Karen Docter's Blog, page 245
April 28, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Forever Grace by Linda Poitevin
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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FOREVER GRACE
BY LINDA POITEVIN
Blurb
A story of love, family, and learning to trust…
When injured police officer Sean McKittrick heads to his cottage, he’s planning on some much needed rest and recuperation. But the idyllic peace he expected to find is shattered by…children?
It’s not that Sean dislikes kids, he just isn’t interested in having any of his own. Or in settling down, for that matter. Ever. Unfortunately, the woman in charge of his young neighbors has an unsettling way of making him forget why.
Grace Daniels is attractive, single, and despite her brave face, overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for three nieces and a nephew. When she helps Sean out of a jam, he feels obliged to return the favor, but he soon realizes there’s more to this cobbled-together little family than meets the eye. Grace is hiding something, a secret that piques Sean’s cop suspicions—and stirs his protective instincts.
As Sean digs for the truth, however, the line between professional curiosity and personal interest becomes increasingly blurred. A family might not be quite what he had in mind for his future, but he’s beginning to wonder if he can live without this one…or if he wants to.
FOREVER GRACE
BY LINDA POITEVIN
Excerpt
Sean’s hands came down on Grace’s shoulders, tugging her inexorably closer. Her heart thudded wildly, threatening to break out of her chest altogether. She knew she should object, knew she should pull away, but his bottle-green gaze had turned so intense. It seared into hers, holding her captive. His hands slid down her arms, spanned her waist, drove the last remaining oxygen from her lungs. His head descended. Desire licked through her veins. Need hollowed her belly.
“Oh, Grace,” he whispered, burying his face in her hair, wrapping her against him.
A hand cupped the soft flesh of her breast, thumb circling the nipple, teasing, tormenting. Grace closed her eyes and arched against him.
“More,” she gasped. “Please…more.”
“Baa,” Sean replied.
Grace’s eyes shot open. Baa?
She stared up at the shadowed ceiling, struggling to regain her bearings and calm her breathing. Reality slowly filtered in. She was in bed. Alone. Her skin tingled with remembered sensation, but it wasn’t real. She’d dreamed it. Dreamed it all.
She sat bolt upright, sweat-soaked sheets falling away from her. Dear God, she’d dreamed about Sean McKittrick? Heat flooded her—part mortification, part something she didn’t want to think about.
And what the hell was baa?
“Mooo!” came a deep male voice from the other side of the wall behind her head. Grace froze. Her gaze darted to the portable crib in the corner of the room, then to the door standing partially ajar. Her heart dropped into her belly. Annabelle.
She scrambled from the bed, tripping over the covers wrapped around her feet and narrowly avoiding a flat-on-her-face fall. How on earth had the child gotten out of the crib? She’d never—
Utter horror stopped Grace dead in her tracks. Wait. Sean hadn’t—he wouldn’t—oh, Lord, please don’t tell her he’d come in to get Annabelle and seen her all tangled up in the covers and dreaming of—
Her last functioning brain cell snorted at her. Really, Grace? A man who can barely stand up on crutches, coming into the room and lifting a wriggly two-year-old out of her crib without you hearing a thing? Really?
She put her hands to her overheated face and stood swaying in the middle of the floor, willing her lungs to draw air. Her pulse slowed. Reason returned. Mortification subsided.
It didn’t quite disappear altogether, but it was enough.
She opened the door and tiptoed down the still-dark hallway toward the glow of lamplight and the first pale streaks of dawn. Reaching the living room, she found her niece comfortably tucked into the crook of Sean’s arm, intent on the book he held. Annabelle removed the pacifier from her mouth with one hand and pointed to a page with the other, looking up at Sean. He’d put his shirt back on but only half buttoned it. From where Grace stood, the deep vee opening allowed a rather tantalizing glimpse of crisp, curling, sandy-colored hair and the muscles that had featured so prominently in…
She swallowed on a suddenly parched throat.
“Whassat?” Annabelle asked Sean.
“That’s a dog,” he responded. “Woof, woof!”
“Oof! Oof!” Annabelle repeated. “Whassat?”
“A goldfish. I don’t think he makes any noise, though.”
“Fiss!” Annabelle pursed her lips and made a little popping sound as she imitated the gaping mouth of a fish.
“I see.” Sean chuckled. “I stand corrected.”
As if suddenly aware of Grace’s presence, he looked over his shoulder. “Ah. Good morning.”
About the author, Linda Poitevin…
Linda Poitevin is the author of both contemporary romance and dark urban fantasy–something her husband refers to as her light and dark sides. In her other-than-writing life, she’s a wife, mom, friend, coffee snob, gardener, and food preserver (you know, just in case that whole Zombie Apocalypse thing really happens). She’s also the walker of a giant dog and minion to the world’s cutest itty bitty kitty, too.
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Links to Linda’s website, blog, books, etc.
If you’d like to connect with me or find out more about my books, you can find me on my website (buy links to all my books are there), Facebook, and Twitter. I hope to see you there soon!
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Linda is giving away a full set of Ever After ebooks (GWYNNETH EVER AFTER, FOREVER AFTER, and FOREVER GRACE) to one lucky reader (choice of format) who comments on her *Author Peek* Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss the chance to read this book! Thanks, Linda, for sharing your story with us!
April 27, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: The Duke And The Lady In Red by Lorraine Heath
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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THE DUKE AND THE LADY IN RED
Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James Place
BY LORRAINE HEATH
Blurb
Sparks fly in the finale of the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James Place series, as the last wicked rogue meets his match.
When Rosalind Sharpe gains the attention of the deliciously wicked Duke of Avendale, she’s torn between her distracting attraction to the notorious rogue and the knowledge that he—rich as Croesus—is the perfect target for a deception that will put her swindling days behind her.
However, Avendale is no fool. After he discovers the tantalizing lady packing up to leave London with his coins in tow, he confronts her with a scandalous proposition: she can have all the money she requires…for a week in his bed.
Desperate for the funds, Rose agrees, but on one condition: he must never question her motives. Avendale quickly sees beneath her mask and discovers she is more than passion and pleasure—she is everything he has ever desired. But claiming her requires he unveil her secrets and lose her forever. Unless he can put his own dark past aside and risk everything for a chance at love.
THE DUKE AND THE LADY IN RED
Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James Place
BY LORRAINE HEATH
Excerpt
As they strode—as this man could do nothing except stride with confidence—through the room, he acknowledged a few but was greeted with deference.
“Your Grace.”
“Avendale.”
“Duke.”
She’d been correct about his title. She wondered how many lesser ones he might possess, how much property. What was he worth? Based upon the excellent tailoring of his black swallowtail coat, trousers, and waistcoat, along with the jeweled pin nestled in his cravat, he was worth a princely sum.
They arrived in a room that was much darker than any of the others she’d viewed. The walls were papered in rich burgundy and forest green. The furniture matched. A massive fireplace dominated one of several sitting areas. Glass cabinets held an assortment of spirits. Liveried footmen served amber liquid.
She finished off her champagne and set the flute on the tray of a passing footman. The man beside her—Avendale—did the same. She didn’t like noticing that he seemed to belong here more than in any other place. That he was made of—and for—debauchery. He was comfortable with his surroundings, would flourish here as well as in the bedchamber. She was rather certain of it. Even in shadows, he would stand out, prowling toward her, conquering every aspect of the night, conquering her. She wouldn’t so much as whimper in protest.
“Would you care for something darker?” he asked.
He grinned wolfishly, and for a moment she feared he read all her thoughts. A shiver went through her before she grasped his meaning. He’d distracted her. Normally she kept her head around men, even handsome ones. Or perhaps she was giving him too much credit, had simply sipped the champagne far too quickly so that her mind had dulled for a moment.
“Is it allowed?” she asked innocently.
“It is. That’s Darling’s purpose here—to open up every manner of vice and decadence to the ladies. But wouldn’t it be far more enjoyable if it weren’t allowed?”
