, yet his attraction to Brooke is explosive and he can’t resist going for round two. Or three. Or four. But as their investigation progresses and danger mounts, they’ll have to put their jobs, hearts, and lives on the line to fight… for each other, for survival, and for justice.

About the Book

Stripped

by Tara Wyatt

Series

The Blue HEAT Series

Genre

Adult

Contemporary Romance

Publisher

Avon Impulse

Publication Date

May 15, 2018

Get Your Copy Today!

Amazon  | Avon Romance  | Barnes & Noble  | Google Play | iBooks

About Author Tara Wyatt…

Tara Wyatt is an award-winning romantic suspense and contemporary romance author known for her fast-paced writing, humor, and sexy love scenes. She lives in Hamilton, Ontario with the cutest dog in the world and a husband who makes all of her heroes look like chumps.

Author Links

    

 

This promotion is brought to you by Pure Textuality PR.

**Author Peek** Interview with 8 SECONDS TO LOVE: Tumbling Creek Ranch Series Author Paty Jager

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 [image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

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[image error] INTRODUCING Paty Jager….

Before we get started talking about your writing, tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you do for a living (if you’re not a full – time writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share to introduce yourself.

Hello. Thank you for having me on Book Bench! I am Paty Jager, I write western romance and murder mystery starring Cowboys and Indians. Today, I’m wearing my western romance hat. I grew up on a farm, riding my horse all over the mountain behind our house. We raised hogs, cattle, and sheep along with hay and grain crops. I’ve lived a western lifestyle since I can remember. Currently, my hubby of 39 years and I raise alfalfa for hay in SE Oregon. We are down to only having to be home during irrigation and hay season. Which gives us time to go on trips. Looking forward to visiting our daughter and her family in Maine this Fall.  Besides writing and helping with the hay, I like to ride horses and sew.

1. How did you get started writing?

Like most writers, I was an avid reader growing up. I had an aha moment in high school when the teacher read my story to the class and there wasn’t a sound when she finished. That’s when I realized I could put words on paper that moved people. I took writing classes when my children entered grade school and landed a freelance reporter job with the local paper. While doing that I was working on my first novel. This was in the 80’s. I didn’t really start taking my novel writing seriously until the oldest were out of school. Then I sought writing groups and information and started actively sending out queries. I landed a publishing contract in 2006.

2. What appeals to you about the genre that you write?

I love writing about the raw and wild west in my historical western romance because of the code of the cowboy back then, the freedom women had in the west. They weren’t as restricted as in the east because more times than not they worked alongside their fathers, brothers, and husbands to make sure there was enough food on the table and children were clothed. I like writing about contemporary westerns because I don’t have to do as much research and living in a rural area you see the respect the cowboys here have for women, children, and animals.

3. What is your favorite part of writing?

I like coming up the characters and the premise of the book. Which is kind of like research and that is my favorite thing about all the genres I write- Research.

4. If you had to give up writing and do something else, what would you do instead?

I can’t give up writing. It is something I have to do. My husband learned early on in our marriage that if I didn’t write for a while, I became grumpy. So when I became grumpy, he’d say, “Go write.” I need the outlet of writing. I also found I had less scary scenarios playing out in my head when I write. Like: If my husband told me he’d be home by 2 and I don’t hear from him by 4 my mind starts conjuring up all kinds of bad things that could have happened to him. I had this a lot early in our marriage before I started writing consistently. Now I put all those bad things into my books and I don’t worry about him or any other member of the family if they are a late or haven’t called.

5. What’s your favorite meal of the day?

I would say breakfast- but I eat yogurt, frozen blueberries and granola. I don’t like the traditional breakfast food. Never have.

6. Which are your favorite characters to write, the female characters or the male characters? The heroes and heroines, or the villains?

This is tough! I like writing both female and male characters. They all challenge me to make them unique and true to themselves. I actually like to write the fun secondary characters- the sidekicks.

