Karen Docter's Blog, page 272
February 25, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Sex, Lies, And Beauty Aides by Deb Julienne
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!
SEX, LIES, AND BEAUTY AIDES by DEB JULIENNE
Book Blurb
*
Sex, lies, and beauty aids finally earn the girl next door a little respect.
Sabrina Thompson, editor of Skin Deep Magazine’s successful Natural Beauty Secrets column, is handed the challenge of her life. Take over the Love and Sex column or lose her job. What does a twenty-four year old virgin know about love or sex when she’s never been on a third date? To complicate matters, there’s a new guy at the helm. Her only crush’s clone is issuing orders. While his pompous and ambitious twin dries out, playboy and ne’er-do-well Trent Wellington must assume his identity and save his family’s flailing magazine. The bright spot amid staff cuts and content restructuring is the plucky editor he once made a fool of himself in front of at a family gathering. Fooling everyone isn’t easy, especially when Sabrina inspires his true self to be more than he ever has.
Years of hearing she’s too nice to date have left Sabrina’s frustration simmering. It boils over when she discovers Trent’s deceit and she vows to make him pay. Getting even has never been so much fun.
~~~~~
SEX, LIES, AND BEAUTY AIDES by DEB JULIENNE
EXCERPT
Chapter 1
“Oh for the love of God.” Bent over the tiny sink in the office restroom, Sabrina Thompson cupped cold water in her hands and splashed her lips.
Shocked, she stared into the mirror. Her reflection didn’t lie. Who’d have thought her skin could burn so badly without actually being on fire?
Of all the dumb-assed idiotic gimmicks. Why had paraffin wax, petroleum jelly, and jalapeno extract sounded harmless? Hindsight. Redder, plumper lips without lipstick seemed like a reasonable goal. She’d never expected this. If there were a Mick Jagger look-a-like contest, she’d count on a rejection. Even he wouldn’t want these lips.
“This is what I get for trusting the Internet.” Her lips vibrated like a kazoo when she spoke. The recipe probably had a tag for great April Fools pranks and some fifteen-year-old boy wrote it while he laughed his ass off. It crossed her mind to take a picture of the results to show what not to do.
Why today, of all days, to have an early morning meeting in the boss’s office? Thank God her boss was also her best friend. Sure, Kat would have questions about her lips. And yes, there’d be laughter at her expense, like that was something new.
Sabrina gently blotted her lips with a moist paper towel, and prayed she’d removed it all. She checked the makeup covering the scar on her right cheek, peeked out the bathroom door to be certain the coast was clear, and headed to Kat’s office. At least since she’d come in early, nobody was around to witness her humiliation.
Kat had been out of town, on the East Coast, something to do with her family. Other than a quick email to schedule this meeting, she hadn’t heard from her in over a week.
She stopped by the water cooler. Ice water in hand, she dropped into one of the ultra-modern leather chairs opposite Kat’s desk. Dunking her sore lips in the water, she made a mental note to run by her favorite consignment shop during her lunch to check out the Manolo’s that had just come in. Tina said they were her size. A perfect gift to herself for her promotion to Senior Editor. She admired the framed covers of past magazine issues lining the office. Kat made the magazine what it was today. She was proud of the periodical.
“Sabrina, right on time, as us—” Kat stopped mid-stride. “What the hell is wrong with your mouth? You look like a fish.”
Startled, she sloshed water on her skirt and tried to act casual as she wiped herself off. “The recipe didn’t mention possible swelling, only increased blood supply to the lips.” Better than what you do with yours, caught in her throat at Kat’s colorless expression. So much for hoping it wasn’t that bad.
Kat turned away, took boxes from the closet and began transferring files to them.
“What’s wrong?” Sabrina asked.
Kat didn’t respond.
“A bit early for spring cleaning, aren’t you?”
“In case I haven’t told you, I really appreciate your punctuality. Especially today.”
“What’s so special about today?” Something in Kat’s tone set her on edge, making her cautious of Kat’s behavior.
Wishing she were anywhere but here, Sabrina slid her tongue over her plump, burning lips. Mid-lick, her worst nightmare and hottest fantasy walked in, past her chair, and behind Kat’s desk. No. First her lips, then her job, now him. The man she’d dreamt of for years.
Trent Wellington.
Maybe if she pretended to be calm, cool, and collected, and ignored the fact she felt like a circus clown, he wouldn’t notice her or her enormous lips.
He winked and grinned at Kat, who merely nodded and went back to her files.
Struggling to set the cup on Kat’s desk, her vision swam, the desk weaving in and out of her reach. Her hands shook so badly she was sure to dump the rest of the water on herself. She folded her hands in her lap, knuckles white, and smiled as if it was any other day. She could do this. And maybe, she’d even pull this meeting off without thoroughly humiliating herself in front of him, again.
When he glanced her way, his brows shot up and his grin only added to her paranoid misery.
She wished someone would hurry up and say something because her jangled nerves had re-ignited the jalapeno oil.
Trent—not Kat—took the seat behind the desk.
Kat studied the carpet, blinking watery eyes.
* * * *
Mimicking Travis, his twin, Trent Wellington squared his shoulders, held his tie to his chest, sat and pulled the chair up to the desk. He withdrew a pair of heavy rimmed glasses from his inner suit pocket and pushed them into place. “Good morning, Sabrina. I’m Travis Wellington. It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you from Kat.”
Sabrina’s jaw dropped.
He’d managed to pull off this con, made her believe he was his identical twin, Travis. “Is something wrong?”
She frantically shook her head, auburn curls bouncing off her cheeks. She took a deep breath, sighed, and gave him a dazzling smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Travis.”
Buying time to keep from snorting with laughter, he rifled through the desk drawer.
She’d changed a bit over the years. Still a classic beauty with a great smile, cute upturned nose, and kissable lips.
“Kat do you have Sabrina’s file?”
“No.” Kat didn’t bother to look up.
He’d met Sabrina once, at Kat’s twenty-first birthday party, a long weekend at the family compound in Massachusetts, and she’d made quite an impression. When Travis mentioned the switch involved working with Sabrina, he’d been eager for a chance to see her again.
But, it hinged on fooling Kat. As long as she was distracted, he’d be fine. Otherwise, without his brother’s journalism background, he’d fail at impersonating Travis and as editor in chief of Skin Deep magazine.
The family had compiled reports of Sabrina’s success for the past several months. He opened his briefcase, pulled out dozens of folders his brother had given him and thumbed through, locating Sabrina’s file.
“Ah, here it is.”
According to Kat, Sabrina was a genius as the natural beauty editor. In the two-and-a-half years she’d been with the company, subscriptions had doubled thanks to her popular column.
