Karen Docter's Blog, page 269
April 10, 2014
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Cate Beauman
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 HAMBURGER CASSEROLE!
JUSTICE FOR ABBY by CATE BEAUMAN
Cate Beauman is back with the sixth installment in her bestselling romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards of L.A. County.
Justice For Abby is on sale now through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, & iTunes!
To learn more, visit Cate at www.catebeauman.com
~~~
Book Blurb
NOWHERE TO HIDE….
Fashion designer Abigail Harris has been rescued, but her nightmare is far from over. Determined to put her harrowing ordeal behind her and move on, she struggles to pick up the pieces of her life while eluding the men who want her dead.
The Mid-Atlantic Sex Ring is in ruins after Abby’s interviews with the police. The organization is eager to exact their revenge before her testimony dismantles the multi-million dollar operation for good.
Abby’s safety rests in the hands of former US Marshal, Jerrod Quinn. Serious-minded and obsessed with protocol, Ethan Cooke Security’s newest agent finds himself dealing with more than he bargains for when he agrees to take on his beautiful, free-spirited client.
As the trial date nears, Abby’s case takes a dangerous turn. Abby and Jerrod soon discover themselves in a situation neither of them expect while Jerrod fights to stop the ring from silencing Abby once and for all.
JUSTICE FOR ABBY by CATE BEAUMAN
EXCERPT
The black bag was ripped from her head, along with several strands of her hair. Abby blinked against the bold light of the naked bulbs hanging from the low ceiling. She glanced around the dingy space in shock as her gaze traveled from girl to girl—six young teens, dirty, bruised, and malnourished, staring up at her through bland eyes while they sat or lay on filthy mattresses on the dirt floor. “What—”
“In.” Victor shoved Abby into a small, windowless room, slamming the door, locking her in with a rusty scrape of something sliding against the heavy metal barrier.
She walked on shaky legs to the wooden chair in the corner and collapsed to the uncomfortable seat, clutching her arms around her waist, shivering as she bit hard on her bottom lip while tears rained down her cheeks. Where was she? What was this place? She shuddered, remembering six sets of listless eyes holding hers. Nothing good was happening here.
She covered her face with trembling hands and gave into her sobs, relieving the worst of her dread, wishing for nothing more than to be home with Lex and Livy. Thinking of her sister and niece, she forced away her tears, taking several deep breaths of stale air. If she wanted to see her family again she needed to pull herself together. She couldn’t get herself out of this—whatever this was—if she didn’t think. There had to be a way out. Her eyes darted around the barely lit space, searching for a weapon, another exit, anything.
The door opened, and she rushed to her feet as a tall, well-built man stood haloed in the beam of light from the room beyond. Abby blinked as he stepped forward. “Renzo?” She bolted from the corner and fell against her friend’s firm chest as a wave or relief flooded her. “Oh, thank god.”
His strong arms wrapped around her.
“I’m so glad you’re here. I don’t know what’s going on. I need help. Can you help me?”
“What happened?” He eased her back some, but she refused to release him from her grip.
“My family—we were on our way home from Virginia Beach. We stopped at a rest area, and two men grabbed me and brought me here.”
“You were with your sister and niece?”
“Yes, Alexa and Olivia. I think they’re okay, but I need to call and make sure. Will you get me out of here?”
“Of course.”
She could hardly believe she was leaving. “Thank you. Thank you.” She hugged Renzo again as tears of gratitude flowed free. “I knew this had to be some sort of mistake.”
“Come on, let’s get you home.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and walked with her to the door. “Oh, wait.” He stopped.
“What?”
“I can’t let you go.”
~~~
Did you enjoy the excerpt? You can read the first chapter on my website, www.catebeauman.com, or you can finish the whole book here!
The Inspiration Behind Justice For Abby
Justice For Abby is one of my favorite stories in The Bodyguards of L.A. County series (Okay, they all are, but I really love Abby and Jerrod!). I truly enjoyed writing their adventure. Oftentimes I found myself caught up in Abby’s rollercoaster ride as she heals from her experiences as a survivor of the Mid-Atlantic Sex Ring. At times I cried with her, and at others, I laughed. She’s so strong and sweet, but she’s vulnerable and struggling. Enter Jerrod Quinn, the perfect man to provide her protection and help her overcome her ordeal in his own quiet way.
Although Abby’s story is one of fiction, sex trafficking is a very real crisis for millions of young women, men, and children all over the globe. My idea for this novel came after a night in front of the television watching crime television. A segment showcasing the mysterious disappearance of a young woman named Amy Bradley bothered me greatly. She vanished from a cruise ship in March of 1998 while vacationing with her family. Unfortunately, Amy has yet to be found, but she is believed to be alive, stuck in the horrific world of human sex trafficking. I immediately began my research into this very troubling epidemic and shortly after wrote Forever Alexa, the story of Abby’s sister dealing with the aftermath of Abby’s disappearance. My readers have requested Abby’s story, and I felt the need to share her experience.
I hope you enjoy getting to know Abby and Jerrod as much as I enjoyed writing these two fantastic characters.
~Cate
About the author, Cate Beauman….
Cate currently lives in Tennessee with her husband, their two boys, and St. Bernards, Bear and Jack. She is the author of the best selling romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards of L.A. County. Before her career as an author, Cate worked in special education for 12 years.
