C.D. Hersh's Blog, page 137
December 20, 2016
Wednesday Special Spotlight Sara Daniel
Shines On
Sara Daniel’s Candy Cane Cookies!
My favorite holiday recipe is for Candy Cane Cookies. I love these festive cookies for their hint of almond flavor and the crushed candy canes on the top. I only make them once a year, and I double the recipe below.
I will warn you to make sure that you only use peppermint candy canes (or peppermint candies). A couple years ago, I went around our family Christmas tree, plucking off all the red and white candy canes. I crushed them into the topping, which I then sprinkled onto the cookies. Well, you can imagine my dismay when I took a bite and discovered mixed in with the refreshing mint flavor was also the not-so-refreshing taste of watermelon candy. Yes, unbeknownst to me, one (or more) of the candy canes I crushed was watermelon flavored, not mint, and I can NOT in good conscience recommend it to anyone! This year I used round peppermint candies to ensure there was no mix-up!
Candy Cane Cookies
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup shortening
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1½ tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla
2 ½ cups flour
1 tsp. salt
½ – 1 tsp. red food coloring
1 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candy
Preheat oven to 375° F.
Combine butter, shortening, and powdered sugar. Mix in egg, almond extract, and vanilla. Continue mixing as you add in flour and salt.
Divide dough in half. Place in separate bowls. Blend food coloring into one bowl of dough.
Shape one tablespoon of dough from each color into a rope. Place ropes side by side on a cookie sheet. Press together lightly and twist. Curve down the top third to form a candy cane.
Bake for 8-10 minutes.
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle cookies with crushed peppermint candy.
Wait until cookies are cool to prevent breakage when removing them from the pan.
Enjoy the tastes and smells of the season. Happy holidays!
~Sara
Sara Daniel writes what she loves to read—irresistible romance, from sweet to erotic and everything in between. She battles a serious NASCAR addiction, was once a landlord of two uninvited squirrels, and loses her car keys several times a day.
Learn more about Sara on her website and blog. Subscribe to Sara’s newsletter.
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December 19, 2016
Tell Again Tuesday Writer Tips – Bad Reviews
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
What Not to Do After a Bad Review
October 26, 2016 Author Angela Christina Archer
Ah, the dreaded bad review that no author wants to face, much less read, but here you are staring at the black typed text on the computer screen and reading the horrible words. Whether it’s your first bad review or you’ve had more than you care to admit, receiving one is never easy or fun.
You blood instantly boils, you start seeing red, and all you want to do . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
December 15, 2016
Friday Features Bubbly and Stories
Shares
Mock Champagne Recipe
And
Sizzle in the Snow
Mock Champagne Cranberry Sangria by the glass
(original recipe by C.D. Hersh)[image error]
For each 8-ounce champagne glass you will need:
1/4 cup brewed Hibiscus Watermelon tea (we use Republic of Tea brand)
1/8 cup brewed Chamomile honey and vanilla tea (we use Twinings brand)
Sparking apple cider
1 rounded TBS jellied cranberry sauce (smooth or whole berry)
Fresh fruits (grapes, whole cranberries, pineapple chunks, peeled sliced star fruit, or peeled kiwi—or fruits of your choice)
Short skewer or sizzle stick
Directions:
Thread fruits on a skewer or swizzle stick and set aside.
Place teas and cranberry sauce in the glass. Mix until sauce is dissolved. Fill glass with sparkling apple cider. Enjoy!
In an 8-ounce champagne flute, place ¼ cup white grape juice and 1/8 cup Chamomile tea. Fill glass with regular or diet ginger ale. To give the drink a holiday flare, add a slice of star fruit and a couple of whole, fresh cranberries to the glass before adding the liquids.
To go along with your drink how about a book to read?
Sizzle in the Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection is eight holiday romances packed into one volume. Majanka Verstraete of InD’tale magazine rated the collection four stars and five steam pots. She called the book “an interesting holiday collection” with “smooth and polished style” storylines. “Each story is full of wit, charm and – most of all – romance.”[image error]
Our story is Kissing Santa:
When Sam S. Klaus, a professional Santa, has a fling with a beautiful elfette at a Santa Conference, he wants to make her Mrs. Klaus, but his intended disappears before Santa can pop the question.