Kat closed up one box and set it aside, then continued removing files from the cabinet.
He was counting on Sabrina strengths to inspire him. He had definite plans for Sabrina, wondering if she was as good as his fantasies. His gaze locked with hers and he forced himself to remember he was supposed to be standing in for his brother. What would Travis do now?
“Would you like some coffee?” Oh shit, his brother was never polite. Business was business. Damn it.
Wrinkling her nose as if he’d offered her arsenic, Sabrina shook her head. Opened her mouth twice but nothing came out. Her wide eyes were the color of the Mogul Emerald he’d seen auctioned at Christie’s in London. She turned away and picked non-existent lint from her red blazer. Her lips were quite swollen. Shiny. Getting redder by the minute, as if she’d spent hours making out.
“Ah.” His mind went blank. He didn’t mean to stare. If he tried to speak now he’d guarantee it’d come out as high-pitched squawk. He reviewed the file before him, loosening the tie that felt more like a noose. How did Travis stand these things? He unbuttoned the top button of his shirt. Cold sweat ran down his back. “Are you all right? You seem a bit nervous.” If he didn’t get his focus off himself, he’d surely screw up.
Another rapid-fire headshake. She grabbed a foam cup from the desk.
God, he hoped Sabrina bought this act instead of remembering the scene in the pool. He owed her an apology, but it was impossible without blowing his cover. It’d have to wait. Grateful for the mahogany desk between them, he extracted another file from his briefcase then stowed it under the desk.
“Let’s get started.” He scanned the cheat sheet his brother had prepared before they’d separated at the airport last night. Travis even wrote like an ass.
“As you know, the Board of Directors met last week. While Kat hoped to deliver some good news to you today, I find myself in the precarious position of dishing out the good news/bad news shtick to everyone.”
Sipping, Sabrina held his gaze and nodded.
He shifted in the chair and rotated his shoulders. “Due to a shaky economy, I have six months to make Skin Deep profitable or it will be sold. Unfortunately, advertising dollars have drastically dropped. It’s imperative to change the magazine’s format to bring the lost accounts back.”
She wasn’t sipping the water, but holding it to her mouth.
He continued, “First off, I can’t give you the promotion you and Kat previously discussed. Secondly, there will be a number of layoffs among the staff.”
Her brows shot up, eyes widened, lips thinned, and she fumbled as she set the cup on the desk, spilling a bit. She jumped out of her chair and grabbed a tissue to blot it up.
“On a more positive note I was able to salvage your job, but only because of the wonderful success with your column. In order to maintain our high standards and in light of the reduction in the work force, everyone will have additional responsibilities.”
“The beauty column takes most of my time, but I can handle a little extra responsibility. What do you have in mind?” He could see the relief on her face as she settled into the chair, crossed long, slender, shapely legs and adjusted her skirt.
He took a deep breath and forced himself to make eye contact, when what he really wanted was to take a cold shower. “I’ll be snea—ah—speaking with the other employees today, however I wanted to talk to you first. You’ll need to work with the editor you’ll replace.” God, this was all he needed, to trip over his tongue. The back of his shirt was soaked. At this rate, he’d need that cold shower before this meeting ended.
“An additional job? How long will I have to learn the ropes?”
“She’ll be leaving at the end of the week and you’ll need to be up to speed for the February issue.” He’d never managed people before, much less fired or laid someone off. He hoped he didn’t make a mess of it and land the company in a lawsuit.
“What? I only have until the end of the week to learn another position?”
“Luckily, we’ve already put January’s issue to bed.” Saying the word bed, to Sabrina no less, put all sorts of ideas in his head. He squelched the inviting grin he wanted to give her. “That said you’ll have four weeks before you face your next set of deadlines.”
“Whew.” Closing her eyes, Sabrina let out a breath then drummed her fingers on the sleek metal armrests.
He fidgeted with a paperweight on the corner of the desk. Some swirly girly glass thing Kat probably adored. He searched for the right inflection, needing confidence in using phrases his brother had jotted down for him. “I realize you’ll have a learning curve, but you’ll have plenty of time to gain as much knowledge as possible for your new columns.” Travis wouldn’t fidget. He sat back. “After talking to Kat, I fully believe you’ll handle the new position with the same professionalism you’ve already exhibited in your current job.”
And man, he’d love to be her tutor. He’d definitely be first in line.
Meet Deb Julienne, Author….While some say truth is stranger than fiction, Deb Julienne’s experience runs more along the lines of slap-stick comedy. She believes when life tosses you lemons it’s best to turn it into Limoncello.
As a long time member of both Romance Writers of America (RWA) and her local RWA Chapter, the Sacramento Valley Rose, Deb fills the hours she’s not writing romantic comedy and romantic suspense with her day job at a Silicon Valley Corporation, playing in the kitchen concocting her award-winning jams (with alcohol of course).
Born and raised in San Jose, California, she now resides in the Tahoe National Forest Basin, her own bit of heaven on Earth, with her husband of 33 years, with three sons and one daughter, and two very precocious grandkids.
~~~~
Links to Deb’s website, blog, books, etc.
http://pinkfuzzyslipperwriters.blogspot.com/
~~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Deb will give away a print or ebook (reader’s choice) copy of her book, SEX, LIES, AND BEAUTY AIDES to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Deb, for sharing your stories with us!
February 24, 2014
Book Bench Promo Blog Tour: Envelope: Red by K.Baskett
ENVELOPE: Red
by K.Baskett
QUICK FACTS:
Release Date: November 30th, 2013.
Genre: Suspense
Formats to buy: paperback and Kindle
SYNOPSIS:
Unemployed with no prospects, Dorian Wells is a young man trying desperately to stay afloat and be a good father to his toddler son. While already struggling to pay the bills and earn proper visitation with his child, Dorian’s tumultuous life is thrown into further upheaval when his mother is suddenly hospitalized.
On the verge of losing everything, it seems Dorian finally has a stroke of luck when he inadvertently learns of a potential opportunity with Jakkaru, a decadent, cut-throat organization that pays handsomely by the body count. Dorian’s lifelong friend, Rafe Ibadiah, is his ticket into Jakkaru and soon Dorian is training to be a professional hitman. But learning how to properly kill for a living is not as easy as it seems, and he quickly discovers the short arms of theory are a far reach from reality as the harrowing journey makes him question everything he believes.The final test before full acceptance into Jakkaru is a contract Dorian must complete alone. Delivered to him via a small red envelope, the name inside propels the stakes of this dangerous game higher than ever before. Dorian will sacrifice anything for his son, but it’s not until he is ordered to do the unthinkable that he grasps the horrific depth of his commitment.