“I’m a pretty lucky girl; one day I woke up and my entire life changed. I saw the light, so to speak, and decided I was going to be a writer. Now, three years later, I’m working on my seventh novel, Saving Sophie, and I’m an Amazon best selling author. I’m very grateful for the support and success I have had. – Cate”
~~~
Links to Cate’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon Author Page
http://www.amazon.com/Cate-Beauman/e/B00A05KHVM/
Social links:
Twitter: @CateBeauman
www.catebeauman.com
www.facebook.com/CateBeauman
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I hope you enjoy the recipe Cate is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 138 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HAMBURGER CASSEROLE
[Cate's Family Recipe]
Hamburger casserole is a meal I grew up with. It’s definitely one of my top five favorite comfort foods. Hamburger casserole doesn’t look like much; in fact, when prepared, it looks…interesting. My husband almost refused to try it when we were dating so many years ago. Now, he’s more than happy to heap a good-sized portion on his plate when I set the casserole dish in the center of our family dinner table!
1 lb hamburger
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
½ cup green pepper, chopped
1 can condensed tomato soup
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 can chow Mein noodles, divided
1. Pre-heat oven 350 degrees.
2. Brown meat and chopped veggies until tender. Drain off any grease.
3. Add both cans of soup and simmer ten minutes on low heat.
4. Add half can of Chinese noodles and mix together then transfer to a prepared casserole dish.
5. Sprinkle most of the remaining Chinese noodles on top and bake for 20-30 minutes.
(This meal pairs well with mashed potatoes or rolls and a side salad.)
~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Cate will give away eBook copies of her book, JUSTICE FOR ABBY, to THREE readers who comment on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s *Author Special* blog. Don’t miss your chance to read this story. Thanks, Cate, for sharing your story with us!
April 9, 2014
Congratulations Week 03-31-14 Giveaway Winners!
CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 03-31-14 GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with JUDE WILLHOFF!!
Giveaway: Jude will give away an e-copy of her book, STARSEED, to one reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. Thanks, Jude, for sharing your story with us!
WINNER!! JENNIE MARTS!!
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s with ELLA QUINN!!
Giveaway: Ella will give away an e-copy of her book, DESIRING LADY CARO, to one reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s *Author Special* blog. Thanks, Ella, for sharing your story with us!
WINNER!! YVONNE HERTZBERGER!!
April 8, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Commune by Java 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!
COMMUNE by JAVA DAVIS
Book Blurb
Written by popular self-published author Java Davis, COMMUNE is the story of an apple commune and the disparate group of wanderers who end up there. The commune becomes a microcosm of conflicts: dedicated vs. slacking, honest vs. traitorous, hopeful vs. cynical, and most importantly, connected vs. disconnected. Is one woman’s vision enough to carry the apple farm to a comfortable prosperity?
The diverse cast of characters includes Momo, the founder of the commune and legal owner; Maia, a former business school roommate, who has something to hide; Linda, another college roommate, who thinks a commune would be a fun vacation; Bobby and Baz, fraternal twins who have a differing view of farming; Dan, the supplies delivery man, who loves the parade of women who come and go at the commune; Dulcie, a bitter, displaced chef; Kick, a self-styled Buddhist; and many others.
The future of the commune often hangs by a thread. Who can Momo count on for help when the going gets rough?
COMMUNE by JAVA DAVIS
Excerpt
Just before graduation from business school, Momo bought a lottery ticket. A winning ticket. A big winning ticket. She skipped the graduation ceremony in favor of visiting an apple farm in Michigan, hearing about it from one of her old Kalamazoo College connections. But Momo didn’t just see an apple farm. She envisioned, dreamed, an apple commune. Workers could move in for room and board and they would all make the apple commune a great success. On a flat plot of land near the barn, her mind’s eye could picture a new processing building, up to code and with the latest and greatest available machinery.
Momo bought the farm.
Momo raced back to Pennsylvania to gather up her things and catch Maia before she left town.
“I bought the apple farm,” she told Maia. Maia’s mouth dropped open.
“What?!” she asked in surprise.
“I’m going to turn it into an apple commune. You’re welcome to come. Free room and board, just work the land with me.”
Maia shook her head.
“You’re crazy. You’ll be destitute in a month.”
Momo was crushed but pretended to be unconcerned.
“Fine. Don’t come. Let me know when you’ve made your first million. I’ll be eating an apple.”
“Fine.”
“Fine.”
“FINE!”
About the author, Java Davis….
BA in English, Masters work in Linguistics and Literary Research. Over ten years as a freelance typesetter doing type design, editing, marketing and PR. Currently retired/disabled, carving out a writing career by the seat of my pants, riding my La-Z-Boy recliner.
~~~~~~~
Links to Java’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: http://dooid.me/javadavis
Twitter: @javadavis
My blog is available on Goodreads.com under my name,
Java Davis.
I love connecting with people on Goodreads.
Amazon U.S. Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/Java-Davis/e/B004YMC9BS/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1396487503&sr=1-1Amazon
U.K. Author Page:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Java-Davis/e/B004YMC9BS/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_9?qid=1396487551&sr=8-9
~~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Java will give away her audiobook, DEPRESSION CARPENTER (read by Justin D. Torres), to TWO readers who comment on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. **You must specifically state you want to win a copy to be put into the drawing.** Don’t miss this chance to read this story. Thanks, Java, for sharing your story with us!
