Karen Docter's Blog, page 170

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Duets and Dominance (Pleasure Island Book 6) by Anya Summers

 

 [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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DUETS AND DOMINANCE

Pleasure Island Book 6

BY ANYA SUMMERS

Blurb

Elizabeth “Lizzie” von Klepper has a problem of epic proportions—she’s the oldest virgin in the world. Invited to perform on Pleasure Island with her best friend Solomon, she devises a plan to seduce him, and rid herself of that infernal status. After all, they shared a mind-blowing kiss a year ago and that has to count for something, right?

Solomon Ventura adores Lizzie. She’s been his best friend since their humble beginnings at Julliard, but deep down he’s yearned for her. For more. And ever since he tasted her, a stolen kiss he hasn’t been able to forget, he cannot seem to stop his mind from conjuring up myriad fantasies with Lizzie in the starring role. But he’s not the man for her. She’s light where he is dark, and his brand of love would shatter the only woman he’s ever cared about.

Will the best friends move their relationship out of the friendzone? Or will a week spent on Pleasure Island destroy them both?

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[image error]DUETS AND DOMINANCE

Pleasure Island Book 6

BY ANYA SUMMERS

Excerpt

Lizzie hadn’t known what to expect when she saw him. They’d been friends, the best of friends, for more than a decade. Until the night of that fateful kiss. It had been nearly a year since then. Since she’d had her world turned inside out.

Solomon took her breath away. He always had, but she’d never understood the emotions she felt until the first touch of his lips on hers. His midnight hair was shorter than the last time they’d seen one another, and he had a smattering of dark stubble growth on his square jaw that was new. It made him seem more raw, less refined, and caused a low burn in her midsection. His skin always carried a trace of a tan, in contrast to her own ivory skin that wouldn’t hold color to save her life. His broad shoulders moved with a sinuous grace, muscles rippling beneath his heather gray Henley, which sculpted and fit his chest: defining, and outlining how ripped his body was as his hands moved over the keyboard.

The man, quite simply put, made love to his instrument. It was the only way Lizzie could describe how Solomon played the keyboard. His entire body was fluid and intense, leaning and swaying as his fingers moved effortlessly. He caressed the black and white keys, stroking them to sounds as he wanted them to, and left the crowd panting, wanting more. It was exactly what Liz believed love should be, especially the first time. Maybe she was naive, and that wasn’t how the world really worked. But in her opinion, it was how it should work.

She felt the same way about the flute.

[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.

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

Purchase Links

Amazonhttps://goo.gl/dACBJw

Nook https://goo.gl/EGC7z2

Kobo https://goo.gl/5TSCs3

iBooks https://goo.gl/KAKLD4

Blushing Books https://goo.gl/rxR8pe

Visit her website here:

www.anyasummers.com

Visit her on social media here:

http://www.facebook.com/AnyaSummersAuthor

Twitter: @AnyaBSummers

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

Sign-up for Anya Summers Newsletter

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

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

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

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[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Anya will give away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky reader 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!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Scrapbook of Murder (An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery Book 6) by Lois Winston

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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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SCRAPBOOK OF MURDER

An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery Book 6

BY LOIS WINSTON

Blurb

Crafts and murder don’t normally go hand-in-hand, but normal deserted craft editor Anastasia Pollack’s world nearly a year ago. Now, tripping over dead bodies seems to be the “new normal” for this reluctant amateur sleuth.

When the daughter of a murdered neighbor asks Anastasia to create a family scrapbook from old photographs and memorabilia discovered in a battered suitcase, she agrees—not only out of friendship but also from a sense of guilt over the older woman’s death. However, as Anastasia begins sorting through the contents of the suitcase, she discovers a letter revealing a fifty-year-old secret, one that unearths a long-buried scandal and unleashes a killer. Suddenly Anastasia is back in sleuthing mode as she races to prevent a suitcase full of trouble from leading to more deaths.

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SCRAPBOOK OF MURDER

An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery Book 6

BY LOIS WINSTON

My Life as a Frank Sinatra Song

By Anastasia Pollack

Sometimes life hurls you a huge curve ball. For me, it wasn’t life but author Lois Winston. I don’t know what I did to deserve her authorial attention, but she zeroed in on me, and my life has never been the same—and mostly not in a good way.

My mother loves to listen to Frank Sinatra. He had a hit back in the 1960’s called “That’s Life.” It’s about life’s ups and downs and no matter how many times you fall flat on your face, you’ve got to pick yourself up and go on. Believe me, I’m trying, but Lois doesn’t make it easy for me.

My name is Anastasia Pollack, and I’m the reluctant amateur sleuth of Lois Winston’s Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series. I suppose I should be honored that I have a series of books written about me, but frankly, I’d prefer to have back the comfortable middle-class life I lived prior to Lois setting her sights on me.

Before Assault With a Deadly Glue Gun, the first book in the series even opened on page one, Lois had killed off my husband Karl Marx Pollack. Turns out the guy had led a double life. While I thought he was at a sales meeting in Harrisburg, PA, he was actually dropping dead at a roulette table in Las Vegas. Worse yet, after his death, I discovered he’d raided our savings and gotten us into hock several stories above my eyeballs. And did I mention the loan shark? Karl owed him fifty grand, and he didn’t care that Karl was dead.

Then on my first day back to work after the funeral, I discovered a dead body glued to my office desk chair. It would be the first of many dead bodies I’d come across since Lois took over my life six books and three novellas ago.

I once lived the American dream. Those days are now gone forever. Now I struggle to keep a roof over our heads. Not only do I have two teenage sons who can eat in a day what I eat in a week (and I’m far from anorexic), I’ve got my Russian princess mother and my curmudgeonly communist mother-in-law living with me—and sharing a bedroom!