Award-winning author, K. Baskett, expertly weaves a chilling tale of suspense in Envelope: Red that culminates in a shocking look at the prickly nuances of loyalty. Gritty and authentic, Dorian’s story is ultimately a poignant examination of the human condition – what lies within the heart of us all.
Excerpt:
The butler goes to the corner of the room where a small stand holds a glass carafe of water and crystal goblets. He pours some and hands the glass to me, then exits the room, clicking the door quietly closed behind him.
I take a shaky sip, and my parched lips scream with relief. The cool water helps to alleviate my perspiration as well, which has already thoroughly embarrassed me.
“Welcome, Dorian,” says the man seated behind the desk. He is large and stocky, with a bald head and bad skin. He observes me through black, beady eyes that don’t seem to blink. “I am Mr Black, and this is my colleague, Mr Red.” He indicates the man flanking his ornate leather chair. Mr Red nods at me slightly. He is reedy with delicate wireframe glasses perched on his beaky nose.
“H-hello,” I stutter, biting down nervous laughter at the absurdity of their names. My hands tremble so badly I am very nearly spilling my glass of water. I set it down gingerly on the small table beside my chair.
“We understand you are here because you’re interested in becoming a member of our prestigious organization,” Mr Black begins.
“Yes, sir.”
“I see,” Mr Black says thoughtfully. “Well, as I’m sure you might imagine, we have to know a few things about anyone seeking to join our ranks. Therefore, we have taken the liberty to peek into your background.”
My saliva dries up, making my tongue swell like a blowfish and stick to the roof of my mouth.
Mr Red lifts an iPad from the desk and begins to read from it. “Dorian Wells, age twenty-five. No siblings. Both parents deceased; most recently the mother, Verona Marshall, from an advanced case of septicemia. One son, Josiah Wells, just turned two. Josiah’s mother, Milan Carter, age twenty-three. No significant work history, just a few minimum wage jobs here and there. Once matriculated at the local community college but no degree. Currently unemployed. Recently granted a full visitation schedule for son, Josiah, by the family court. Girlfriend, Sekoya Williams, age twenty-nine; dating for about a year.” Mr Red stops reading from the iPad and looks directly at me. “Congratulations.”
My stomach is turning somersaults hearing all this detailed intimate information; it’s so surreal. The main thing that sticks out in my mind is that he said, ‘both parents deceased.’ I don’t even know who my father is, and they apparently have not only identified him, but also discovered he is dead. I’m not sure what to say after this recitation, but I can tell they are waiting for me to speak, so I murmur, “Yes, sir. That’s me.”
Mr Black laces his pudgy fingers together on top of the desk. “You should know, Dorian: that was the summarized version.”
The Author
Jack of all trades, master of none – save for the art of procrastination – K. Baskett lives by the motto, “Never do today what can be put off until tomorrow.” K. firmly believes that you aren’t really interested in the author’s hometown, spouse, children or pets, and has therefore decided to spare you the details. No Greater Illusion is the author’s award-winning debut novel. Envelope: Red, the second offering, is a gritty suspense-thriller releasing November 2013.
Get to know her at:
Twitter: @kbaskett1
Facebook: Envelope Red
No Greater Illusion
Other books from K. Baskett:
No Greater Illusion
Genre: Dystopia
Finalist in the 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
And don’t miss her short stories:
Do what must be done
The Golden Visit
GIVEAWAY:
TOUR SCHEDULE:
February 1: Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews: Top 10 List
February 3: The Stuff of Success: Spotlight
February 4: I know that Book: Guest Post
February 5: My Devotional Thoughts: Top 10 List
February 7: A Writer’s Life: Spotlight
February 10: Deal Sharing Aunt: Review
February 12: Mythical Books: Author Interview
February 16: Vanilla Moon: Character Interview
February 17: Books, Books The Magical Fruit: Author Interview
February 20: Reading For Fun: GP
February 22: Desert Rose Reviews: Spotlight
February 24: That Girl Reads: Top 10 List
February 27: The News in Books: Review
February 28: Black Lion’s Blog: Interview
February 23, 2014
**Author Peek** Interview with Deb Julienne
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with DEB JULIENNE
Editorial Note to my Readers:
I’m shaking up the interview questions for 2014 so you, my reader, can get to know the highlighted author a bit more beyond their genre and book release dates. With a different interview each week, who knows what they might reveal about themselves! 
~~~~
INTRODUCING….DEB JULIENNE!
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, I’m Deb Julienne. I live in the Tahoe National Forest Basin…my little bit of heaven on Earth. I work for a large computer software company based out of the bay area. I was born and raised in San Jose, California and moved to the mountains about 15 years ago.
I love gardening, sewing, and playing in the kitchen. In fact I’ve been entering my jams, jellies, preserves, and sauces in the County Fair the past seven years and winning like crazy. Last year I had 12 entries and came home with 16 awards, including 4 best in Divisions and 1 Best in Show. The Best in Show was for my Peach-Tahitian Vanilla-Butterscotch Schnapps preserves. The judge cracked me up when he said it was so good he wanted to take a bath in it. Now that’s a compliment.
1. What genre(s) do you write and why?
I write Romantic Comedy and Romantic Suspense. I write romantic comedy because that’s the story of my life. I write romantic suspense because I like how the suspense is sort of like figuring out a puzzle.
2. If you were to choose one superpower, what would it be?
I want to fly…for quick escapes from the real world.
3. Do you ever get stuck when you’re writing a book? What do you do to get “unstuck”?
Oh, boy…have I…and I figured it out…I have a habit of getting to chapter 7 slump and that’s when I smack into a brick wall.
I’ve had this happen on a number of books.
I have to give credit to Tawny Weber with showing me how to break the cycle. She came to speak to my local RWA chapter and one of the things she said resonated with me…she said she got stuck on one of her books as well. And that she was finally able to figure out that it was because she was afraid.
When asked she admitted it was her character feared something…I instantaneously realized my problem was not just my character, but myself. Let me explain.
My heroine in the opening is told she has to take on additional columns or be let go, and the topic is sex and love. When I thought about it I realized while Sabrina feared how she could write on such subjects with no experience, I too feared I couldn’t represent her fears because I didn’t put myself in her shoes. Once I put myself into her shoes, I finished the book in a week.
It wasn’t just that book, the same thing happened to the other two books of the series. I was able to finish them as well in less than three weeks each.
This really stopped me from having any kind of block. I just have to ask what my character fears most then take her there…and ask myself what I fear about showing that character properly.