He held her gaze and she was no longer certain they were discussing liquor. Things not allowed generally were more enjoyable. How did he know that was what she preferred? What she thrived on? The forbidden was always more alluring. She suspected many of the ladies would soon wonder what all the fuss had been about now that they could walk through the doors whenever they chose.
“Did I hear my name taken in vain?” a deep voice asked.
Turning to the side, she came face to face with the man she’d earlier seen kissing the woman in the dance area. That woman was now beaming with happiness and inappropriately nestled against his side. But then Rose supposed in a place like this nothing was entirely inappropriate. That was the entire point to it.
“I’ve been taking your name in vain ever since you came up with this ghastly idea to allow women into our sanctum,” Avendale said, clearly disgruntled.
“Yet, here you are walking about with one of those ladies,” Drake Darling said. “Are you going to introduce us?”
“I fear we have not yet been introduced.” Avendale’s gaze ran over her. “Names are unimportant to me.”
So he had only a temporary interest in her. Perhaps for just tonight. A tryst, something wicked. She was insulted enough to take offense, but not so much that she wasn’t also flattered. But both emotions were schooled not to show. Much more satisfying to make him pay later for his arrogance. Oh, and how he would pay. She could hardly wait, but taking her time would make it all so much sweeter.
About the author, Lorraine Heath…
LORRAINE HEATH always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals and computer code, but something was always missing. After reading a romance novel, she not only became hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She’s been writing about them ever since. Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including RWA’s RITA® and a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her novels have appeared on the USA Today and New York Times best-seller lists.
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Links to Lorraine’s website, blog, books, etc.
Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/03/the-duke-and-lady-in-red-scandalous.html
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22864442-the-duke-and-the-lady-in-red?from_search=true
Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/110654-scandalous-gentlemen-of-st-james
Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo | Publisher
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
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April 26, 2015
**Author Peek** Interview with Linda Poitevin
**AUTHOR PEEK** Character Interview with
LINDA POITEVIN
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INTRODUCING…LINDA.
1. What genre(s) do you write in and why?
Thanks so much for having me to visit, Karen! I’m thrilled to be here, and can’t thank you enough for the opportunity. 
As for my writing, I’m currently writing in both the contemporary romance and urban fantasy genres. Contemporary romance because I’ve always been a sucker for a happy ending, and urban fantasy because it allows me to bring out my darker side to play (you know, rather than actually knocking off someone!).
2. What’s your favorite beverage?
I get two choices here, right? Because coffee is the obvious answer for mornings (I couldn’t survive without it!), but nothing beats a glass of wine with/after dinner.
3. If you had to listen to one song over and over again for a whole day, what would it be?
Currently, Hozier’s Take Me to Church. My previous favorite was AWOL Nation’s Sail.
4. What is your least favorite part of writing?
When I get about half to two-thirds of the way through the first draft. That’s when my inner critic gets the better of me, and I become convinced that the story is hopeless and I should never have been a writer in the first place. Thankfully, I’ve learned that I can push through the panic, lol, or I’d never finish a book!
5. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why ?
Oh, goodness…probably on Prince Edward Island (home to Anne of Green Gables). We’ve visited there and it is absolutely gorgeous. Sand dunes, ocean, red sand beaches, rolling farmland, and the nicest people you could ever meet. But I’d want my kids to move nearby!
6. Are you an avid reader? When you do read someone else’s writing, what is your favorite genre?
I’ve always been an avid reader, but I need to make more time for it in my life again. I don’t know if I have a single favorite genre…I tend to read widely across the genres (romance, thrillers, urban fantasy, YA dystopians…), and I’m more interested in a story that grabs me than a particular category.
7. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?
Often while watching a movie. I’ll be half watching, and half thinking “well, yes, but if the character was this instead, and then that happened, then…ooooh…that would make a great book!” And song titles, too, oddly enough. Just a title alone is enough to inspire my what-if process…throw in the lyrics and my mind can wander off in all kinds of directions.
8. Tell me about your ideal reader .
My ideal reader would be someone who is drawn to strong characters and stories that feel “real” – and who don’t mind having their emotions yanked all over the place, because whether I’m writing romance or urban fantasy, I do like to play with a reader’s emotions. Oh, and if you’re reading my Grigori Legacy series, you’ll need to be okay with a grittier, darker kind of writing—apparently Sins of the Angels contains one of the creepiest murder scenes one (male) reviewer has ever read. I may be just a tad proud of that…
9. If you were to choose one superpower, what would it be?
The ability to teleport. I would so love to be able to move great distances in the breadth of a heartbeat…mostly so I could be closer to family. Oh, and so I could meet some of my online friends at long last. *looks at Karen*
10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
I have two coming out this year. Forever Grace, the third book in my Ever After romance series, just released on April 24th, so I’m caught up in the whirl of launch events right now (thank you again for having me to visit today for that reason!). Then, in September, I’ll be launching the fourth and final book in the Grigori Legacy, Sins of the Warrior. I’m super excited about both books, and so happy to be completing two series for my readers!
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Links to Linda’s website, blog, books, etc.
If you’d like to connect with me or find out more about my books, you can find me on my website (buy links to all my books are there), Facebook, and Twitter. I hope to see you there soon!
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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Linda, her release, and an excerpt from FOREVER GRACE on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Linda is giving away a full set of Ever After ebooks (GWYNNETH EVER AFTER, FOREVER AFTER, and FOREVER GRACE) to one lucky reader (choice of format) who comments on her *Author Peek* Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss the chance to read this book! Thanks, Linda, for sharing your story with us!
April 23, 2015
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Mary Anne Edwards
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**
with MARY ANNE EDWARDS!
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, Mary Anne Edwards, and her favorite recipe for BLUEBERRY SCONES WITH LEMON GLAZE!
A GOOD GIRL
A Charlie McClung Mystery
B
Y MARY ANNE EDWARDS
Blurb
For Charlie McClung, going home to Virginia with Marian was supposed to be a joyous occasion, but upon arrival at his childhood home, he’s met with a note instead of his family.
“Don’t worry, Love, we’re all okay. Come to the shop. A dead girl was found in an armoire delivered just now. Huggies, Ma.”
Charlie is quickly recruited to help solve the murder of a young girl who was on the path to become a nun. The suspects begin to mount as Charlie delves deep into the girl’s life, revealing a sordid and ugly side of the town’s good girl.
A GOOD GIRL
A Charlie McClung Mystery
B
Y MARY ANNE EDWARDS
Excerpt
Charlie, was scrawled across the envelope taped over the doorbell. Charlie McClung’s heart pounded. This can’t be good. His family had been dying to meet Marian Selby and this was the big day, the big reveal. So, for his family not to be standing in the driveway with open arms could only mean something horrendous had happened. He yanked the folded paper from inside the envelope and read the note written by his mother.
Don’t worry, Love, we’re all okay. Come to the shop. A dead girl was found in an armoire delivered just now. Huggies, Ma.
“What’s the matter, Charlie?” Marian asked, staring at his wrinkled brow.
He sighed, “Oh, nothing. There’s a dead girl at The Antique Shop.”
Marian’s eyes grew wide and her mouth fell open. “Did you just say there’s a dead girl at The Antique Shop? Your family’s shop?”
“Yep.” Charlie nodded. “Let’s go.” He grabbed her hand and started toward his car.
She didn’t move. “That’s it? Dead girl, let’s go as if a dead girl is no big thing?”
He tugged her hand. “I’ll explain on the way.”
Once in the car, speeding toward Main Street, he gave her all the details he could. “So you understand now I wasn’t making light of a girl’s death. I was relieved my family was okay.”
Marian reached over and rubbed his shoulder. “Yeah, not exactly the welcome you expected. Sorry, I sounded so gruff.” She saw his smile smooth out the worry lines on his forehead.
Charlie clasped her hand and kissed it. “I love you, Marian Francis Selby, you know that? I’ll always give you all the facts, never keep any secrets. You can count on that.” He kissed her hand again before releasing it.