7. Are you an avid reader?  When you do read someone else’s writing, what is your favorite genre?

I would have to say I am an avid reader. I read signs, cereal boxes, if there are letters I’m making them into words and reading. But these days I read mostly manuscripts from critique partners and books for research. About once a month I get to read a book for fun. But being on a computer and writing or marketing from 9am to 4pm, the last thing I want to do is read. I read the research books while I eat lunch and sometimes at night if hubby is watching a show I don’t like. My 2 hours of TV time at night is my wind down time. My favorite genre to read is mystery. It has been since I read Nancy Drew as a 6th grader.

8. Many writers dream of having the ideal location to write. If you could live anywhere in the world or live a particular lifestyle, where would you be answering these questions right now?

Right here. I love the area where we live. It’s remote and rural. Rarely does anyone show up during the day and disturb me. Other than my hubby. I love that we have landed here. I do love the Oregon Coast and wouldn’t mind spending time there, but I don’t like all the gloom and rain.

9. If you were a color, what color would you be and why?

I’d be the colors in a sunset. The muted shades match my reserve and are calming. Yet, you know by the wonderful colors that though the day is done, there will be a fantastic day tomorrow.

10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?

The next book in the Tumbling Creek Ranch series, Love Me Anyway, is currently in the box set, Cowboy Charmed. Fall in love with six incredible tales of men who know how to treat a woman… https://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Charmed-Stephanie-Berget-ebook/dp/B07811QZFJ

This book will be available as a single in July.

Paty Jager – Love Me Anyway

Melanie Trask is hiding at a remote dude ranch. When she and the ranch owner can no longer deny their feelings, he offers to help her divorce her abusive husband. But she has one more secret she hasn’t revealed…

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Be sure to come back to learn more about Paty Jager’s novel, 8 SECONDS TO LOVE, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog!

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Links to Paty’s website, blog, books, etc.

blog / website /  Facebook / Paty’s Posse / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest / Bookbub

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Paty-Jager/e/B002I7M0VK

Universal buy link:

https://www.books2read.com/u/b5M1Ep

Newsletter- Mystery:

https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/93704/

Newsletter- Western:

https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/94031

~~~

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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY: Paty is giving away an ebook copy of the second book in the series, Love Me Anyway, to one person who comments on her **Author Peek** Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs.

Thanks, Paty, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

 

 

Congratulations Week 05-07-18 Blog Giveaway Winners!!

[image error] CONGRATULATIONS WEEK

05-07-18

BLOG GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!

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[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Nora Page…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Nora is giving away a hardback copy (U.S. Only) of BETTER OFF READ to one person who comments on her **Author Peek** Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs.

Thanks, Nora, for sharing your book with us!

WINNERS: MARY LOU WYLIE!!

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[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Anya Summers…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Anya is giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one person who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.

Thanks, Anya, for sharing your book with us!

WINNER: LORI H!!

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DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THESE BOOKS!!
[image error] KILLING SECRETS, Thorne’s Thorns Book 1

By Bestselling Author K.L. Docter

Blurb: Some secrets are better left dead.

Rachel James’ ex-husband is released from prison determined to reclaim her and her little girl — the child is his key to controlling the James fortune. Frightened, Rachel flees to Denver with the child who hasn’t uttered a word since her daddy went to prison.

Contractor Patrick Thorne wants nothing to do with another of his parents’ charity cases. He failed his own wife so abysmally she took her own life as well as his unborn son’s. After two years, it’s time to concentrate on the bid he’s won and the saboteur trying to destroy his construction firm.

There is no room for trust in either of their hearts. But trust is all that will untangle the secrets that dominate their lives, free a little girl of her silent prison, and save them all from a serial killer who stands too close.

(All Karen/K.L. Docter novels have HEAs, no cliffhangers.)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2iFFWmg

B&N: http://goo.gl/wsqVxB

Kobo: http://goo.gl/KM563U

Google Play: http://goo.gl/mogQqs

iTunes: http://goo.gl/pg58wN

[image error] COP ON HER DOORSTEP, True Love In Uniform Book 1

By Bestselling Author Karen Docter

Blurb: In the six years since her husband was killed by S.W.A.T., Carrie Padilla has spent long hours at work, rebuilding a life for herself and her son. The little time she has at home is spent keeping her eight-year-old son out of trouble, but he is all too eager to try to be the man in the house. When a handsome cop shows up on her doorstep, her errant son in tow, Carrie’s heart stutters. The sexy Italian cop sets off all kinds of bells in her system, and she knows there’s only one thing she can do to save what is left of her family, her husband’s memory, and her heart…avoid her new neighbor at all costs.

S.W.A.T. officer Jake Stefani already lost one little boy to gang violence, the dead boy’s older brother is missing, and Jake’s not about to let the same thing happen to a neighbor’s son. He drags the youngster home only to discover much more than a passing interest in the boy’s beautiful, but wary, mother. Forced to take a leave of absence after a bust goes awry, Jake can think of nothing better to occupy his time than to keep Carrie and her son safe, and locate the missing teen who holds the key to taking the gang off the streets, once and for all.

But Jake doesn’t count on his stubborn, intriguing neighbor distracting him from his job, or the passion that flares between them. He doesn’t expect her amazing son to steal a piece of his heart. Jake is ready to risk everything for Carrie, body and soul. But it’s not all up to him. If their new love is to survive, Carrie will need to be strong enough to see the man’s beating heart behind the badge, to look beyond the pain of her past, and decide that loving again is worth the risk.

[All of Karen/K.L. Docter’s books are HEA. No cliffhangers.]

Buy Links:

Amazon US: http://goo.gl/bUHNMu

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cop-Her-Doorstep-True-Uniform/dp/0988258668/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497628797&sr=8-1&keywords=cop+on+her+doorstep

B&N: http://goo.gl/6uoZTd

Kobo: http://goo.gl/fd92aB

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26183834-cop-on-her-doorstep

HAPPY READING!

All giveaway winners chosen by random.org from reader comments with the exception of Rafflecopter giveaways which are determined and announced offsite by publisher/authors. Thank you!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Double Feature**: Homemade Peanut Butter Cups & Reese’s Squares

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It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s! Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me. I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers. So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy. It might be a main course recipe. A cookie or baked item. Candy. Salads. Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS & REESE’S SQUARES!

I recently had a conversation on Facebook with Sam, a friend and reader, about a recipe I shared that essentially called for Peanut Butter Cups. I mentioned I had a homemade recipe to make my own and she pointed out that I’ve never shared it here. Mea culpa! She also shared her recipe for Reese’s Squares with me as an alternative to buying peanut butter cups. We decided to share them both. Easy to make Candy Heaven!

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 374 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right-hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS

[Makes 24 Small Candies]

1/3 plus ½ cup peanut butter (creamy)

¼ cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

½ lb. Candiquik or 1 cup candy melts (or chocolate chips, if you prefer)

24 paper bonbon cups for smaller candies or 12 miniature muffin cups for larger

Blend 1/3 cup peanut butter with powdered sugar and vanilla. Using ½ teaspoon, shape into 24 balls. If making larger muffin cups, shape into half as many balls. (May need to flatten a bit to fill larger dimensions.)Melt Candiquick and ½ cup peanut butter. Spoon enough mixture into bonbon cup to cover the bottom. Top with peanut butter ball and cover with the chocolate mixture so none of the ball shows. Chill for faster setting.

I often use chocolate chips, both semi-sweet and milk chocolate, just for variety or when I can’t get my hands on candy melts.
If you don’t have bonbon or muffin cups, you can make one large peanut butter cup “pie”. I’ve lined a round cake pan with wax paper, lined the bottom with the chocolate mixture, flattened the peanut butter “balls” into one large ball to center in the middle of the cake pan, then covered everything with the chocolate mixture. Chill and cut into squares.

SAM’S REESE’S SQUARES

Ingredients:

13 rectangles of graham crackers (Pkgs. seem to have only 9)

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup margarine

1 cup peanut butter

4 cups powdered sugar1 bag of chocolate chipsMix everything EXCEPT the chocolate chips together really well (I use a stand mixer) and flatten in a 9×13 pan. Melt 1 bag of choc chips and spread on top.

Thanks so much for sharing this with us today, Sam! I can’t wait to try it.

Happy Eating!

Congratulations Week 04-30-18 Blog Giveaway Winners

[image error] CONGRATULATIONS WEEK

04-30-18

BLOG GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!

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[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Sylvia McDaniel ETAL…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Sylvia is giving away a paperback copy of WILD DEADWOOD TALES ANTHOLOGY to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog. For your chance to win, tell Sylvia something about Deadwood, SD.

Thanks, Sylvia, for sharing your book with us!

WINNERS: GLENDA M!!