4. What is your least favorite part of writing ?
The synopsis, what else…you spend all your time writing 60K+ only to have to condense it to 5 pages and still and enough elements of GMC, emotion, and passion to convince an editor to read it.
5. If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
Hot diggity…I get to cook? Oh, man we’d have a blast. Spring is coming…I’d break out the BBQ for some grilled asparagus, corn on the cob, twice baked potatoes, BBQ chicken, and French bread, with Strawberry shortcake for dessert.
6. What is your typical day like?
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. I have my day job. Then I fix dinner, and write until 11pm.
7. What is most difficult for you to write? Characters, conflict or emotions? Why?
This is a hard question because to me they all go together. You can’t write a character if you don’t understand their conflict and you can’t add the emotions if you don’t get the character. I start with and idea about the person…then figure out “a” conflict, then add emotions, then redefine the conflict to make sure it’s strong enough.
8. A penguin walks into your office, right now, wearing a sombrero. What does he say to you and why is he here?
A penguin walks into my office wearing a sombrero and says, “It’s time for another cruise…start packing.”
Funny you should ask…my husband and I did a Mexican Cruise in 2007. It was “finally” our honeymoon, 25 years late. It was also our first vacation, NO KIDS, and our birthday present that year.
We were torn about Mexican cruise or Alaskan cruise…we joked that if we went to Alaska we’d see a dolphin wearing a parka or if we went to Mexico, we’d see a Penguin in a sombrero. We had a cold winter that year and were in desperate need of warmth.
9. If you could wave a magic wand, what ill in the world would you solve and why?
Diabetes, hands down. I’ve watched diabetes eventually kill my mother. Both my in-laws had or have it. FIL has since passed, but MIL has it and just doesn’t get how the disease works, which makes being her caregiver a bit difficult at times. My husband has been suffering the effects of it since 2000 when stress and his health eventually led to his first heart attack at 40, and that’s when he was diagnosed with diabetes. I hate how it screws with his health.
10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
Sex, Lies, and Beauty Aids is set to be released by Lyrical/Kensington Books on 3/3/2014.
~~~~~~~
Links to Deb’s website, blog, books, etc.
http://pinkfuzzyslipperwriters.blogspot.com/
~~~~
BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Deb and her release, SEX, LIES, AND BEAUTY AIDES, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench!! Happy Reading!
~~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Deb will give away a print or ebook (reader’s choice) copy of her book, SEX, LIES, AND BEAUTY AIDES to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Deb, for sharing your stories with us!
February 22, 2014
Congratulations Week 02-10-14 Giveaway Winners!
CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 02-10-14 GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with KIM CRESSWELL!!
Giveaway: Kim will give away one ebook of REFLECTION to one lucky reader, and one ebook of REAL LIFE EVIL – A TRUE CRIME QUICKIE to a second lucky reader, who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Thanks, Kim, for sharing your stories with us!
WINNER ~ Ebook copy of REFLECTION!! TOM WINTON!!
WINNER ~ Ebook copy of REAL LIFE EVIL – A TRUE CRIME QUICKIE!! bn100!!
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s with DONNA FASANO!!
Giveaway: Donna will give away one copy of RECLAIM MY HEART to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog!! Thanks, Donna, for sharing your release and your fabulous cookie recipe with us!
WINNER!! JAMIE STEADMAN!!
February 20, 2014
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Ava Miles
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with AVA MILES!
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, AVA MILES, and her favorite recipe for GINGERBREAD WAFFLES!
COUNTRY HEAVEN by AVA MILES
Book Blurb
A down-on-her luck cook uses food’s magical properties to tame a beastly country singer after he hires her under false pretenses to restore his image.
When famous—and infamous—country singer Rye Crenshaw saunters into the diner where she cooks, Tory Simmons is certain she’s got him pegged. He’s a bad boy who indulges himself in all things, women included. But while she couldn’t care less about country music or arrogant men, Rye makes her an offer she can’t refuse when he asks her to be his private chef on his multi-city concert tour. The job is the answer to all her prayers: it will clear out her debt and finance the fresh start she desperately needs.
Rye is certain his sassy new cook is the last woman who’d ever tempt him, but spending time with the wholesome girl next door will do wonders for his damaged public image, whether she likes being forced into the spotlight or not. Her food also happens to be the best he’s ever eaten, both comforting and seductive. But spending time with Tory on the road shows him a new side to her—one that’s as impossible to resist as her food. And when an emergency in his family whisks him home, he does the one thing he’s never risked: he lets a woman into his heart…
Soon the emotions Rye faked for the tabloids become all too real, but will the country heaven he’s found in Tory’s arms survive in the real world?
Amazon
B&N
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/country-heaven-ava-miles/1118598707?ean=2940148135562
iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/country-heaven-dare-river-1/id813616801?mt=11
Kobo
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/country-heaven
Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/406893
About the author, Ava Miles….
USA Today Bestselling Author Ava Miles burst onto the contemporary romance scene after receiving Nora Roberts’ blessing for her use of Ms. Roberts’ name in her debut novel, NORA ROBERTS LAND, which kicked off The Dare Valley Series and brought praise from reviewers and readers alike. Much to Ava’s delight, USA Today Contributor Becky Lower selected it as one of the Best Books of the Year. Ava continued The Dare Valley Series in FRENCH ROAST, which Tome Tender says “raised the entertainment bar again” and then THE GRAND OPENING, which reviewer Mary J. Gramlich says “is a continuation of love, family, and relationships.” The next books in the series, THE HOLIDAY SERENADE, was met with high praise and her ode to the early 1960s, THE TOWN SQUARE, what she calls Mad Men in a small town with a happy ending, melted reader’s hearts. Ava based her original series on a family newspaper, modeled after her own. Her great-great grandfather won it in a poker game in 1892, so Ava is no stranger to adventurous men and models her heroes after men like that—or like Tim McGraw, her favorite country music singer. Now Ava shares the Dare River series, set in the deep South, telling the story of a country singer and a beautiful cook. A former chef herself, Ava used her culinary background to infuse the story with family and personal recipes, but she also used her love for music to write country music songs to set the stage in the novel, creating a unique book experience. Ava—a writer since childhood—now lives in her own porch-swinging-friendly community with an old-fashioned Main Street lined with small businesses.
~~~
Links to Ava’s website, blog, books, etc.