Then there are the non-human residents of Casa Pollack. First, there’s Ralph, the Shakespeare-quoting parrot with an uncanny knack for spouting situation-appropriate quotes from the Bard. Rounding out the household are Catherine the Great, Mama’s corpulent white Persian cat with an attitude to match her name, and the commie’s French bulldog, Manifesto. Really, who names a dog after a communist treatise? I call him Mephisto, given his devil-like demeanor. Needless to say, Catherine the Great and Mephisto fight like—you guessed it—cats and dogs with Ralph squawking play-by-play.

Anyway, that’s what my life is like, thanks to author Lois Winston. I’m still trying to figure out what she has against me. I asked her once why she couldn’t have written me as tall, thin, and rich, but she handed me some nonsense about the need for goals, motivations, and conflicts in fiction. At least she gave me Zack Barnes. I don’t know how I’d have survived the past year without the photojournalist—and possible government operative—hunk who moved into the apartment above my garage.

Anyway, Lois has once again plopped me into the middle of murder and mayhem in Scrapbook of Murder, the sixth book in the series, and I’m off to solve another crime, whether I like it or not.

[image error]Meet Author Lois Winston…

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lois Winston writes mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, women’s fiction, children’s chapter books, and nonfiction under her own name and her Emma Carlyle pen name. Kirkus Reviews dubbed her critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series, “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” In addition, Lois is an award-winning craft and needlework designer who often draws much of her source material for both her characters and plots from her experiences in the crafts industry.

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

Buy Links:

Kindle http://amzn.to/2ffIMgy

Kobo

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/scrapbook-of-murder

iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/scrapbook-of-murder/id1286758416?mt=11

Nook

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scrapbook-of-murder-lois-winston/1127145157?ean=2940158851896

Paperback http://amzn.to/2y2Omhl

Website: www.loiswinston.com

Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers blog:

www.anastasiapollack.blogspot.com

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/anasleuth

Twitter at https://twitter.com/Anasleuth

Newsletter sign-up:

https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z1z1u5

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Thanks, Lois, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Congratulations Week 10-23-17 & 10-30-17 Blog Giveaway Winners!

[image error] CONGRATULATIONS WEEK

10-23-17 & 10-30-17

BLOG GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!

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[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with M.E. McGuire…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: M.E. will give away an ebook copy of SILENT WHISPERS to TWO lucky readers who comment on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.

Thanks, M.E., for sharing your book with us!

WINNERS: KATHLEEN BYLSMA & DARLENE!!

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[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Linda L. Barton…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Linda will give away an Amazon ebook copy of THE DRAGON’S BLOOD KEY to TWO lucky readers who comment on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.

Thanks, Linda, for sharing your book with us!

WINNERS: BN100 & MARY ANNE EDWARDS !!

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[image error]Karen’s Killer Fixin’s with Ellie Mack…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Ellie will give away a PRIZE BASKET with a print copy of Red Wine and Roses, 30 Days of Sass, $10 amazon gift card, cup cozy, + swag to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.

Thanks, Ellie, for sharing your book with us!

WINNER: COLLEEN C.!!

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[image error]Karen’s Killer Fixin’s with Caroline Clemmons…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Caroline will give away an ebook copy of one of her books (winner’s choice) to one lucky reader who comments on this Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.

Thanks, Caroline, for sharing your book with us!

WINNER: LINDA MOFFITT!!

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[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Tara L. Ames…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Tara will give away a Kindle ebook copy of THE RISK TAKER to TWO lucky readers who comment on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.

Thanks, Tara, for sharing your book with us!

WINNERS: JUDY TULLOCH & YVONNE CRUZ!!

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[image error]4 DAYS LEFT!!

There’s still time to win CATE BEAUMAN’s rafflecopter giveaway: Five $10 Amazon Gift Cards – 5 Winners!

Enter at: http://www.karendocter.com/karens-kil...

HAPPY READING!

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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: Baked Spaghetti Squash

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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 BAKED SPAGHETTI SQUASH!

I know this is a simple recipe but so many don’t realize how easy it is to cook spaghetti squash. It’s the right time of year to share this recipe, too, because of the availability and price. If you’re aiming to make healthier foods, you can use it as a base for spaghetti sauce instead of using pasta. I prefer to cook it up and slather it with butter and brown sugar. Not as healthy but yummy.

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s BONUS **Author Special** with SECRETS HIDDEN IN THE GLASS (A Carter Island Novel) by Cate Beauman #recipe ~ Salmon Patties

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[image error]Karen’s Killer Fixin’s

**AUTHOR SPECIAL**

with Cate Beauman!

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, CATE BEAUMAN and her favorite recipe for SALMON PATTIES! 

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Bestselling author Cate Beauman is back with her 12th full length novel and her first stand-alone title: Secrets Hidden In the Glass.

Her multi award-winning Bodyguards of L.A. County series has over 500,000 copies sold and a 4.4 rating with 8000+ reviews.

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[image error] SECRETS HIDDEN IN THE GLASS

A Carter Island Novel

BY CATE BEAUMAN

BLURB

Stained glass artist Callie Davis is in desperate need of a vacation. Burnt out and on the edge of a nervous breakdown, she’s fleeing the pressures of her career and is taking refuge on Massachusetts’ tiny Carter Island. Callie yearns for long, lazy days and pretty walks on the beach—blessed solitude and an escape from the complications of her life. Then she bumps into gorgeous Nate Carter and everything changes.

Sheriff Nathan Carter couldn’t be happier now that the height of the summer season has finally come and gone. After four endless months, tourists have packed their bags and headed for the mainland. The quiet days of autumn are about to befall the town—the way Nate and his fellow Sandersonians like it best.

But nothing ends up quite the way Nate expects when he meets the beautiful blonde with the big blue eyes. Callie’s pretty smiles hide secrets—deep, dark mysteries that could cost them both their lives if they continue digging into the past and cross a killer’s path. 

The Inspiration Behind Secrets Hidden In The Glass:

I always find the process of writing fascinating—imagining words and thoughts into subsistence that had once only existed in my head. Oftentimes, the undertaking is daunting. Months of research, careful plotting, planning, character development, and revising go into every page. There are many moments of doubt and worry. On occasion, there’s even a triumph or two. But finally, you type The End and you realize you’ve created a miracle of sorts—a story to share with your eager readers who are always waiting for what’s next.

