Past The Print

New Release: COMMITMENT by Margaret Etheridge

2012-01-30T04:00:00.001-05:00

Commitment
By Margaret Ethridge
Category: Fiction, Women's Fiction, Romance
Heat Level: Sensual
Length: 84,000 words - Novel
Available at: Turquoise Morning Press | Kindle | Nook

Blurb:
Tom Sullivan wants a woman who is willing to accept him as he is. The successful divorce attorney has seen enough of the flip side of love to know better than to promise forever. Women have tried to pin him down, but none have managed to make it stick.

Until Maggie McCann.

Maggie is only interested in one thing. Her fortieth birthday is looming and the tick-tock-tick-tock in her head means her biological clock is about to strike midnight on her dreams of finding Prince Charming. Armed with a new plan for her happily ever, she foregoes the Fairy Godmother routine and makes an appointment with a fertility clinic for a rendezvous with a sperm donor.

The last thing Maggie needs is to get mixed up with a player like Tom Sullivan.

A chance encounter and the opportunity to scratch a decade-long itch prove irresistible, and what starts as a one-night stand turns into a game of cat and mouse when Tom learns of Maggie’s plan to start a family on her own.

To Maggie, messing with a player like Tom Sullivan is the single-girl equivalent of playing with fire, but she convinces herself to take what she can get for as long as she can and expect nothing more. But Tom falls hard and fast for Maggie, and now that they’re planning to have a baby together he starts banking on his own a happily ever after.

If only he can get her to commit…

Valentine's Day Contest - Coming Soon From Romance Book "R" Us!

2012-01-28T04:00:00.001-05:00

*VALENTINE'S DAY CONTEST*

Contest dates: Feb. 1 - 15 (ends midnight EST)

PRIZE: $75 Gift Card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble plus RBRU tee and tote.

How to Enter: Please WAIT until February 1st to do this as names will be added/deleted.
1) Go to Romance Books "R" Us and visit every Gold and Silver author's page and name their Latest book.
2) Visit cover model pages and answer: "Who runs "Get into Shape Boot Camp"?
3) Visit publisher pages and name one of their latest books.

Send entries to: contests.rbrus@gmail.com
(One Entry Per Person, please. Tee and tote shipped to US and Canadian addresses only.)

Friday Backlist Book: THE MOST INTIMATE WISH by F.L. Bicknell

2012-01-27T04:00:00.017-05:00

The Most Intimate Wish

By F.L. Bicknell

Sapphire Nights/Turquoise Morning Press

October 2010

ISBN: 9781935817239

Erotic Romance / Urban Fantasy

Kindle $.99
Buy it now >>>

Blurb:
All she wants is a husband and family. All they need is for her to believe.

When Dinah and Jeff move in to be the Wheillercarts’ companions, their lives change for the better and the worse. Dinah loves Jeff, but after five years together, he still refuses to marry her, and Dinah’s dreams of starting a family begin to crumble. Regardless of their hot lovemaking sessions, she fears Jeff is cheating on her. Dinah will do anything to keep Jeff, even if it means sharing him with another woman.

However, strange occurrences and a seemingly psychic landlady keep Dinah guessing about her life and relationship with Jeff. And what about the bizarre statue in their landlady’s atrium? Little does Dinah know it holds the key to her most intimate wish.

Great News!

2012-01-26T00:01:00.008-05:00

Silent Partner, my first contemporary romance, was just nominated for

BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 2011

by Long And Short Reviews!

Voting begins on February 16th and is open to all readers and fans. As you may suspect, I'll be happily posting the direct link to vote when the poll opens in a couple weeks.
Stay tuned...

"This is Ms. Vincent’s debut venture into mainstream romance, and the wait was more than worth it. Do not mistake the ‘sweet’ rating for tepid writing. Silent Partner is well researched, offering background information woven into her story so skilfully it blew me away. This book is a keeper!"
~Long and Short Reviews ~
Read the full review >>>

Only $2.99 Amazon | B&N | ARe
(Available in both print and ebook formats)

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2012-01-25T04:00:00.042-05:00

Kellan Lutz

American Actor
Born March 5, 1985

Twitter
Fansite

Previous Works:
Twilight Series
Immortals

When they cast this man as Emmett Cullen in Twilight, I thought they did a fantastic job of picking someone who resembled Stephenie Meyer's character as the stronger, tougher brother of Edward. Kellan was pretty much what I had envisioned in my head while reading the series.

And now, as he's getting some age on him, I'm finding him more appealing. What do you think, ladies?

Happy Wednesday!

*fans oneself* My goodness....what a photo.

Yeah...he's appealing to me all right!

New Release: THE DAUGHTER By Christina Wolfer

2012-01-23T04:00:00.003-05:00

The Daughter
By Christina Wolfer
Category: Romance, Contemporary, Suspense
Heat Level: Sensual
Length: Novel, 70,000 words
Available at: Turquoise Morning Press | Kindle | ARe | Nook

Price: $3.99

Blurb:
Abandoned by her mother at birth, social worker Katie Delynski believes love and relationships are learned—and she hasn’t learned anything good about either. She avoids both love and relationships by focusing on her career and by getting prostitutes off the street. But when a man she’s never met commits suicide and names her as his daughter, leaving her millions of dollars and a family full of new relatives, things change. Her new family invites her into their lives, stirring a sense of belonging she is afraid to believe in.

Determined to put her windfall to good use, Katie buys an old building for a women’s shelter. Her newfound family puts her in touch with Conner Patterson, a family friend, to help rehab the building. As work progresses, Katie finds herself falling in love with Conner, but fear keeps her from acting on her feelings. It soon becomes apparent, though, that Conner may be her only hope for survival, when someone hurt by her father’s past indiscretions is determined to make Katie pay for her father’s sins.

I'm Guest Blogging At Two Places Today!

2012-01-21T14:01:00.000-05:00

I'm at Romance Books R Us talking about the new craze called Pinterest. Yes, I've succumbed to this new social networking activity and I think you should too. Don't know what it is? Come on by as I explain the deatails and show you just how easy and fun it really is.

And I'm also at Sweet N Sexy Divas with my monthly Soulful Quotes segment. Today, I've got excerpts from some fellow Turquoise Morning Press authors whose heroes were not afraid to be a little soulful, sappy, or even suggestive. Come on over, we're having a blast!

Friday Backlist Book: SECRETS By Jan Scarbrough

2012-01-20T04:00:00.007-05:00

Secrets

By Jan Scarbrough

Turquoise Morning Press

January 2011

ISBN: 9781935817406

Contemporary Romance

Kindle $.99
Buy it now >>>

*New title, new look, same great story! (Formerly titled, A Father At Last)

Blurb:

How was she going to keep her secret? It had been with her like a living thing for twenty-one years.

With her daughter all grown up and married, single mom Kelly Baron can start her new life, responsible only for herself. But first she must help her mother by returning to the small Indiana town she’d fled years ago.

Newly divorced lawyer, Rob Scott, seeks solace in his small-town roots. The last thing he’s looking for is a relationship—until he runs into Kelly, and the secret she’s been keeping.