She sighed, “Yep, I know.” Pausing she added, “I love you, too.” Three months ago, she couldn’t have thought she would ever say those three sacred words to any man again. In her mind, they belonged to her husband, Lee, who died 11 years ago. But so many things had happened in such a short time. Her good friend and neighbor was murdered, and the same lunatic would have killed her, if not for Charlie. Then Lee appeared to her one night somewhere between a memory and a dream and released her to Charlie’s love.
Now, she was about to meet Charlie’s family the same way she had met him, over someone’s dead body. Staring out the car window, she watched his old neighborhood fly by as he drove to The Antique Shop. She caught bits and pieces of his family’s world: large Victorian homes with gorgeous flowers beds, well-maintained yards, and sidewalks shaded by arching Southern Live Oaks. Closing her eyes, Marian imagined Charlie as a little boy walking to school with his older brother and two younger sisters. She smiled thinking that there had probably been a lot of teasing, chucking acorns, and races to school.
Feeling a sharp right turn, she opened her eyes. They were going down Main Street, which was just as lovely as his old neighborhood. A large crowd had gathered in front of one of the long-standing stores. The Antique Shop was printed neatly in gold on a black sign above its door with a strip of bright yellow crime tape blocking its entrance. Several police cars and an ambulance were parked in front.
Charlie parked his 1967 Plymouth Belvedere GTX next to one of the police cruisers. Marian noticed Charlie clipping his badge on his belt as he walked directly toward the center of the mayhem.
An older officer with his thumbs hooked in his pant loops stood erect when he saw the two of them approaching. He put up a flat palm signaling them to stop. “This is an active crime scene. Please step …” The officer’s stern face transformed into a welcoming smile. “Charlie, you old dog. I heard you were comin’ up for a visit.” He extended his hand. “Good to see you.”
Shaking the officer’s hand, Charlie replied, “Yeah, good to be back, Mike. Say, what’s going on here?” Charlie pointed his chin toward the door of his family’s shop.
Mike smiled. “You must be Marian. The whole town’s been waitin’ to meet the one who finally snagged ol’ Charlie boy.” He shook her hand gently. “My name’s Mike. Mike Purvis.”
Marian blushed. “Um, yeah, my pleasure to meet you, Mike. I didn’t know Charlie was so popular.” She grinned at Charlie who stood scratching his head. “I can’t wait to meet everyone too.” She studied Mike’s pleasant face, guessing he was probably five years older than Charlie. He was tall, lean, and his dirty blonde hair had a buzz cut. His Siamese cat blue eyes revealed a happy soul. “So, I’m guessing you’ve known him for a while?” She leaned her head against Charlie as she entwined her arm around his.
Chuckling, Mike answered, “Known him practically all of his life.” Noticing Charlie’s exasperation, he cleared his throat. “Well, we can go into all of that later. I’m sure you want to know the details of what’s happened. Don’t you?”
“Walk me through it, sergeant.” Charlie ducked under the single piece of crime tape. He held it up, motioning for Marian to join them.
As they hurried toward the back of the store, Marian gasped at the sight of the exquisite antiques. This had to be the most beautiful and organized antique shop she’d ever seen. It was as if she were walking through a museum. Her attention was torn away from the lovely pieces when she heard Mike say, “She was strangled, and a red rosary was stuffed in her mouth.”
A sick feeling washed over her as they entered the dimly lit storage room. Slowing her steps, Marian wondered if she really wanted to be this close to Charlie’s work.
A slight pull caused Charlie to turn. He saw Marian’s pale cheeks and cupped her face. Staring into her eyes he said, “You can stay here if you’d rather not tag along.”
Her mouth twitched with his concern and she felt like crying. Marian kissed his cheek. “Thank you, but I want to know what you feel. I want to understand, be a part of you.”
A smiled played on his full lips. “Okay, but at any time, you can leave and I’ll understand. Okay?”
She nodded.
Sergeant Purvis interrupted. “Is she coming with?”
“Yes. Yes, I am,” Marian answered with determination.
Pursing his lips and nodding, Purvis handed them each a pair of latex gloves. “All right then, put these on.”
Charlie snapped on the gloves and then helped Marian with hers. “When did you start using these?”
“Oh, a few months ago thanks to your doctor brother-in-law and your niece, Mary Grace. Said we’re livin’ in the 80s now. Just because we’re a small town doesn’t mean we’re immune from the big city problems.” Purvis rubbed his gloved hands together. “Yep. Things have changed a lot since my rookie days,” he added and headed toward the back door.
Purvis opened the heavy door. Bright sunlight flooded the storage room, along with sounds of the small mob that had gathered to witness the police investigation.
A cheer went up when Charlie stepped outside. “There he is, Ma. It’s Charlie.”
Three officers held back the McClung clan gathered just beyond the crime scene. “Stand back. Don’t go tramping on evidence. Back up! Stay behind the tape.”
“Oh, glory be, there she is!” exclaimed a mature lady with flaming red hair. She leaned against the bright yellow tape, motioning for Marian to come over.
Charlie whispered in Marian’s ear. “That’s Ma and the family. We better go over before the officers have to handcuff her.”
Marian hesitated. Looking into his eyes, she murmured, “But I thought you were going to let me be a part of this?” She nodded toward the armoire standing in the parking lot five feet from the door they had exited. “To understand your work?”
Charlie kissed her forehead. “Family first.” He guided her around the armoire toward his family. They went under the tape and into his mother’s wide open arms.
Marian felt as if she would be crushed by all the arms that surrounded her. She looked for Charlie and saw him standing behind his mother. He laughed, mouthing, “They love you.”
“All right now. Move back so I can get a good look at her.” The crowd parted at Ma’s command. “Ah, look at ya now. You’re a pretty young thing. Isn’t she, Da?”
An older version of Charlie appeared next to Ma. “Aye, she’s a fine lookin’ lass, that she is,” Da answered as he stood with his arms crossed, looking her up and down.
Their lilting Irish accents made Marian smile.
Charlie wrapped his arm around Marian. “This is my mother, Mary Kathleen, and my father, John Patrick. Ma, Da, Marian.”
The family as a whole embraced her, again. Each one introduced themselves to her, welcoming her into their clan. Marian was overwhelmed with their outpouring of love. Immediately, she felt like a part of them, as if she was their long-lost daughter.
“Hey! We’ve got a murder over here, Detective McClung. I could use your help,” snarled a tall man in a dark business suit leaning against the armoire with his arms and ankles crossed.
Charlie smiled when he saw his baby sister’s husband. Rachel had followed in Ma’s footsteps and married a copper – an Irish one at that, Luke O’Sullivan. He clasped his brother-in-law’s hand. “How are you doing, Luke? I heard you made detective.”
Luke shrugged and motioned for him to follow. “I was doing okay until Rach called me all in a tizzy.” He stopped just before rounding the armoire. Scratching his narrow chin he cocked his head toward Charlie. “Gotta be honest with you; this is my first homicide. Things like this don’t happen in Mercy City, you know.”
Charlie saw Luke swallow the nervous lump caught in his throat. “So what do you have?” When they rounded the antique armoire, he shook his head grimacing at the macabre sight of a young girl’s body. She looked familiar. “Who is she?” he asked as he squatted to get a better look. She was tiny, about 5 feet tall and maybe 100 pounds. Her black hair was tangled in a slender red cord wound tightly around her swan-like neck. The cord was nothing extraordinary, red with tassels on each end. Cranberry red rosary beads were dangling from her bluish lips. Her thickly lashed brown eyes would have been beautiful if not clouded and frozen open in death.
“She’s Jason and Becky Rogers’ girl, Darla Jean. They reported her missing early this morning.” Luke rubbed his face with both hands. “That’s what makes it even tougher. I know them. My boy, Jack, went to school with her. Criminy, how am I going tell them their only child is dead?”
