Karen Docter's Blog, page 277

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Cajun Bourbon Chicken

   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 CAJUN BOURBON CHICKEN!

Looking for a new way to prepare the old chicken standby? Like the Cajun flavors, a bit of spice, and loads of flavor? This might be the chicken for you! The thing I like about this recipe is that you can throw the meat into the marinade in the morning and it will be perfectly spiced for a quick BBQ grilling when you come home from a long day.  Make up a salad and dinner is on the table in less than 30 minutes!

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 120 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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CAJUN BOURBON CHICKEN [Serves 4-6]

1 cup bourbon
1 cup soy sauce
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp. paprika
Pinch hot red pepper flakes
1 T. molasses
3 cloves garlic, smashed
2 T. freshly grated ginger
1½ tsp. onion powder
1½ tsp. garlic powder
6 each chicken thighs & drumsticks
Salt and pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients (except chicken) for marinade (may be processed in a blender).  Set aside ½ cup of this marinade in a clean jar (do not use to marinate chicken-this portion will be used for basting the chicken during grilling).  Keep refrigerated.

Put marinade into Ziploc bag with chicken pieces and distribute evenly.  Marinate chicken for 6-12 hours in refrigerator, turning occasionally. Remove chicken from marinade and drain.  Allow to sit at room temperature while grill heats up.  Grill over medium high heat (grill open) for 5 minutes, and then close grill and reduce heat; continue cooking over low heat for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is done (juices will run clear when pierced with fork).  Baste with fresh marinade every few minutes, turning chicken to cook both sides evenly.  Season with salt & pepper, to taste.

NOTE: If you prefer white/breast meat, you may have to make more marinade. If preparing for four people, the marinade is likely to be enough to cover 4-5 chicken breasts.  You can always make more marinade by making an additional 1/2 recipe of the marinade ingredients.  If your partiality is chicken wings, the marinade will cover more wings. Recommend cutting off the end of the wing you don’t usually eat to stretch the marinade.  Of course, BBQing the chicken wings will take less time to cook than its meatier counterparts. This would be a great football treat, both hot and cold, for the wing lovers out there!

Karen's Killer Book Bench: BE MINE THIS CHRISTMAS NIGHT by L.A. Sartor

Happy Wednesday! Today's Karen's Killer Book Bench highlights L.A. SARTOR, author of BE MINE THIS CHRISTMAS NIGHT, and includes a wonderful excerpt from her holiday book!!

If you missed her fun interview on Monday, you'll want to check that out, too.

Please welcome L.A. to my blog and comment for a chance to get your very own copy of BE MINE THIS CHRISTMAS NIGHT!! Happy Reading!

http://www.karendocter.com/blog/karen...

#FREE for Christmas! 'Twas The Week Before Christmas by Karen Docter

A Chuckle For Your Stocking!

Christmas Special ~ 'Twas the Week Before Christmas, my quirky & fun version of the beloved 'Twas the Night Before Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore.

Hope it brings a smile to your face. If so, please share the holiday spirit!

Happy Holidays!

Karen Docter ~ Romantic Comedy
K.L. Docter ~ Romantic Suspense

http://www.karendocter.com/blog/chris...

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Be Mine This Christmas Night by L.A. Sartor

[image error]  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!

BE MINE THIS CHRISTMAS NIGHT by L.A. SARTOR

Book Blurb
*

The Children’s Author …

Annie Hamilton’s children’s series Star Light~Star Bright is a mega hit. She loves kids and wants nothing more than a family of her own, but twice burned, thrice shy. When a gorgeous man with two young boys moves next door, Annie can’t help but dream her impossible dream.

And The Widower Who Moved Next Door …

Cole Evans is a brilliant scientist, but finds fatherhood a challenge. When his son develops a bond with their enchanting neighbor, the boy’s favorite author, Cole discovers just how much he’s lost—and how much he needs.

Will Their Wish Come True This Christmas Night?