April 6, 2014
**Author Peek** Interview with Java Davis
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with JAVIS DAVIS
INTRODUCING….JAVA DAVIS
Before we get started talking about your writing, tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you do for a living (if you’re not a full-time writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share to introduce yourself.
I’m retired/disabled, so I consider myself a full-time pet mommy and part-time novelist. I was in printing and marketing for almost 15 years, so I feel that I have a good grounding in the basics, which can make me a bit of a grammar snob. I home-sew, quilt, knit, crochet, and do counted cross-stitch. I do volunteer projects for local charities. My Jewish faith is a big part of who I am, and I like to include a Jewish theme or character in every book, but sometimes, such as in Commune, it’s just not possible.
1. What genre(s) do you write in and why?
I enjoy humor, historical fiction, and what I like to call “ensemble fiction.” I’m also in the right age bracket for the new genre, “boomer lit.” I have a small, non-fiction short story about my years as a typesetter, but non-fiction is typically not my bent.
2. What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?
Nothing. I’m busy singing.
3. What is your favorite part of writing?
That you can do it alone; you don’t need to wait for someone else to show up for it. But networking online with fellow authors is great fun. What a gang!!
4. What is your least favorite part of writing?
It’s the non-writing part, the marketing, that gets to me. I haven’t yet found the magic bullet that will place me before the appropriate audience.
5. Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Who would they be and why?
I was raised in unusual circumstances, so I have no idea what an ideal family should look like. I wouldn’t know who to pick for parents.
6. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?
They just come to me. I’ve lived in lots of places and have had a variety of job experiences and personal relationships. It all sneaks in there.
7. Tell me about your ideal reader.
It’s funny, but I’ve found that men seem to respond better to my books. They get the humor and appreciate that the male characters are written in three dimensions, not two. Women sometimes don’t get the humor. That surprises me, but it’s interesting that people can have opposite reactions. My books make people think.
8. What is your “go to” routine that helps you get in the mood to write? Special beverage? Music? Etc.
I hate to sound dry, but I just sit down and do it.
9. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
I am about to put one of my ebooks, Triptych, into print. But my next “oeuvre” will be another historical fiction. I’m still in the research stage, but I’m looking forward to it. I don’t have a working title for it yet, either, but it will be another strong story.
~~~~~~~
Links to Java’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: http://dooid.me/javadavis
Twitter: @javadavis
My blog is available on Goodreads.com under my name,
Java Davis.
I love connecting with people on Goodreads.
Amazon U.S. Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/Java-Davis/e/B004YMC9BS/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1396487503&sr=1-1Amazon
U.K. Author Page:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Java-Davis/e/B004YMC9BS/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_9?qid=1396487551&sr=8-9
~~~~
BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Java and her book, COMMUNE, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!
~~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Java will give away her audiobook, DEPRESSION CARPENTER (read by Justin D. Torres), to TWO readers who comment on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. **You must specifically state you want to win a copy to be put into the drawing.** Don’t miss this chance to read this story. Thanks, Java, for sharing your story with us!
April 3, 2014
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Ella Quinn
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with ELLA QUINN!
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, ELLA QUINN , and her favorite recipe for TIRAMISU!
DESIRING LADY CARO by ELLA QUINN
Book Blurb
Ella Quinn’s bachelors are clever, charismatic—and determined to remain single. Yet one by one, they find that fate—and certain irresistible women—cast doubt on even the best laid plans…
Haunted by her past, Lady Caroline Martindale fled England for the solace of her godmother’s palazzo in Venice. But if Caro was hoping to escape the charms of marriage-minded men, she’s come to the wrong place. And she’ll resort to extreme measures to spurn the advances of a dangerously determined Venetian marquis…
Though most of his friends have married off, Gervais, Earl of Huntley, remains bent on eluding the parson’s mousetrap. But his convictions begin to falter when he arrives in Venice and meets his match in the alluring Lady Caro. What began as a hastily concocted lie to save her from the marquis may become a chance for them both to relinquish their fear—and embrace what they can no longer deny…
DESIRING LADY CARO by ELLA QUINN
My heroine, Lady Caro, has a weakness for chocolate. Something my hero discovers.
EXCERPT
As if neither of them was ready to discuss what had occurred earlier today, their conversation centered mainly around what they were eating. This dinner had been a good idea, and Huntley was proving to be easy to get along with, so far. When Caro had finished eating, she placed her serviette on the table and started to rise. “I have enjoyed myself very much, my lord. Thank you.”
He glanced at her. “You do not want to leave so soon. There is a special dessert.”
She stared at him. What could he have in mind? Surely he couldn’t be expecting them to . . . “Indeed, and what might that be?”
His eyes danced, not in a seductive manner, but playfully. “Chocolate tiramisu.”
She plopped back in her chair. “I love chocolate.”
Huntley grinned. So he’d been told. Earlier, he’d done his research and discovered from Nugent that Caro was much addicted to chocolate. When the inn’s cook recommended chocolate tiramisu for dessert, he’d not hesitated ordering it. Perhaps, once they were settled, he’d write a gentleman’s guide to keeping one’s wife happy with chocolate.
After the dessert was served, he sat back, extremely pleased with himself, and watched Caro’s small pink tongue lick the last of the chocolate and cream off her spoon. When she glanced up and smiled at him, every muscle in his body tightened, and his increasing desire for her coursed through his veins. The devil, this was not a good thing to happen now. First, he needed to ensure she was safe and spend time courting her.