About the author…Mary Anne Edwards.
Although I was born in Mercedes, Texas, I have lived in Georgia most of my life which has been filled with a variety of experiences. Some were great and some, well let’s just say I have learned many lessons the hard way.
I have been married for 34+ years to the most practically perfect man, Jeff. We have a new addition to our family, a Tuxedo cat named Gertrude. We enjoy traveling and watching mysteries on TV. I am active in Sisters in Crime Atlanta Chapter, a member of Mystery Writers of America, and sit on the advisory board of Rockdale Cares, Inc., a non-profit advocacy group for the developmentally challenged.
I began writing in high school but not seriously until 1999. I write traditional mysteries and my biggest influences are Agatha Christie, Anne Perry, Caroline Graham, Elizabeth Peters, and of course, my family. I have a collection of eclectic short stories titled, “My Favorite Work of Art,” currently out of print.
My first manuscript, “Useless Beauty,” is waiting for me to breathe life into it. It was put on hold because my second manuscript, “Brilliant Disguise,” was begging to be written. It is the first in the Detective Charlie McClung mysteries. “Brilliant Disguise” was released January, 2014. The second book, “A Good Girl,” was released September, 2014. I am currently working on the third book in the series, “Criminal Kind.” There are seven more to follow in the series. This series is set during the early 1980s in a small town in Georgia.
Links to Mary Anne’s website, blog, books, etc.
Available at:
Website: http://maryanneedwards.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authormaryanneedwards
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maedwards58
Google+ :
https://plus.google.com/+MaryAnneEdwards
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/maryanneedwards
Amazon Author’s Page:
amazon.com/author/edwardsmary
I hope you enjoy the recipe Mary Anne is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 198 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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BLUEBERRY SCONES WITH LEMON GLAZE
Blueberry Scones:
1 Tablespoon baking powder
½ Teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons sugar
5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cut in chunks
1 Cup fresh blueberries
1 Cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing the scones
Lemon Glaze:
½ Cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 Cups confectioners’ sugar
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1 Lemon, zest finely
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Sift together all of the dry ingredients; flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut in the butter into the dry ingredients to coat the pieces with the flour mixture. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. Gently fold the blueberries into the flour/butter mixture. Do not mash or bruise the blueberries; their color will bleed into the dough. Make a well in the center and pour in the heavy cream. Fold everything together just to incorporate; do not overwork the dough.
Press the dough into an 8 – 12 inch round mound, depending on the thickness you prefer. Cut into eight wedges or more depending on your preference. Place the wedges on an ungreased cookie sheet and brush the tops with a little heavy cream. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Let the scones cool before you glaze.
You can make the glaze in the microwave or double boiler. Mix the lemon juice with the confectioners’ sugar until dissolved in a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water or microwave-proof bowl, depending on the method you choose. Whisk in the butter and lemon zest. Either microwave the glaze for 30 seconds or continue to whisking in the double boiler. Whisk the glaze smooth and free of lumps, then drizzle the glaze over the scones. Let it set a minute before serving.
Hints: You can use half-n-half in place of heavy cream. The batter maybe sticky so you use less cream or add a tiny bit of flour until the dough is workable. I baked the round first for 15 minutes then cut into wedges and baked a few more minutes until done.
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Mary Anne is giving away a Kindle copy of A GOOD GIRL to one lucky reader who comments on her Killer Fixin’s blog. Don’t miss the chance to read this book! Thanks, Mary Anne, for sharing your story with us!
April 22, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: A Highlander’s Passion by Vonnie Davis
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!
~~
A HIGHLANDER’S PASSION
A Highlander’s Beloved Novel
BY VONNIE DAVIS
Blurb
Two of the wildest hearts in Scotland fight for their destiny in this searing-hot romance, sure to be devoured by fans of Jennifer Ashley’s Shifters Unbound series and Shelly Laurenston’s Pride Stories.
As a bear-shifter in a pack roaming the Scottish countryside, Bryce Matheson embodies brute force and untamed abandon. As a widower, he’s running scared. When Bryce attempted to open his scarred heart to another, she grew tired of waiting for him to state his intentions, and the unearthly beauty spurned him for someone who wasn’t worthy. But now that fate has conspired to set Kenzie Denune free once again, Bryce vows to finally win her love.
Kenzie is a witch who summons her powers to protect those too weak to care for themselves. After surviving an abusive husband, she swears off men—even men like Bryce, whose iron muscles make her knees weak, and who’s piercing eyes fill her with longing. Her life’s purpose is to help others. However, dark forces have different plans for her gifts. To save herself, Kenzie must team up with the shifter who has always stirred her soul—and trust in a passion powerful enough to set her blood aflame.
A HIGHLANDER’S PASSION
A Highlander’s Beloved Novel
BY VONNIE DAVIS
Excerpt
Bryce, still damp from his quick shower, tugged on a pair of clean jeans and reached fer a bottle of cologne. He wanted to make a good impression on Kenzie tonight. Driving her to her apartment to help her pack would be his pleasure, but he doubted she’d look on it in the same light. Not after he’d put the brakes on their budding romance fourteen months ago.
He braced his hands against the top of his chest of drawers and hung his head. Breaking things off with Kenzie had been the worst mistake he’d ever made. One he’d regretted every day since. He still hadna forgiven himself for thinking it his obligation to live emotionally in the past with his deceased wife. After all, hadna his mum lived without a man since his dad died when Bryce was only five? But then, she hadna fallen in love with anyone, the way he had with Kenzie.
Hell, he kent her better than anyone else. They’d played together every day as youngsters, shared secrets, sworn oaths to each other as teenagers. Then Miranda walked into his life and suddenly everything revolved around her. Losing his young bride so soon after their rushed marriage had flung him into a dark place. ʼTwas Kenzie who had tugged him into the sunlight again, a few years later.
She’s ours. His bear roared within Bryce’s chest. And thanks to yer stupidity, it’s gonna take more than charm to woo our calico-eyed darling. Ye treated her like she had no worth. Due to Bryce’s earlier waffling, not only did he have to listen to his inner bear’s harangues, he also had to convince Kenzie he was now ready to commit to a long-term relationship.
His ending things had left her bitter where he was concerned, and he couldna blame her one whit. He’d been a numpty-headed fool. If he hadna turned from her, she wouldna responded to the advances of Duncan and fallen victim to the fuker’s abuse. He’d always been a bully at school and a charmer in front of the teachers or the principal. Duncan knew how to pour the charisma on when it suited . . . the diabolical bastard.
The day after she’d miscarried, and he and his brothers had captured Duncan, Bryce hovered by her bedside in the hospital. Nothing or no one could keep him away, including his mum’s lecture about what was proper in everyone’s eyes. He carried a strong sense of responsibility fer Kenzie’s condition. If only he’d kept her near, loved her, cherished her, she’d have been safe with him and little Colleen, his daughter. But no, he’d been too attached to the memory of Miranda.
A man hated feeling useless, especially a Scot. As he’d held Kenzie’s hand while she slept, her face battered and bruised, he’d been emotionally gutted. He’d traced the blue veins on her limp hands, and his tears had plopped on them, for he’d have moved heaven and earth to protect her, to care fer her. But how did a man erase the pain of a woman who’d lost her bairn? What could he do to help her?
If he treated her with gentleness and showed her how precious she was to him, with luck, today might be the beginning of their coming together again. He’d take her someplace special, maybe the Crazy Horse, where they’d gone so often when they’d dated.
About the author, Vonnie Davis…
Vonnie Davis, who studied English at Penn State, likens herself to a croissant: crusty, wrinkled, flaky—and best served with strong coffee. After a career as a technical writer, she’s spending her retirement playing fairy godmother to her characters, giving them their happily-ever-afters. Six fantastic, talented kids call her “Grandma” and brighten her world in so many ways. She lives in Southern Virginia with her husband, author Calvin Davis.
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Links to Vonnie’s website, blog, books, etc.