Can Cole overcome family meddling and alleviate Annie’s fears so they can be a ready-made family?

~~~~~

BE MINE THIS CHRISTMAS NIGHT by L.A. SARTOR

EXCERPT

Chapter Two

Mannheim Steamroller played through Annie’s earbuds from the MP3 player tucked into her parka pocket. What a glorious morning. The storm had moved on, the sky was brilliantly blue, and the sun sparkled off the pristine white blanket that covered everything.

Three weeks before Christmas and the snow was a foot deep. The forecasters predicted more this week, so Annie decided it was a sign they’d have a white Christmas. Not rational as that date was too many days away to forecast the weather, but she didn’t care. Sometimes you just had to believe.

She stopped pushing the snowblower for a moment, catching her breath, leaning against the heavy machine. The weight of the snow-spewing monster on top of no sleep last night took its toll far sooner than normal.

She’d bought the biggest snowblower she could handle, not only because of her wide driveway, but also, once she got going, the whole sidewalk on her side of the street got the Annie treatment.

And it was good exercise, especially when she knew she was going to make her favorite coffee as a treat afterward.

Taking a deep, frosty breath, Annie turned back to resume her task and jumped a foot when Doctor Cole Evans stood right in front of her machine, lips moving.

A chuckle bubbled up and despite her best intention, laughter escaped just as she pulled the earbuds from beneath her cap.

The furrow between his dark brows grew deeper. Annie grasped the handles of the snowblower tighter, fighting the urge to push him into the snow. He needed to lighten up.

“Jeeze, scare me to death. I’m sorry I didn’t see you come up, but I was listening to music.” She held one earbud closer to his ears so he could hear the Christmas music. If he didn’t believe in Christmas, then she was taunting him, and somehow that didn’t bother her a bit. Not her normal behavior, but the guy just seemed to push her ornery buttons.

“You don’t have to clear our walk. I was going to do it when I came out to clean off the Pilot before I headed for the lab.”

“I don’t mind—it’s good exercise so I can make myself a mocha peppermint coffee topped with whipped cream afterward. What kind of doctor are you that you have a lab?”

“An atmospheric physicist.”

Annie’s jaw dropped, then she laughed to cover her own astonishment as well as her embarrassment. “Not an MD, then. My mistake.”

“Not in a million years. I faint at the sight of blood and anyone will tell you I’ve got no bedside manner.”

“You got that right,” she murmured under her breath.

“I’m sorry, what was that?”

“Nothing. Really, I plow the neighbor’s walks all the time and it’s fun, honest,” she said, seeing his skeptical gaze. “You have snow in Virginia, don’t you?”

“Of course. The wet slushy kind.”

“So you had to remove that, right?”

“Right.”

“No different.”

“Except you’re doing my sidewalk.”

“I’m a simple author who does sidewalks on the side, okay?”

He snorted and she loved that he would do so. It was such a plebeian thing to do. Not at all “East Coast.”

“Not a simple author. As you may have guessed, Josh loves your books. And having you live next door may be a curse to you.”

“Never. I love kids.”

“It’s evident in your writing.”

Not quite believing her ears, she stared at the man standing in front of her. “Why I do believe that’s a compliment, which, before you can retract, I’ll take,” she added swiftly, seeing his mouth open, then shut.

“What are Josh and his brother doing this afternoon? I’ve got a new character to illustrate and I’d love their input.”

“Mitch is taking them Christmas tree shopping, then onto snow shoeing lessons this afternoon.”

“Oh. Well that sounds like fun. Who is—“

Annie glanced up as Cole’s front door opened. And when did you start thinking of him as Cole instead of Doctor Cole Evans?

The man Annie had seen helping Cole move in stood in the doorway, zipped his parka, and turned back in apparent surprise as Josh pushed past him.

“Annie, we’re going Christmas tree shopping. Want to come?”

Cole froze as did the man at the door.

“Hey, Josh.”

Without stopping to think, Annie hugged the boy after he ran right up to her.

“Want to introduce me to your brother and friend?” Annie nodded to the man and boy who now stood next to Cole.

“Oh. That’s Uncle Mitch. And that,” he said, pointing to the youngest in the trio of males standing together, “is my brother, Peter.”

Peter stood unmoving and unsmiling until “Uncle Mitch” nudged him. Not Cole, Annie realized, but Mitch. Curious.

Peter looked at Mitch, then at her. “Ah, nice to meet you.”

Annie smiled at Peter and held out her hand to Mitch. “And nice to meet you both as well. It’s great Cole has a brother nearby.”

“I’m Lauren’s brother.”

Ah. More curious. “My mistake.” It was evident by Mitch’s clipped tones he didn’t like her. He didn’t know her at all, but he sure didn’t like her already. And that she wasn’t invited to their outing was also pretty darn clear.

  Meet L.A. Sartor, Author….


L.A. Sartor was born in Germany and was very lucky to be adopted by an American couple. They lived in Germany for several years, then moved to California and later Colorado. Her parents encouraged her to be creative and nurtured her “Lessie do it” attitude.

She started writing around the age of 4 when she dictated stories to her mother, who patiently wrote them down while L.A. illustrated them. (She generously describes the scribbles she made as “illustrations.”)

After college she moved back to the Los Angeles area but was lured back to Colorado with the promise of managing a new business. There she worked for many years alongside her mother, designing and crafting beautiful jewelry. The women were chosen by the University of Colorado to create their Ceremonial Mace and Presidential Chain of Office, a wonderful legacy.

L.A. lives in Colorado with her husband, whom she met on a blind date–she can’t imagine life without her best friend. She plays in the mountains and travels as much as possible.

Now it’s L.A.’s desire to move onward in her writing career and create stories that translate into adventures on the page with her novels and magic on the screen with her screenplays.

“Writing My Story, My Way.”

Visit her website at: http://www.lasartor.com