~~~

[image error]Karen’s Killer Fixin’s with Judy Kentrus…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Judy is giving away a signed, print copy of A Kiss at Sunset  (U.S. Only) to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.

Thanks, Judy, for sharing your book with us!

WINNER: KATHLEEN BYLSMA!!

~~~

[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Viola Estrella…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Viola is giving away her Bewitching Women Trilogy in either epub or mobi (Bewitching You, Haunting You, and Finding You) to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.

Thanks, Viola, for sharing your book with us!

WINNER: SHARON GREENE!!

 ~~~

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THESE BOOKS!!
[image error] KILLING SECRETS, Thorne’s Thorns Book 1

By Bestselling Author K.L. Docter

Blurb: Some secrets are better left dead.

Rachel James’ ex-husband is released from prison determined to reclaim her and her little girl — the child is his key to controlling the James fortune. Frightened, Rachel flees to Denver with the child who hasn’t uttered a word since her daddy went to prison.

Contractor Patrick Thorne wants nothing to do with another of his parents’ charity cases. He failed his own wife so abysmally she took her own life as well as his unborn son’s. After two years, it’s time to concentrate on the bid he’s won and the saboteur trying to destroy his construction firm.

There is no room for trust in either of their hearts. But trust is all that will untangle the secrets that dominate their lives, free a little girl of her silent prison, and save them all from a serial killer who stands too close.

(All Karen/K.L. Docter novels have HEAs, no cliffhangers.)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2iFFWmg

B&N: http://goo.gl/wsqVxB

Kobo: http://goo.gl/KM563U

Google Play: http://goo.gl/mogQqs

iTunes: http://goo.gl/pg58wN

[image error] COP ON HER DOORSTEP, True Love In Uniform Book 1

By Bestselling Author Karen Docter

Blurb: In the six years since her husband was killed by S.W.A.T., Carrie Padilla has spent long hours at work, rebuilding a life for herself and her son. The little time she has at home is spent keeping her eight-year-old son out of trouble, but he is all too eager to try to be the man in the house. When a handsome cop shows up on her doorstep, her errant son in tow, Carrie’s heart stutters. The sexy Italian cop sets off all kinds of bells in her system, and she knows there’s only one thing she can do to save what is left of her family, her husband’s memory, and her heart…avoid her new neighbor at all costs.

S.W.A.T. officer Jake Stefani already lost one little boy to gang violence, the dead boy’s older brother is missing, and Jake’s not about to let the same thing happen to a neighbor’s son. He drags the youngster home only to discover much more than a passing interest in the boy’s beautiful, but wary, mother. Forced to take a leave of absence after a bust goes awry, Jake can think of nothing better to occupy his time than to keep Carrie and her son safe, and locate the missing teen who holds the key to taking the gang off the streets, once and for all.

But Jake doesn’t count on his stubborn, intriguing neighbor distracting him from his job, or the passion that flares between them. He doesn’t expect her amazing son to steal a piece of his heart. Jake is ready to risk everything for Carrie, body and soul. But it’s not all up to him. If their new love is to survive, Carrie will need to be strong enough to see the man’s beating heart behind the badge, to look beyond the pain of her past, and decide that loving again is worth the risk.

[All of Karen/K.L. Docter’s books are HEA. No cliffhangers.]

Buy Links:

Amazon US: http://goo.gl/bUHNMu

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cop-Her-Doorstep-True-Uniform/dp/0988258668/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497628797&sr=8-1&keywords=cop+on+her+doorstep

B&N: http://goo.gl/6uoZTd

Kobo: http://goo.gl/fd92aB

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26183834-cop-on-her-doorstep

HAPPY READING!