I had such fun telling Nate and Callie’s adventure. There was something extra enjoyable about bringing Sanderson, Massachusetts to life—the fictitious, tiny town on the equally made-up Carter Island. Imagine dreaming up a beachy setting that gets to be exactly what you want it to be. Add a group of intriguing (and on occasion quirky) characters. Throw plenty of steamy romance and several sprinkles of mystery and suspense into the mix and you’ve got yourself one heck of a good time.

I hope you’ll enjoy Secrets Hidden In The Glass as much as I enjoyed telling it.

SECRETS HIDDEN IN THE GLASS

A Carter Island Novel

BY CATE BEAUMAN

EXCERPT

Chapter 1 :

Callie stood next to the grease-smudged door, sucking her thumb and clutching Emily Dolly close in the crook of her arm. Tinny music played through cheap speakers as she stared at the big man sitting in a booth across the room, snoring with his chin touching his chest while the food on his plate went cold. Glancing around at empty tables and chairs, Callie recognized that she was in a restaurant. Mommy took her out to eat sometimes, but she’d never been to this place before. She flinched and her gaze flew to a set of metallic doors when a woman with bold red hair pushed them open and walked from the kitchen.

The woman stopped abruptly and rolled her eyes as she looked toward the man, who sounded like a pig. “Good grief, I need to get off this midnight shift.” The woman shook her head, grabbing a washcloth from a bucket, then wiped down the long counter top. Her dangling hoop earrings caught in the light while she hummed along with the radio and wiggled her hips in the pink skirt she wore. After tossing the cloth back into the bucket, she picked up a stack of menus and turned, gasping when she made eye contact with Callie. “Dear God in heaven,” she said as her free hand flew to her chest. “You scared me half to death.”

Callie gripped Emily Dolly tighter and stepped back, bumping into the cool glass.

The woman frowned as her gaze tracked around the room. She set the menus on a table, walked over, and crouched down in front of Callie. “Sweetie, are you alone?”

Callie tried to move farther away but there was nowhere left to go.

“You don’t have to be afraid of me.” She smiled and stroked her fingers down a lock of Callie’s long blond hair. “I work here.”

Callie stared into the woman’s green eyes while her stomach twisted and turned and felt yucky.

“Let’s see if I can find your mommy.” The woman gained her feet and walked down a short hallway, opening a door. “Hello?” She moved a few steps and turned another doorknob, doing the same thing. “Hello?”

The woman came back and pushed through the door Callie stood by, letting in the sounds of the cars driving by as she walked off into the dark. Moments later, she came back inside, hurrying over to the man in the corner, shoving on his arm. “Hey.” She did it again. “Hey, you.”

The man snorted as his eyes flew open. “Jeez, lady. What the hell?”

“Is that your little girl?” The waitress pointed in Callie’s direction.

The man turned his head, looking at Callie. “No, that’s not my little girl.”

The woman’s hand ended up on her hip. “Did you see her come in with anyone?”

He stared at Callie a second longer and shook his head. “I’m seeing her for the first time right now.”

“Well, where did she come from?”

He shrugged. “Beats me.”

The waitress walked back to Callie, crouched down again, and sent her another warm smile. “Can you talk?”

Callie nodded.

“What’s your name, pretty girl?”

She took her thumb out of her mouth. “Callie.”

“Do you know how old you are?”

She nodded again.

“How old?”

“Four.”

“Where’s your mommy, sweetie?”

Callie’s breath shuddered in and out when her tummy felt yucky all over again. “I don’t know.”

“How did you get here?”

She blinked rapidly and tears trailed down her cheeks. “I don’t know.”

“Oh, good heavens.” The woman picked her up and hugged her close. “Everything’s going to be all right.” She walked toward the metallic doors and pushed her way into the big kitchen. “Earl, call the police. I think we have an abandoned child on our hands.”

Did you enjoy the excerpt? You can read the first chapter on my website, www.catebeauman.com, or you can finish the whole book with the links below!

[image error]Meet Author Cate Beauman…

nternational bestselling author Cate Beauman is known for her full-length, action-packed romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards of L.A. County. Her novels have been nominated for the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award, National Indie Excellence Award, Golden Quill Award, Writers Touch Award, Aspen Gold Award, Heart of Excellence Award, and have been named Readers Favorite Five Star books. In 2017 FINDING LYLA was chosen as the Booksellers Best Award Winner, the Maggie Award For Excellence, and received the Holt Medallion Award. REAGAN’S REDEMPTION and ANSWERS FOR JULIE were selected as rare co-winners of the Aspen Gold Award in 2016. JUSTICE FOR ABBY received the 2015 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Gold Medal, while SAVING SOPHIE took the Silver Medal. SAVING SOPHIE was also selected as the 2015 Readers Crown Award winner for Romantic Suspense and FALLING FOR SARAH received the silver medal for the 2014 Readers’ Favorite Awards.

Cate makes her home in North Carolina with her husband, two boys, and their St. Bernards, Bear and Jack.

Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.uk | Amazon.au | Kobo | Nook | iBooks

DO YOU LIKE FREE EBOOKS?   SIGN UP FOR CATE’S NEWSLETTER TO BE NOTIFIED OF OFFERS  AND NEW RELEASE INFORMATION:   http://www.catebeauman.com/getmyfreebooks

For a limited time : new subscribers will receive a free copy of Morgan’s Hunter and Falling For Sarah, books one and two in the Bodyguards of L.A. County Series!  [image error]

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/Cate-Beauman/e/B00A05KHVM/

BookBub:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cate-beauman

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/catebeauman

Social links:

Twitter: @CateBeauman

www.catebeauman.com

www.facebook.com/CateBeauman

www.instagram.com/cate_beauman_author

I hope you enjoy the recipe Cate is sharing today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy Eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 341 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.