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2012-01-18T04:00:00.031-05:00

Leonardo Corredor

Venezuelan Male Model and Photographer
Photography Website
Facebook
Twitter

Awards:
Best Venezuelan Model 2007

Photo Credits:
Rick Day
Thomas Synnamon
David Vance

Here we go again! I sincerely hope you enjoy another bout of this week's feature. (If you missed last week and want to catch up, then go here.) Otherwise, enjoy the view! I don't know about you, but I can't seem to get enough of him.

Happy Wednesday!

New Release: BEUL NAM BEINN By J.W. Keleher

2012-01-16T04:00:00.004-05:00

Beul Nam Beinn
By J.W. Keleher
Category: Fiction, Fantasy, Merworld
Heat Level: Sweet-Sensual
Length: Novel, 78,000 words
Price: $3.99

Available at: Turquoise Morning Press | Kindle | Nook

Blurb:
A story. Yeah. Sure. A story and more.

Douglas didn’t ask for much. He’d traveled to these islands off Scotland to investigate the property he’d inherited from his grandfather. The locals called the property’s sealed cave Beul Nam Beinn—Mouth in the Hill. Douglas was curious.

Look inside? Why not?

The mouth, sealed long ago for reason unknown, reopened had a story to tell. A family story. A story of Douglas’s ancestry. He had broken a seal and opened himself in the process. To his ancestors. To the cave. To the sea. To dreams and nightmares and understanding.

Beul Nam Bienn. Douglas changed. So will you.

Friday Backlist Book: LATE HARVEST By Suzanne Barrett

2012-01-13T04:00:00.005-05:00

Late Harvest

By Suzanne Barrett

Turquoise Morning Press

October 2010

ISBN: 9781935817178

Contemporary Romance

Kindle $1.99
Buy it now >>>

Blurb:
Kurt von Daniken wants only one thing from Glenna Ryan: The key to making Eiswein - Ice Wine. Five years ago, while working at his family's California winery, she'd begun developing the method to simulate wine made from grapes gathered after a freeze. Now, when the winery desperately needs it, the only person who might be able to duplicate Glenna's process, Kurt's tyrannical Uncle Otto, lies paralyzed by a stroke and near death. Glenna wants only one thing from the von Danikens: To be left in peace to raise her son, Robbie, who suffers from a birth defect and needs an expensive surgery to repair it.

When Kurt suddenly appears at her home, demanding she return to Cresthaven and complete the process, Glenna knows the money she'll earn by doing so will provide Robbie the treatment he needs. She also knows she'll risk having her heart broken, again, by Kurt, the only man she's ever loved. But, what if he discovers the real reason she left Cresthaven?

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2012-01-11T04:00:00.003-05:00

Leonardo Corredor

American-born, Venezuelan Male Model and Photographer
Photography Website
Facebook
Twitter

Awards:
Best Venezuelan Model 2007

Photo Credits:
Rick Day
Thomas Synnamon
David Vance

Just letting you all know that I found a very talented and handsome man for this week. He has kissable lips, angel eyes, and a wicked body that's to die for. So much in fact, that I'm featuring him two weeks in a row! He is a natural in front of the camera and enjoys being behind the camera as well. Hope you enjoy! Happy Wednesday!

Mark Your Calendars!

2012-01-10T09:21:00.001-05:00

Follow me on my Blog Barrage hosted by Coffee Beans and Love Scenes! I'll be at eleven blogs in two days, so if you'd like to stop by and give me a shot, I'd really appreciate it! Here are the blogs I'll be visiting and their dates:

January 11

A Page in the Life

Close Encounters with the Night Kind

House Millar

Love to Read Romance

Romance Lives Forever

January 12

Bookin' It Reviews

Books Like Breathing

Hywela Lyn

Lindsay's Scribblings

Sandra's Blog

New Release: AN IRISH ROGUE By Suzanne Barrett

2012-01-09T04:00:00.006-05:00

An Irish Rogue
By Suzanne Barrett

Buy now at: TMP Bookstore | Smashwords | ARe | Bookstrand | B&N | Amazon/Kindle

Blurb:
Justine Farris would do anything for her dotty old aunt, but marrying Declan Walsh seems just plain crazy. Although the handsome handyman might be sent back to Ireland unless they pretend to tie the knot, how can Justine possibly say “I do” when they can’t agree on anything.

Declan would never have proposed to an independent, unconventional woman like Justine, but this is an emergency. Then, suddenly, he begins to wish that his temporary fiancée could stay in his arms forever. And where there’s a will, there’s a way….

Friday Backlist Book: RESCUE ME By Jennifer Johnson

2012-01-06T04:00:00.004-05:00

Rescue Me

By Jennifer Johnson

Turquoise Morning Press

September 2010

ISBN: 978-1-935-81713-0

Sweet Contemporary Romance

Kindle ~~$4.99~~ Now $.99
Buy it now >>>

Blurb:
Sitting in front of her parents’ house in a U-Haul truck at midnight, Amy Mann decides it’s time to break it to them that she’s divorced from her husband and moving back home with her seven-year-old son, Toby. As Amy settles into her hometown, she has a plan to get out of debt, get her college degree, and put her life together.

Enter Captain Riley Pennimon, local firefighter and superhero to Amy’s son. Riley is kind, brave, and civic-minded. The captain does not fit into Amy’s putting-her-life-together plan, and yet he is way too good looking without a shirt. Much to Amy’s chagrin, Toby decides that Riley is just what they need for a happily-ever-after.

But, can Amy make peace with the demons of her mistakes and let the captain rescue her? And…can Riley let go of the pain of his past and grab onto the family he’s always wanted?

"Provocative Ponderings" By Sarah McNeal

2012-01-05T04:00:00.010-05:00

Looking Forward

I look forward to each New Year the same way I held expectations about the first day of school. I always felt as if I was getting a fresh new start with a clean slate. I swore I would study hard and do my homework every day—my resolutions for a new school year. Excitement rumbled through my being as I wondered who I would see again and if someone new might chance along. Maybe this would be the year that I became popular and that my classmates would finally recognize my innate talents.

There was always a fervent prayer that my teachers would adore me and pronounce me as the next Albert Einstein or Stephen Hawking. Teachers would send home notes going on about my rare talents and academia.

The smell and feel of new notebook paper, composition books and pencils titillated my senses and I couldn’t wait to fill them with my great cerebral scribblings. Always the thought that this would be the year that I cracked the code on self-confidence filled my spirit.

Midway into the year, I would start doing my homework on the school bus on the way to school. It’s not that I no longer cared to make good grades; it was more that I had some daydreaming to do and my telephone chats with friends often lasted longer than the fifteen minutes my parents allowed. Once again, my greatness went unrecognized. The popular kids were still in a class way above me just like celebrities or royalty and the secret code to self-confidence continued to elude me. Even though I had a few classes in which I excelled like English and violin, I was definitely not Val Victorian material.

Still, there was always the renewing hope and thrill that this would be the year it all changed.