All giveaway winners chosen by random.org from reader comments with the exception of Rafflecopter giveaways which are determined and announced offsite by publisher/authors. Thank you!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: BETTER OFF READ, A Bookmobile Mystery by Nora Page

[image error]

 [image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

~~

BETTER OFF READ

A Bookmobile Mystery

BY NORA PAGE

Blurb

When her best hope of saving her storm-damaged library is found murdered, senior librarian Cleo Watkins hits the road in her bookmobile in search of justice. 

Septuagenarian librarian Cleo Watkins won’t be shushed when an upstart young mayor threatens to permanently shelve her tiny town’s storm-damaged library. She takes to her bookmobile, Words on Wheels, to collect allies and rally library support throughout Catalpa Springs, Georgia.

However, Cleo soon rolls into trouble. A major benefactor known for his eccentric DIY projects requests all available books on getting away with murder. He’s no Georgia peach, and Cleo wonders if she should worry about his plans. She knows she should when she discovers him bludgeoned and evidence points to her bestfriend, Mary-Rose Garland.

Sure of Mary-Rose’s innocence, Cleo applies her librarian’s sleuthing skills to the case, assisted by friends, family, and the dapper antiquarian bookseller everyone keeps calling her boyfriend. Evidence stacks up, but a killer is overdue to strike again. With lives and her library on the line, Cleo must shift into high gear to close the book on murder in Better Off Read, the charming Bookmobile series debut by Nora Page.

~~~

[image error]BETTER OFF READ

A Bookmobile Mystery

BY NORA PAGE

Excerpt

Chapter 1

In all her seventy-five years, Cleo Watkins had never harmed another human being. Not intentionally, and certainly not in anger. Cleo considered herself a proper, well-mannered Southern lady. She’d never harmed a book. Cleo was a librarian.

Now, however, Cleo considered the hardback in her purse. Zen and the Art of School Bus Maintenance had a fine, firm spine. It was compact, perfect for carrying along to appointments . . . and for winging at the man in the plaid purple shorts. Cleo steadied her stance in the overgrown lawn. She rolled her wrist and stretched her elbow. In a younger decade, she’d played South Georgia amateur softball. She bet she still had a good pitch left in her, and there’d be no missing Mayor Jebson “Jeb” Day and his smug, pink cheeks.

Catalpa Springs’ new mayor stood a few yards away, too busy smirking to notice Cleo’s ire. He plucked a dandelion, sun glaring off his prematurely thinning crown. Bermuda shorts revealed more pale leg than Cleo cared to see.

She smoothed her blouse and patted her soft white curls, half-expecting them to be as spiky as her emotions. She turned her mind and gaze to nicer things. The azaleas in the side garden were lovely this spring, flashy magentas against powdery pink crabapples. A cardinal flitted among the blooms. Cleo tried to follow the bird. However, her gaze kept catching on the horrible sight beyond: her beloved library, wounded.

Mayor Day straightened, beheading the dandelion with a flick of his thumb. “Yep,” he said. “Like I was saying, Catalpa Springs has more important needs than a library. I can’t authorize any repairs at present. You understand.”

Cleo most definitely did not understand. She couldn’t comprehend how this man—immature in years and character, not to mention lacking in manners and long pants—could be mayor of her charming town. She didn’t want to understand his words.

“More important?” she said, her drawl lengthened with aghast. “The Catalpa Springs Library is an institution. A historic landmark. A community treasure.” She waved toward the elegant folk Victorian structure, sorrowfully shrouded under blue tarps and wrapped in caution tape.

Several weeks ago a violent storm had brought down the great live oak that had stood beside the library for over a century. The trunk shattered the graceful curved porch. Branches pierced the roof, inviting in rain, hail, and an unhappy possum. The stately wood-paneled reading room suffered a soaking, as did many of its reference materials, including irreplaceable genealogies and local archives.

Cleo had wept at the damage. She could shed a tear now, but reminded herself again of important mercies. The oak had waited until after hours to give up its ghost. No patrons or employees had been present. The possum survived unharmed, as did the bulk of the collection. Only the roof needed fixing. And some soggy reference materials. And the porch and steps and entire east wing and staff room and possibly the electric and floors . . . and, most of all, their mayor’s attitude.

Cleo stood to her full five foot three. “We must repair our library. Why, without a library, what are we?”

[image error] Meet Author Nora Page…

Nora Page enjoys rainy weather, the perfect biscuit, and quiet evenings in with her husband and cat. You can often find her in the company of books.