Excerpt from Kissing Santa:
Anna Noel studied the trim backside of the Santa standing in front of her. He appeared younger than most of the Santas at the Santa Claus conference she’d chosen to attend this year. A lot more attractive than any Santa she’d ever met. For the briefest of moments she let her mind wander, lingering on Christmas wish number nine—make love to Santa. A heated flush climbed her chest as she envisioned the scene, and she flapped the jacket of her green elf costume to cool down.
Her gaze traveled over his hips, chest, and to the beginnings of a snow white beard. Then to his shock of silver hair underneath the white-trimmed, red Santa hat.
Yep. Definitely a Santa she wanted to know. Too bad she wouldn’t be the elf to his mall Santa. They could get to know each other and more.
The conference registrar drew her out of her Christmas fantasy with a loud, “Miss? Are you with this Santa?”
“What? No. I don’t have a Santa. I’m here alone.”
Sexy Santa turned and held out his hand. “Me, too. I’m Sam S. Klaus.”
A smile curled her lips as she took his hand. “As in Sam Santa Claus?” His warm palm sent tingles through her fingers as he gently squeezed them.
A lopsided grin slanted his cheek upward, and he flashed a brilliant smile. “You have the same warped sense of humor as my parents.” He gave her a mock bow. “Sam S., for Santa, Klaus, with a K.”
“That’s your real name?” He let go of her hand. She fought to keep from grabbing it back. A real Santa Klaus? How great was that?
“The same, and you are?”
“An—” She stopped, suddenly unwilling to reveal her name. A rollercoaster of emotions raced through her, suggesting she might hit number nine with this Santa. If she did, and it didn’t go well, she wouldn’t want Sam Klaus to know her real identity. “An elf, who needs a Santa,” she said. “How about we team up? I’ll be your personal elfette, and you can be my Santa.”
Want to know what each story is about… besides romance and Christmas? Well, here it is! (Each author’s name links to their website. If you like their blurb, check out their other books!)
SANTA BABY by Beth Carter
Unlucky-in-love Brooke Woods finds herself with a Christmas delivery and it isn’t from Santa. When her boyfriend leaves her for their neighbor, she heads to the nearest bar, meeting hunky, nice guy Anderson Bradley. The two only exchange first names, and their hot fling leaves them both wanting more but their anonymity makes that impossible.
Brooke never thought she’d end up in a hospital pregnant at Christmastime. Will a Santa Baby bring the new mother and father together or tear them apart?
SECOND CHANCES: A CHRISTMAS STORY by Amy Deason
When Grace Sellers needs to start over, she moves back to her old hometown with her two young children in tow. But the last person she expects to see is her high school crush, Michael Dennison.
Is this unexpected encounter a mere coincidence or a second chance at true love?
‘TWAS THE CRAZY NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Crystal Firsdon
“‘Twas the night before Christmas, when plans led to danger For Clara and Drew, who until now were strangers. As they run for safety, desire comes fast . . . Will they have each other, or is this night their last?”
THE SNOW BIRD by Kim Hotzon
Lauren, a young single mother, is struggling to keep her children fed and a roof over their heads as the holidays approach.
Christmas is looking bleak until a sexy and wealthy property developer unexpectedly shows up in town, offering to repair her roof . . . and a whole lot more.
TAMED BY CHRISTMAS by Ryan Jo Summers
Years ago Paige and Shane experienced a tragic event in their romance. Unable to move past it, they broke up. Yet the passion remains, and she returns at Christmas time in an attempt to rekindle the love she and Shane once shared. It’s a rocky road, and it seems they might not succeed until a freak accident shows them what they really have to lose.
Can Shane tame Paige’s heart by Christmas? Or should they just let those still burning flames slowly die?
OPERATION SANTA by Tina Susedik
When Marci Hofer becomes fed up with the lack of attention from her husband, David, she decides to leave him. Devastated, he begins a campaign to bring her home. Calling it Operation Santa, he learns what he thought would be as simple as sending her gifts can backfire in the most embarrassing ways.
Will he survive the battle to get her back?
CHRISTMAS EVE SURPRISE by Cheryl Yeko
Steve knows he screwed up, but he’s determined to reclaim the woman he loves and the babies she carries.
But when he sweeps back into her life on Christmas Eve, Amy’s not sure she’s ready to forgive him for abandoning her six months earlier.