Link to Follow Tour:
http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/01/a-highlanders-passion-highlanders.html
Goodreads Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22890393-a-highlander-s-passion?from_search=true
Goodreads Series Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/series/134541-highlander-s-beloved
Buy Links:
Amazon
|
B & N
|
iTunes
|
Kobo
Author Links:
Website
|
Facebook
|
Twitter
|
Goodreads
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April 21, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Cora by Cynthia Woolf
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!
~~
CORA
The Brides of San Francisco ~ Book 3
BY CYNTHIA WOOLF
Blurb
Cora Jones has a dilemma. She was engaged to be married but her fiancé Asa Woods was killed in the Civil War. She’d never been madly in love with Asa, but she did care for him deeply and grieved his loss. When she stopped grieving she decided she wanted to put everything behind her and became a mail order bride for Harry Belcher.
Cora sailed to San Francisco to meet Harry. She’s checking into her hotel when she hears a voice from the past say her name. No, it can’t be. She turned to find Asa Woods behind her, just as Harry comes up to her, too.
What’s a girl to do when one fiancé returns from the dead and she has another one calling to her from across the lobby? Cora decides to have both men court her in order to make up her mind.
Who will she choose—the man back from the dead who wants her for his wife or the man who sent for her to be his bride?
CORA
The Brides of San Francisco ~ Book 3
BY CYNTHIA WOOLF
Excerpt
Cora checked in and found a message waiting for her from Harry Belcher.
My dear Cora,
I have instructed the staff at the hotel to send a messenger to me when you get there. I should be arriving shortly after that as my bank is only minutes away. I can’t wait to greet you in person.
Yours truly,
Harry Belcher
Cora read the missive and smiled. It was so like Harry to come to greet her right away.
“Cora?”
A deep, familiar voice came from behind her. But that was impossible…she slowly turned toward the sound.
“Cora. It’s me.”
“Asa?” Cora shook her head slowly back and forth. It couldn’t be. Asa was dead. They’d told her he died at Appomattox more than two years ago. Her eyes filled with tears. “No. No. You’re dead.”
He held his hat in his hands, rolling the brim and crushing the felt between his fingers. His black suit and tie fit him well and his tanned skin was stark against the white of his shirt. She remembered his beautiful blue eyes, but the gray in his brown hair was new.
“I wanted you to think that. I was wounded and I…”
He took a step toward her and she saw his limp.
She stepped back. “Asa, I—”
“Cora Jones?”
Another male voice called to her from across the hotel lobby.
She looked up and saw Harry Belcher crossing the room toward her. He looked just like the picture he’d sent her. He had blond hair, parted in the middle and slicked down. She knew from her correspondence with him that his eyes were green. The tan three piece suit, with brown tie and top hat would have washed out his pale skin, but the blue shirt he wore with the suit added color to his face.
“Cora, I’ve come home to you,” said Asa.
Harry reached them and took Cora’s hand, brought it to his lips and kissed the top. “You’re as beautiful as your picture and such a tiny little thing.”
“Harry, I—”
“Cora, you can’t mean to marry this man since I’m back,” said Asa. “You belong to me.”
“What does he mean you belong to him? Who is this man and what does his being here have to do with anything? You’re going to marry me. We have a contract.”
She looked back and forth between Asa and Harry and burst into tears.
“Cora, are you alright?” called Nellie on her way to her room.
“Yes, I’ll be fine,” said Cora, sniffling.
Nellie nodded and went on her way.
Cora turned back to the two men, each vying for her attention and each demanding that she marry him.
She took a hanky from her reticule and dabbed at her eyes. “Asa, I have no idea what you’re doing here, but after two years, you cannot really believe you have any hold upon me. You could have contacted me anytime in those years but you didn’t.”
She turned to the other man. “Harry we do have a contract, but that was when I thought myself a single woman. With Asa back I must give all of this more thought. I have two months here at the hotel and I won’t be bullied by either one of you into making a decision right this second.”
“Well, I never,” huffed Harry.
Asa looked smug and Cora wanted to wipe that look off his face.
She narrowed her eyes and stared at the both of them. “You’re going to have to convince me before I’ll marry either one of you. In other words you’re both going to have to court me. I’ll make my decision within the next two months. And let me warn you, I may decide not to marry either of you. Right now, neither one of you is showing me your best side.”
“Well, I want to court you,” said Asa. “I didn’t have time before I went into the army. I want to prove to you I’m the man you should marry.”
“I’ll be the man you choose. I’ve never lost something that was important to me and you, Cora,” Harry looked her straight in the eyes, his green ones meeting with her brown ones, “are important to me.”
“Very good. We’ll start tonight. One of you is going to take me to dinner. I’ve got a number in my mind. The one of you closest to the number will take me to dinner.”
“Six,” said Asa.
“Five,” said Harry.
“The number is seven. Asa it is. Pick me up here at seven o’clock.” Cora turned on her heel and walked toward the stairs to her room.
“I’m going to win her,” said Harry. “I never lose.”
“Prepare to lose this time. I’ve loved Cora all my life and I’m not going to lose her to you.”
Harry snorted. “If you’d really loved her, you wouldn’t have disappeared from her life for so long.” He turned and left the hotel.
That stung and Asa knew he was right, but he’d been scared. He’d awakened in a field hospital minus his left leg below the knee. His immediate thoughts were he wanted to die because he was no longer a man.
About the author, Cynthia Woolf…
Cynthia Woolf is the award winning and best-selling author of twelve historical western romance books and two short stories with more books on the way. She was born in Denver, Colorado and raised in the mountains west of Golden. She spent her early years running wild around the mountain side with her friends.
Their closest neighbor was about one quarter of a mile away, so her little brother was her playmate and her best friend. That fierce friendship lasted until his death in 2006.
Cynthia was and is an avid reader. Her mother was a librarian and brought new books home each week. This is where young Cynthia first got the storytelling bug. She wrote her first story at the age of ten. A romance about a little boy she liked at the time.
Cynthia loves writing and reading romance. Her first western romance Tame A Wild Heart, was inspired by the story her mother told her of meeting Cynthia’s father on a ranch in Creede, Colorado. Although Tame A Wild Heart takes place in Creede that is the only similarity between the stories. Her father was a cowboy not a bounty hunter and her mother was a nursemaid (called a nanny now) not the ranch owner.
Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband Jim and the great friends she’s made at CRW for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.
TITLES AVAILABLE
NELLIE – The Brides of San Francisco 1
ANNIE – The Brides of San Francisco 2
CORA – The Brides of San Francisco 3
JAKE (Book 1, Destiny in Deadwood series)
LIAM (Book 2, Destiny in Deadwood series)
ZACH (Book 3, Destiny in Deadwood series)
CAPITAL BRIDE (Book 1, Matchmaker & Co. series)
HEIRESS BRIDE (Book 2, Matchmaker & Co. series)
FIERY BRIDE (Book 3, Matchmaker & Co. series)
TAME A WILD HEART (Book 1, Tame series)
TAME A WILD WIND (Book 2, Tame series)
TAME A WILD BRIDE (Book 3, Tame series)
TAME A SUMMER HEART (short story, Tame series)
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Links to Cynthia’s website, blog, books, etc.
WEBSITE: www.cynthiawoolf.com
NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/1qBWhFQ
AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00VBVE7NS
iTUNES:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/cora/id975603805?mt=11
BARNES &NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1121640891?ean=2940151608367
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Cynthia is giving away a paperback copy (US only) or ebook copy (International) of CORA to one lucky reader who comments on her *Author Peek* Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss the chance to read this book! Thanks, Cynthia, for sharing your story with us!
April 20, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: The Courtesan Duchess by Joanna Shupe
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 COURTESAN DUCHESS
Wicked Deceptions #1
BY JOANNA SHUPE
Blurb
Can a bold-faced lie lead to everlasting love? One by one, the impetuous heroines in the Wicked Deceptions series intend to find out, each in her unique way…
How to seduce an estranged husband—and banish debt!—in four wickedly improper, shockingly pleasurable steps…
Learn the most intimate secrets of London’s leading courtesan.