She gave a sigh. “Thank you again. That was lovely.” A few minutes later, she rose again. “I think I shall retire. We do have an early day tomorrow.”
He stood. “I’ll escort you to your room.”
Caro waved him back down. “Really, there’s no need. You stay and have your port.”
Huntley came around the table. “It is my pleasure.” He did his best to look innocent as he searched her face for any sign she was softening toward him. “Please?”
She glanced up, peeping uncertainly through her long, curling lashes, apparently still shy of him and their situation. He knew it would take her time, and he was willing to give it to her. After all, they only had the rest of their lives.
About the author, Ella Quinn….
Barnes & Nobel and Amazon bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side. Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.
She is married to her wonderful husband of twenty-nine years. They have a son and granddaughter, Great Dane and a Chartreux. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make St. Thomas, VI home.
Ella is a member of the Romance Writers of America, The Beau Monde and Hearts Through History. She is represented by Elizabeth Pomada of Larsen-Pomada Literary Agency, and published by Kensington. Her debut novel The Seduction of Lady Phoebe, released in September 2013.
~~~
Links to Ella’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: (Up soon) www.ellaquinnauthor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor
Blog: http://ellaquinnauthor.wordpresscom
Buy Links:
Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon German ~ Amazon France ~ Amazon Canada ~ Barnes and Nobel ~ Kensington ~ iBooks ~ Kobo
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I hope you enjoy the recipe Ella is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 137 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TIRAMISU
Ingredients:
3 eggs (separated)
3/4 cup sugar
8 ozs mascarpone cheese (scant cup)
1/2 cup heavy cream (chilled)
2 cups brewed espresso (strong brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature)
2 tbsps marsala wine (sweet)
18 savoiardi (crisp italian ladyfingers 6 oz)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Beat together yolks and 1/2 cup sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until thick and pale, about 2 minutes. Beat in mascarpone until just combined.
Beat whites with a pinch of salt in another bowl with cleaned beaters until they just hold soft peaks. add remaining 1/4 cup sugar a little at a time, beating, then continue to beat whites until they just hold stiff peaks. beat cream in another bowl with cleaned beaters until it just holds soft peaks. Fold cream into mascarpone mixture gently but thoroughly, then fold in whites.
Stir together coffee and marsala in a shallow bowl. dip 1 ladyfinger in coffee mixture, soaking it about 4 seconds on each side, and transfer to an 8-inch glass baking dish (2-quart capacity). Repeat with 8 more ladyfingers and arrange in bottom of dish, trimming as needed to fit snugly. Spread half of mascarpone mixture evenly over ladyfingers. make another layer in same manner with remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture. Chill tiramisu, covered, at least 6 hours.
Just before serving, sprinkle with chocolate.
Cooks’ notes: • the eggs in this recipe are not cooked, which may be of concern if there is a problem with salmonella in your area. • tiramisu can be chilled up to 1 day.
~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Ella will give away an e-copy of her book, DESIRING LADY CARO, to one reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s *Author Special* blog. Don’t miss your chance to read this story. Thanks, Ella, for sharing your story with us!
April 2, 2014
Congratulations Week 03-24-14 Giveaway Winners!!
CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 03-24-14 GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with WAYNE ZURL!!
Giveaway: Wayne will give away a PDF copy of his book, HEROES & LOVERS to EACH reader who comments on his Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! He’ll also give away an Amazon Kindle book copy of HEROES & LOVERS to one lucky reader who comments (random drawing)!! Thanks, Wayne, for sharing your stories with us!
PDF WINNERS!!
BN100, YVONNE HERTZBERGER, & JOE PERRONE JR.!!
KINDLE BOOK COPY!! SANDY WOLTERS!!
April 1, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Starseed by Jude Willhoff
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!
STARSEED by JUDE WILLHOFF
Star Traveler Series – Book One
BOOK BLURB
*
He’s not what she expected…
Starseed is a paranormal romantic suspense about Elle Thomas, a hairstylist with psychic abilities. When her hometown of Sweetwater, Colorado is suddenly plagued by UFO sightings, cattle mutilations, abductions and murder, fear is in the hearts of its citizens. Because of her abilities, Elle is shunned. An orphan found in the wilderness, strangely drawn to the stars, she has always been taunted by her peers about being part alien. It’s the last thing she’d ever wanted to be, but her strong psychic abilities make things worse than ever for her. When she meets a handsome mysterious stranger, Kole Stith, her attraction to him is overwhelming and she can’t understand why the feelings aren’t mutual. Her abilities tell her otherwise.
She’s what he never knew he always wanted…
Confirmed bachelor Kole Stith is sent to Earth to retrieve a Starseed—Elle Thomas, and the Dropa Stones—disks that hold secrets of the universe and return them to the Ancient One. Kole discovers he possesses human emotions and falls for Elle. But he must put his feelings aside and discover who is abducting and murdering the citizens of Sweetwater to prove his people aren’t to blame. And fulfill his mission on Earth: Together, a pure Elle and Kole are the only hope to heal the endangered planet’s polluted waters.
Starseed is a Romantic Suspense with a twist of Paranormal. Aliens need love, too! Who knew? Elle and Kole must travel to other worlds to discover their strength and love for each other.