~~~

Links to Nora’s website, blog, books, etc.

Better Off Read by Nora Page, published by Crooked Lane Books (May 8, 2018), http://www.crookedlanebooks.com/titles/better-off-read/

Please stop by and visit Nora at her website, https://www.novelmystery.com/, or on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/NoraPageAuthor/ and https://www.instagram.com/norapageauthor/

Better Off Read is available for order from your favorite local bookstore or online at

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nora-Page/e/B077YNCMFK/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/better-off-read-nora-page/1127120532?ean=9781683316435

Indiebound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781683316435

~~~

[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY: Nora is giving away a hardback copy (U.S. Only) of BETTER OFF READ to one person who comments on her **Author Peek** Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs.

Thanks, Nora, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: HIS WICKED LOVE, Cuffs and Spurs Book 3 by Anya Summers

[image error]

 [image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

~~

HIS WICKED LOVE

Cuffs and Spurs Book 3

BY ANYA SUMMERS

Blurb

Mason Stewart is in a pickle. He and his brother are the co-owners of the Black Elkhorn Lodge and Resort. Their dream stands at the precipice of utter ruin because their previous chef embezzled every last dime of savings they had for the lodge. In a last ditch effort to save his business from the brink of annihilation, Mason hires a new chef for their restaurant; sight unseen.

Nothing can prepare him for Emily, the red-haired siren who waltzes into his resort, carting a set of chef knives and demanding to see her new kitchen. She challenges his authority. She inflames his every wicked desire. She is everything he has ever wanted. And he can’t touch her. He’s her boss. And it would be wrong to give in to the incendiary heat between them… wouldn’t it?

~~~

[image error]HIS WICKED LOVE

Cuffs and Spurs Book 3

BY ANYA SUMMERS

Excerpt

Editor’s Note: Edited for language.

Well, if those numbers didn’t just chafe his ass.

Mason checked and re-checked the account ledgers. He’d been over them more times than any sane person would, but he wanted—needed—to be certain they were correct. The loss they’d sustained three months ago had been substantial. With what was left, they’d be lucky if the Black Elkhorn Lodge and Resort didn’t shut its doors by Christmas.

“Are you sure about the numbers?” Cole asked.

Mason glanced across the expanse of his mahogany wooden desk at his brother. There were lines of tension in his shoulders and tanned features that were so much like their dad’s, including the dark chocolate shade of his hair that he wore past his shoulders and his brown eyes nearly the color of soot. Whereas Mason took more after their mom, with his lighter shade of brown hair and eye color—in a manly way, of course.

His gut twisted. Despair and dread seized him.

Mason detested himself for their current plight: the lodge nearly bankrupt. And it was all his fault.

Before all this, Mason had prided himself on reading other people. He’d been cocky about it. As a Dom, he’d considered his ability to size up a person to be top notch. But their last chef had proven him wrong. His arrogance had cost them. Mason hadn’t seen the fraud and deceit behind the chef’s apron before the no-good piece of trash had embezzled nearly every penny the lodge had.

He could still remember when he’d discovered the theft. The disbelief, the anger. His normal fun-loving personality had vanished overnight. The lodge, the dream their parents had conceptualized and that he and Cole had actualized, had tail-spun out of control. They had gone from having excess capital with savings to spare, to barely limping along and teetering on the brink of collapse.

In the last three months, they’d had to liquidate their investment portfolio just to keep their noses above water. But the costs of running the lodge were considerable. It took capital to make this place run.