December 13, 2016
Wednesday Special Spotlight Highlander Christmas book
Anthology
Christmas in the Highlands
by
Madelyn Hill
Blurb:
A FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS IN THE HIGHLANDS, BOOK ONE
Laird Malcolm Sutherland needs a bride. He has few requirements of his new wife; demands he should have insisted with his former betrothed—namely, honesty, loyalty, and resources.
Lady Rossalyn Gordon will do anything to be rid of her tyrant father, even if that means deceiving the man who offers her an escape. If revealed, those secrets will either bring her mercy, or thrust her back into the hands of the devil who sired her.
When Rossalyn’s bastard of a father arrives at Sutherland Keep, going back on his word and ordering her return, Malcolm must decide if he can forgive his wife enough to listen to his heart and have a family for Christmas.
HIS BY CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS IN THE HIGHLANDS, BOOK TWO
Fiona Sutherland longs for love with the man she has pined after since she was a lass. When he weds another she is devastated, and questions why the man she pledged her heart to has forsaken a vow made in their youth. Could loving her be so hard?
Cameron Munro adores Fiona from afar, knowing her heart has been set on another. She is everything he desires—strong, loyal, and fiery in spirit.
Determined, he pledges to prove his love to her and win Fiona’s heart by Christmas.[image error]
Excerpt Christmas In The Highlands
“Lass, ‘tis time to be wed.”
Her jaw clenched and Malcolm swore she was ready to yell at the man, but her father merely held her gaze, until apparently he’d won the battle of wills. Lady Rossalyn sighed as she glanced up at Gordon, and uncertainty filled her gaze.
Malcolm nearly moved forward to sweep her into his arms. He didn’t give in to the impulse—he wasn’t a romantic man, subject to ideas of whimsy—but for some reason, once he spied Lady Rossalyn he’d been thinking decidedly romantic thoughts.
“Aye, Father, I’m ready.”
Ah, her voice, soft, slightly husky. Sensual.
Damn, he was ready to consummate the marriage before they were legally wed.
She trembled a bit as their eyes met. She lowered her gaze until her lashes cast a shadow against the pale skin of her cheeks. When she lifted her eyes again, resolve and a bit of stubbornness filled them. Malcolm nearly laughed, but checked his impulse.
Now wasn’t the time for laughter.
In a few moments, they’d both pledge to honor and obey.
And then, their fates would be sealed.
* * *
Marriage? To a stranger? Rossalyn’s mind raced to find a solution before she spoke her vows.
None came. Quite the contrary, all reasoning supported the union. She only sought a safe place to live, away from the hovel in which she’d faced many indignities. And now one last indignity was thrust upon her by her father—an unexpected marriage. Which was particularly hard at the current time of year and all the memories it wrought.
‘Twas the time of celebration with Christmas fast approaching, and the anniversary of her mother’s death as well. To honor her, Rossalyn longed to share her mother’s love of holiday traditions and festivities in a keep which would appreciate such frivolity. Her father had loathed Christmas and all of its trappings. So much so, he forbade any acknowledgement of the season. And it broke her heart.
No matter, for as she stood next to this man—a lifeline for her—calmness settled in, easing the shaking of her hands. A quick prayer slipped through her mind . . .
Please understand. Please forgive.
The priest started the ceremony, and all too soon, had bade the laird to kiss the bride.
Dear God Almighty, he was going to kiss her. A plethora of thoughts raced through her mind. She hadn’t been kissed since Daniel had been alive. Tears clogged the back of her throat. ‘Twas her fault he was gone; her fault she was in this precarious position and needed saving—apparently by Laird Malcolm Sutherland.
When she’d entered the main hall, she’d nearly run back to her chamber and barred the door. But there was something about him, especially when he’d been ready to challenge her father. His swagger was determined, and she’d been completely taken with the strength of him as he’d pulled the large sword from its sheath.
Now there was a wild look to the man as his face approached hers, ready to claim her as his wife. She marveled at the hard planes of his cheeks, the strong jaw and brow. His hair flowed to his shoulders, a thick mass of dark brown, tempting her fingers to grab on and not let go.
She pulled back, searched his gaze. Aye, she recognized the look of desire and it rattled her to the core.
No matter what she thought or felt, this man was her salvation.
He slowly curled his hand behind her head, cradling her, bring a sense of security.