~~~~~
STARSEED by JUDE WILLHOFF
Star Traveler Series – Book One
EXCERPT 
Chapter One
10 Years Later
A few miles outside Sweetwater, Colorado
Damn, we should’ve stopped at that last excuse for a town. Driving home from Denver at night, across the desolate high plains of Colorado a blowing sandstorm came out of nowhere. Elle Thomas gripped the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles turned white. If she wasn’t careful, she’d kill herself and her best friend, Sara Banks. She slowed the car. Her body started to tingle and she drew in a shuddering breath. No, not now! The familiar sensation had her sixth sense working overtime.
Without warning, a bright light blazed through the blinding sand pitting against her windshield. Elle instinctively slammed the brakes to the floor but the car refused to obey. She slid off the road, jerking against the seatbelt. Elle turned to Sara and squinted for a better view. “Do you see that?”
“Yes, what is it? I’ve never seen anything like it.” Sara held on to the dash with both hands.
Out of the darkness, the brilliant glare broke into three bright lights similar to those of a freight train and barreled toward them, growing larger by the second.
Eyes narrowing, Sara stared through the swirling sand. “It’s going to hit us.” She screamed.
Black fright swept through Elle as she pressed her foot against the accelerator. The engine whined and tires dug deeper in the sand. They were trapped. Her breath caught in her throat, leaving her woozy. Forcing her mind to focus, she watched the lights rush toward them. Adrenaline pumped through her veins. “This can’t be real.” The strange lights engulfed the car. Elle threw her arms in front of her face. Sara screamed, again.
Yet, nothing hit them. Elle watched the large black mass with pulsating lights stop before them in the dim glow from the headlights. It silently rose and hovered over the car, showering them with more blinding white light. The radio died. The dash went dark. The engine ground to a halt and the headlights blinked out. “Oh, crap,” Elle said. A haunting childhood memory rushed in. She’d been through this before. Go away!
The only sound was their labored breathing and the howling wind hammering sand against the car. Elle’s chest pounded like a thrashing machine stuck in high gear. A bad taste of rusty pennies trickled down her throat from where she’d bit her lip when they hit the ditch.
The last time the aliens had left her with the ability to foretell the future. She didn’t know how she did it. It just happened. Growing up, the other kids had treated her like a freak. Now what was in store for her?
Fear, stark and vivid glittered in Sara’s brown eyes as she leaned against the passenger side door. She pushed the straight brown hair away from her face and scooted across the seat to grab Elle’s arm. “Oh, God. What is it?”
“I’m not sure,” Elle whispered, glancing at her friend. Sara couldn’t handle the truth. They huddled together, holding each other for comfort. The silent, pulsating colors shone through the car’s glass moon-roof as if looking for something…or someone.
“Starseed. It is time.”
The thought burst forth in Elle’s mind. They’re after me. She swallowed…hard and shivered in anticipation of the worst. No! I won’t go. Please go away! In self-defense she locked the car doors.
To Buy A Book….
You may purchase a print edition or e-reader copy of Starseed, Book One of the Star Traveler Series or any other of Jude’s books at www.judewillhof.com or www.amazon.com
Meet Jude Willhoff….
Some of Jude Willhoff’s earliest and happiest memories are of reading and writing. She started reading at an early age. Being an only daughter and living out in the country far from friends, she had to find other outlets for entertainment. In good weather, she’d climb into her tree house with a book and be content for hours hidden among the branches. In lousy weather, she was happy to spend time in her room, reading, or writing in her journal.
At one time, she thought she’d like to be an investigative reporter, but became sidetracked in college. A husband, children and life have a way of changing things. The years slipped by and Jude didn’t consider writing again until she was faced with a health crisis. “It started out as a low back ache. I thought I’d pulled a muscle. The pain down my hips and legs became severe and within six months I was unable to walk without assistance. I became totally dependent on others and had to take debilitating medication to enable me to live with the pain. A horrible time.” With the future looking bleak, Jude began writing in her journal to save her sanity.
To make a long story short, eventually Jude was diagnosed with Arachnoiditis, a noncurable progressive disease of the spinal cord, which causes constant, excruciating pain. Finally, after much searching, she found relief from her constant pain with a Medtronic spinal cord implant, Advanced Pain Therapy Neurostimulation, which gave her life back. But she was unable to go back to work as a freelance artist doing make-up, hair, wardrobe, and special effects for movies, commercials, and documentaries. However, she does have screen credit for the films she worked on and if you happen to play pool, check out her status with the Billiard Congress of America. She earned recognition as a National Eight-ball champion before becoming physically challenged. It was difficult for Jude to face the fact she had to leave behind a career and things she loved. After two major back surgeries and a spinal cord implant, today she controls the pain, is drug free, and people don’t know Jude lives with chronic pain on a daily basis unless she tells them.
She was asked to join Rose-Colored Ink, a local critique group that evolved from a Romance Writers of America chapter, Pikes Peak Romance Writers and she began writing seriously. Jude has been the recipient of numerous awards for her novels in contemporary romance and books of nonfiction.
By day, Jude works alongside her husband with their real estate investments. “Though I could always use more time to write, the hours spent working with the real estate are never dull and are a constant source of ideas for plots and characters.”
By night, she writes contemporary romance and nonfiction. Jude has served for several years on Pikes Peak Romance Writers’ board and received PPRW’s Volunteer of the Year award. She is an active member of Romance Writers of America, Pikes Peak Romance Writers, Colorado Romance Writers, Heart of Denver Romance Writers and Pikes Peak Writers
Currently, Jude resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her beloved husband, Rob, and their longhaired orange and white cat, Sheldon. She is the mother of four and grandmother to six precious granddaughters who keep her busy when she’s not writing.