I come to each New Year the same way: filled with bright hopes, resolutions and determination to make this the year that it all gets better. It doesn’t really matter how it all turns out, it’s that I continue to view it with a renewed spirit of optimism that counts. I don’t ever want to lose that positive part of me that still believes it’s all going to turn out for the best.

One thing I am very excited about is the new, revised publication of The Violin by Publishing by Rebecca Vickery. This is a story so close to my heart. It’s based on the life of a real person—one I never met but heard about all my life.

The Viloin
By Sarah McNeal

Blurb:
2011 Revised Edition - Genevieve dreams of him almost every night and has for most of her lonely life. Inexplicably compelled, she buys his violin and finds the remnants of his life and the mystery of his death in 1927 revealed within its case.
Intrigued, she makes a decision, one that will change her life forever.

Is there a way to change the past and save this man who haunts her heart?

BUY Links: (available in e-book and print)
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/111092
Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/The-Violin-ebook/dp/B006JE2RLG/
Create Space: https://www.createspace.com/3740163

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2012-01-04T04:00:00.004-05:00

James Tudor

Underwear / Athletic Wear / Swimwear
Website
Facebook
Twitter

How's that for a WMU Wednesday feature? What better way to start the new year with not just one man, but a handful of sexy men in their skivvies! And with a name like Tudor, you KNOW this underwear is destined to rule the entire boxer/brief world!

Happy New Year and happy Wednesday!

All right ladies, does this week make up for last week's hiatus?

"A Taste For Romance" By Virginia Campbell

2012-01-03T04:00:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year! Wow--we made it to 2012! Since this is my first post of the new year, I decided to make it a very special one. I am sharing one of my most prized "Mama Stories".

January 8, 1935 is the birth date of one of the most incredible entertainers who ever lived--Elvis Presley. It's hard to believe that Elvis would now be 77 years old, and it's even harder to believe that almost forty years have passed since I saw him in concert. Even though I was in one of the "high altitude" seats in the civic center, the power, passion, and potency of this magnificent performer could barely be contained by the walls of the structure.

It was April 11, 1972, and I was thirteen years old. I have been a fan of Elvis since I was old enough to recognize him on TV. During my growing up years, I never missed an "Elvis movie" at our local theater. The picture you see of Elvis here in this post is one from the actual concert that I attended in Roanoke, VA, a popular concert stop for Elvis throughout his career. At the time of this performance, Elvis was 37 years old, and he was in his prime. Mercy!

It was only natural that I would adore Elvis. My Mama was one of the all-time greatest Elvis fans who ever drew a breath. She was so well known as his fan that even casual acquaintances would bring back souvenirs from Graceland and give them to her for her collection. When a series of Elvis collectible dolls became available at one of our local stores, I almost lost my life making sure that I got one for Mama, but I will save that story for another day.

I have written numerous articles and commentaries about Elvis, and I definitely have an "Elvis book" inside my soul. However, my greatest story is the one about Mama and Elvis, and how her sacrifice for me gave her the most special moment of her lifetime.

A very good friend and coworker of my mother's had obtained four tickets for the concert, and she wanted Mama to join her and two sisters in attending the show. Well, of course Mama was thrilled, but she didn't want to go without me, so the five of us went with only four tickets. We squeezed together into the coworker's dark blue VW Beetle, and off we went, with Mama sure that somehow things would work out so that all of us would see Elvis. I am five-feet-ten, and so were Mama's friend and her sisters. Mama was the shrimp at five-feet-five. We were like sardines in a can, but what an adventure!

When we got to the civic center, there was no way to obtain a fifth seat anywhere for the concert, and Mama would not allow me to miss seeing Elvis. She asked for the keys to the car and said she would wait on us, and that she would probably be able to hear some of the concert outside the building. I did not want to see the show without Mama, and I felt tremendously guilty about being inside while she was outside waiting. In fact, I kept saying how bad I felt until our friends told me in a nice way to "shut up". I was also very worried about Mama being out there somewhere on her own. I should have never underestimated my mother. She said all along that things would work out, and they couldn't have worked out better if they had been planned with meticulous detail. When we left Mama inside the entrance of the civic center, she didn't immediately try to go back to the car. She decided to call home and let my grandparents know that we made it okay, and so she went and closed herself up in the phone booth to make the call. When she came out of the booth, everyone was gone and the doors were locked. All of the civic center people had gone into the show so they wouldn't miss Elvis, and they had locked Mama in the building! She couldn't find anyone to help her, so she followed everyone else's lead and went inside to the show. No one stopped her or asked her what she was doing, so she walked straight down to the stage area and watched the whole concert from ten feet away from the stage. She was able to describe the color of Elvis' eyes, count all of his rings and admire the detail work of his jumpsuit and cape. All the while that I was up in the rafters making everyone miserable, Mama was front and center having the time of her life! I will never forget the weird, almost other-worldly sensation of going through the inner doors when the show let out and hearing Mama call me from behind. Behind? She was in the parking lot all by herself, possibly in peril--wasn't she? No, she wasn't! I finally turned around, and there she was behind me in the crowd, waving madly. Her face was lit from within, and she looked like a kid who caught the real Santa Claus placing presents under the tree. Mama sacrificed her concert seat for me, and she ended up with the best seat in the house! I don't know if you believe in miracles, but as for me and Mama, we believed.

Mama worked at our local hospital for over thirty years. The original hospital had an old-fashioned "plug-in" switchboard, of which Mama was the master. The day that Elvis died, August 16, 1977, Mama was working the switchboard as part of her duties as an admissions clerk. The hospital was flooded with calls, and the switchboard was lit up and humming. Most of the calls were for Mama. When Elvis died, she was the first person that many people thought of, and they called to check on her and offer their condolences. It took me a while to reach her, and then we shared our disbelief. In fact, she was one of the people who didn't believe that Elvis was really dead, and as long as Mama lived, he lived in her heart. I like to believe that when she passed away, she was met at the gates of Heaven by a man dressed all in white--a white jumpsuit, that is. What beautiful music they make! Mama on the keyboard, and Elvis singing Gospel with all his might.

Have you ever made a sacrifice for someone and unexpectedly received much more in return? Has someone made such a sacrifice for you? Do you believe in your inner voice? Have you ever followed your inner voice when no one else believed in your intuition? Do you have some new authors and titles that you can't wait to explore in the new year? What is the upcoming book or book series that you most anticipate? To start you off with some food for thought and great reads, I am sharing Mama's recipes and some "Elvis-themed" books. Happy New Year--I wish you much happiness and continued success!