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Note From Cate: A Winner Dinner – Any Time Of The Year!

Oh, how I love to cook and bake. When I find recipes that are delicious and nutritious, that’s even better! Oftentimes, life is hectic in my house. Kids and dogs and deadlines are always at the forefront, so when I’m able to put a tasty, healthy, and time-saving meal on the table, I feel quite accomplished.

Secrets Hidden In The Glass takes place on fictitious Carter Island, where fresh Atlantic seafood is available for sale straight off the boats. I thought it would be fun to find a yummy little something that Nate Carter and Callie Davis might cook up together. These salmon cakes are worth a mention—and you can eat them any time of the year. Salmon cakes with corn on the cob and a fresh garden salad in the summer or salmon cakes with mashed potatoes or brown rice and steamed broccoli in the winter. Truly, you can’t go wrong! I’ve made a couple of simple tweaks to Self Proclaimed Foodie’s interpretation of sinful salmon. I hope you’ll enjoy these as much as my family and I do.

SALMON PATTIES

[Serves 4]

2 6-oz cans salmon (I prefer Wild Planet because the fish is sustainably caught and it’s boneless and skinless.)

1 egg

3 green onions, minced

½ cup plain whole wheat bread crumbs (can use regular bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs)

½ cup grated parmesan

½ lime, juiced

Olive oil to coat the pan

Drain the salmon and put the meat in a medium size bowl. Add the egg, green onions, bread crumbs, parmesan, and lime juice. Stir well, then form the mixture into patties that are no more than one inch thick.
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat, adding olive oil then patties when the oil is hot enough to sizzle a bread crumb that is thrown into the pan. Cook until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes on each side).

Serve warm or cold. (These are great to prepare on a Sunday night and pack for lunch on Monday, along with a salad).

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Thanks, Cate, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations NOVEMBER Blog Subscriber Winner!!

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Time to announce the NOVEMBER 2017 #WINNER of my Monthly Blog Subscriber Giveaway, where special readers can win a read or coffee – two of my favorite things—on me!!!

And the winner is…

ORADEEROCKS…

Congratulations! You have won a $5 gift card from Amazon or Starbucks (your choice)! I’ll contact you privately to arrange for delivery of your gift.

Dear Readers,

If you missed this month’s giveaway, you can still subscribe to my blog at http://www.karendocter.com/ to get my blogs delivered straight to your email and be entered EACH MONTH into a random drawing for #FREE $5 gift card. On the first of each month, I’ll draw one name at www.random.org from all of my subscribers to receive the card.

More wonderful perks to subscribing to my blog? The blogs, when they appear in your Inbox, are pretty and easy to read. You can discover new authors, recipes and reader fun…and many of the authors sponsor GIVEAWAYS just for commenting!

If you’re only in the mood to receive my Special Release Alerts, you can subscribe to my mailing list instead. This is NOT a newsletter, but the occasional Karen/K.L. Docter news release.

Thanks for joining me on Karen’s Killer Book Bench!!

Karen/K.L.

To avoid SPAM filters, I’m announcing this random giveaway on the blog so that all current subscribers will know who won. If your name is announced and you don’t hear from me and can’t find an email in your SPAM folder, please contact me at kldocter@yahoo.com. Thank you!
Winners selected by random.org.

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: SECRETS AT SEASIDE (Sweet with Heat: Seaside Secrets Book 5) by Addison Cole

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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] SECRETS AT SEASIDE

Sweet with Heat: Seaside Secrets Book 5

BY ADDISON COLE

Blurb

Tony Black is the hottest surfer on the planet. He travels the world throughout the year and spends his summers on Cape Cod with his friends, at the Seaside cottages in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. He’s got his choice of women, but Amy Maples is the one he wants. Fourteen years ago she was his for an entire summer, until a devastating accident changed everything, and what they had seemed like it had never existed—at least for her.

Amy Maples is as consistent as the day is long. She’s spent summers on Cape Cod forever, she always does the right thing, and she’s spent years trying to reclaim the heart of Tony Black, the only man she’s ever loved. She’s back for a summer of fun with her friends at Seaside, only this year she’s been offered the opportunity of a lifetime thousands of miles away, and she’s decided to try one last time to reconnect with Tony. But having a relationship with Tony means dealing with her past—and dealing with her past may knock her to her knees.

Secrets at Seaside is the sweet edition of the steamy romance novel Seaside Secrets by Melissa Foster.

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[image error]SECRETS AT SEASIDE

Sweet with Heat: Seaside Secrets Book 5

BY ADDISON COLE

Excerpt

“I JUST CAN’T believe that Jamie’s the first one to get married. I mean, Jamie? He never even wanted to get married.” Amy Maples was three sheets to the wind, sitting in a bar at the Ryder Resort in Boston. That was okay, she rationalized, because it was the night before the wedding of her good friends Jessica Ayers and Jamie Reed, and she and her friends were celebrating. Besides, now that Jessica and Jamie were getting married and her other three besties had gotten engaged, Amy was the only single woman of the group. Drunk was the only way she was going to make it through the weekend.

“But that was before he met Jessica and she rocked his world.” Jenna leaned across the table in the dimly lit bar and grabbed Amy’s hand.

Amy saw Jenna’s lips curve into a smile as she shifted her eyes to Tony Black, another friend they’d known forever, sitting with his arm around Amy, as per usual. Jenna raised her brows with a smile, implying something Amy knew wasn’t true. She rolled her eyes in response. Tony always sat with his arm around her, and it didn’t mean a thing, no matter how much she wished it did.