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Links to Jude’s website, blog, books, etc.
www.facebook.com/JudeWillhoffsBooks
Twitter: JudeWillhoff@JudeWillhoff
All of my books can be found on my website at www.judewillhoff.com or www.amazon.com
Sweet Home Colorado Series:
Book One: No Direction Home (Link: http://amzn.com/B00G7HUW80 )
Book Two: Fly Away Home (Link: http://amzn.com/B00G7HNCZU )
Book Three: Home Sweet Home (Link: http://amzn.com/B00G7REBGO )
Nonfiction:
Writing Secrets of 33 Bestselling Romance Authors (Link: http://amzn.com/B00G715A9K )
Living Well With Chronic Pain (Link: http://amzn.com/B00G714MQM)
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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Jude will give away an e-copy of her book, STARSEED, to one reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss this chance to read this story. Thanks, Jude, for sharing your story with us!
March 31, 2014
Book Bench Blog Tour: Inferno of Love by Allie Boniface
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Inferno of Love (Hometown Heroes #2)
by Allie Boniface
INTRODUCING…ALLIE BONIFACE and INFERNO OF LOVE.
Before we get started talking about your writing, tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you do for a living (if you’re not a full-time writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share to introduce yourself.
I’m a New York girl born and bred, though I’ve lived in Cleveland, Ohio, and Providence, Rhode Island and traveled all over the place, this country and others. I’ve spent the last 17 years living in the lower Hudson Valley, NY, where I’m a full-time high school English and Education teacher. On the side I play the piano and get my groove on at Zumba class 
1. How did you get started writing?
I’ve always loved writing, but I started writing seriously, with an eye on publication, after Sept. 11th. I live about an hour north of NYC, and I had neighbors who never came home that day. I realized then and there not to put off my dreams for another day.
2. What genre(s) do you write in and why?
I write contemporary romance that falls somewhere between PG-13 and R ratings. I love happy endings!
3. What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?
I don’t think, I sing! I always have music playing, anything from pop to hip hop to country to classic rock to Broadway tunes and everything in between.
4. What is your favorite part of writing?
Creating new worlds and new characters, without a doubt. I love to see them come alive.
5. What is your least favorite part of writing?
Getting stuck. I get somewhere in the middle and think the story is terrible, it’s dragging, nothing makes sense, no one will ever want to read this book. Ugh. Writer’s block is horrible!
6. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?
Anywhere and everywhere: my friends, my coworkers, news items, dreams, songs, things I see in passing, things I read in the paper…
7. Tell me about your ideal reader.
Someone who loves my books AND tells all her friends to read them too!
8. What is your “go to” routine that helps you get in the mood to write? Special beverage? Music? Etc.
Teaching and grading papers is so time-consuming that I can’t afford to get in the mood, in all honesty. My writing time is so rare during the school year that when I do have time, I put my butt in the chair (or on the couch, with my laptop) and just write. I usually make myself write for an hour, even if I have a hard time getting started. That’s a decent amount of time to accomplish a scene or the rough draft of a chapter.
9. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
I’m super-excited to have a trilogy of novellas releasing this spring, Cocktail Cruises. All of them center on a romance that starts on a cruise ship: Tequila Sunrise, Sex on the Beach, and Between the Sheets (and yes, the books are all named after cocktails – of course!). Make sure to follow my Facebook or Twitter pages for the official release dates!
Quick Facts
Expected release Date: February 23rd, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Formats to buy: Kindle, epub and Paperback
BOOK SYNOPSIS
What happens when your soul mate returns after twelve long years – and has no idea who you are?
Aubrey Anderson is a pediatric occupational therapist who’s spent the last twelve years rebuilding her life after a car accident killed her boyfriend and crushed her legs. A series of strokes on the way to the hospital left her with no memory of either the accident or the weeks leading up to it, so when she starts having nightmares she can’t explain, she decides to return to the scene to see if she can piece together her past.
Finn Cavallo is Lindsey Point’s resident playboy, owner of a popular bar, and hero of the Cove Fire, when he pulled seven people from a burning building twelve years earlier. But his flirtatious personality hides the heart of a man who lost his soul mate the night of the fire. When Aubrey walks into his bar with no memory of who he is or what they had, he’s stunned – and it takes everything he has not to tell her about the summer they spent falling in love.
It’s only a matter of time before bar conversation turns to passion on the beach and more. But when a series of events raises suspicion that Finn himself might have started the Cove Fire, Aubrey is forced to do whatever she can to discover the truth about both their pasts, including going back to the spot where it all began…
PURCHASE
AMAZON
B&N
Excerpt:
Aubrey stared at her glass of wine. “God, I just – I wish I could remember something.”
Finn fell again just like that, watching her catch her bottom lip in her teeth as she mulled over her words. The rhythm of her voice, the way her eyes caught the light…he was nineteen all over again, crushing on another man’s girlfriend without a clue of what to do about it.
Only he wasn’t nineteen anymore.
And Aubrey wasn’t here with another man.
Forget it. He was done thinking. He moved from around the bar without a word, and as he closed the distance between them, she slipped from her stool, moving toward him and landing in his arms like she’d been there all this time. His hand went to the back of her head, cupping it and easing it closer. Her chin lifted, and he caught her mouth with his, loving the way her breath hitched in her throat. She melted into him, the warmth of her curves searing his skin and soaking into the very core of him. His eyes closed.