~~~~

Links to L.A.’s website, blog, books, etc.

Social:

I’d love to have you come to my website and sign up for my newsletter.  I send them out about 4 times a year.

www.LASartor.com

And please check out my blog: www.anindieadventure.blogspot.com

Facebook: :  http://on.fb.me/NxXQPL

Twitter: www.twitter.com/lesannSartor

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lesann415/boards/ (my new addiction)

Book Links:

Amazon Author Site: http://amzn.to/1e10fkd (Christmas book is only here until after the new year)

iBookstore: http://bit.ly/13ss56S

Barnes&Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/l.a-sartor

Kobo: http://bit.ly/17OtL8F

 Goodreads: http://bit.ly/19WA5LT

~~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  L.A. will give away one Kindle copy of BE MINE THIS CHRISTMAS NIGHT 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 holiday story!!  Thanks, L.A., for sharing your stories with us!

 

Christmas Special ~ ‘Twas the Week Before Christmas

‘Twas the Week Before Christmas
By Karen Docter

‘Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the land
My dust bunnies had grown bold, joined the Editorial Band;

Revisions were hung by the critique rank and file,
In hopes that my manuscript would soon top the pile;

Characters were canoodling in their own special way,
While villains of danger snuck into the fray;

And my hero in his splendor, and heroine bathed in moon’s light,
Had just dissed their love for the fourth time this night;

When out of my brain there arose what I’d been missing,
Had to rush to the office to tweak a bout of kissing;

Away to my chair, I stumbled and swore,
Ripped open a Window and widened my eyes more;

The cursor, blinking cheerily on the computer screen, teased,
Tormenting my poor muse, more than it appeased;

When, what to my beleaguered senses should un-wend,
But my muse on a lotus blossom, and a close writer friend;

With a great mighty shove, so swift the prevention,
I knew in a thrice, this was editorial intervention;

So swift the editor kicked off her perch, ideas they came,
And my muse danced and sang, I knew this was the game.