Amy and her besties, Jenna Ward, Bella Abbascia, and Leanna Bray, had grown up spending summers together at the Seaside community in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, and to this day they continued to spend their summers there, along with Jamie and Tony. The six of them had spent eight weeks together every summer for as long as Amy could remember. Their parents had owned the Seaside cottages, which they’d passed down to them. Summers were Amy’s favorite time of year. Now that Amy’s company, Maples Logistical & Conference Consulting, was so successful, she was able to take eight weeks off while her small staff handled the workload. Amy had spent seven years building and nurturing the business, and over the last three years she had turned it into a six-figure venture with clients varying from accounting to full-on logistical consulting. She could hardly believe how her life, and her summers, had changed. Just four years ago she was working part-time during the summers at one of the local restaurants to keep a modicum of income coming in. She loved summers even more now that she didn’t have to work. Of course, her love of summers might also have something to do with being in love with the six-foot-two professional surfer and motivational speaker currently sitting beside her.

If only it were reciprocated. She tipped back her glass and took another swig of her get-over-Tony drink.

“Petey, can you please get me another drink?” Jenna batted her lashes at her fiancé, Pete Lacroux. She and Pete had gotten engaged last year. Pete was a boat craftsman and he also handled the pool maintenance at Seaside. Pete nuzzled against her neck, and Amy slid her eyes away. Maybe if Sky, Pete’s sister, were there, she’d feel a little better. Sky wasn’t currently dating anyone either, but Sky had to work, so Amy was on her own.

Bella and her fiancé, Caden Grant, were whispering nose to nose, Leanna was sitting on Kurt’s lap with her forehead touching his, and Jamie and Jessica were looking at each other like they couldn’t wait to tear each other’s clothes off. Amy stole a glance at Tony, and her heart did a little dance. Delicious and painful memories from the summer before college tried to edge into her mind. As she’d done for the past fourteen years, she pushed them down deep as Tony leaned in close.

He smelled delicious, like citrus and spice with an undertone of masculinity and sophistication. She knew he wore Dolce & Gabbana’s The One. She kept a bottle of The One beside her bed at home in Boston, and every once in a while, in the dead of winter or on the cusp of spring, when months stretched like eons before she’d see Tony again, she’d spray the cologne on her pillow so she could smell him as she drifted off to sleep. It never smelled quite as good as Tony himself. Then again, Tony could be covered in sweat after a five-mile run, or laden with sea salt after a day of surfing, and he’d still smell like heaven on legs. Since they were just friends, and it looked like there was no chance of them becoming more, she relied on her fantasies to keep her warm. When she was alone in bed at night, she held on to the image of Tony wearing only his board shorts, his broad shoulders and muscular chest glistening wet, muscles primed from the surf, and those delicious abs blazing a path to his—

Tony pressed his hand to her shoulder and pulled her against him, bringing her mind back to the present.

“Time for ice water?” he asked just above a whisper.

So much for her fantasy.

[image error]Meet Author Addison Cole…

Addison Cole is the sweet alter ego of New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. She writes humorous and emotional sweet contemporary romance. Her books do not include explicit sex scenes or harsh language.

Addison spends her summers on Cape Cod, where she dreams up wonderful love stories in her house overlooking Cape Cod Bay.

Visit Addison on her website or chat with her on social media. Addison enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups and welcomes an invitation to your event.

~~~

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

Link to Follow Tour:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dfBH-73KwGFjhVOUz0pxPGI53LpkcfuQz6B-5p_90jc/edit?usp=sharing

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35421334-secrets-at-seaside

Goodreads Series Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/series/203990-sweet-with-heat-seaside-summers

Buy Links:  AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO

Author Links:  WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

~~~

Thanks, Addison, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: The Dream Maker (Alpha Aviator Series Book 3) by Tara L. Ames

  [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!

~~

THE DREAM MAKER

Alpha Aviator Series Book 3

BY TARA L. AMES

Blurb

Head Chef and owner of a booming restaurant, Gabby Merrick not only has to prepare for a hurricane, but she has a tough decision to make, too. As much as she wants to marry Andrew Hughes, something is stopping her. In her heart of hearts, she still can’t accept the fact that Ethan Hastings, the love of her life, is dead, killed on a mission over in Afghanistan.

And what’s making it worse, the bartender she just hired, looks remarkably like Ethan, but he can’t be Ethan. For one thing, the bartender is much older, and for another, Ethan’s dead, right? She’s either losing her mind, or she’s just as sane as any other normal, human being, and the guy’s Ethan. And if so, where in the heck has he been for the past three years?

~~

[image error]THE DREAM MAKER

Alpha Aviator Series Book 3

BY TARA L. AMES

Excerpt

“You want me to marry you?” Under an August morning sun, Gabby Merrick stood on a dock in front of Andrew Hughes—in shock. Her boyfriend of two months pulled her into his arms and gave her a gentle kiss. His sweet, smelling cologne wafted around her. The ocean breeze tugged at her long hair. And her stomach twisted into a mesh of knots.

“Listen, I know we have been seeing each other for only a couple of months, but we’ve known each other for almost a year. I don’t need any more time to know what I want.”

Yeah, but she did. She had no idea if she was ready to open her heart again to another man. Deep down inside, she still believed Ethan Hastings, the love of her life, was still alive and would return home from Afghanistan someday. She knew it was silly to keep thinking that when the man had been reported dead almost three years ago, but she couldn’t help it.

Andrew clasped her hand and slipped a rock about the size of a ripe strawberry on her left finger.

Ohmigod. Gabby blinked at the diamonds glistening in the sun. He was dead serious.

“Imagine the life we’ll share.”

Still stunned, Gabby was speechless. All she could do was stare at the solid, gold chain Andrew wore around his neck and at the Tom Ford, designer, polo shirt, stretched across his chest. There was nothing cheap about Andrew. He had expensive taste, and with a successful career working as a wine broker, he could afford it. No doubt, he’d lavish her with material things, but did she really want all that? She had a lot of it already, growing up in a wealthy household.

“We’ll travel the world together, wherever my job takes us.” He stood on the ramp next to his seaplane and waited for her answer, his tanned face gleaming with hope.

Overcoming her shock, she at last spoke, “Andrew, I won’t give up my business.” Or my independence.