COUNTRY HEAVEN, Book 1, The Dare River Series, by Ava Miles
Contemporary Romance/Fiction/Original
February 2014/ On Sale 2-11-14 /$4.99 (eBook), $14.99 (print) ISBN: 978-1-940565-05-7
Website:
www.avamiles.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorAvaMiles
Twitter: www.twitter.com/authoravamiles
Pinterest:
www.pinterest.com/authoravamiles
~~~~
I hope you enjoy the recipe Ava is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 131 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gingerbread Waffles and Country Music Singers
So, hi there! I’m Ava Miles, the new contemporary romance writer who burst onto the scene with her book NORA ROBERTS LAND, which kicked off my acclaimed Dare Valley series. Now, I’m delighted to announce the first book in a connected series called Dare River, set in the deep South, titled COUNTRY HEAVEN. Thanks to Karen for hosting me!
This story is pretty special to me since it combines my love for food (former chef here) and my love for country music, specifically Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, and the hit TV series, Nashville. COUNTRY HEAVEN is about a down-on-her luck cook who uses food’s magical properties to tame a beastly country singer after he hires her under false pretenses to restore his image. My hero, Rye Crenshaw, is larger than life, a mega country star and a total bad boy. And his heroine is so the girl-next-door.
I wrote thirteen country music songs and a dozen cookbook entries for this book, which is a record in romance, I think. And since I love sharing my love for food, I decided to share one of the cookbook entries from the novel. It’s gingerbread waffles, and my hero goes nuts for them. His eyes pretty much flutter shut, making my heroine’s belly flutter in response, albeit for a different reason. So here goes:
I don’t know what it is about breakfast, but starting off the day right with a good one gives me a better attitude. Granted, my grandma raised me to never leave the house without breakfast. Eggs, pancakes, and waffles were routinely on the table when I came downstairs before leaving for school. I once commented that I wished we could have gingerbread more often one Christmas since I loved my grandma’s Gingerbread men, so she found this recipe. These waffles always make me happy. They’re a special treat—like unwrapping presents on Christmas morning.
GINGERBREAD WAFFLES
[Tory Simmons' Simmering Family Cookbook]
½ cup molasses
6 tbsp. oil
1 cup milk
2 beaten eggs
Mix together and add the following dry ingredients together in a separate bowl and then add to the liquid ingredients:
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ginger (fresh is best)
½ tsp. cinnamon
4 tbsp. sugar
2 cups flour
Cook in a waffle iron for 4-6 minutes until golden brown. Serve with a lemon sauce or maple syrup.
Tory Simmons’ Simmering Family Cookbook
Well, now, what could be better than a book with a steamy country singer bad-boy, the girl-next-door, and cookbook entries that features recipes like gingerbread waffles?
And let me tell you, these are delicious. I have lots of requests for these from the family.
So, tell me, what’s your ultimate breakfast delight? We’re talking, what would you love to eat if a private chef like Tory cooked you breakfast every morning like she does steamy Rye? Come on, I want to hear.
~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Ava will give away one ebook copy of COUNTRY HEAVEN to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog!! Don’t miss this chance to read this novel!! Thanks, Ava, for sharing your release and your fabulous waffle recipe with us!
February 19, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Redeemed By A Rebel 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!
REDEEMED BY A REBEL by CYNTHIA WOOLF
Destiny in Deadwood Series, Book 1
Book Blurb
*
In this exciting western, historical romance, Jake Anderson killed a man defending his fiancée from a brutal attack, but lost her and his freedom in the process. Now he’s on the run, tormented by the need for vengeance.
Becky Finnegan will do anything to escape her drunken father’s fists, including slave away at their mine. Her only hope is to strike gold and make a new life for herself somewhere far, far away from Deadwood. But then Jake arrives and does the unthinkable…forces her to feel, to hope…and to love.
Jake would give his life to protect Becky, but all he can offer her is a broken heart, a criminal’s life, and a past haunted by failure. How can he save her when he’s already lost himself? Will he destroy everything, or can the beautiful rebel redeem Jake’s lost soul?
~~~~~
REDEEMED BY A REBEL
A Destiny in Deadwood Series novel by CYNTHIA WOOLF
EXCERPT
CHAPTER 1
August 1876
He’d been dead. Deader than a doornail in a rotted-out door. Becky Finnegan remembered finding Horace Sutter splayed across the rocks like the annual sacrifice to some unknown god. Heck, that wasn’t something she was likely to ever forget. She’d had to leave him to collect her no good, drunkard father, Billy, from The Gem where he spent all the gold she worked her butt off to get.
She’d lied to Billy once again, only given him part of their gold. If she gave him all of it, like he wanted, nothing would be left to buy food or the pans and other equipment she needed to work their claim. And then there’d be no gold for him to go drown his sorrows. Sorrows that were her fault, according to him, since Becky killed her Ma by getting born. And then he’d beat her and she wouldn’t be able to work so there’d be no gold and the cycle would start again. Better to lie to him.
Resigned, she grabbed the mule’s bridle. Buster snorted at the small jerk she gave the gear as she started walking downstream along the narrow path that followed the creek. She’d made this path, going back and forth to their claim on a daily basis. After collecting Billy from The Gem, after he’d spent another night drowning his sorrows. Better there than at their campsite where he’d just complain and then beat her for the hell of it.
She and her father, Billy, originally came from the coal mines of West Virginia. Some said they were rebels because West Virginia was in the south during the War of Northern Aggression. But that was so long ago and there’d been many, many stops along the way. Becky barely remembered the place anymore. She supposed the only reason she didn’t forget it altogether was because she’d lived there with Grandma Bess. Those were the memories she liked to remember. Grandma Bess was so good to her, but then she had to go and die. Then there was just Billy and new place after new place
Every time she hoped this might be the spot, the one where they could put down roots. But it never was. Billy leached the goodwill from the townsfolk until there was none left and they had to move on.
She’d gotten lucky with her education. One of the ladies she worked for took pity on her and taught her to read, write and speak so she was able to get better jobs as time went on. But not good enough to keep Billy supplied which was why she spent all day in the cold river panning for whatever gold, flake or nugget, she could find.
She went into The Gem and saw Billy, face down on one of the tables next to the door.
“Hi, just came to get Billy,” she said to the man behind the bar.
“Ah, if it isn’t Miss Finnegan. Where are your bruises Becky? Guess Billy’s been keeping his fists to himself lately.” Al Swearengen, owner of The Gem and procurer of flesh, said from in front of his second floor office.
“No thanks to you and all the whiskey he downs here,” she said. There was a running dialogue that she had with Al, every time she picked up Billy.
“Thanks for that. I love the gold Billy spends here every night. He almost single-handedly keeps me in business.”
She rolled her eyes and looked over at Billy, wondering if she really could be related to the reprobate. She’d get the barkeep to load him on the mule and then, when they got back to camp, she’d untie him and let him slip to the ground. She used to try holding him up, to slow his fall, but too many times, she’d ended up trapped beneath him until she could shove his heavy body off her. Totally ignorant of the whole situation, he blissfully slept off the effects of his alcohol fueled stupor.