“Now, Narrative! Now, Point of View! Now, Adjective and Verb!
On, Sentence! On Paragraph! On, Synopsis and Blurb!”

“To the top of the list! To the top of the pile!
Now print away! Print away! Print away, smile!”

As manuscript pages that before crazed muse envision,
When they hide behind walls, come out with permission;

So rise to the occasion the plot points they grow,
With a screen full of characterization, my muse did yet glow;

And then, in that moment, I heard my hero speak,
Those sensuous words and statement of love’s peak;

As I reached for the words, and was putting them down,
My heroine laughed and tried on her wedding gown;

From her fingers danced stars, my muse had donned glitters,
Her crown was tipped over from too many gin-and-bitters;

But she sat on my poor editor, not allowing her vent,
My muse looked like an angel, or maybe an agent;

Her face – how it glowed! Her dimples how naughty!
Her eyes full of mischief, her nose not one bit haughty!

Her gleeful expression was fixed on the page,
And the stubborn tilt of her chin was as firm as a sage;

An eraser-less pencil she clenched tight in her hand,
And an aura of contentment encircled the land;

She had purpose to her step, was lithe enough to bend,
To the winds of creativity, she was surely there to wend;

She was the vision of my heroine, an odd little perk,
And I laughed when I saw her, my psyche at work;

With a gracious smile and a nod in my direction,
She gave me the notion I could bow to her perfection;

She spoke not at all, but took over my work,
And filled all the holes; then turned with a smirk.

And saving her words, I would tomorrow sigh,
And giving me a look, out of the office she did fly.

She freed my sorry editor, dusted her off with a smile,
And away she tottered without the least bit of guile.

But I heard her exclaim, as she packed up her bikini,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good ‘Finis’!”

[‘Twas the Week Before Christmas, Karen Docter © 2007]

[[Inspired by 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, attributed to Clement Clarke Moore.]]

 

**Author Peek** Interview with L.A. Sartor

 

**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with L.A. SARTOR

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.

Hi Karen, thank you for having me this week.  I’ve reached the 2nd milestone in my new career.  I have three books out with the release of Be Mine This Christmas Night.

You’re probably asking why this is my second milestone when it’s the third book?  Isn’t every book a milestone?

Well, yes. But my goal was to publish three in a little over a year.  The first book release, Dare To Believe, was simply awesome. I have a great editor and a talented cover artist and to see that book out in the world literally made me cry.  The second book came from a screenplay and was so difficult to write. Maybe it was the dreaded second book syndrome, but Stone of Heaven is a fast paced romantic adventure.  Now to sell the script! It’s won some great awards….hello, anybody out there reading this need a great script or five?

Anyway, reaching number 3 is a huge milestone for me.  Thanks for helping me celebrate.

 1. How did you get started writing?

I actually started when I was very young.  Then I had a teacher in Jr. High School tell me that I’d never be a writer because I didn’t pay attention to the grammar.  Stopped me cold.  I started again in my twenties.

2. What genre(s) do you write in and why?

Romances and a new cozy mystery series.  I love the tension in relationships, and how true it is.  The HEA (Happily Ever After) is part of it. Come on, isn’t what we all want?

I’m also a contracted screenwriter, and I write in Family, Romantic Comedy, Mystery/Suspense, and I have adapted non fiction books into screenplays.  No easy feat. 

3. What is your favorite part of writing?

Yikes.  All of it?  Not really true.  There is a point when I am so sick of the story I can’t see straight.  That’s usually the time it goes to my editor for her first read.

4. What is your least favorite part of writing ?

Burnout from the story I’m working on. When I’m done with the edits.  I don’t want to read that story ever again.  Then of course in a few months after it’s been published, I do crack open my iPad and skim the story.

5. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

Not to be trite, but literally everywhere. A newspaper article started Stone of Heaven, a writing prompt started my script Iokaste.  The magic of Boulder’s Christmas Star played a huge part in BMTCN.