“I’m sure. We are well and truly fu@&ed. If we make it until Christmas and are able to pack guests in, maybe we can string things along enough to begin rebuilding,” Mason replied. But word had spread about their legal woes no matter how much damage control they’d tried to do. Without a functioning restaurant on the property, the Black Elkhorn Lodge and Resort had received cancellations in droves. The once prosperous getaway hemorrhaged funds daily.

“Well, with the restaurant currently closed, we’re losing a stream of revenue right there,” Cole said, telling Mason something he already knew. Still, he was glad they were both on the same page.

Frustrated, he slammed the account ledgers shut and irritably ran a hand over his face. The irritation was all self-directed. Mason couldn’t remember the last time he’d genuinely smiled. In the three months since the bottom had been yanked out of their business and a person he’d trusted had robbed them blind, there hadn’t been much reason to smile. When he observed himself in the mirror every morning, he no longer recognized the person in it. The haggard expression and grim line of his mouth. The permanent scowl and self-loathing.

Life, for Mason, had once been a bountiful banquet, and he’d never given it deeper thought than the fun to be had. Now, it was a steaming pile of horse manure. He replied, “I realize that. While you were leading the fishing expedition trip this past week, I contacted Le Cordon Bleu on the west coast for a recommendation. We need a chef running the restaurant if we have any hope of staving off further losses. I figured we need all the help we can get at this point. Not to mention, it could be a potential draw in our advertising to have a fully trained chef from such a reputable institution. As much as we adore her, Tibby can’t handle the load or full responsibility. Not that she’s not capable, but she balances her time here with her daughter’s needs. I can’t make a single mom give me more time than she’s able. Our new chef should arrive today.”

[image error] Meet Author Anya Summers…

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Anya grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Anya never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.

Anya is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance under the name Maggie Mae Gallagher. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.

~~~

Links to Anya’s website, blog, books, etc.

Purchase Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B661RP1

Nook:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/his-wicked-love-anya-summers/1128097321?ean=2940159165473

Kobo:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/his-wicked-love

iBooks:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/his-wicked-love/id1355073054?mt=11

Website:  www.anyasummers.com

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/AnyaSummersAuthor

Twitter: @AnyaBSummers

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15183606.Anya_Summers

Anya Summers Newsletter

Amazon Author Page:

https://www.amazon.com/Anya-Summers/e/B01EGTVRKC/

Bookbub:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anya-summers

                        Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/anyasummersauthor/

Don’t miss these exciting titles by Anya Summers and Blushing Books!

Dungeon Fantasy Club Series

Her Highland Master, Book 1

To Master and Defend, Book 2

Two Doms for Kara, Book 3

His Driven Domme, Book 4

Her Country Master, Book 5

Love Me, Master Me, Book 6

Submit To Me, Book 7

Her Wired Dom, Book 8

Pleasure Island Series

Her Master & Commander, Book 1

Her Music Masters, Book 2

Their Shy Submissive, Book 3

Her Lawful Master, Book 4

Her Rockstar Dom, Book 5

Duets & Dominance, Book 6

Her Undercover Dom, Book 7

Ménage In Paradise, Book 8

Her Rodeo Masters, Book 9

Cuffs & Spurs Series

His Scandalous Love

His Unexpected Love

His Wicked Love releasing May 8, 2018

His Untamed Love releasing July 9, 2018

His Tempting Love releasing September 6, 2018

His Seductive Love releasing November 8, 2018

His Secret Love releasing January 8, 2019

His Cherished Love releasing March 8, 2019

~~~

[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY: Anya is giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one person who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.

Thanks, Anya, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

**Author Peek** Interview with Librarian Character, Cleo Watkins, BETTER OFF READ by Nora Page

[image error]

 [image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

~~

[image error]Introducing BETTER OFF READ by NORA PAGE, Librarian Heroine, Cleo Watkins…

1. What is your name? Do you have a nickname?

Good morning, y’all. Thank you for inviting me, Karen. My full name is Cleo Jane Harris Watkins. I go by Cleo.