He slid his tongue over her bottom lip, taking it slow, waiting for her to step back or break the connection. She didn’t. A minute passed, then another. The kiss deepened, and he wasn’t sure who pressed first, who wanted more urgently, but it didn’t matter. Their tongues met, twisting over and under, delicious and wet and so hot he could barely stand it. Her hands moved from his shoulders to his waist to slide down the back of his jeans and pull him close, closer, until he knew she could feel the way he rose under her touch, wanting her like no other woman he’d ever been with.
“Oh, Finn…” she said into his mouth, and the words set him on fire. He couldn’t wait, couldn’t hold back one more second. His palm skimmed down her dress and beneath it, to the swell of her ass and skin so smooth he wanted to taste it. She rose onto her toes, and her mouth crushed his until she pulled her lips away and moved them to his neck and his jaw line and up to his ear, leaving a breathy trail every place she touched.
“Listen, we – ” know each other. We’ve done this before. He had to tell her. Didn’t he?
“I don’t want to talk.”
The Author
Allie Boniface was born and raised in a tiny community in upstate New York, which probably explains her fascination with the magic of small town life. She currently teaches high school English in the lower Hudson Valley, where she lives with her husband and two furry felines. She is the author of six contemporary romance novels; Inferno of Love is the second in her Hometown Heroes series. Allie loves chatting with other authors and readers and can be found around the Web (visit her on Facebook or Twitter, and stop by her blog to check out the latest news). She loves attending writers’ conferences, giving workshops, swapping stories, and generally talking about romance. Allie loves stories set in small towns and is a firm believer in the power of love and the emotions that connect us all!
Find more about her at:
WEBSITE
Other books by Allie Boniface:
GIVEAWAY:
Win an e-copy of Beacon of Love (Hometown Heroes #1)
and a $20 Amazon GC
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow the tour:
April 1: Karen Docter’s Blog: Author Interview
April 2: My Devotional Thoughts: Spotlight
April 3: Mythical Books: Top 10 List
April 4: Little Black Notebook: Guest post
April 7: A Writer’s Life: Author Interview
April 8: Every Free Chance Book Reviews: Spotlight
April 9: Reviews By Molly: Review
April 10: Roxy’s Reviews: Review
Books and Fandom: Spotlight
April 11: Lindsey Gray ~ Author and Reviewer: Review
April 14: Clean Romance Reviews: Interview
April 15: Deal Sharing Aunt: Review
April 16: That Girl Reads: Review
March 30, 2014
**Author Peek** Interview with Jude Willhoff
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with JUDE WILLHOFF
INTRODUCING….JUDE WILLHOFF
Before we get started talking about your writing, tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you do for a living (if you’re not a full - time writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share to introduce yourself.
Hi everyone, I‘m Jude Willhoff and I’ve been writing for several years. I grew up on a farm in the Ozarks of Missouri. After marrying my husband we came to Colorado on our honeymoon and fell in love with the mountains. My husband is from Ohio and I didn’t want to live in Ohio and I’m from Missouri and he didn’t want to live in Missouri. So for many reasons, we decided we wanted to make Colorado our home and raise our children in this beautiful state. We’ve done just that and have always been happy about making that decision.
By day I work as office manager at our real estate business, Bijou Property Management. We help clients buy, sell and manage their rental properties. Sometimes when I have some down time at work I’m able to sneak in a little writing, but most of my writing is done in the evenings and on weekends. But any time I can steal away for writing is always good.
As far as hobbies, I love to read and go to the movies. I love that feeling of being carried away to another world. Doesn’t everyone? And in the summer, I love planting and maintaining my flowers. Just looking at all those beautiful colors makes me feel good all summer.
1. What genre(s) do you write and why?
I like to write contemporary romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance. These genres appeal to me because this is what I like to read. I had a blast writing Starseed, my latest release. My husband and I went to Roswell, New Mexico and I interviewed people and explored the town and the UFO museum. There’s some pretty fascinating information in that museum and the town is involved with the UFO history.
I also have a couple of nonfiction books out. I wrote Living Well With Chronic Pain to let people suffering with chronic pain know that there are things that they can do to help manage their chronic pain. You see, I have Arachnoiditis, which causes constant chronic pain and I also have a spinal cord implant to help control the pain so I know of what I speak. With the implant, people can’t tell I have anything going on unless I want to tell them and that works well for me.
And I wrote Writing Secrets of 33 Bestselling Romance Authors for purely selfish reasons. I wanted to find out how these bestselling authors made it to the USA Today and New York Times bestselling lists. I wanted to know everything I could find out about how they write, their schedules, how they handle marketing, editors, agents, social media and everything in between because I want to follow in their footsteps. Debbie Macomber wrote the foreword for this book and was the very first interview I ever did. She was very gracious and put me right at ease and she told me a great story about her life. She is a wonderful author who had to overcome many things to be where she is today. Her story is very inspiring and she’s first class all the way.
2. If you were to choose one superpower, what would it be?
One superpower, hmmm, that’s a tough one. Although, some days I’d like to be able to read people’s minds, most days I wouldn’t want that power. However, I think it would be very cool to be psychic. I guess I’ll have to settle for just being me. And that’s okay. I like who I am.