There’d been just as many times she left him at The Gem and let them deal with his sorry ass..
Dan, the barkeep said, “you get your father and get out. I keep telling you, this ain’t no place for a girl like you to be seen.”
“Oh, I don’t know, Dan,” said Al looking dapper in his black three piece pinstriped suit. He wore no tie and his shirt was open at the collar. Becky craned her neck to look upward at him. “We could give her a job that’s a lot easier than working that claim. Wouldn’t you like that Becky? No more standing in the cold river. You’d be flat on your back, but you’d be warm.”
He leaned on the hand rail of the second floor walkway. The small porch like structure went along the whole back of the building, all of the doors to the whores rooms were off of it and visible from the bar where the barkeep could keep track of the comings and goings of the men from the rooms.
“Not today, Mr. Swearengen, but I’ll be sure and keep your offer in mind.” She hoped the sarcasm came through in her voice.
Swearengen laughed. A great rumble from deep in his chest. “You do that. Help her load Billy on to her mule,” he said to the barkeep then he turned away and went back into his office. “See you tomorrow, Becky,” he called over his shoulder.
She nodded, then looked at the fancy women lounging around the room in varying states of undress and silently agreed with Dan. She should get out. She didn’t understand how they could do what they did. She’d rather work day and night in the creek than let any man with a dollar in his pocket touch her in that way.
Meet Cynthia Woolf, Author….Cynthia Woolf is the author of six historical western romance books and one short story 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 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.
~~~~
Links to Cynthia’s website, blog, books, etc.
WEBSITE
GOODREADS
REDEEMED BY A REBEL is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
~~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Cynthia will give away a copy of her book, REDEEMED BY A REBEL, to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Book Bench blog!! Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Cynthia, for sharing your stories with us!
February 18, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Mint Juleps and Justice by Nancy Naigle
KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where, every Wednesday, 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!
MINT JULEPS AND JUSTICE by NANCY NAIGLE
Book Blurb
*
Welcome to Adams Grove…where wrongs are righted with just desserts.
Luck abandoned Brooke Justice during her nasty divorce. Desperate to escape her malicious ex-husband, she relocated to the small town of Adams Grove, Virginia. When someone breaks into her new house, she suspects her ex bears the blame for the crime. With no evidence and little help from the police, she asks a private investigator to take her case—a private investigator whose sexy broad shoulders and stunning blue eyes make her question her decision to swear off relationships forever.
Mike Hartman fled Adams Grove when a devastating loss left his heart in pieces. After years overseas in the military, he’s finally returned home, determined to start anew as a private investigator. Then Brooke walks into his office, awakening something he hasn’t felt in years. Can they both move on…into each other’s arms? Or will the pain of the past—and the dangerous threat lurking in the present—destroy their new beginning?
~~~~~
MINT JULEPS AND JUSTICE by NANCY NAIGLE
EXCERPT
Transferring from her old position had been one of the hardest to decisions Brooke Justice had faced. Those farmers back in Virginia Beach had taught her as much as she had them in the beginning. College hadn’t prepared her for the real-life problems farmers faced, but she’d been a quick study and they’d taken her under their wing. She loved that job, but her separation from Keith had gotten out of control and putting some miles between them seemed like the right thing to do when the opportunity arose.
Brooke gathered a stack of soil sample kits and a notebook with the list of her appointments for the day, then grabbed the keys to the truck the county provided for their use. She headed out the back door of the Main Street office where the truck was parked.
The little white four-wheel drive pickup was much more suitable to the roads than her own car. Many of the roads were still unpaved in this county. In Virginia Beach they’d provided her with a vehicle, too, only it was a big twelve-seater passenger van. It was a bear to maneuver and forget about parking it.
The first stop on her list of appointments was to check in with the farmer who would be supplying the market lambs and goats for the 4-Hers. They’d weigh and tag the animals in preparation for the nominations next week. She worked her way through the next three farm visits, a mix of crop and livestock farmers and then tapped in the address on the GPS for the farm on Nickel Creek Road. It was less than eight miles away. Nervous excitement built as she got closer to Kasey Phillips’s farm.
Just one turn off Route 58 and she was there. She pulled into the driveway of the sprawling white ranch with the red metal roof. A nice barn and lots of high dollar fencing was already in place. Some goats lay chewing their cud under the shade of a huge pecan tree in the front pasture. From here it looked like mostly clover and weeds, fine for goats, but the horses would go hungry in that field. There was tall fescue too—that could spell disaster for a horse farm that planned any type of breeding program.
A bright red cardinal fluttered by as she got out of the truck. Cardinal, good luck. Seeing the good luck sign calmed her. The lucky signs might have started as a fun diversion when she was just a kid hunting for four-leafed clovers with her brother, but over the years luck signs had become kind of like a second religion for Brooke. She believed in it, and it could make or break her day.
The front door opened and, at first glance, the height of the man sent her heart racing. For that one fleeting moment she thought it was Cody Tuggle, but then she caught the brown hair peeking from beneath the cap and realized it wasn’t. Wishful thinking. At least the ball cap didn’t bear a tractor company theme and it wasn’t camo like those of ninety percent of the guys she met during these visits.
He met her on the driveway extending his hand as he approached. “Hey there, I’m Mike.”
“You’re the farm manager?” Brooke asked.
He raised his brow slightly, and then smiled. “Yeah, I guess that’s me. For now.”
Nice voice and good looking too. He might even be better looking than the music man. His eyes were almost too blue for a dark haired man, and the tan showed them off just right.
It was hard to not stare into those baby blues. “I’m Brooke Justice.” She shook his hand feeling tiny in his presence. He stood a good foot taller than her, with broad shoulders that pulled his t-shirt taut and biceps…well, let’s just stop this gawking right here. “I was told y’all wanted to work on a pasture and grazing rotation plan. Want to show me around?”
“That’s right. We do.” He motioned her to follow. When they got to the back of the house he jumped behind the wheel of a Polaris Ranger, and she climbed into the seat next to him. He hit the gas pedal on the utility vehicle and it lurched forward.
She sucked in a breath as his arm flung across her mid-section with lightning speed as she ricocheted back in the seat. His softball-sized bicep didn’t go unnoticed, nor did the way it flexed when he repositioned his hand on the steering wheel. She knew she’d need to check out the rest of him as they sped through the smooth terrain.
They rode the entire property line first, then backtracked, stopping to talk about each area that was fenced off.
Brooke listened and took a few notes. “Y’all are in really great shape here as far as the fencing goes. Whoever set this up had some experience. It’s already cross-fenced, so you’ll be able to rotate to get the most from your pastures.”