FIT FOR A KING is my favorite of all my "Elvis" books. This book is overflowing with recipes, photos, inside information and wonderful, sweet memories. FIT FOR A KING was put together with thoughtfulness and sincerity. So many of the other books about Elvis are just an excuse to use his name and image. If you like music, food, nostalgia, and most of all, Elvis himself, then you will truly appreciate FIT FOR A KING. Review >>>

GRACELAND'S TABLE is filled with amazing personal stories, beautiful photos, touching and humorous insights, and an astounding variety of recipes. The food is fabulous--ranging from down-home good cookin' to creative culinary delights! I am Southern to the bone. I have loved Elvis since I was a little girl. For almost 50 years, I lived with a legendary Elvis fan--my Mama! "Graceland's Table" proudly resides among my collection of Elvis memorabilia. Good cookin' tonight!!! Review >>>

EXPOSURE: This fun and involving romantic suspense story from Susan Anderson features a hunky hero with a hook--that's right, one hand and one hook. Sheriff Elvis Donnelly (we need more heroes named Elvis) is six-feet-six of solid muscle with laser-blue eyes and thick, dark hair. He also has a metal hook in place of one hand, and an angry, jagged scar on his handsome face. Review >>>

ELVIS BY THE PRESLEYS reveals life at Graceland like never before. We witness the arc of his love affair with Priscilla; Elvis as a father to his adored Lisa Marie; his obsessions and passions; and the strength of his musical legacy, which continues unabated to this day. There are Christmas cards here, too; contracts and invoices; selections from Lisa Marie’s childhood scrapbook; and even a picture of the champagne bottle (signed) from Elvis and Priscilla’s wedding." Read more >>>

"When George Klein was an eighth grader at Humes High, he couldn’t have known how important the new kid with the guitar—the boy named Elvis—would later become in his life. But from the first time GK (as he was nicknamed by Elvis) heard this kid sing, he knew that Elvis Presley was someone extraordinary. During Elvis’s rise to fame and throughout the wild swirl of his remarkable life, Klein was a steady presence and one of Elvis’s closest and most loyal friends until his untimely death in 1977." Read more >>>

Butter-Fried Chicken
one whole chicken, cut into fryer pieces
one to two sticks real butter
flour
salt & pepper
poultry seasoning

In a large ziploc bag, add about one cup flour with a good shake of salt & pepper and a pinch of poultry seasoning. Add chicken pieces a few at a time and shake in sealed bag to coat well. Repeat until all chicken pieces are well-coated. Save any leftover flour mixture to make pan gravy. In a large (10 inch), deep cast iron skillet melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until crispy brown on bottom. Turn chicken pieces and cook until well-done and golden, crispy brown. Arrange chicken pieces on serving platter. While skillet is hot, brown leftover flour in grease (add extra flour if needed). Carefully add enough cold water (be careful of hot grease splatters) to make gravy. Stir gravy continuously until smooth and thick. If needed, add extra seasoning to taste.

Mama's Summer Salad
one red ripe tomato
one yellow ripe tomato
one cucumber
one bell pepper
one onion

1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light cooking oil
salt & pepper to taste

Cut vegetables into bite-sized chunks and mix together in a large bowl. In a small bowl, dissolve sugar with vinegar. Blend in oil. Add salt & pepper to taste. Pour dressing over vegetables and stir well. Cover and chill. Flavor improves overnight. Stir salad well before serving.

Yellow Cake with Caramel Icing
one two-layer size butter-flavored yellow cake mix
Prepare cake mix as directed for two cake layers. Bake and allow to cool.

Icing:
2 c. white granulated sugar
2 c. brown sugar
2 sticks butter
1 sm. can evaporated milk plus a small amount of milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk (pour evaporated milk in a measuring cup and fill to 1 cup with whole milk). Place in a heavy saucepan over medium heat and cook to the soft ball stage. Add vanilla extract. Cool and beat until creamy. Spread quickly over cooled cake.

Mom's Cole Slaw
Dressing:
1 c. mayonnaise
3 tbsp. sugar
3 tbsp. cider vinegar
1 tbsp. milk
1/2 tsp. salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp. celery seeds

Stir together all ingredients. Cover; chill. Makes 1 1/4 cups.

To make slaw:
Shred one small head fresh green cabbage and place in a medium glass bowl. Finely shred several carrots and add to cabbage. Stir to combine. Add one small green pepper and one small onion, both finely chopped. Stir to combine. Add dressing to slaw mixture and stir to mix well. Cover tightly and chill overnight. Stir well before serving.

Lemon-Lime Poke Cake
one 2-layer size lemon cake mix
Prepare cake mix as directed for 13x9 inch pan. Bake cake and allow to completely cool.
one small box lime gelatin
one cup boiling water

whipped topping frosting:
1 c. milk
1 small pkg. instant vanilla pudding
1 (8 oz.) container non-dairy whipped topping, thawed

Blend milk and instant pudding. When partially set and beginning to thicken, fold in whipped topping. Ready to spread in a few minutes.

In a small bowl, combine lime gelatin and boiling water. Stir until well dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature. With the handle tip of a wooden spoon, evenly poke holes down through the baked and cooled sheet cake. Pour the lime gelatin liquid evenly over the surface of the cake, using all of the liquid. Frost immediately with whipped topping frosting and store loosely covered in refrigerator. Better when chilled overnight.

Betty's Baked Beans
1 large can of pork & beans (or 2 16oz cans)
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup of ketchup
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
couple of shakes of hot sauce
dash of salt & pepper
6 slices bacon

Add all ingredients to a greased baking dish and stir together (with the exception of the bacon). Place bacon strips over the top of the beans and bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes to an hour. (Beans are ready when the bacon is completely cooked)

Comfort-Food Hamburger Steak & Gravy
one pound lean ground beef
salt & pepper
one onion, rough-chopped
one green pepper, rough-chopped
3 tbsp. butter

flour
water
Worcestershire sauce
salt & pepper
pinch of sugar

Season ground beef with salt & pepper and form into patties. Melt butter over medium-low heat and add beef patties. Cook until well done, turning once. After patties are done, remove from pan and place on a plate. Add a few tablespoons of flour to hot grease in skillet and stir until browned. Carefully add about two cups cold water, stirring continuously. Add a couple of shakes Worcestershire sauce, salt & pepper to taste, and just a pinch of sugar. Stir and add in onions and peppers. Carefully add patties to gravy in skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer until onions and peppers are softened. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Shredded Carrot Salad with Raisins
1 pound carrots, peeled and grated
1/2 cup raisins
1/3 cup mayonnaise, or to taste
1 tablespoon granulated sugar, to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt
black pepper, to taste

chopped peanuts for topping

Put grated carrots in a large bowl; toss with remaining ingredients, except. Chill thoroughly. Top with chopped peanuts before serving.

Waldorf Salad
2 cups cubed apples, unpeeled (use firm, slightly tart apples)
1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2/3 cup mayonnaise

In a large bowl, combine fruit and nuts; mix lightly. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Blend in mayonnaise. Pour dressing over salad and stir to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least until well-chilled.

Quick Kraut
one 1 lb can chopped sauerkraut
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/8 tsp caraway seed
1 chopped unpeeled cored apple

Empty sauerkraut into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer until apple is cooked down, stirring occasionally.