Pretend to be a courtesan yourself, using the name Juliet Leighton.
Travel to Venice and locate said husband.
Seduce husband, conceive an heir, and voila, your future is secure!
For Julia, the Duchess of Colton, such a ruse promises to be foolproof. After all, her husband has not bothered to lay eyes on her in eight years, since their hasty wedding day when she was only sixteen. But what begins as a tempestuous flirtation escalates into full-blown passion—and the feeling is mutual!
Could the man the Courtesan Duchess married actually turn out to be the love of her life?
THE COURTESAN DUCHESS
Wicked Deceptions #1
BY JOANNA SHUPE
Excerpt
Venice, November 1816
“Two years! You saw him two years ago and never told me?” Now inside their gondola, Julia stripped off her gloves and threw them on the seat inside the felze. The blinds were drawn, and the single interior lamp cast a warm yellow glow about the cabin. She was too angry to sit but had little choice in the confined space. “How could you keep that from me, Simon?”
The boat pushed off from the dock as he dropped next to her. “There was no reason to tell you. I came to Venice and tried to convince him to return with me. I told him of you. Sang your praises, really, but I failed to win him over. I worried it would hurt your feelings to learn of it.”
While Julia thought on that, he continued. “The only reason I brought it up tonight was for you to be perfectly aware of what you face with Colton.”
“What did he mean, calling me his father’s pawn? Pawn for what, exactly?”
Simon sighed. “To him, you’re the woman his father married him off to, without considering his wishes on the subject. Like I’ve said, he was the forgotten son ’til his brother died. And when he became the heir, Colton’s father was desperate to get his only living son to fall in line, to become responsible. In Colt’s eyes, you’re merely another attempt by his father to bring the wayward son to heel.” Simon stretched his long legs. “But you know how well that turned out. Didn’t he leave for Paris directly after reciting his vows?”
Yes, and that had stung. And while she could imagine how manipulated Colton must have felt, Julia
needed to stay focused on her plan—a plan Simon was not entirely privy to. “Well, he’s interested in Mrs.
Leighton. After I lure him in, I can spend time with him not as a wife, but as a woman. Then I shall be able to satisfy my curiosity regarding my husband,” she lied.
“God save men from intelligent women,” Simon muttered with a yawn. “I am not so sure this relationship with Pearl Kelly has been beneficial, Julia. You never used to be so . . . bold.”
“I had no choice. I’m tired of waiting and wondering if Nick will return. I’m tired of the pity and the scorn, all the rumors. The innocent wife of the Depraved Duke—it would be laughable if only it were someone else. We’ve talked about this, Simon. I should have the ability to at least meet the man I am married to. To see if we suit.”
“Oh, it’s Nick, is it?”
The gondola stopped, and Simon rose to offer his hand. They stepped out onto the boat dock and continued toward the stairs of their rented palazzo. “He insisted,” she said. “I told you he was interested.”
“Of course he’s interested. He’d be a fool not to be—and Colton is no fool. As I’ve said, I am in full approval of this plan. Colton has ignored his responsibilities for far too long.”
They had procured a few local servants upon their arrival, and no one suspected the renters were not who they claimed. As far as the servants were concerned, the trio included a wealthy English lord traveling with his mistress and her companion. Julia, Simon, and her aunt, Theodora, took great pains to maintain the illusion, unless absolutely certain they were alone.
Once inside, Simon removed her cloak and handed it to the footman. Aunt Theo appeared in the parlor doorway. “Would either of you care for a sherry?” Judging by the messy riot of curls on Theo’s head, Julia guessed her aunt was already on her second or third drink.
“Yes, I believe I shall. Darling?” She gave Simon a seductive smile for the benefit of the servant hovering nearby.
“Lead on, my love,” he said easily, gesturing to the doorway.
“And how was your evening?” Theo asked as she settled her rounded, lush frame on the divan. Her aunt was fond of sherry and cake and hardly a day went by when she didn’t indulge in at least one.
“Productive,” Julia answered, closing the door behind her. “Simon, bring me a glass of whatever you’re having. Sherry makes me gag.” She dropped into a chair opposite her aunt.
Simon pressed a glass into her hand and Julia took a sip. Claret, she realized, and took another grateful swallow. “Oh, Aunt Theo,” Julia breathed. “You would not have believed this party. Shocking would be a paltry description. What freedom these women have! A world away from Almack’s, to be sure.”
“Such freedom does not last long when your looks fade or your benefactor tires of you. And the health risks!” Theo waggled her finger at Julia. “Do not envy them. It’s a hard life, full of uncertainty and scorn.”
“But they do wield a certain amount of power. Pearl has had liaisons with two dukes, one earl, a viscount, and a Bavarian prince. Two lifetime annuities have been settled on her, and she’s only thirty-one.”
“Julia, don’t be naïve,” Simon said. “Not every woman could possibly be Pearl Kelly.”
“Have you met her?” Julia asked him.
“Yes, once at Vauxhall Gardens. A group of us went for supper one night, and she accompanied Lord Oxley. She is intelligent and witty,” he admitted. “Not only can she carry on a conversation, she listens. And Pearl makes a man feel as if everything he says is important—which in Oxley’s case would’ve been nothing short of a miracle. But she’s deuced expensive.”
“Worth every banknote and gem she receives, I’d wager, if half of what she told me is true.”
“I almost pity that poor husband of yours,” Simon drawled.
Julia frowned. Colton deserved no pity. The man was a reprobate. And he’d left her at the mercy of his cheating, lecherous relative.
She started to argue but Simon held up a hand. “I said ‘almost.’ No one knows of your unhappiness these last few years better than I. Colt deserves retribution for what he’s done—and more. However, it does seem as if you’re well on your way to achieving your goal.”
“Oh, saints be praised!” Theo slapped her thigh. “How long, then, do you believe we must stay in
Venice?”
“Not long. If I were to wager, not long at all,” Julia answered with a sly smile.
“Well, I’m off.” Simon rose and drained his glass. “I know of a few more parties I should like to visit this evening—without Mrs. Leighton’s watchful eye, of course.”
Julia held up her hand. “Say no more. We wish you luck, don’t we, Aunt Theo?”
Glorious crackpot that she was, Theo nodded, her brown curls rocking back and forth. “Indeed. Here’s to wine, women, and song, my lord.”
Simon gave them an elaborate bow and left.
“Do you think this scheme will work?” Theo asked once they were alone.
“It must. Templeton’s last visit continues to give me nightmares.” After informing her—again—of the further reduction of her monthly stipend, the grotesque excuse for a man had suggested what services Julia could provide to make up the difference. And by services, he hadn’t meant mending his clothes.
The thought of intimacies with Templeton—with his small black eyes, sweaty brow, and demeaning attitude—almost made her physically sick. Damn Colton for putting me in this situation. “Oh, how I wish my father was still alive.”
“My brother would’ve dragged your duke home by his whirlygigs by now, that’s for sure.”
Julia chuckled. “Perhaps. Templeton wouldn’t be a problem, in any case. I know my father believed marriage to a duke to be an unparalleled match for his only daughter, but I’d like to think he would have reconsidered if he’d known how much trouble it would bring me.”
“The trouble is your duke ignoring his responsibilities at home. Leaving you to fend for yourself for eight years. With naught a word from him!” Theo sniffed in disdain. “And to wash his hands of the estate business. Does he believe all estate managers to be honest men? You know very well that Templeton is paying off Colton’s man to follow his orders.”
“Colton does not care. He told me himself he never plans to come back to England. So we had to do something. As you well know, the last of our jewelry went to pay Pearl and fund Mrs. Leighton’s wardrobe. We barely have enough to carry us through until spring.”
