Hello Readers,
The holidays are coming, so it's time to share! I'm big on sharing at this time of year. To worthy causes. And to readers! It makes me feel good. That's what it's all about, isn't it? Me feeling good? LOL Um, not.
Here's one for readers! It starts November 3, so mark your calendars.
TIS THE SEASONS FOR COZIES GIVEAWAY
I've asked a number of author friends to join me in a Rafflecopter giveaway, open to all. You could win HOLIDAY THEMED books AND a $100 Amazon gift card. Follow this link to enter. There is nothing to buy. No credit cards necessary. Click on this GIVEAWAY LINK or you may click on the picture and it'll take you there.
You'll notice I'm giving away my CHRISTMAS ROMANCE, Hope for the Holidays, as well as Wreath between the Lines, the Christmas-themed Cookbook Nook Mystery. Don't miss out!
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And now, I'll share what I'm writing. My next standalone suspense, THE SON'S SECRET, comes out January 2024, and it is ready for preorder. Read more about it on my website and watch the book trailer. FYI, it first comes out in hardcover and e-book—this is a new norm for publishing—and trade paper a year later. Lots of libraries should have it! If yours doesn't, tell them to look for it.
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What if you're the only one who believes your son is missing? A chilling, twisty psychological suspense novel, perfect for fans of Laura Dave and Gillian Flynn.
Maggie Lawson is the smart, capable dean of a boutique college, but even the most confident mother has a weakness - her child. When Maggie can't reach her college senior son, Aiden, to tell him that his father has been shot, she starts to panic. She texts. She calls.
Is Aiden ghosting her, or have the dangerous stories Aiden's father, her investigative journalist ex-husband, pursues finally brought trouble to her door? Maggie is sure that something is very wrong, but no one believes her. As dark events unfold, she must rely on her own investigative instincts to find Aiden. But when Maggie uncovers a devastating secret, she faces a race against time to save him.
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Also, for your romance reading pleasure, check out my new romance—yes, romance! A Christmas romance! HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Coming November 14, just in time for the holidays. This was a passion project that I simply had to write. I hope you enjoy the story.
Can an optimistic waitress and struggling sports anchor find their happily ever after? It might take a holiday miracle.
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Note: It is coming out in paper and e-book, and it is available on all sites. However, Amazon "Kindle" won't release it for Kindle until the day of publication. My website has all the other links.
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Hope Lyon’s husband ran through all their money and split Portland, Oregon, forcing Hope to sell her beloved Pie in the Sky bakery and move with her two children back to charming Hope Valley, her hometown. She has been working as a waitress and pinching pennies to get their lives on track; however, when her children win KPRL’s Spirit of Christmas vacation contest, Hope worries about the extra expenses she will incur on such a trip and turns it down.
Steve Waldren, the handsome KPRL sports anchor, is now of an age where he can’t afford to have a gap on his resume. His confidence is already shaky, ever since his fiancée dumped him, claiming Steve would never reach his potential. When Steve’s boss dubs Steve to be Giveaway Santa, he’s forced to accept. Steve, as Santa, readily travels to Hope Valley to award the prize. But when Hope refuses it, he’s at a loss. His boss threatens to fire him if he doesn’t convince Hope to take it, and Steve does all he can to change her mind. But Hope can be stubborn, life can be a challenge, and Hope’s children can be unpredictable. Not to mention, the truth isn’t always what it seems.
Will Hope and Steve find their happily ever after? It might take a holiday miracle.
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My good friend author Wendall Thomas has a new Cyd Redondo mystery out this month. Cheap Trills. I had the distinct pleasure of reading the advanced copy, and I'm so excited for her. It's hilarious and heart-warming.
After her mother sneaks off on an Eat, Pray, Love tour to Bali that goes horribly wrong, travel agent Cyd Redondo must outwit a ring of songbird smugglers and take on a killer, all while trying to keep three orphaned, endangered Bali Starling chicks alive in her purse.
Also, my friend Marilyn Levinson aka Allison Brook's newest Haunted Library murder mystery is out! Overdue or Die. I love this series.
Carrie Singleton has more than her fair share on her plate: her job at the Clover Ridge Library, preparing for her wedding to Dylan Avery, and hoping that the local art gallery doesn’t steal away one of her part-time employees. Her fiancé, Dylan, accompanies her to the beautiful home of Victor Zalinka—art collector and successful businessman—to select paintings for an art show at the library. While Carrie muses that Victor's home would be the perfect wedding venue, Dylan spots a forgery among the paintings in Victor's collection.
Last but not least, the 10th in the Honeychurch Hall mysteries from my charming British pal, Hannah Dennison, comes out tomorrow. Dagger of Death at Honeychurch Hall. I adore Kat and her sassy mother. These are English village-style mysteries.
When Reverend Pritchard spearheads a campaign to restore a derelict chapel -- rumored to be haunted by a German Luftwaffe pilot-- in a far-flung corner of the Honeychurch estate, the Dowager Countess puts her foot down. Meanwhile, a fierce bidding war at an auction of military memorabilia ends in Kat's female adversary being murdered and Kat being held as the prime suspect.
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This recipe is from Poaching is Puzzling. During the story, there are a number of parties where appetizers are featured. I love these little morsels, and the dip is divine. Serve them at the holidays and wow your guests.
Tip: if you don’t have seasoned panko, then add an extra teaspoon of the seafood seasoning to regular panko.
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- 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill, more for adorning
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
- 1 cup seasoned panko (*may use gluten-free panko)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (*may use gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup canola oil
For the dip, in a small bowl, combine the minced dill, lemon juice, pepper, salt, and sour cream. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.
Place zucchini in food processor with the onion and pulse about 10 times to shred. Put the vegetables in a colander to drain; squeeze using a spatula to remove excess liquid. Pat dry with paper towels; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the panko (*gluten-free panko is fine), seafood seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir in the egg and melted butter. Add the zucchini and onion.
Place flour (or gluten-free flour) on parchment paper or in a pie tin. Shape zucchini mixture into 24 small patties and dredge with flour.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Make sure it’s hot. Now, fry patties, a few at a time, about 6–8 in the pan, until lightly browned for 3–4 minutes on each side. They should get nice and brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly. Serve with the dill dip.
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Sparky does NOT like dressing up in costumes. A bandana from the groomer is about as far as he will go! Not to mention he's done with the season. Done! The scary things in people's yards frighten him. The coyotes yelling, "Boo!" every morning when we go out for a walk freak him out. Me, too. He can't wait for Christmas. He loves that time of year. Isn't he a cutie pie?
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That's it. That's all that is fit to print. May your joy come from reading. May your lives be filled with love. Until next time . . . all my best,
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