Canned Ham with Sweet & Tangy Glaze
one 5 lb canned ham
whole cloves
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 tsp prepared yellow or brown mustard

Score top of ham and stud with whole cloves. Bake per package directions. Prepare glaze by combining sugar, juice, and mustard in a small bowl. During last 15 minutes of baking, pour glaze evenly over ham. Bake until done, spooning glaze up over ham. Allow ham to cool, spooning up glaze to coat ham.

Company Corn Casserole
1 sm. onion, diced
1/4 green pepper, diced
1 stick butter
1 (16 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (16 oz.) can cream style corn
1 (6 3/4 oz.) box corn muffin mix
3 eggs
1 c. sour cream
1/4 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Saute onion, green pepper in butter over low heat. Allow to cool until just warm. In a medium bowl, combine sauteed mixture (including butter), kernel corn, creamed corn, muffin mix,eggs, and sour cream. Mix well. Pour into a greased 2 1/2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes Bake until puffy and lightly browned.

Savory Southern-Style Green Beans & Potatoes
1/2 lb. bacon, uncooked, cut in bite-sized pieces
1 small onion, coarsely chopped
3 cups (approximately) of fresh or frozen cut green beans,
2 medium red potatoes, unpeeled, medium-diced
Chicken stock, to cover
1 tsp. sugar
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

If using fresh green beans, remove the ends and snap in half or cut; rinse and set aside. Add the bacon directly into a large saucepan and cook over low heat until it begins to brown. Add the onion and cook until softened, stirring occasionally. If using fresh or frozen beans, saute them in the cooked bacon and onion for a bit first, and then add the potatoes to the beans. Pour over enough chicken broth to cover. Add sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and let them low for 20 minutes, or until potatoes and beans are tender.

Sweet Potato Pie
1 (9 inch deep-dish) unbaked pastry shell
1 lb. (2 med.) yams or sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled**
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs
sweetened whipped cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large mixer bowl, mash yams with butter. Add remaining ingredients except pastry shell and eggs. Beat until mixture is smooth and well blended. Stir in eggs. Pour into prepared pastry shell. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool. Serve topped with sweetened whipped cream. Refrigerate leftovers.

**TIP: 1 (16 or 17 oz.) can sweet potatoes or yams, drained, can be substituted for fresh. Melt butter. Proceed as above.

Black-Eyed Peas with Ham
2 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
1 cup water
2 tablespoons cooking oil
2 15-ounce cans black-eyed peas, drained well
1/2 piece smoked ham, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or 1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes
hot sauce to taste

Cook celery and onions with 1/4 each tsp salt and pepper in oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and begin to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 1 cup water and simmer 3 minutes. Add peas and ham and simmer, covered, just until heated through, about 3 minutes. Stir in parsley and season with hot sauce to taste.

Baked Stewed Tomatoes
2 (15 oz) cans sliced stewed tomatoes (with celery & onion)
2 tbsp sugar
salt & pepper to taste
2 cups bread cubes (the drier the bread, the better)
1 stick butter, sliced

Butter a 2 1/2 quart baking dish. Pour in stewed tomatoes. Sprinkle evenly with sugar. Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Evenly spread bread cubes over top of tomatoes. Place butter slices evenly spread out over bread cubes. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees until tomatoes are bubbly, and bread is well toasted. Check after 20 minutes, and watch to make sure bread doesn't burn.

Gran's Mac & Cheese
Comfort food from Gran herself : )

Boil 16oz elbow macaroni in large pan of salted water until slightly undercooked. Drain pasta quickly so that it will not continue to cook in hot water. Butter a 13in by 9in baking pan. Layer pasta with at least 16oz grated sharp cheddar cheese (sharper the better). Feel free to be very cheesey! Pour one pint of half-and-half or heavy cream over pasta and cheese. Add some whole milk if needed to bring liquid to top of pasta and cheese. Dot with slices of real butter and a very light sprinkle of coarsely ground black pepper. Liberally top off with grated Parmesan cheese. Cover pan with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let Mac & Cheese set in covered pan for 10 minutes before serving.

New Release: UNINHIBITED IN APPLE TRAIL, ARKANSAS By Keri Ford

2012-01-02T04:00:00.001-05:00

Uninhibited in Apple Trail, Arkansas,
Volume 2 (3 Novella Anthology/Bundle)
By Keri Ford

Available at: Turquoise Morning Press | Amazon | B&N

Welcome to Apple Trial, Arkansas. Something must surely be in the water in this small town. Women are tossing their inhibitions out the window and the men are grasping at what to do about it!

This combined volume brings you the last three novellas in the series:

Making Her Nights

He never loses control. She always tests the rules.

Chief Deputy Mike Gabel is the man in charge in Apple Trail. No one gives him more trouble than a certain blonde. While her stunts are frustrating enough to deal with, it’s the constant way she keeps him trapped in knots that sends him over the edge.

Tiffany McBride has a reputation for act now, think…never. She’s been betting and causing trouble since her parents died when she was a teenager. What looks like a young woman sewing her wild oats, is actually desperate measures to gamble for extra money to put food on the table.

When these two acknowledge their attraction, sparks fly…that is if Mike’s public position can survive Tiffany’s frowned upon reputation.

Satisfying Her Tastes

Blondes have more fun? Pfft. Bad Girls have more fun. Rebecca Gabel was accused of being a bad girl and she discovered life was easier (and more fun!) to live up to the reputation than try to deny it. But now with a new comer who’s taking her up on her suggestions, Rebecca is a little out of her element. There’s talking the talk…and then there’s having to walk it.Grant Iverson recently inherited land from his mother, so he’s arrived in Apple Trail, Arkansas to check the place out and see if there are any treasures hidden there. What he doesn’t expect to find is a woman full of curves and a mouth of pure sin, but whose eyes reflect nothing but curious innocence.

Chasing Her Trail

Jessie McBride barely survived the unexpected death of her loving parents. Forced to fend for herself with few people to depend on while raising her younger cousin, Jessie learned to be self-sufficient. She kept a few friends close and pushed the rest of the world away, along with that helpless, dependent girl she was once. Been there, done that, never again.

It works until Henry Green enters her life, with sentimental tales of his grandpa and family. Jessie is drawn in as Henry strives to take care of the man who raised him. But while Henry is putting things in place for his grandpa to retire, his well-intended controlling ways are smothering Jessie.

Can Henry’s invitation back to life and love tempt Jessie to drop the emotional wall, or will Henry give up on chasing the girl she once was?

Friday Backlist Book: DOWN IN FLAMES By Sarah Ballance

2011-12-30T10:38:00.000-05:00

Down In Flames

By Sarah Ballance

Noble Romance

June, 2010

ISBN: 978-1-60592-118-1

Romance

Kindle $4.99

Buy it now >>>

Blurb:
When Jack Gellar returns to Jefferson Heights after five long years and an unforgettable betrayal, is his appearance the last thing Molly Coleman needs in her tragedy-stricken life . . . or the first?

Molly just lost her entire family, and now her home and business are both on the line. An unexpected encounter with the one man who can put the pieces back together leaves her reeling, for he can just as easily destroy what little she has left. Jack has a lot to prove to win her back, but when a lapse in judgment turns into an ultimatum he can’t refuse, will his choice bring them together or tear them apart for good?