3. Do you ever get stuck when you’re writing a book? What do you do to get “unstuck”?
Of course, I get stuck. When writing a book, I think most of us get stuck at one time or another. When I come to that spot I usually realize I need an artist date or a good brainstorming session with my critique partners. Sometimes, you just need to step away from it for a while and then when you come back to your story, with any luck, the words will be flowing like a fine wine.
4. What is your least favorite part of writing?
I love the plotting out of my book but writing the first draft takes me the longest amount of time so it’s the least favorite. However, I love to go back through and add the meat to the story, making each paragraph, each scene just the way I want it.
5. If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
Well, today it’s snowy and cold so I would make chicken and dumplings, biscuits, salad and peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
6. What is your typical day like?
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I start out my day with 90 minutes of pool therapy/exercise. This is the only form of exercise that I’ve found that I really like. After that, I go to the office and deal with whatever is going on there. I like to write in the evenings and all day after the pool on Fridays and any other time I can work in during the week. I follow the rule of three on Facebook and Twitter. Three times a day, scroll down three times, comment three times, and share three times then leave Facebook or Twitter and go to something else. It’s so easy to spend too much time on these things and let your writing suffer so I try to abide by this rule so social media doesn’t own me.
7. What is most difficult for you to write? Characters, conflict or emotions? Why?
Conflict has always given me fits because I hate conflict and confrontations in real life. Of course, nobody can avoid life’s conflicts but I do my best and I have to work really hard on my character’s conflict. I’ve found by plotting out my story on a storyboard that it’s easier for me to get all the conflict worked in where it needs to be before I start my story and that really helps me.
8. A penguin walks into your office, right now, wearing a sombrero. What does he say to you and why is he here?
Being in real estate for many years taking care of sales and rentals, not much surprises me. Believe me, I’ve met some pretty strange clients in this business. The penguin would say, “I need to buy a house with a pool. Do you have one?” And I would say, “I just happen to have a 3 bedroom, 3 bath home, with a 3 car garage and a pool. Would that work for you?” After prequalifying him, I’d take him out to see our home for sale. Because I have a small car, he’d have to put his sombrero in my backseat when we get into my car.
9. If you could wave a magic wand, what ill in the world would you solve and why?
World hunger. It hurts to see people starving in other countries and hearing about how little children have to go to sleep hungry even here in the United States. It’s just ridiculous that in this day and age that people have to go hungry.
10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
I have a box set of my Sweet Home Colorado Series coming out in July and then my next book is the second in the Star Traveler Series, called Visitations and it will be released in the fall of 2014.
Visitations is a paranormal romantic suspense about having strange, uninvited visitors from another world arrive unexpectedly on your doorstep. It starts with a naked stranger dancing under the moonlight in the widow, Izzie Norris’s yard. Even stranger robotic phone calls keep her nerves stretched to the breaking point. Someone is trying to drive her crazy, but why? The things that keep happening to her can’t be real. Izzie’s life is turned upside down when she learns of her twin sister, who calls herself a Starseed. Her twin tells Izzie that she is an alien Starseed as well. Sure, the woman looks just like Izzie, but she’s got to be out of her ever loving mind.
Detective Johnny Rafferty answers Izzie’s 911 call to find the girl that got away. Childhood sweethearts, he had left her many years ago when he went into the army and thought it best to let her go because he wasn’t good enough for her. Even today, he is stricken by her unique beauty and her complex situation. Someone is messing with her and he wants to get to the bottom of who is causing her such problems. Her twin sister she never knew existed arrives and he is stunned. Together, he and Izzie must put the pieces of her past together to prove that this strange woman who claims to be her sister is out of her mind and figure out who is trying to harm Izzie. Things that go bump in the night aren’t always what they seem.
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Links to Jude’s website, blog, books, etc.
www.facebook.com/JudeWillhoffsBooks
Twitter: JudeWillhoff@JudeWillhoff
All of my books can be found on my website at www.judewillhoff.com or www.amazon.com
Sweet Home Colorado Series:
Book One: No Direction Home (Link: http://amzn.com/B00G7HUW80 )
Book Two: Fly Away Home (Link: http://amzn.com/B00G7HNCZU )
Book Three: Home Sweet Home (Link: http://amzn.com/B00G7REBGO )
Nonfiction:
Writing Secrets of 33 Bestselling Romance Authors (Link: http://amzn.com/B00G715A9K )
Living Well With Chronic Pain (Link: http://amzn.com/B00G714MQM)
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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Jude and her book, STARSEED, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!
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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Jude will give away an e-copy of her book, STARSEED, to one reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss this chance to read this story. Thanks, Jude, for sharing your story with us!
March 27, 2014
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Layered Éclair
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 LAYERED ÉCLAIR!
Who’s ready for something decadent and yummy? Me! Me! This is such a treat and so easily made. Change up the flavored puddings for variations on this fun dessert.
I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 136 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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LAYERED ÉCLAIR
[Serves 8]
1 cup milk
1 small box French vanilla instant pudding
1 carton (8 oz.) whipped topping, such as Cool Whip, defrosted if frozen
½ box graham crackers
1 cup milk chocolate frosting, room temp
Mix milk and pudding in medium bowl. Stir in whipped topping and set mixture aside. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers in bottom of 8-inch square glass baking dish. Spread about 1 cup of pudding mixture over crackers. Top with another layer of crackers and another layer of pudding mixture. Continued layering until all pudding mixture is used. Top with a final layer of crackers. Spread chocolate frosting over top layer of crackers, spreading all the way to edges. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours, before serving.