“I can’t take credit for that. Guy that remodeled this place had been a farmer his whole life. Horses, cattle, goats. He remodeled this place for his wife as a surprise. He died. She’s moved on.”
“Is she the one who’s engaged to Cody Tuggle?” She wished the words hadn’t tumbled from her mouth, but there they were. Daddy’d always said he’d named her right because words rushed right out of her like water over the rocks, and there was no stopping them.
“Sure is,” he said with no hint of emotion either way.
She tilted her head. “That bother you?”
“That Kasey has moved on? No. Cody is a nice guy. They’re good together.”
“You’ve met him? And he’s nice?” she said with a little too much enthusiasm. Hello, mouth, quit going all fan girl on me.
“Sure.” He leaned forward on the steering wheel. “Why do you look so surprised? Famous people can’t be nice?”
“No. Not that, I just never met a star before. It’s kind of cool that he’s going to be moving here.”
Mike tugged on his hat. “Well, not right here. He and Kasey are building a place on the acreage on the other side of that fence line. They bought the adjacent land all the way to the next curve. About four hundred acres.”
“He bought the cut-over from the timber company?”
Mike nodded. “They did, but I think they’re actually building on the far end. That land is still cropland right now.”
“The old Doyle farm. I know of it. Nice piece of land.” Too bad it wouldn’t be farmed, though. She didn’t like to see cropland lose its purpose. Once that cycle was broken, it just didn’t come back. More and more of it was being repurposed for non-agricultural use. A bad thing for the county.
Brooke wondered if she’d get the chance to meet Cody Tuggle when they got ready to do something with that land. Probably not. He probably had “people” who would handle those conversations too. When she looked up, Mike was staring at her like he was waiting on a response. Just how long had she been standing there daydreaming?
“Cody’s mother is going to be using this property. She’s the one who is into race horses.”
Hugging her notebook to her chest, she asked, “How long have you been working with race horses?”
“Me?” Mike chuckled. “I don’t have any experience with race horses…with the exception of a few lousy bets.”
“I’m sorry, I’d just assumed you–”
” Of course, you would, but no, I’m just doing a favor for Kasey, the one who is engaged to your favorite singer. She asked me if I’d take care of things for her while they are away. It was a win-win since I wasn’t sure where I was going to put down roots when I got out of the military. This kind of helped me make the decision.”
“Nice town to put down roots. I just moved here myself. I’m a Virginia Beach native.”
“I’ve been here for a while now. Was your Dad in the Navy?” he asked.
She nodded. “A pilot.”
“How are you adjusting to Adams Grove?”
“I like it. I never realized just how loud it was out there near Oceana until I moved here. What a difference.”
“The quiet is nice. When my parents split up, my brother lived in Virginia Beach with my mom. I stayed up this way with Dad. I kind of prefer the wide open spaces.”
“Well, welcome home then.”
“Thanks.”
He looked like he was going to ask her something else, but chickened out. “I won’t be actually managing the farm. I’m just helping coordinate things that need to happen before all that, but I’ll be your guy for a little while.”
My guy? In another lifetime that would have thrilled her. “Got it. Well, I appreciate you giving me the tour, and look forward to working with you for a little while, Mike.” She knew she should be done with this appointment by now, but she was still curious about him. Another few minutes wouldn’t put her too far behind schedule. Usually she was meeting with married couples wanting to give the country life a try in their second half of life or lifetime farmers with big guts. It wasn’t often she got to visit with young, hot, available men. Not that she was in the market for one and she’d already proven with her track record with “nice” guys. “What branch of the service were you in?”
He pulled off his sunglasses. White squint lines framed his eyes against his very tanned skin. “Marine Corps.”
“Of course you were.” He had Marine written all over him: muscles, confidence, and blue eyes just plain begging her to get lost in them so he could rescue her.
Meet Nancy Naigle, Author….USA TODAY Bestselling author, Nancy Naigle, writes love stories from the crossroad of small town and suspense in hopes that readers will find an escape from their hectic day-to-day in the make believe worlds she creates.
The award winning novel, SWEET TEA AND SECRETS, is the first in the Adams Grove series.
Other Adams Grove novels include:
OUT OF FOCUS,
WEDDING CAKE AND BIG MISTAKES (You’ll remember Carolanne and Connor from Sweet Tea and Secrets!),
PECAN PIE AND DEADLY LIES,
MINT JULEPS AND JUSTICE.
Just released :: THE GRANNY SERIES co-written by Nancy with Kelsey Browning. Honey, these are not your momma’s grannies. These gals are more like Dirty Harry, only over 50, female and southern. Buckle up. The first book, IN FOR A PENNY, will launch on November 5th.
If you’re tastes run toward young adult or mystery, you might also enjoy INKBLOT co-written by Nancy Naigle and Phyllis Johnson under the pen name – Johnson Naigle.
Hugs and happy reading~
Stay up to date with future releases by joining Nancy’s free newsletter. Available on her website.
~~~~
Links to Nancy’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website www.NancyNaigle.com
Blog http://nancynaigle.wordpress.com
Books Sweet Tea and Secrets – http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Secrets-Adams-Grove-Novel-ebook/dp/B0087340OO/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1
Out of Focus – http://www.amazon.com/Out-Focus-Adams-Grove-Novel-ebook/dp/B0066Q40L2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2
Wedding Cake and Big Mistakes – http://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Mistakes-Adams-Grove-Novel-ebook/dp/B00AQ2A872/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3
Pecan Pie and Deadly Lies – http://www.amazon.com/Pecan-Deadly-Adams-Grove-Novel-ebook/dp/B008EX9XHQ/ref=pd_sim_kstore_4
Mint Juleps and Justice – http://www.amazon.com/Juleps-Justice-Adams-Grove-Novel-ebook/dp/B00E1Q55OK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1391554821&sr=8-2&keywords=mint+juleps+and+justice
IN FOR A PENNY (Book One of The Granny Series) – http://www.amazon.com/PENNY-Granny-Nancy-Naigle-ebook/dp/B00FM0VDY0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391555077&sr=8-1&keywords=in+for+a+penny
~~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Nancy will give away a print copy of her book, MINT JULEPS AND JUSTICE (U.S. only) to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Nancy, for sharing your stories with us!
February 16, 2014
**Author Peek** Interview with Nancy Naigle
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with NANCY NAIGLE
Editorial Note to my Readers: I’ve decided to shake up the interview questions a bit for 2014 so you, my reader, can get to know the highlighted author a bit more beyond their genre and book release dates. I’m not even going to run the same questions each week. I hope you have fun reading the author’s answers!