A slight grin tipped up his broad mouth as she met him halfway. His lips were warm and firm as they played over hers. He pulled her flush against his strong body, slightly lifting her up onto her toes. She melted a little against the hard wall of his chest. Though a stranger, her heart found a bit of reassurance at their attraction to each other. When his hands moved on her back, then traveled down her hips, she pulled away. ‘Twas too soon, too intimate.
Laird Sutherland—now her husband—brushed the back of his hand along her cheek. “Lovely,” he said in a low voice, for her ears only.
Her heart pattered and she swallowed. The compliment embarrassed her as much as it pleased her. It had been so long since she’d appreciated the attention of a man. Any woman would be thrilled by his words, more so by his strength and handsome face. And how heat coursed through her body after his kiss.
Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQKK4HG
Madelyn’s Links:[image error]
Website: http://www.madelynhill.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madelyn.hill.94
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMaddyHill
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2919194.Madelyn_Hill
December 12, 2016
Tell Again Tuesday Writing Dialogue
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
Tips on Writing Dialogue by A.J. Norris
Posted on October 13, 2016
Writing good dialogue is often tricky. Stilted unnatural sounding dialogue can ruin an otherwise fantastic story. Here is a list of some dialogue writing tips . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
December 8, 2016
Friday Features dinner with Sloan Taylor
Guest talks about
A Quick dinner – Not hours in the kitchen!
by
Sloane Taylor
Here’s a quick dinner that looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Add a salad and your meal is complete.
CHICKEN MARSALA
4 medium chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
¼ tsp. thyme
8 ozs. baby Porto Bella mushrooms, halved if large
2 garlic cloves, pressed
2 tbsp. olive oil
4 tbsp. butter
½ cup chicken stock
½ cup Marsala wine
½ cup heavy cream at room temperature
Rice or pasta
Parsley
Rinse chicken and pat dry. Sprinkle thyme evenly over breasts.
Melt half the oil and butter in a 12-inch skillet set on medium heat. When the foam subsides add mushrooms and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. Spoon vegetables into a bowl and set aside.
Use the same skillet and melt remaining oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken. Sauté 10-15 minutes, until no pink remains. The time depends on meat thickness. Remove chicken to a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm or place in a 200° oven
Add Marsala and stock to the same skillet. Bring to a boil while scraping in any bits that cling to the bottom and sides of the pan. Boil for 3-4 minutes or until the sauce is reduced by almost half.
Reduce heat to medium. Slowly stir in cream. Heat through but do not bring to a boil.
Return chicken and mushrooms to the pan. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Move chicken to the center of a serving dish. Surround with rice or pasta. Spoon mushrooms and broth over the platter. Sprinkle parsley across the top to decorate. Serve immediately.
May you enjoy all the days of your life around a well laden table!
Sloane Taylor
Twitter
Amazon Author Page
December 6, 2016
Wednesday Special Spotlight Becky Lower New Book
Announces New Book
Love’s in the Cards
By
Becky Lower
Blurb:
Penny Beedle’s outlook on Christmas, as her favorite holiday, was destroyed by a messy breakup years earlier and a botched wedding last year—both on Christmas Eve. But since she and her sister now own a greeting card store, and the holidays are their crazy selling season, she has to put on a happy face.
Del Madison has loved Penny since kindergarten. Commissioned by a big greeting card company for a line of Christmas and Valentine’s cards, he has to emerge from behind his alter ego and unveil himself to the public. He chooses Penny Beedle’s shop for the big reveal. If he plays his cards right, he just might gain Penny as part of his life.
Excerpt:
Penny sighed softly. Abbey made sense. They had to do everything possible to compete with the other shops, all chasing the same tourist dollars. Even if doing so meant having six-foot-tall nutcrackers flanking the door for the next six weeks. Penny’s eyes smarted with sudden tears, but she blinked them away quickly, telling herself the moisture merely came from a reaction to the cold weather. “I think we need new names for these boys, especially after last year’s debacle. I now have two reasons to despise the season.”
As she wiggled her nutcracker to his final position on one side of the entrance to their shop, Abbey grunted. “This is our make-or-break season, so your attitude has to shape up, Penny. I had hoped a year would give you enough time to get over last Christmas’s aborted wedding.”
Penny jerked her big statue a bit too hard to the left before she squared him with the frame. She bit her lip at the chastisement as she glanced at Abbey. Anyone could tell they were from the same family, with their dark hair, blue eyes, and slender builds. Often, they were mistaken for twins, even though Abbey had been born two years earlier. The only noticeable difference was Penny could sing in key, but Abbey had a tin ear.