“I still say we could’ve asked Winchester for help. Or perhaps your Lord Wyndham.”
Julia bristled. “You know we cannot ask for another man to support us indefinitely. And he is not my lord anything. I told you I merely flirted with Wyndham in hopes of forcing Colton back to London. But either my husband didn’t hear the rumors or didn’t care about being cuckolded because it failed to work.”
“So if Colton does not care about being cuckolded . . .”
“I still couldn’t do it. Colton would know the child was not his, and I cannot risk him telling anyone. If it were found out, my child would be an outcast. No, Colton must father my child. And when I find myself with child, we shall return to London and I’ll write to my husband, explaining what I’ve done.”
They both fell silent, contemplating the duke’s reaction to such a letter, while the mantel clock ticked loud and steady throughout the room.
“Will Colton acknowledge the child, I wonder?” her aunt asked, and sipped her sherry.
Julia frowned. “Why would he not? Every man wants an heir.”
“Well, what will happen if you deliver a girl?”
“Then I shall love her fiercely—from debtor’s prison.”
About the author, Joanna Shupe…
Award-winning author JOANNA SHUPE has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. While in college, Joanna read every romance she could get her hands on and soon started crafting her own racy historical novels. She now lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and dashing husband.
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Links to Joanna’s website, blog, books, etc.
Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/03/the-courtesan-duchess-wicked-deceptions.html
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22494733-the-courtesan-duchess?from_search=true
Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/130734-wicked-deceptions
Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo | Publisher
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
~~
April 19, 2015
**Author Peek** Character Interview with Cynthia Woolf
**AUTHOR PEEK** Character Interview with
CYNTHIA WOOLF
~~
Cynthia Woolf isn’t in her office right now but Cora, Cynthia’s heroine in book three of The Brides of San Francisco series, graciously agreed to speak with us!
INTRODUCING…CORA.
1. What is your name? Do you have a nickname?
Cora Jones, I don’t have a nickname.
2. Where were you born? Where have you lived since then? Where do you call home?
I was born in New York and lived there until I came to San Francisco as a mail order bride.
3. What is one strong memory that has stuck with you from childhood? Why is it so powerful and lasting?
Going ice skating with Asa and Virgil. I remember it because Asa helped me to skate. I kept falling but he kept helping me up. He stayed with me, his friend’s little sister, all day.
4. You’re getting ready for a night out. Where are you going? What do you wear? Who will you be with?
I’m going to a nice dinner with Asa. I’m wearing a coppery satin dress of my own design.
5. Where do you go when you’re angry? What do you do there?
I go to my bedroom and I cry.
6. Have you been in love? Had a broken heart? Who was it and what happened.
I don’t know if I’ve been in love before. I cared deeply for Asa and mourned him greatly when I was notified he was killed at the battle of Appomattox Courthouse at the end of the War Between the States.
7. What is your biggest fear? Who have you told this to? Who would you never tell this to? Why?
I guess my biggest fear is that I won’t succeed with my dress shop. Asa is the only one I would tell this to. I can tell him anything.
8. If you had to make a meal for me right now with only the ingredients in your refrigerator and pantry, what would you make me?
Well, since I’m already planning on making dinner for Asa and Harry, I’d make you what I’m making them. Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans and blueberry cobbler for dessert.
9. Look down. Describe what you’re wearing. Is this the way you’re normally dressed? If not, what do you normally wear?
I’m wearing my favorite yellow walking dress. It has long sleeves that are slim fitting up to the elbow and then puffy after that. Most women would wear it with a bustle, but I simply use three petticoats and I get the fullness in the skirt that I desire. The dress has a short jacket with a collar and lapel that goes with it. The jacket has wide sleeves that go to my elbow so the sleeves on the dress show.
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?
I don’t think there is anything in life that I can’t have. All things are possible if you’re willing to work for them.
Thanks for talking with us today, Cora. Next time you see Cynthia Woolf, please thank her for arranging your visit with us!
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Links to Cynthia’s website, blog, books, etc.
WEBSITE: www.cynthiawoolf.com
NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/1qBWhFQ
AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00VBVE7NS
iTUNES:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/cora/id975603805?mt=11
BARNES &NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1121640891?ean=2940151608367
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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Cynthia, her release, and an excerpt from CORA on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Cynthia is giving away a paperback copy (US only) or ebook copy (International) of CORA to one lucky reader who comments on her *Author Peek* Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss the chance to read this book! Thanks, Cynthia, for sharing your story with us!
Congratulations Week 04-06-15 & 04-13-15 Giveaway Winners!
CONGRATULATIONS WEEK
04-06-15 & 04-13-15
GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Brenda Novak!!
Giveaway: Brenda is giving away an autographed copy of the first three Whiskey Creek novels, WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES, WHEN SNOW FALLS, and WHEN SUMMER COMES in a cute little Brenda Novak mini-tote (US or Canada only; outside US or Canada, she’ll provide digital copies of the three books) to one lucky reader who comments on her *Author Peek* Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. Thanks again, Brenda, for sharing your book with us!
WINNER ~ BETH LECHMAN!
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with T. STRANGE!!
Giveaway: T. is giving away an ebook copy of MY ZOMBIE BOYFRIEND to one lucky reader who comments on her *Author Peek* Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. Thanks again, T, for sharing your book with us!
WINNER ~ BN100!
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s with Mary Anne Edwards!!
Giveaway: Mary Anne is giving away a Kindle copy of BRILLIANT DISGUISE to one lucky reader who comments on her Killer Fixin’s blog. Thanks again, Mary Anne, for sharing your book and recipe with us!
WINNER ~ SUE FARRELL!
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DON’T MISS OUT!!
The following guest bloggers are still taking entries in their Rafflecopter Giveaway!
Catherine Mann & Joanne Rock’s
HOW TO LOSE A GROOM
&
THE WEDDING AUDITION
Blog Tour
~ US Prize: For the Runaway Brides Great Escape
A Heart-Print Tote, Scarf for going incognito and Dark Sunglasses ~
(HURRY! 14 days left!!):
http://www.karendocter.com/karens-killer-book-bench-how-to-lose-a-groom-in-10-days-the-wedding-audition-by-catherine-mann-joanne-rock.html
Sharon Cullen’s SEBASTIAN’S LADY SPY Blog Tour
~ $25 Gift Card to the eBook Retailer of Your Choice & a Loveswept Mug ~
(HURRY! 4 days left!!):
http://www.karendocter.com/karens-killer-book-bench-sebastians-lady-spy-by-sharon-cullen.html
[All winners chosen by random.org from reader comments. Thank you.]
April 16, 2015
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Mary Anne Edwards
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**
with MARY ANNE EDWARDS!
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, Mary Anne Edwards, and her favorite recipe for KAHLUA BROWNIES!
BRILLIANT DISGUISE
A Charlie McClung Mystery
B
Y MARY ANNE EDWARDS
Blurb
Detective Charlie McClung no longer finds his job fulfilling and has given up finding that “someone” his granny promised he would find. So he leaves behind the big city and his close-knit family and takes a job in a small town police department in Georgia, resigned to live a quiet life in solitude.
Things change when he meets Marian Selby while investigating the mysterious death of her best friend. But Marian swore never to love again after the death of her husband 11 years ago. What seems to be a simple suicide turns into a tangled web of deceit, corruption, and complicated shadows.
Can the two of them come to grips with their feelings for each other before the killer closes in on them?
BRILLIANT DISGUISE
A Charlie McClung Mystery
B
Y MARY ANNE EDWARDS
Excerpt
Marian painted her face with dark green clay. Leaning toward the wide bathroom mirror, she made sure every bare spot was covered. “Okay, facial work your magic and make all the lines disappear.” She removed a key from the vanity cabinet and unlocked the security latch on the bathroom window. The scent of jasmine growing around the window perfumed the room and sounds of spring’s final night mingled with the sweet scent. Marian heard the voice of Mary Poppins coming from her neighbor’s house and wondered if little Katie would be deaf in a few years.