~~~~
INTRODUCING….Nancy Naigle.
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 fulltime writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share.
1. How did you get started writing?
I’ve always had a good imagination. I would make up stories about people sitting at a table across a restaurant or in a passing car. I always thought I’d write a book someday.
2. What genre(s) do you write in and why?
Contemporary romance, Romantic Suspense and Women’s Fiction.
3. What is your favorite part of writing?
The world building. For me, the setting is just as much a character as the people in the stories.
4. What is your least favorite part of writing ?
The first page.
5. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?
From everyday living. I live in a small town and I love hearing the stories from the folks around here. I also watch a lot of television. You just never know when something is going to spin a tale in my mind.
6. What is it that makes your writing different from all the others in your genre?
That’s a better question for my readers! Maybe that my stories don’t follow the rules. I just write from my heart. It may not always be perfect, but I hope it will always be entertaining.
7. Are you an avid reader? When you do read someone else’s writing, what is your favorite genre?
I’m totally an avid reader!! I have just as many digital books as I do paperbacks these days. I always read contemporary books, but my I really enjoy many types of stories from romances by Debbie Macomber and Jill Shalvis, to stories from Carl Hiaasen, Mary Kay Andrews or Fanny Flagg and I’m a huge Nicholas Sparks fan, too.
8. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
Mint Juleps and Justice just released on 2/1. It’s the fifth book in the Adams Grove series.
~~~~~~~
Links to Nancy’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website www.NancyNaigle.com
Blog http://nancynaigle.wordpress.com
Books Sweet Tea and Secrets – http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Secrets-Adams-Grove-Novel-ebook/dp/B0087340OO/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1
Out of Focus – http://www.amazon.com/Out-Focus-Adams-Grove-Novel-ebook/dp/B0066Q40L2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2
Wedding Cake and Big Mistakes – http://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Mistakes-Adams-Grove-Novel-ebook/dp/B00AQ2A872/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3
Pecan Pie and Deadly Lies – http://www.amazon.com/Pecan-Deadly-Adams-Grove-Novel-ebook/dp/B008EX9XHQ/ref=pd_sim_kstore_4
Mint Juleps and Justice – http://www.amazon.com/Juleps-Justice-Adams-Grove-Novel-ebook/dp/B00E1Q55OK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1391554821&sr=8-2&keywords=mint+juleps+and+justice
IN FOR A PENNY (Book One of The Granny Series) – http://www.amazon.com/PENNY-Granny-Nancy-Naigle-ebook/dp/B00FM0VDY0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391555077&sr=8-1&keywords=in+for+a+penny
~~~~
BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Nancy and her release, MINT JULEPS AND JUSTICE, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench!! Happy Reading!
~~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Nancy will give away a print copy of her book, MINT JULEPS AND JUSTICE (U.S. only) to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Nancy, for sharing your stories with us!
February 15, 2014
Congratulations Week 02-03-14 Giveaway Winners!
CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 02-03-14 GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with LINDA POITEVIN!!
Giveaway: Linda will give away a signed copy of her book, SINS OF THE ANGELS (available to a winner in Canada or the U.S.) to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Thanks, Linda, for sharing your stories with us!
WINNER!! LA-TESSA MONTGOMERY!!
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s with MARY STRAND!!
Giveaway: Mary will give away an ebook copy of COOPER’S FOLLY to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog!! Thanks, Mary, for sharing your upcoming release with us!
WINNER!! HANNAH!!
February 13, 2014
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Donna Fasano
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with DONNA FASANO!
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, DONNA FASANO, and her favorite recipe for NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S OATMEAL COOKIES!
RECLAIM MY HEART by DONNA FASANO
Book Blurb
USA Today Bestseller
Sixteen years ago, Tyne Whitlock cut all ties to her past and left town under the shameful shadow of a teenage pregnancy. Now her fifteen-year-old son is in trouble with the law, and she is desperate for help. But reaching out to high-powered attorney Lucas Silver Hawk will tear open the heart-wrenching past in ways Tyne never imagined.
Forced to return to the Delaware Indian community where Lucas was raised, Tyne and Lucas are tempted by the heated passion that consumed them as teens. Tyne rediscovers all the reasons she found this man irresistible, but there are scandalous secrets waiting to be revealed, disgraceful choices made in the past that cannot be denied. Love is a powerful force that could heal them both—if the truth doesn’t rip them apart.
~~~~
RECLAIM MY HEART by DONNA FASANO
EXCERPT
http://donnafasano.blogspot.com/p/reclaim-my-heart-excerpt.html
About the author, Donna Fasano….
Born in Elkton, Maryland, Donna Fasano met her knight in shining armor—a logical scientist type—when she was still a teen. They married, raised two children, and currently live in Northern Delaware with their wild-dingo-of-a-dog, Roo. Donna loves to read and has an eclectic taste when it comes to fiction. She collects cookbooks and loves to use them. She hikes, bikes, and kayaks (physical activity is necessary due to her love affair with food). Donna has been writing romance novels and women’s fiction since 1989. Her books have sold nearly four million copies worldwide, and she is pleased to be able to say she’s a USA Today bestselling author.
~~~
Links to Donna’s website, blog, books, etc.
Donna Fasano loves to hear from readers.
Contact her through her website.
Visit her on Facebook.
Her latest release – Reclaim My Heart – recently made it to #5 on the Kindle Top 100 List.
~~~~
I hope you enjoy the recipe Donna is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 130 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S OATMEAL COOKIES
[Makes 4 dozen cookies}
I don’t know where in the world you live, but here on the east coast of the US we are frozen—right smack in the middle of winter. There is one delectable treat I always make when cold weather hits. You got it. Oatmeal cookies. Sweet, chewy rounds of goodness that go perfectly with hot tea or steaming apple cider or a rich cup of coffee. Mmmm! However, these cookies aren’t like any your grandmother made—not unless she was privy to my secret ingredient, that is.
What’s the secret ingredient? Shredded coconut. That’s what makes these mouth-watering morsels of oaty goodness so moist and delicious.
So heat up the oven, pull out your best mixing bowl, and let’s bake up a batch of cookies.
RAISIN OAT COOKIES
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
2 cups raisins
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup sweetened, shredded coconut
Preheat oven to 350º. Cream the butter and the sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients. Stir in raisins, oats, and coconut. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto a light greased baking sheet. Bake for approximately 15 minutes (or until golden around the edges). Makes about 4 dozen cookies.
~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Donna will give away one copy of RECLAIM MY HEART to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog!! Don’t miss this chance to read this novel!! Thanks, Donna, for sharing your release and your fabulous cookie recipe with us!