Guest Blogging at FourFoxesOneHound

2011-12-29T12:14:00.000-05:00

You heard correctly. Today I'm a guest fox at FourFoxesOneHound blog and I'm giving you a peek into my world. Well...my remodeled basement, that is, full of old barn siding, book shelves, and old leather tack. Hope you'll stop by and warm yourself by the fireplace.

From My House To Yours...

2011-12-25T00:31:00.000-05:00

My Three Favorite Things About Christmas

2011-12-23T11:37:00.000-05:00

Hop on over to Sky Purington's blog and find out what three things mean the most to me during the holiday season.

*Contest alert*
If you tell me what your favorite things about Christmas are in the comments section of that post, you'll be automatically entered in my giveaway.

Complete contest details and my post are here >>>

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2011-12-21T09:19:00.000-05:00

Okay, I lied....it's not a WMU Wednesday feature (yet). But I've gotta get word out about the three places I'm blogging today.

The first one is at Romance Books R Us and I've posted a must-read, brand new excerpt from The Fall of Rain that is especially for your eyes only. It's never been posted anywhere but there. So go! Check it out and let me know what you think.

The second is place at Sweet N Sexy Divas, where I showcase the entire Emerald Isle Trilogy.

And the third is an interview at Fierce Romance. Did I mention there's a giveaway there? One lucky winner will get their choice of one of my backlist! Hurry! Time is running out to enter! And don't forget your email address so I can contact you in case your name is drawn.

Why are you still here? There's three places you should be visiting...go!

Okay, okay....I'll give you a little WMU Wednesday but only because I know you'll go to those blogs and visit with me as a thank you, right? haha Did you really think I'd hoard this guy all to myself?

Happy Wednesday!

John Abraham
Indian Actor and Model
Website

All right...I gave you what you wanted, now go give me what I want!

I want your company at those blogs...is that too much to ask? haha

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I'm at Fierce Romance Today! Contest Alert

2011-12-20T15:47:00.000-05:00

Come on over to Fierce Romance where I've been interviewed. Find out more details about my Emerald Isle Trilogy, which character is most like me, what is next in the line up, and so much more. While you're there, leave me a comment with your email addy and be entered in my giveaway!

Hope to see you there!

New Release: THIS MAGIC MOMENT By Daryn Cross

2011-12-19T04:10:00.001-05:00

This Magic Moment
By Daryn Cross
Now available at Amazon.

Blurb:
Zack Graham, CEO of Scrumbles Snack Cakes and Crandall Drake, CEO of Pretzelcious Pretzels are workaholics. Mike Kramer and Gretta Fishman, who work for each CEO respectively, are not. What’s worse, Mike and Gretta are lovers who can’t spend time with each other due to their bosses’ OCD work habits. But they have a plan: ask Maxwell Magic, the magnanimous, magical, mystery matchmaker, to solve their problem by getting their two bosses to stop working and start loving in a match that lasts forever. Zack and Crandall are in for a crazy ride, because Maxwell knows all and he will design a plan that is infallible; but, in the process they will have long-hidden secrets exposed and will be forced to sacrifice more than they thought possible to gain what they never thought could come true. But it can, because it’s magic—This Magic Moment!

New Release: FRESHLY DEAD By Maddie James

2011-12-19T04:00:00.004-05:00

Freshly Dead
By Maddie James

(Book 1, the Dead Guys Still Want It series)

Now Available at Amazon Kindle - $0.99!

Three sisters, Southern-fried born and bred, and the men ghosts who love them.

Blurb:
All Mitzi Winston wants is enough money to pay this month’s mortgage payment. That’s the only reason she even considers the phone sex job. Ever since her husband’s disappearance, she’s held things together quite nicely—until recently. And now, well, she just needs the money.

So, she bites the bullet and goes for the interview, only to find that the phone sex job isn’t real and she’s too late—not for the interview, but to save her husband. For there he is, dead on the floor, a bullet to the back of the head. To make matters worse, his ghost is hovering around and chiding her for being late. Not to mention he’s horny as hell and trying to cop a feel.

Which only begs the question, “Do dead men still want it?”

Friday Backlist Book: KENTUCKY BLUES By Cat Shaffer

2011-12-16T04:00:00.001-05:00

Kentucky Blues

By Cat Shaffer

Turquoise Morning Press

August, 2010

ISBN: 978-1-935-81712-3

Romantic Suspense

Kindle $4.99

Buy it now >>>

Blurb:
Elise Drummond never forgot her first love—and never expected to learn via the grapevine that he was back in Brookville and living with her mother. Sam McCade had broken her heart, and she wasn’t about to let him destroy her mother’s as well. A quick trip back to Kentucky to lay down the law and she could head back to the safe life she’d built for herself in Kansas City.

"Once I opened the cover of Cat Shaffer’s book, I was hooked. I liked the characters, the suspenseful situation, and the concept of discovering one’s mother might be a “cougar” challenges the imagination. In the end, Kentucky Blues was touching, intriguing, tense, exciting, and satisfyingly romantic."
~ says Beyond Her Book

SILENT PARTNER receives LASR "Best Book" rating!

2011-12-15T11:42:00.000-05:00

And my first contemporary romance is being featured at Long And Short Reviews as the Spotlight today! Check it out >>>

Okay, this week has been such a great week for me! The Fall of Rain, gets a great 5 Star review from Romance The Book and now this! I think my Christmas has come early this year!

* * *

"Her writing sparkles, and given this is the author’s first attempt at contemporary mainstream romance, she creates the right impact for settings, pace and conflict. Her main characters are fully developed as are the supporting cast. Her balance of the self-absorbed hero meeting emotionally challenged heroine is stunning because of her research into the heroine’s background. This book is a keeper."
~ Long And Short Reviews

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2011-12-14T10:30:00.000-05:00

Jason Jones

This is for Lizzie. Don't ever tell me I've never done anything for you. *wink*

I didn't have time today, with all the promotion going on for THE FALL OF RAIN, to post an official WMU Wednesday so hopefully this will do. He's hot, fit like a Greek god, got a pair of great lips (and abs) and obviously a bad boy through and through.

Happy Wednesday!

Photo Credits:
Jeff Slater

I'm Guest Blogging at Drea Becraft's Blog: Contest Alert

2011-12-14T07:58:00.000-05:00

How would you like to win an ebook copy of one of my back list (winner's choice)?

Then come on over to Drea Becraft's blog and enter my giveaway for the promotion of THE FALL OF RAIN. You'll even get to read a great excerpt from the book...something you've probably not read before!

Hope to see you there!

Mark Your Calendars For A Renee Vincent Book Signing at The Country Heart in Alexandria, KY

2011-12-12T09:56:00.000-05:00

I'll be there from 10am - 3pm on Saturday, December 17th signing all four of my books, including my latest release, THE FALL OF RAIN.

Did I mention that personalized / autographed books make great Christmas gifts?