“Even though I’m over both Max and Ricky, their betrayals still hurt. And the fact they both screwed up my Christmases makes me hate the season.”
“Well, if getting your head back on straight this year means we rename Hans and Gunther, let’s do so. What’d you have in mind?”
Penny squinted up at the lifelike plastic statues towering over them. “I don’t mind Hans, but I’ll name mine Solo, since that’s what I am.”
Abbey grinned and wrapped an arm around Penny. “Well then, may the force be with us as we head into our peak season. The weather’s finally turned cold, perfect for putting folks into the holiday gift-buying mood. Let’s get inside. I’ve got something exciting to show you.”
Buy Links:
http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/4758-love-s-in-the-cards.html
Social Media Links:
Website: http://www.beckylowerauthor.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/becky.lower
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BeckyLower1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authorbeckyl/
Newsletter: http://beckylowerauthor.com/contact.html#newsletter
Blog: http://beckylowerauthor.blogspot.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6159227.Becky_Lower
G+: https://plus.google.com/103332938863838564766
Amazon page: http://amzn.to/1FOy3Sd
Author Bio: 
Amazon best-selling author Becky Lower has traveled the country looking for great settings for her novels. She loves to write about two people finding each other and falling in love, amid the backdrop of a great setting, be it on a covered wagon headed west or in present day small town America. Historical and contemporary romances are her specialty. Becky is a PAN member of RWA and is a member of the Historic and Contemporary RWA chapters. She has a degree in English and Journalism from Bowling Green State University, and lives in an eclectic college town in Ohio with her puppy-mill rescue dog, Mary. She loves to hear from her readers at beckylowerauthor@gmail.com. Visit her website at http://www.beckylowerauthor.com/
December 5, 2016
Tell Again Tuesday Faeries, Dragons, and Spaceships
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
Making it “real”
Thursday, September 29, 2016 Marie Andreas
Beginning writers often fall into the same traps, one of which is to describe the hell out of EVERYTHING. What people looked like down to the smallest details, places, houses, kitchens, closets, stores, how to drive a car…you name it, I can promise it has been described to death by thousands of writers.
Writers do it because, especially when we’re just starting, we’re . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
http://faeriesdragonsspaceships.blogspot.com/2016/09/making-it-real.html
![The Emerald Dragon (The Lost Ancients Book 3) by [Andreas, Marie]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1481140274i/21391258.jpg)
December 1, 2016
Friday Featrues with Sharon Ledwith
Guest talks about
Lucky Goldfish’s Famous (and Quick) Pork-Fried Rice!
by
Sharon Ledwith
The comedian of The Last Timekeepers is undisputedly Treena Mui. Out of all the characters in my YA time travel series, she’s the one who cracks me up and makes me smile the most. But did you know ‘drama queen’ Treena has another talent besides acting her way out of a tough situation during a Timekeeper mission? She loves to cook. Surprised? You shouldn’t be, since cooking is in Treena’s blood. Her parents own the Lucky Goldfish, the only Chinese Restaurant in White Pines, so they have entrusted her with a few secret family recipes. One such dish is their Famous (and Quick) Pork-Fried Rice.
Simple and easy to make, the Lucky Goldfish’s Famous (and Quick) Pork-Fried Rice is a crowd pleaser at the Mui’s restaurant, as well as at their dinner table. The secret is truly in the sauce they use, and in the way the Mui family lovingly prepare all their meals for their guests and patrons. With a prep time of only 25 minutes, the below recipe only serves enough for two, so I suggest that you double (or triple) the ingredients just in case you have any surprise stragglers bellying up to your table for supper.
The Lucky Goldfish’s Famous (and Quick) Pork-Fried Rice
1 egg
1 tsp. water
2 tbsp. Asian Sesame Dressing (yup, that’s the secret sauce, and the Mui’s like to use the Kraft® brand dressing)
1 cup chopped cooked pork tenderloin
1⅓ cups hot cooked long-grain rice, cooled slightly
1 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 carrot, coarsely shredded
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp. chopped dry roasted peanuts (optional)
Beat egg and water with fork until well blended. Add to large nonstick skillet; cook on medium heat 1 to 2 minutes or until set, stirring occasionally. Transfer to bowl; cut into small pieces. Wipe skillet with paper towel.