6. What is your typical day like?

Well, I’m retired…meaning I don’t work outside of the house. That is a luxury and it took me well over a year to realize I’m in charge of me and not to feel guilty that I actually could sleep in or play with crafts, learn how to use my new camera etc..  So I really have no typical day. When I’m writing, it’s a minimum of an hour a day, sometimes more, rarely less. But I don’t write every day.  In fact, I’m taking December off to play and do research.

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

Conflict.  I hate it.  I cower from it in real life. It makes me sick.

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

Be Mine This Christmas Night is my next book.  I have two planned for 2014.  Book 2 in the Carswell Adventure Series—Stone of Heaven is #1. This book follows Abby…and the second book in my Star Light~Star Bright series, of which Be Mine This Christmas Night is #1.  This story will follow Jennifer.

~~~~~~~

Links to L.A.’s website, blog, books, etc.

Social:

I’d love to have you come to my website and sign up for my newsletter.  I send them out about 4 times a year. www.LASartor.com

And please check out my blog: www.anindieadventure.blogspot.com

Facebook: :  http://on.fb.me/NxXQPL

Twitter: www.twitter.com/lesannSartor

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lesann415/boards/ (my new addiction)

Book Links:

Amazon Author Site: http://amzn.to/1e10fkd (Christmas book is only here until after the new year)

iBookstore: http://bit.ly/13ss56S

Barnes&Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/l.a-sartor

Kobo: http://bit.ly/17OtL8F

 Goodreads: http://bit.ly/19WA5LT

~~~~

BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about L.A. and her holiday release, BE MINE THIS CHRISTMAS NIGHT, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench!!  Happy Reading!

 ~~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  L.A. will give away one Kindle copy of BE MINE THIS CHRISTMAS NIGHT 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 holiday story!!  Thanks, L.A., for sharing your stories with us!

Congratulations Week 11-11-13 & 11-18-13 Giveaway Winners

 

CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 11-11-13 GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench with JOHN GASPARD!!

Giveaway: John will give away one copy of his novel, THE AMBITIOUS CARD, to one of his lucky readers who comments on his Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!!  Thanks, John, for sharing your stories with us!

WINNER!! ANN EVERETT!!

~~~

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with KELSEY  BROWNING & NANCY NAIGLE!!

Giveaway: Nancy and Kelsey will give away THE GRANNY SERIES swag pack of a drink huggy, ink pen & an autographed Keeper Kase Card to one of their lucky readers who comments on Friday’s Karen’s Killer Fixin’ blog!!  Thanks, ladies, for sharing your story with us!

WINNER!! BRITTANY!!

~~~~~~

CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 11-18-13 GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench with COLLETTE CAMERON!!

Giveaway: Collette will give away one copy of either her novel, HIGHLANDER’S HOPE or THE VISCOUNT’S VOW (winner’s choice), to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!!  Thanks, Collette, for sharing your stories with us!