The Country Heart

15 Pete Neiser Drive

Alexandria, KY 41001

859-635-3030

www.thecountryheartflorist.com/

I'm Guest Blogging at Mare's Place

2011-12-12T09:13:00.000-05:00

Come on over to Mare's Place for her Romance Countdown to 2012! I'm one of the many authors participating and I'm also giving away some really cool prizes for the holiday season.

There's a prize to be awarded for my post today and if you follow the easy directions, you'll also be entered to win the huge assorted gift basket at the end of the event. Trust me, I've seen the prizes....you'd be crazy not to enter this contest!

Friday 56: THE FALL OF RAIN By Renee Vincent

2011-12-09T07:56:00.000-05:00

Rules:

* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Post any sentence from that page (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog. (If you do not have your own blog) post it in the comments section of this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Taking a deep breath, she unlocked the door and opened it, ready to burst through and make her way out. A brick wall of solid male chest stopped her. She looked up, stunned.

He looked her up and down. “You didn’t change?”

“I know. I decided there was no sense in it. I’d only get your clothes wet when I leave—”

“Leave?” he interrupted. “You’re not going anywhere at this hour. And it’s pouring.”

“I realize it’s raining, but this is Ireland and I’ve come dressed for the occasion,” she said, tugging on the collar of her raincoat.

He crossed his arms and leaned against the frame of the door, blocking her in. “I don’t think so, love. If I let you leave, it would tarnish my honor.”

* * * *

Past The Print credits Freda's Voice for the great Friday 56 meme:

Other Friday 56 Blogs:

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2011-12-07T08:58:00.001-05:00

Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Actor / Producer

Nickname: Jeff McNaughty
Birthdate: April 22, 1966
Height: 6' 2"

Quote: "I think, as I've gotten older I have realized what a huge privilege it is to even be in this business. I, more than ever, love what I do."

Previous Works:
Grey's Anatomy
Supernatural
P.S. I Love You

This man's smile can bring me to my knees. It's honest and sincere and he has charm to boot. He was discussed this week by some of my author friends as their Gerard Butler replacement (like there could ever be such a thing.) But I suppose the director of PS I Love You thought the same as he was chosen to play the part of William, Gerry's (Gerard Butler's character) best friend, which Holly (Hilary Swank) ends up in bed with a year after his death.

While I thought Jeffrey Dean Morgan played an excellent part, winning over my heart and many hearts of other swooning women across the world, he will not come between me and GB. But I do think he deserves some WMU Wednesday time.

BTW, if you haven't seen the movie, YOU SHOULD! (There's a great shower, or should I say, getting out of the shower scene in the movie with JDM that is quite memorable!)

Hope you enjoy!

Yes this is the pic from the "getting out of the shower" scene in PS I Love You.

Isn't this reason enough to go rent the movie?

Renee Vincent Interview and Giveaway

2011-12-07T04:00:00.006-05:00

I've been interviewed at Brenda and Steve's blog for the promotion of my Emerald Isle Trilogy and its latest release, The Fall of Rain. I'm giving away one of my back list to one lucky random commenter (winner's choice). Giveaway ends Dec 10th. Hope to see you there!

"A Taste For Romance" By Virginia Campbell

2011-12-06T06:00:00.040-05:00

There has never been a time in my life when I have been without the companionship of devoted, furry, four-legged friends. For someone like me, a solitary person, there is no equal to the comfort, acceptance, and love provided by my precious pets. I shouldn't even call them pets--they really are my friends and family. I have recently lost two of my cat-children--my dear little freckle-faced boy named "Kid", and my majestic "black velvet" Elvis, who was the protector and guardian of our household. I am grieving for them, along with all of those who have gone before them, yet I can still find a chuckle or two in remembering their antics.

During our lifetime together, Mom and I and took in many rescue animals. First it was the dogs, and then the cats came. However, when I was growing up, my family owned a number of Boston Terriers, also known as "BTs". They are really wonderful little dogs, and the ones we had the longest were two sisters. I was nine when we got them, and they stayed with us until I was about twenty years old. My grandmother had a fondness for English Bulldogs, which were the dogs of her childhood, but my grandfather was not quite so fond of the breed. They compromised with the BTs, and we had many wonderful years shared with little black and white "mushed-face" dogs. The two sisters were real characters, and they had opposite personalities. One was slightly aggressive, and the other was more meek in personality. They were very close, although they sometimes bickered just like human sisters.

We always wrapped presents for them under the tree, and they loved to rip up the paper and find their rawhide chews and other goodies. They had a couple of other holiday habits which took us a while to discover. We kept finding broken Christmas ornaments under the tree. These were the delicate, old-fashioned glass kind, and at first we thought they were falling off the tree and breaking on their own. Then we discovered the real cause of the destruction: the BT sisters were grabbing the little glass balls from the lower limbs of the tree and crunching them! They didn't seem to be swallowing the pieces, they just enjoyed the snap, crackle, pop of the crunching glass. We had to put all non-glass ornaments on the limbs within their reach, and they would sit and look at the tree like they were expecting something! Those dogs were also nog-nippers. Anyone who sat a glass of eggnog within their reach would notice eggnog missing from their glass. When we caught the BTs with eggnog mustaches, we knew who to blame!

One of the most offbeat Christmas gifts that I have ever received was a Betta Fish. This present came after my home had become a cat refuge, and it came from people who had known me for a long, long time. People who knew I had a houseful of cats and still gave me a fish as a present. A beautiful fish, beautifully presented in bowl with greenery, but still a swimmy, swishy, swirly fish whose movements caught the eyes of the cats. I tried moving the fish bowl different places in the house, but I knew it was a lost cause from the first time I looked at Mr. Fish. My mother begged me not to go back to work after the holiday and leave her alone with the cats and the fish. I packed Mr. Fish up as best I could so he would be secure for his return car trip to the home of the clueless gift givers. I apologized to him all the way to their house, reassuring him that it was nothing personal and that it was in his best interest to be returned to the givers. They were not pleased that I returned the fish--even years later they would bring it up in conversation. My Southern manners would not allow me to say what I really wanted to say, but inside I was dying to let it out!

Mom loved yard sales, and I was her chauffeur. At one particular yard sale I didn't buy anything, but I gained one of the greatest treasures of my life. The lady holding the sale had found an adorable little black dog which she couldn’t keep, and she said she would have to find him a home or take him to the animal shelter. He was so bright-eyed, cute, and friendly, and he followed me all over her yard. I already had other dogs, but several days later, I went back and got him. He was a little mixed mini-dachshund, and I named him “Max”. He lived to be almost 20 years old. He was the light of my life. He never thought small–he thought he was a Rottweiler! As a matter of fact, one of his many, many nicknames was “Baby Rottweiler” : ) He had a “radar ear” which seemed to rotate in many directions. He communicated his feelings with that ear! He was always lively, but in his later years, he had a little trouble getting around. He had arthritis and other problems, but he was still "Mad Max". One holiday season, I ordered Mom a Whiskey Cake from Downey's Restaurant in Philadelphia. We had seen the cakes on a home-shopping program on TV, and I knew Mom would enjoy the treat. The first time we sampled the cake, we both agreed that it was delicious, and worth the extravagance. As soon as we unwrapped the cake, and tasted it, Max showed a keen interest in what we were eating. He gave us a piercing stare with the radar ear at a sharp angle. I spooned up a little cake with some of the whiskey syrup (just a tiny amount), and Max loved it! He almost ate the spoon, and then he gave his whiskers a good cleaning. Mom and I had a good laugh, and the next thing we knew, we heard snoring! It was Max, in a blissful whiskey-cake induced sleep. The three of us shared that cake, making the most of it for as long as we could. Marvelous, magical, mischievous Max--I miss you so!