Marian looked at her wristwatch. “Hmm, I have at least ten minutes before this stuff dries.” From her TV in the living room, she heard the Atlanta Braves announcers predict that 1982 would be a winning year for the Braves and she decided to watch the game. She settled on the sofa with a cup of coffee. Next to her was a tin of chocolate pecan biscotti she had made yesterday.
A loud bang followed by horrified screaming caused Marian to jump. The biscotti tin skittered across the sofa. She hurried into the bathroom, splashed her face, grabbed a towel, and ran outside. Marian stepped outside and heard the neighborhood dogs barking, fast approaching sirens, and screeching tires. All the surrounding houses came alive with lights; their inhabitants peered through windows or stepped outside to witness the upheaval of their tranquility. A handful of curious onlookers began to gather in the nearby cul-de-sac. Marian joined them and listened to their whispers of speculations. The muted commands escaping from her neighbor’s house did little to calm the terrified screaming from within.
A woman in her mid-thirties with short blonde hair tucked neatly behind her petite ears wandered through the small group toward Marian.
“She’s forty-seven, no makeup and I don’t even look that good at my best,” the blonde grumbled. “Hey, Marian!”
Reluctantly, Marian turned her attention away from the melee to the voice calling her name. She squinted against the harsh glare of the overhead security light. “Oh, Joan, it’s you. I almost didn’t recognize you. I rarely see you in your natural state.” She turned her attention back to the unfolding drama at her neighbor’s house.
Joan pulled her face back in confusion. “Hmm, I don’t know if that’s an insult or not.”
Without looking at her best friend, Marian answered as she strained to see what the police were doing. “I’d never insult you. You’re gorgeous all the time, you know that.”
Joan stood next to Marian. She reached over and touched Marian’s hairline caked with bits of moist clay. She pulled a purple hand towel from her friend’s slender hand. “Lean over, let me wipe off this stuff.”
“Thanks, Joan, I don’t know what I would do without you. I ran out of the house when I heard all the noise.”
“All gone.” She handed the towel to Marian. “So, what do you think happened?” Joan gawked as two bright red ambulances came to a shrieking stop. Four paramedics jumped out. Three of them ran into the house while one overweight man stayed behind.
Marian’s face was infused with worry. “Don’t know.” She couldn’t stand the suspense any longer. She slung the towel over Joan’s shoulder. “Hang on to this for me. I’m going to find out. You stay here. It will be easier if I go by myself.” Her eyebrow arched as she pointed her finger at Joan to stay put.
Joan stamped her foot. “You have all the fun.”
Walking away from the cul-de-sac crowd, Marian worked her way toward two policemen dressed in brown leaning against a county patrol car. One was young and rigid as if he was fresh out of a high school ROTC program. The other one appeared to be in his late thirties but as she got closer to him she saw he was young as well. His balding head and protruding stomach made him look older.
“Say, what’s going on? I live next door. Is everyone all right?” Marian tried to sound casual, while thinking Dianne must have gotten tired of Dan’s abuse and did him in.
The balding one straightened. Tugging up his pants, he answered. “I’m not trying to be rude, ma’am, but what do you think happened?
As she looked at his bland face, the image of little boys playing cops and robbers popped into her head. This one would be playing the cop. She pushed the silly image away.
“Something awful from the sound of things. Was that a gunshot I heard?” Marian’s voice quivered as the reality hit her that something very bad had happened. “Please tell me Dianne and Katie are all right.”
When he blinked and said nothing, she touched his sleeve and glanced at his nametag, E. Stokes. “Please, Officer Stokes, tell me if they’re okay.”
The two officers looked at one another.
“Officer Thayer, go get that new detective,” Officer Stokes instructed the ROTC look-alike.
“Please give me your full name.” The officer took out a small pad from his front pocket and began to scribble.
“Marian Francis Selby.” Oh, this can’t be good. She began to pop her knuckles. After reading so many mysteries, she knew she had to answer his questions first or she’d get nowhere and maybe even be told to leave.
“So you think you heard a gunshot? How many? Now think carefully, take your time.”
Shoving her hands into her flannel pants pockets, she rocked back on her heels and looked the officer in the eyes then answered, “All I heard was one loud bang, and the next thing I heard was a little girl, I guess, Katie, screaming at the top of her lungs.”
Both turned their attention toward the house as two paramedics walked an occupied gurney down the wide brick steps. A blood-soaked sheet covered a young woman while an oxygen mask hid most of her pale face. One of the paramedics trotted beside the stretcher, holding a clear bag of liquid connected to the bleeding woman’s arm.
A frantic man followed, yelling, “Where are you taking her? Where are you taking her?” She almost didn’t recognize Dan. His hair, usually meticulously in place, stuck out in all directions as if it had been pulled by some wild monkey. His clothes and face were smeared with blood.
“Oh, God, Dianne,” Marian whispered. Instinctively, she reached out toward her neighbor as the gurney was wheeled by, she wanted to run to be by her side but her legs would not move. Her feet felt glued to the asphalt. Trying to rid herself of the nausea overwhelming her, Marian inhaled through her nose, exhaled slowly through her mouth. Marian closed her eyes, wishing away the bloody scene. “Oh, no, not Dianne, not Dianne.” Her legs began to tremble like jelly.
About the author…Mary Anne Edwards.
Although I was born in Mercedes, Texas, I have lived in Georgia most of my life which has been filled with a variety of experiences. Some were great and some, well let’s just say I have learned many lessons the hard way.
I have been married for 34+ years to the most practically perfect man, Jeff. We have a new addition to our family, a Tuxedo cat named Gertrude. We enjoy traveling and watching mysteries on TV. I am active in Sisters in Crime Atlanta Chapter, a member of Mystery Writers of America, and sit on the advisory board of Rockdale Cares, Inc., a non-profit advocacy group for the developmentally challenged.
I began writing in high school but not seriously until 1999. I write traditional mysteries and my biggest influences are Agatha Christie, Anne Perry, Caroline Graham, Elizabeth Peters, and of course, my family. I have a collection of eclectic short stories titled, “My Favorite Work of Art,” currently out of print.
My first manuscript, “Useless Beauty,” is waiting for me to breathe life into it. It was put on hold because my second manuscript, “Brilliant Disguise,” was begging to be written. It is the first in the Detective Charlie McClung mysteries. “Brilliant Disguise” was released January, 2014. The second book, “A Good Girl,” was released September, 2014. I am currently working on the third book in the series, “Criminal Kind.” There are seven more to follow in the series. This series is set during the early 1980s in a small town in Georgia.
Links to Mary Anne’s website, blog, books, etc.
Available at:
Website: http://maryanneedwards.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authormaryanneedwards
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maedwards58
Google+ :
https://plus.google.com/+MaryAnneEdwards
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/maryanneedwards
Amazon Author’s Page:
amazon.com/author/edwardsmary
I hope you enjoy the recipe Mary Anne is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 197 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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KAHLUA BROWNIES
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
½ teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
2/3 cup Butter
3 Squares Unsweetened Chocolate
3 Large Eggs
2 cups Granulated Sugar
¼ cup Kahlua
¾ cup Chopped Nuts
Instructions:
Grease & flour a 9 inch square pan. Preheat oven to 350 F. Shift flour with baking powder & salt. Melt butter and chocolate together. Beat eggs & sugar together until light & fluffy. Add alternately flour mixture, chocolate mixture, & Kahlua to the egg mixture. Blend well. Stir in nuts. Pour into pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Optional: Brush 2 tablespoons of Kahlua on top.
Option: Melt chocolate bars on top of just out of the oven brownies and spread as a frosting.
Option: Brownies are good without the Kahlua.
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Mary Anne is giving away a Kindle copy of BRILLIANT DISGUISE to one lucky reader who comments on her Killer Fixin’s blog. Don’t miss the chance to read this book! Thanks, Mary Anne, for sharing your story with us!