“I’m not asking you to sell your restaurant, if that’s what you’re worried about. We’ll hire someone to run it for you. I really want you to be with me. By my side.”

“Wow. You really have put a lot of thought into this.”

“Like I said, I don’t need any more time to think about it, I know what I want.”

“I—I don’t know what to say.”

“Say yes.” His intense gaze focused on her face. The tips of his blonde hair blew in the soft wind.

“It’s not that simple.” Gabby took a step backward. “You’ve really thrown me a fast ball. Unlike you, I need time to think.”

He narrowed his steely, gray gaze still focused on her face. “Look, you don’t have to tell me now. When I come back in a week, you can let me know your answer then.”

“A week?” She barely had enough time to think about what she planned to do tomorrow, especially now when her business needed her attention the most.

Ever since Luke gave up his share in owning JD’s Seafood Bar & Grille almost four months ago, she was way behind on paperwork. Accounts were owed. Bills were past due and the man, who Luke had hired to manage the bar in his place, was taking off after today to tend to a family emergency, leaving her shorthanded. And it wasn’t like she could call Luke and ask him to come back and help, he was away on a much needed vacation with his fiancée.

“I know it’s a lot I’m throwing out at you all at once,” Andrew said, yanking her hard from her thoughts.

No kidding. Her head pounded.

“But when I see something I want, I go for it, and I want you.” He held her tighter in his arms, as if that would really steady the thoughts flooding her mind. He had given her a ton of stuff to think about and in such a short period of time.

“I’m crazy about you, Gabbes.”

Irritation spiked down her back. She hated it when he called her that, but now wasn’t the time to tell him. “And I care for you too. I’m just not sure if I’m ready for marriage yet.”

Andrew brushed a kiss across her forehead. “Come with me to St. Thomas. Once there, we can talk some more about this.”

“As I told you several times before, I can’t leave my business, not with a possible hurricane heading our way.”

He sighed. “I just wish I could stay here and help you out, but I can’t afford to take the risk and miss out on that meeting. If the deal goes through, it’ll be huge for me and my clients.”

“I understand.” No, she didn’t. She hated storms, especially the kind that had a category number attached to it. Crap. She would just have to pull up her big, girl panties and go through it by herself.

“When I get back, I hope your answer will be yes. And if it is, we’ll have to celebrate with your family. We can even invite Luke and his fiancée.”

“My parents won’t be a problem, but my brother will still be deployed overseas and Luke and Sabine won’t be back until October.” What the hell was she saying? She didn’t even know if she wanted to marry Andrew yet.

“October.” He raised a wary brow. “I’m jealous. Where did they go, to some remote hideaway?”

“I’ve no idea. Luke didn’t tell anyone where they were going.”

“We’ll have to catch up with them some other time. You know I really do love you.”

Unable to repeat those three words back until she knew for sure how she felt about him, she could only bring herself to say, “I know you do. I just need some time to absorb all this.”

“Well, think hard while I’m away. Man, I’m going to miss you.” Andrew glanced at his watch and frowned. “I’ve got to go.”

“Call me when you arrive in St. Thomas.”

Andrew gave her a quick kiss. “This is going to be one hell of a long week.”

For her, it would be too short. The weight of her indecisiveness equaled the weight of that heavy rock on her left finger.

[image error]Meet Author Tara L. Ames…

Tara L. Ames is a Michigan native with a penchant for creating highly sensual empowered stories about brave sexy men and strong-willed women. You can find her Alpha Aviators Series on most retail sites, coming this summer. Now living in Florida, she is actively writing another series in between taking care of her family, reading and enjoying the sun. Qigong/Tai Chi/Sudoku are her three biggest addictions besides chocolate.

~~~

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

iTunes                     http://apple.co/2xoSHas

Kobo                        http://bit.ly/2yQSjoR

Nook                       http://bit.ly/2yQSjoR

Amazon                  http://amzn.to/2yLRWKn

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/taralamesauthor

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tara-l-ames

Amazon Author Page: https://amazon.com/author/taralames

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/taralamesauthor

Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/taralamesauthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/taralamesauthor

Website:  https://www.taralames.com/

[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Tara will give away a Kindle ebook copy of THE RISK TAKER to TWO lucky readers who comment on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.

Thanks, Tara, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** BONUS: Mistletoe Mistake by Caroline Clemmons #recipe ~ Applesauce Cake & Caramel Icing

[image error]Karen’s Killer Fixin’s

**AUTHOR SPECIAL**

with Caroline Clemmons!

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, CAROLINE CLEMMONS and her favorite recipe for APPLESAUCE CAKE & CARAMEL ICING! 

~~~

Thank you, Karen, for having me as your guest.

Are you a Christmas fan? I love, love, love Christmas. About this time of year, I start my shopping. In fact, I’ve already hidden away two gifts. Let’s hope I remember where I’ve hidden them in time for gift-giving.

I read Christmas stories all year. Now that Fall is here, I am especially diving into the spirit with tales of Christmas cheer. I had such fun writing my Christmas publications and hope you’ll let me share them with you. One is a contemporary romance and the other two are historical western romances.

[image error]MISTLETOE MISTAKE

BY CAROLINE CLEMMONS

BLURB

Shannon Callahan worked hard to become a physician. In New York, she meets resistance to a woman doctor and feels she is no more than a midwife. When the opportunity arises for her to go to Montana and be the only doctor in the town of Mistletoe, she grabs the chance.

Riley McCallister is sheriff of Mistletoe. When he learns the new doctor is a woman, he is shocked and vows never to let her treat him—no matter how beautiful she is. Slowly, Shannon’s skill wins his respect—and more. Shannon’s expertise and dedication during a measles epidemic convinces the town she is a good doctor—but does their acceptance come too late?

MISTLETOE MISTAKE Originally included in the anthology Wild Western Women…Mistletoe, Montana. Set in 1887 Montana Territory.

MISTLETOE MISTAKE

BY CAROLINE CLEMMONS

EXCERPT

Outside the store, a crowd of running children barreled into her and she grabbed the wall to stop a fall. “Whoa. Where are you going so fast?”