2. Who is your best friend? What kinds of things do you do when you’re together?

Oh, this is an easy question. I’ve been best friends with Mary-Rose Garland since we were both in diapers. That’s some seventy-five years now! When we were young, we explored every corner of our little hometown, Catalpa Springs, Georgia, by foot, boat, bicycle, and clamoring over fences. We’re not as nimble as we used to be, but we still get around, especially if we need to sleuth out the truth.

One of my favorite activities with Mary-Rose is more relaxing. I love visiting her breakfast café, the Pancake Mill. It’s a former sugar mill that serves up sweet treats: flip-them-yourselves pancakes and delectable pies.

3. If you have a family, how do you get along with them? If you don’t, are there people in your life that you consider family? How do you get along with them?

I’m very fortunate to have wonderful relationships with my family. Many of my relatives live in Catalpa Springs, including my eldest son and his family and my cousin Dot who runs a general store downtown. By proximity, my grandson Ollie is my closest relative. He lives in the cottage in my backyard. Ollie is supposed to pay rent, but the dear boy is still trying to find himself and employment. I don’t mind. I let him pay me in gardening help and company, but don’t tell his fretful father that.

4. Do you have a birthmark? Scars? Where is it? How did you get it?

Why, no one’s ever asked, but yes I do. I have a scar on my knee from a tangle with a wire fence. It happened when Mary-Rose and I were teenagers. We thought a cruel neighbor had kidnapped her cat, so we went looking, sneaking onto his property at night.

Unfortunately, we were both misguided about the cat’s whereabouts and spotted by a passing police officer. Aside from my knee, it turned out mostly okay. The cat returned home with kittens, and we learned a valuable lesson about the dangers and thrill of sleuthing.

5. When you’re angry, what do you do? Where do you go? How do you deal with your anger?

I’m a librarian, so I don’t approve of a lot of commotion and yelling. Instead, I carry a folding fan in my purse. I recommend it. There’s nothing like vigorous fanning for blowing off steam and occupying one’s hands (to keep from doing something awful like throwing a book). I also find that embracing righteous indignation helps stiffen the spine and resolve.

6. If you had to make me a meal right now, without going to the store, what would you find in your refrigerator to feed us?

I always have the fixings for biscuits. And cheese. I’m afraid I have a slight addiction to anything cheesy. Pimento cheese, cheese straws, cheesy biscuits…

7.  What’s the one thing you’re afraid of losing?

One thing? If it’s an entity—not a person or pet—I’ll have to say my town’s library. I never, ever considered losing an entire library, but right now the Catalpa Springs Public Library is in jeopardy.

8. What makes you laugh out loud?

My goofy cat, Rhett Butler. He tickles my face with his whiskers in the morning. He’s a Persian and always has such a grumpy expression, but his purr gives away his true feelings.

9. Has anyone broken your heart? Who was he?

He didn’t mean to, but my dear husband Richard broke my heart when he passed away about a decade ago. The ache is still there. However, I have discovered certain joys of the senior-bachelorette lifestyle, like reading in bed at any hour and doing all the driving. I love hitting the road in my bookmobile, Words on Wheels!

10. What’s the one thing you want out of life that you don’t think you can have? Why can’t you have it?

This is tricky… One thing I want out of life that I can’t have? I suppose I’ll say more decades to spend with my newfound gentleman friend, Henry Lafayette. But in my senior years, I’ve learned not to let age concern me much anymore.

~~~

Be sure to come back to learn more about Nora Page’s novel, BETTER OFF READ, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog!

~~~

Links to Nora’s website, blog, books, etc.

Better Off Read by Nora Page, published by Crooked Lane Books (May 8, 2018), http://www.crookedlanebooks.com/titles/better-off-read/

Please stop by and visit Nora at her website, https://www.novelmystery.com/, or on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/NoraPageAuthor/ and https://www.instagram.com/norapageauthor/

Better Off Read is available for order from your favorite local bookstore or online at

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nora-Page/e/B077YNCMFK/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/better-off-read-nora-page/1127120532?ean=9781683316435

Indiebound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781683316435

~~~

[image error]

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY: Nora is giving away a hardback copy (U.S. Only) of BETTER OFF READ to one person who comments on her **Author Peek** Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs.

Thanks, Nora, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!