WINNER!! LANA WILLIAMS!!

~~~

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with CATE BEAUMAN!!

Giveaway: Cate will give away an ebook (Kindle or Nook) copy of her novel, WAITING FOR WREN, to three of her lucky readers who comment on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!!  Thanks, Cate, for sharing your story and recipe with us!

WINNER!! JAN K!!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Kahlua Lace Sandwich Cookies

   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 KAHLUA LACE SANDWICH COOKIES!

I start thinking about Christmas over the Thanksgiving weekend — we usually start setting up our decorations — so it’s appropriate to start thinking about holiday baking!  Kahlua Lace Sandwich Cookies are great to make that party cookie tray look and taste festive. They’re also extra-special for that gift basket you share with your friends and neighbors!

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 119 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.

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

KAHLUA LACE SANDWICH COOKIES

[Makes 2 dozen]

½ cup butter

½ cup light corn syrup

2/3 cup light brown sugar

4 tsp. powdered cocoa

½ tsp. instant coffee powder

1 cup flour

½ cup finely ground nuts

Kahlua filling (below)

Grease cookie sheets.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In saucepan, combine butter, corn syrup and brown sugar.  Bring to boil and remove from heat.  In bowl, combine remaining ingredients and stir into hot mixture.  Mix well.  Consistency will be like thick syrup.  Drop by level measuring teaspoon about 2-inches apart.  Bake 5-6 minutes.  Cool 2 minutes and remove with spatula onto cooling rack.  Use Kahlua filling to frost bottom of half the cookies.  Join to another cookie to make a sandwich.

Kahlua Filling:  Mix 1-1/3 cup unsifted powdered sugar, 6 T. cocoa, 4 tsp. hot water until smooth.  Add 3 T. Kahlua.  Stir well and it’s ready to spread.

 

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh by Ella Quinn

[image error]  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!

THE SECRET LIFE OF MISS ANNA MARSH by ELLA QUINN

Book Blurb
*

“Let yourself be seduced by this sexy mix of spies, smugglers, and happily ever afters.” —Sally MacKenzie

Since she was a young girl, Anna Marsh has dreamed of Sebastian, Baron Rutherford asking for her hand in marriage. But that was in another life when her brother Harry was alive, before she vowed to secretly continue the work he valiantly died for. Now as Sebastian finally courts Anna, she must thwart his advances. Were he to discover her secret, he would never deem her a suitable wife…

Sebastian has always known Anna would become his wife someday. He expects few obstacles, but when she dissuades him at every turn he soon realizes there is much more to this intriguing woman. Somehow he must prove to her that they are meant to be together. But first he must unravel the seductive mystery that is Miss Anna Marsh…

~~~~~

THE SECRET LIFE OF MISS ANNA MARSH by ELLA QUINN

EXCERPT

Anna and Rutherford rode into town and stabled their horses at the inn. She draped the train of her riding habit over her arm.

“You could fasten it up.”

She glanced down at her skirt and the large bone button. “I’m just used to carrying it.”

Unable to take her hand, Rutherford walked protectively close, lightly gripping her elbow. She flashed him a questioning glance, but said nothing.

It was market day, and the town was crowded with people. Everyone in the countryside must be here. As they turned onto High Street where most of the shops were located, a tallish, gangly man, a few years younger than Rutherford, walked out of the haberdashers and turned toward them.

Rutherford closed his eyes in pain. The young man’s shirt points were so high he couldn’t turn his head, and he wore a garish yellow jacket and striped pantaloons. His highly polished boots had white tops with gold tassels. Various fobs adorned his person. A beaver hat sat at a rakish angle a-top wavy blond hair. He was so ridiculous even the Dandies wouldn’t have owned him. “Is that who I think it is?”

“Yes,” Anna replied. “Percy Blanchard in all his glory.”

“Bartholomew Baby,” Rutherford said with disgust.

Anna gave a little gurgle of laughter.

“You abominable girl, don’t giggle.” He pressed his lips together as Percy came up to them. “Blanchard, it’s been a long time.”

Percy scowled. Whether it was because Rutherford was with Anna, or the other man could sense Rutherford’s amusement, he didn’t know.

Percy bowed, pointedly ignoring Rutherford. “Miss Marsh, if I’d known you wished to visit the town, I would have been happy to escort you as well as my mother.”

“But, my dear Percy,” Rutherford said. “As you can see, Miss Marsh is with me. Shall we continue on, my dear?”

Percy shot Rutherford a malevolent look, and he wondered if the fool would be idiot enough to challenge him.

“Yes, there is a lot I’d like to accomplish today.” She inclined her head. “Mr. Blanchard, good day.”

“Miss Marsh.” He bowed. “I believe I am accompanying my mother to see your aunt this afternoon. Perhaps I shall see you then.”