“They’re running from me.” The sheriff strode toward them carrying the saddest looking dog she’d ever seen.

Poor dog was filthy with several shades of brown hair. He was far too large to be toted around in the sheriff’s arms.

“Is that your dog?” She reached out to scratch between the creature’s ears. He ducked as if he thought she’d hit him.

After putting her parcel more securely under her arm, she caught the dog’s muzzle in her hands. “Poor boy, has someone been mean to you? I won’t hurt you.” She stroked his head and scratched between his ears.

The dog’s eyes lost their fear and he licked her hand. The crowd of children chose her distraction to run away.

“That Doan horde probably didn’t intend to be mean, but they were terrorizing this animal. Five of them fighting over him and pulling him first one way and then the other. They’re lucky he didn’t bite one of them.”

“Whose is he?”

“Never saw him before. Looks as if he’s missed a lot of meals.”

“And baths.” She smiled at the lawman. “I guess you have a dog, Sheriff. What are you going to name him?”

The sheriff shook his head. “He’s not mine. I just don’t want him harmed or frightened.”

“Or hungry or dirty or lonely. You definitely have yourself a dog.”

He leaned toward her and spoke over the dog, “I tell you, I don’t.”

Shannon crossed her arms. “Think not? Put him down and walk away and you’ll see.”

Shooting her a glare, he set the dog on the boardwalk. When the sheriff stepped away, the dog stayed at his heels.

Shannon laughed. “You’d better feed your dog, Sheriff. And name him.”

His eyes held mirth even though he pretended to be angry with her. “I should call him Shannon, but I guess I’ll name him Sylvester. I imagine I can get some scraps from the café.”

“Now you have someone to make rounds with you each day.”

He stopped and stared at the dog. “Hear that, Sylvester. Guess you’re the new deputy.”

Still chuckling, Shannon walked toward her new home. Getting out on such a nice day lifted her mood. She’d even had a halfway decent conversation with the sheriff. And his dog.

Amazon US: http://a.co/3zMk08O

Amazon UK:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mistletoe-Mistake-Caroline-Clemmons/dp/1976446007/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1508790035&sr=1-6&keywords=Caroline+Clemmons

[image error]ANGEL FOR CHRISTMAS is contemporary. I love this story and hope you will too. Fans have suggested it would make a great Hallmark Christmas movie.

ANGEL FOR CHRISTMAS

BY CAROLINE CLEMMONS

BLURB

When a dot com billionaire crashes his sports car into a tree, he wakes up in heaven facing angels Gabriel and Michael. He’s given a chance to redeem his carefree ways by helping an orphanage avoid foreclosure and regain a sound financial picture by midnight on Christmas Eve—or else. To do so, he is sent back to earth as orphanage janitor, Jacob Porter.

After her father died four months ago, child psychologist Suzi Stephens was shocked to learn Serenity Springs Children’s Home and Elementary School faced foreclosure unless she met a balloon note due January 1. She can’t understand why her late father broke the trust her grandfather had carefully constructed to protect the private home. She is afraid the annual gala won’t raise enough money to pay the note much less the needed year’s operating funds. Trying to do her job plus step into her late father’s shoes has stretched her to her limits.

She’s suspicious of the handsome new janitor, who appears more like he’d be at home as a CEO. Could he be a spy for the developer who covets the children’s home property? Suzi overcomes her distrust enough to allow Jacob’s help raising funds. Working together, their attraction escalates but Jacob has nothing to offer the beautiful redhead. He is scheduled for earthly removal at midnight on December 24.

Amazon U.S. http://a.co/886XHi0

Amazon UK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Angel-Christmas-Caroline-Clemmons/dp/1540826333/ref=sr_1_23?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1508790150&sr=1-23&keywords=Caroline+Clemmons

[image error]STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS was written several years ago as part of my Stone Mountain (Texas) series. I hate to be immodest, but I love this series.

STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS

A Stone Mountain Texas Novella

BY CAROLINE CLEMMONS

BLURB

Christmas has been Celia Dubois’s favorite time of year as long as she can remember. When she moves in with her parents a year after the death of her husband, the young widow is appalled at the town’s lack of Christmas spirit. Two months earlier, banditos had burned the church and crushed the townspeople. Celia vows to return holiday joy to the town. Perhaps doing so might help mend her aching heart. Will Celia’s plan work magic?

Rancher Eduardo Montoya knows Celia is the woman for him. She enchants him with her winning smile and vivacious nature. When her father warns Eduardo away from Celia, Eduardo is both angry and frustrated. After he stops a robbery in her father’s mercantile, will Celia’s parents change their minds about him? Can handsome Eduardo heal Celia’s sorrow?

Amazon http://amzn.com/B00OQUTDXA

Amazon UK

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00OQUTDXA

[image error]Meet Author Caroline Clemmons…

Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was not born on a Texas ranch. To make up for this tragic error, she writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a small office her family calls her pink cave. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their rescued cats and dogs. The books she creates there have made her an Amazon bestselling author and won several awards. Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, and Pinterest.

Click on her Amazon Author Page for a complete list of her books and follow her there.

Follow her on BookBub.

Subscribe to Caroline’s newsletter here to receive a FREE novella of HAPPY IS THE BRIDE, a humorous historical wedding disaster that ends happily—but you knew it would, didn’t you?

She loves to hear from readers at caroline@carolineclemmons.com

I hope you enjoy the recipe Caroline is sharing today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy Eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 340 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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Note from Caroline: I’d love to share a favorite Christmas recipe with you. My family is big on tradition and this one is a part of every Christmas. We never make it any other time—except our youngest daughter asked for the icing one year for her birthday.