Add dressing and pork to hot skillet. Stir-fry on medium-high heat 2 minutes. Add rice and soy sauce; stir-fry 3 minutes. Add carrots and onions; stir-fry 1 minute or until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in egg.
Top with nuts (if desired).
NOTE from the Lucky Goldfish Restaurant: This is a great way to use leftover cooked rice. Just warm it in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes before using.
Once you’ve filled your tummy with this Asian feast, you may want to sit down and digest your dinner. While you’ve got your feet propped up, why not pick up my new The Last Timekeepers book and peruse the latest mission with Treena and her time traveling cohorts?
Escape to the past and have a blast with an outstanding new release by Sharon Ledwith, and published through Mirror World Publishing. The Last Timekeepers and the Dark Secret is Book 2 in The Last Timekeepers series. This WWII fantasy is filled with action and is an excellent read for everyone ten years old through adulthood.
Only a true hero can shine the light in humanity’s darkest time.
Fourteen year-old Jordan Jensen always considered himself a team player on and off the field, until the second Timekeeper mission lands him in Amsterdam during World War Two. Pulled into the world of espionage, torture, and intolerance, Jordan and the rest of the Timekeepers have no choice but to stay one step ahead of the Nazis in order to find and protect a mysterious book.
With the help of the Dutch Resistance, an eccentric baron, Nordic runes, and an ancient volume originating from Atlantis, Jordan must learn that it takes true teamwork, trust, and sacrifice to keep time safe from the evils of fascism. Can Jordan find the hero within to conquer the darkness surrounding the Timekeepers? If he doesn’t, then the terrible truth of what the Nazis did will never see the light of day.
EXCERPT
“I wonder what else is down here.” Drake beamed his cell phone across the basement, hitting jars of jams, pickles, and relishes. His stomach growled.
Jordan pulled the cheese from his pocket and handed it to Drake. “Trade you for your phone.”
“Best. Trade. Ever.” Drake passed his phone to Jordan.
Jordan walked over and grabbed a jar of pickles off the dusty shelf. At least they wouldn’t arrive at the baron’s place hungry. He hoped his uncle had managed to stop Amanda’s bleeding. His hand tightened over the jar, the ridges of the lid cutting into his palm. A scrape from behind the shelves made Jordan jump.
“Hello?” he asked, pushing jars aside. He flashed the cell phone into the small, dark area.
“Who ya talking to, Jordan?” Drake asked with his mouth full of cheese.
“Shhh, Drake.” Jordan listened. Hearing nothing, he shrugged and turned back around.
“I thought I heard—” Jordan stopped and pointed the phone at Ravi. His jaw dropped. “A-Are you serious, Sharma?”
Drake spat out his cheese, snorting with laughter.
“Is there a problem?” Ravi asked, tying the bowtie of his tuxedo.
“You look like a penguin with attitude!” Drake slapped his knee.
“Say what you want, but I’m glad we didn’t hit the cleaners on the way to school now,” Ravi replied, pulling down his sleeves, “or else I wouldn’t have these dry clothes.”
Jordan chuckled. Suddenly, he heard a door creak open, followed by heavy footsteps squeaking down the stairs. Panicking, Jordan stuffed Drake’s phone in his track suit jacket’s pocket and waved Drake over by the shelves. Drake slipped behind Jordan just in time, before the small light bulb above the bottom of the stairs clicked on. Jordan swallowed hard. There, staring directly at Ravi was a portly man in a blood-stained apron. Tufts of blond hair sprouted from the sides of his balding head. His brown trousers were pulled up past his waist, making him resemble an evil garden gnome. In one of his hands, he held a huge butcher knife, its blade flecked with blood.
Wielding the knife, the man pointed at Ravi. “Who are you?”
Ravi licked his thick lips nervously. “The name’s Bond. James Bond.”
BUY LINKS
Mirror World Publishing: Paperback – eBook
Amazon – Amazon.ca – KOBO – Barnes & Noble
Sharon Ledwith is the author of the middle-grade/YA time travel series, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS, available through Mirror World Publishing, and is represented by Walden House (Books & Stuff) for her teen psychic series, MYSTERIOUS TALES FROM FAIRY FALLS. When not writing, researching, or revising, she enjoys reading, exercising, anything arcane, and an occasional dram of scotch. Sharon lives a serene, yet busy life in a southern tourist region of Ontario, Canada, with her hubby, one spoiled yellow Labrador and a moody calico cat.