“Perhaps.” Anna’s grip on Rutherford’s arm tightened.

Percy continued his way down the street.

“Coxcomb,” Rutherford growled. If Percy thought there was any way he was going to get Anna, he was out of his mind.

Anna loosened her hold on Rutherford and said, “Indeed. Come, you may help me select some ribbon.”

“With pleasure.”

Anna made several purchases before Rutherford complained he was going to starve if he didn’t have something to eat. They each got a glass of cider and a coffyn from the baker.

Anna finished hers and glanced up at Rutherford gazing down at her empty hand. “What?”

“You ate it all.”

“I was hungry.”

“Yes, but you told me I could finish it,” he said.

“Only if I didn’t.” She punched him lightly. “Go buy another one. You can afford it.”

He smiled at her with a softness in his eyes that hadn’t been there before. She gave herself a shake. If only he could accept her as she was. Anna found herself leaning closer, then stopped. That wasn’t good. She wished he’d taken himself back to Town.

  Meet Ella Quinn, Author….

Ella Quinn lived all over the United States, the Pacific, Canada, England and Europe before finally discovering the Caribbean. She lives in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands with her wonderful husband, three bossy cats and a loveable great dane. Ella loves when friends connect with her.

~~~~

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

Website: www.ellaquinnauthor.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor

Twitter www.twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor

Blog http://ellaquinnauthor.wordpresscom

~~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Ella will give away one ebook copy of THE SECRET LIFE OF MISS ANNA MARSH 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 book!!  Thanks, Ella, for sharing your stories with us!

**Author Peek** Interview with Ella Quinn

 

**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with ELLA QUINN

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.

I’ve lived all over the world, from Guam to Europe and had many lives. When I’m not writing, I love to paddle board, walk the beach near my house, read, and sail. I also love good food, but I’m not at all flexible when it comes to breakfast. It’s pretty easy to get plain yogurt and fruit, but I carry my cinnamon seasoned muesli, tea, and a large cup around with me when I travel.

1. How did you get started writing?

I’d wanted to write something, but had no idea what. I’d never written fiction, and until I read an interview with an author (whose name I have unfortunately forgotten) saying write what you read, it never occurred to me to try. Within a week I had an image of an angry Regency lady pacing her room. I sat down and wrote the paragraph. A month later I had 100,000 words. That book was my debut novel, The Seduction of Lady Phoebe.

2. What genre(s) do you write in and why?

I write Regencies. They are the stories that come to me. Who knows why.

3. What is your favorite part of writing?

Getting to know the characters. Sometimes it takes a while before they really talk to me. In my 4th book, Desiring Lady Caro, it was like pulling teeth. I think I was on my 4th draft before I had Caro’s POV in the first 5 chapters.

4. What is your least favorite part of writing ?

Waiting for my characters to talk to me.

5. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

I can’t tell you. They just come to me. Usually I have a character who wants his or her story told, and they don’t always come in order.

6. What is it that makes your writing different from all the others in your genre?

That’s a question I had no good answer to until the lovely Grace Burrowes nailed it for me. I write traditional Regencies, with sex.

7. Are you an avid reader?

I am. If I’m not writing, editing or marketing, I’m reading.

 When you do read someone else’s writing, what is your favorite genre?

Historical Romance.

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

The next book is The Temptation of Lady Serena. It’s release is January 2d. This is the 4th book in The Marriage Game, and is the story of a woman who has lived an isolated life in the Scottish Boarders and the rake who decides he’ll do anything to marry her.

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

Website: www.ellaquinnauthor.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor

Twitter www.twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor

Blog http://ellaquinnauthor.wordpresscom

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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Ella and her newest release, THE SECRET LIFE OF MISS ANNA MARSH, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench!!  Happy Reading!

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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Ella will give away one ebook copy of THE SECRET LIFE OF MISS ANNA MARSH 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 book!!  Thanks, Ella, for sharing your stories with us!