APPLESAUCE CAKE

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon soda

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup shortening

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 16-ounce can applesauce

3/4 cup raisins or chopped dates (or raisins)

1 cup broken pecans

Sift flour, soda, cloves, and nutmeg together and set aside. In large bowl mix shortening, sugar and eggs and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Scrape bowl while mixing. Add applesauce, dates (or raisins), and nuts and mix. Add flour mixture and beat slowly for 2 minutes. Pour into a greased and floured tube or Bundt pan. Bake at 350° F for about 45 minutes. Let cake cool in the pan. When cool, cake may be served or frosted with Caramel Icing. 

CARAMEL ICING  

2 cups sugar

1 cup cream

1/2 stick butter or margarine

1 teaspoon vanilla

Put 1 cup of the sugar into a heavy skillet and let caramelize slowly. Be careful not to let it burn or scorch or it will be bitter. Into saucepan put sugar and cream. Let come to a slow boil. Gradually pour caramelized sugar into this and cook to a soft ball stage. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. Beat to desired consistency and spread on cake.

Thanks again to Karen for having me as her guest. Dear Readers, I hope you are each in the holiday spirit now.

~~~

[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Caroline will give away an ebook copy of one of her books (winner’s choice) to one lucky reader who comments on this Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.

Thanks, Caroline, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s *Author Special* with ROXY SINGS THE BLUES by Ellie Mack #recipe ~ Mexican Style Stuffed Green Peppers

[image error]

[image error] Karen’s Killer Fixin’s

**AUTHOR SPECIAL**

with Ellie Mack!

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, ELLIE MACK and her favorite recipe for MEXICAN STYLE STUFFED GREEN PEPPERS! 

~~~

ROXY SINGS THE BLUES

BY ELLIE MACK

BLURB

Scars tell the story of a past. Roxy’s scars aren’t visible but they have carved her deeply and the pain they caused pours out through her music. If facing an uncertain future after losing her mother wasn’t enough, a failed relationship from the past returns to wreak havoc. Just when she was trying to build a new life for herself, the troublemaking ex Devon drags her into danger. Roxy sits in the spotlight of a pivotal investigation. Detective Devon Miller is hot on the case and stirring the embers of forbidden fires.

Will Roxy hit the right note to help her old flame solve the case in time or will she be left singing the blues?

[image error]

ROXY SINGS THE BLUES

BY ELLIE MACK

Excerpt

“Detective Miller, Detective Alvarez.”

Devon Miller nodded in acknowledgement. He hated these calls. He hated seeing veterans in the homeless shelter. It never made sense to him. “What have we got?”

“Two males. Looks like meth heads, but we need to find out what is going on. This is the fourth time this month that homeless guys have shown up dead. I am putting you two on the case. Check with Dickerson in narcotics, see if he has any leads.” Seargent Brenner stood, flipping the body bag back over the victim’s face. “I want to know what they are taking, who they are buying from, what the cause of death was. I want a full tox screen and have Simmons report anything out of the order. Anything! Talk to some of the regulars at the shelter up the street.” He tucked his hands into the pockets of his black leather jacket, eyes downcast to the ground. Hesitating as if he wanted to add something more, but then changing his mind. He added, “I want reports on my desk in the morning.”

Devon watched him walk away before bending to examine the body. He reached for a discarded straw in the pile of trash that the first body lay in. Using the straw, he opened the vics mouth, checking for missing teeth, foaming, anything. “Still got his teeth. That’s something.”

Alvarez stood with his hands shoved into his jacket. “This kid is too young to be here.”  He bent swiping the hair out of the eyes of the second body. “Both of them are. I’d lay odds that test results are going to be the same as the last guys. I think our best bet is going to be Dickerson. See if he knows who’s dealing the designer drugs down here and find out how bums can afford it.”

[image error]Meet Author Ellie Mack…

Ellie Mack received her BS in cartography from Southeast Missouri State University. Since leaving the corporate world for the title of MOM, she has pursued her writing dreams. Nowadays Ellie charts unmapped territory through her fiction and humor writing. Formerly a columnist for a local paper, her weekly column received a lot of attention. She lives near St. Louis, MO with her husband of 32 years and their college aged daughters. When she’s not writing she can be found bullet journaling, crocheting, or cooking.

You can find her musings on her blog: https://quotidiandose.wordpress.com

~~~

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

Smashwords

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/746975

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Roxy+Sings+the+blues

Facebook  Ellie Mack author

Twitter @Mack_Ellie

Pinterest Ellie Mack

Blog Quotidiandose

I hope you enjoy the recipe Ellie is sharing today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy Eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 338 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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MEXICAN STYLE STUFFED GREEN PEPPERS

Four large bell peppers

1 1/2 cup cooked rice

1 pound ground turkey

1 beef bouillon cube dissolved in ¼ cup water

½ onion, finely chopped.

Taco seasoning

8 – 10 Black olives, chopped

Medium salsa (1/2 cup to 1 cup – we like it saucy!)

Hot sauce – to taste or optional

1 cup shredded cheddar (12 ounce package of shredded cheese works well)

Additional salsa and or hot sauce for serving.

Sour cream.

Cut tops off of green peppers. Scoop out seeds and ribs. Wash, pat dry. Place in 8 inch square glass pan. (This is a very large portion, so sometimes I cut peppers in half lengthwise and make pepper boats. Still a hearty serving, and will make 8 servings instead of 4)

Cook ground turkey in skillet with  the dissolved beef bouillon. When thoroughly cooked, about 12 -15 minutes add taco seasonings onion, black olives and rice. Add in salsa, and hot sauce.  Mix thoroughly. Put into standing peppers, pack it in! OR press into pepper boats if you want smaller portions. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake in 350 oven for 15 minutes. (ovens may vary, mine is hot)

When cheese is just starting to brown on edges,  remove from oven and serve with shredded lettuce, refried beans, guacamole and sour cream. Additional salsa can be served with the meal. Bon Appetit!

~~~

[image error][image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Ellie will give away a PRIZE BASKET with a print copy of Red Wine and Roses, 30 Days of Sass, $10 amazon gift card, cup cozy, + swag to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.

Thanks, Ellie, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!