Learn more about Sharon Ledwith on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Smashwords. Look up her Amazon Author page for a list of current books.
November 29, 2016
Wednesday Special Spotlight Lizzie T. Leaf
Shines On
The witty Lizzie T. Leaf telling us about humor that brings you a smile in her book. Be sure to get your copy today!
I like humor in my life. I like to read humor and to write it. So when originally approached to write a Halloween story, no surprise my mind went in the humor direction.
When I mentioned to a friend the possibility of a vampire story that wasn’t horror, she suggested making the heroine Jewish (which my friend is) and throw in Kosher (yet again, my friend’s food style) to add conflict to the drinking blood issue. I took the bull by the horns and off I went. Thus evolved DEAD Awake, where the heroine is a socialite whose grandmother, a Reform Jew, keeps a Kosher Kitchen.
Our gal, is a little on the wild side…think Paris Hilton…and a paparazzi darling. Her connection with the hot guy in a vampire costume at her Halloween party, leads to a life change she’s not too pleased about.
She wakes up smelling pine and discovers, thanks to the helpful stranger lurking outside the mortuary, she’s not one of the living dead. And, her new main food supply is blood. Yuk! She doesn’t eat food that’s snuggled with blood, let alone drink the stuff.
Not to bore you with details, I finished the book and moved onto other work—my vampire days behind me—so I thought.
Then readers started to ask, “When’s the next book in the series?” Series? My mind hadn’t gone down that path, so what to write next? Then another friend said, “How about a vampire who faints at the sight of blood?”
Once she planted the seed, my mind wouldn’t leave the idea alone and plans for DEAD Faint came to be and with that the DEAD series was born. The next book in the works is DEAD Hunter, about what else…a vampire hunter (or so she thinks…snicker).
Then there is DEAD Memory. What if you’re a vampire, but don’t remember that little detail. All you know while you’re recovering from your wounds from what must have been an awful beating is blood smells wonderful. Why does his hot care provider insist on cooking the food…raw works.
Vampires don’t always have to be blood thirsty beasts. They can have an attitude that will make you smile and love problems, too. Check out Mary Janice Davidson’s, Undead series (which I had not read until after my first DEAD released and readers kept telling me I had a similar style, to which I say “thank you for the compliment,”) and you’ll find humor.
Are there more in my DEAD series? Definitely! DEAD Hot is another story in the planning stages and there are several more on the dying to come onboard.
People have to stop planting seeds in my head. Combined with all that appear on their own, I have a headache. Now I’m off to pop a couple of martinis and write…which is the only true way I can purge the noise.
Here’s a brief intro to my vampire story that is guaranteed to heat up your chilly fall nights.
Socialite Deb Stein lives a life of luxury until she takes the hunk dressed as a vampire to her bed. When she wakes up one of the living dead, she’s pissed-off. To complicate matters more, she has to find a new identity since everyone thinks she’s dead. Plus, if she’s dead, she can’t touch her trust fund, and that means she has to work! How can someone who has never had a job find one?
And her social life is in the tank. Her new friends are a street guy called Rat and fellow strippers at the dive where she works. If she ever sees Aaron Lowell again, she’ll put a stake in his heart.
Aaron Lowell feels guilty he took his mentor’s advice and left town after taking the sexy socialite into the undead world. Concerned, he returns to check on her and discovers she’s become a stripper – and not a very happy one when she sees him. But she’s still hot, and he can’t stay away from her, even if their meetings are explosive.
Can two vampires move beyond anger, combined with a strong sexual attraction, to find the kind of love they both crave?
Buy Links
Decadent Publishing
Amazon
To read excerpts from other books by Lizzie T. Leaf please click onto Amazon.
Lizzie T. Leaf loved books since she opened her first one. Her dream was to write them herself. Lost in the hectic day to day world of family, job, laundry and housework, writing became a distant memory. When the twinkling ember did spark, it was usually doused by someone demanding their share of her time.
Lizzie’s life went full circle. The desire to put the stories that continued to play in her head on paper emerged stronger than ever, and at a time when there was someone who encouraged. Now she lives her dream.
Learn more about Lizzie T. Leaf on her website and blog. Connect with Lizzie on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