I certainly could not write about animals and the holidays without telling the story of my cats and the ham dance. My very dear friend Jan, who comments here sometimes, is "The Greatest Ham Cooker Ever". She is so very kind and generous and cooks me a ham and brings me wonderful homemade treats for Christmas. The first time she brought the ham, the cats and I were ecstatic--you would be overjoyed too if someone brought you a superbly cooked ham with pineapple and cherries, and it was still warm from the oven!!! As soon as she left, just barely out of sight, the cats and I started the ham dance. We were on the front porch, in the dark, acting like famished fools about to fall upon that holiday ham, and we were unaware that my mother's best friend had quietly come through the front gate and was watching us. Mom had been gone for a while, but her friend still came by on occasion. Mom would have felt the joy of the ham and joined us in the ham dance. Her friend did not share our sense of humor and our closeness with our pets. When I turned around, and she was right behind me, I almost jumped off the porch! She was looking at me very strangely, and she asked me if I was okay. After just a slight pause, I responded: "Never better!", and I offered her some ham.

The ham dance is a much-loved annual tradition between Jan and me and the cats. I make her my Garlic Cheddar Biscuits for her own ham, and we are all well-satisfied...and well-stuffed. The ham dance...don't knock it until you've tried it.

Do you have favorite and funny animal stories from the holidays to share? What are some really strange gifts that you've received? I come from a fruitcake-loving family. Fruitcake--do you, or don't you? What is your all-time favorite holiday treat?

FOR YOUR HOLIDAY READING ENJOYMENT:

"1225 Christmas Tree Lane"---Debbie Macomber writes wonderful romances with an involving immediacy of characterizations. She makes the people very real for the reader and quickly draws you into the story line. Review...

"Snowflakes and Stetsons" by Jillian Hart, Carol Finch, and Cheryl St.John---A perfect example of why I have come to really enjoy anthologies: A trio of terrific tales written by three talented authors of the historical western romance genre. Each story is quite different, yet each tale offers poignant romance, and touch of humor, and a satisfying serving of seasonal spirit. Review...

"The Nine Lives of Christmas" is a perfect little holiday present for lovers of poignant and funny romance, ornery and endearing pets, and finding the spirit of the season in unexpected places. Author Sheila Roberts gifts her readers with a terrific, touching tale of a tabby cat named Ambrose down to his ninth, and last, chance of finding a happy home for keeps. Review...

"Christmas in Sugarcreek" is the fourth and final book in Shelley Shepard Gray's series "Seasons of Sugarcreek". I have not read the first three books, but I plan to correct that very soon! A few pages into this book, and I was hooked. The characters are wonderfully etched, and I was immediately drawn into the story line. I fell in love with Ben outright--his strength, gentleness and humility were so very appealing.
Review...

Simply Superb Stroganoff
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, sliced
1 16oz. carton French onion dip
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 small can or jar of sliced mushrooms, drained
1 pint cream
1/8 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
pinch of paprika
salt to taste
1 large bag of egg noodles

Spray a Dutch Oven lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Brown beef and drain excess grease. Reduce heat to low and stir in sliced onion. Stir constantly until onion softens. Add in remaining ingredients except egg noodles. If needed, mixture may be thinned with milk. Heat through, stirring occasionally. Serve over hot cooked noodles.

Holiday Gumdrop Cookies
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. margarine, softened
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla extract
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
2 c. quick-cooking oatmeal, uncooked
1 c. flaked coconut
1 c. chopped pecans
1 c. gumdrops, sliced
sugar

Blend together butter, margarine and one cup sugar. Stir in eggs, one at a time, and vanilla until well mixed; set aside. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture and mix well. Stir in the next 4 ingredients just until mixed; chill dough about one hour. With floured hands, roll dough into 1-1/2 inch balls. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Flatten cookies using the bottom of a drinking glass dipped in sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes about 3 dozen.

Glazed Whiskey Cake
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 yellow cake mix
1 small package instant vanilla pudding mix
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
4 eggs
1/3 cup Whiskey
1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
1/2 cup cold water
3/4 cup golden raisins

Glaze:
1 stick butter
1/4 cup water
1-1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 to 1 cup Whiskey (to your taste)

Preheat oven to 325° F. Grease and flour a bundt or tube pan. Sprinkle nuts over bottom of pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine remaining cake ingredients in order given, and mix well. Pour batter into pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool; invert onto plate. Prick holes in cake. Prepare glaze: Melt butter in saucepan. Add water and sugar. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in whiskey. Drizzle glaze over top and sides, allowing it to be absorbed into cake. Continue until all glaze is used. Cake should set at least one day before serving.

Favorite Fruitcake
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 large eggs
1 (27 oz.) jar prepared mincemeat
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups (1 lb.) mixed candied fruit
1 cup coarsely chopped nuts

Heat oven to 300ºF. Coat a 10-cup fluted baking pan with no-stick cooking spray. Stir together flour and baking soda. Combine eggs, mincemeat, sweetened condensed milk, candied fruit and nuts in large bowl. Blend in dry ingredients. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 1 hour, 45 minutes to 1 hour, 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes. Remove from pan. Garnish as desired.

VARIATIONS:
FRUITCAKE BARS: Coat 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan with no-stick cooking spray. Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake 40 to 45 minutes. Cool. Glaze, if desired. Makes about 4 dozen bars.

FRUITCAKE COOKIES: Coat baking sheets with no-stick cooking spray. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls, 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake 15 to 18 minutes. Makes about 5 1/2 dozen cookies.

Tangy Holiday Chutney
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/2 cup raisins, chopped
1/2 cup dates, chopped
1/2 cup honey

Place tomato sauce, dried fruit, and honey in medium saucepan; mix well. Cook over medium heat until gently bubbling around edges. Reduce heat and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until most of liquid is absorbed. Serve warm or at room temperature with roasted turkey, chicken or pork.

Holiday Wassail Punch
1 (64-ounce) container apple cider
2 cups orange juice
1 (64-ounce) container cranberry-raspberry juice
4 cinnamon sticks
1 orange, sliced thick, slices studded with whole cloves

Combine all ingredients in a large slow cooker (at least 5 to 6 quart size). Heat on High setting until mixture is steamy. Reduce to low setting to keep at serving temperature. Stir occasionally.

Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
"wonderful with sliced ham"

2 cups biscuit mix
1 tsp. California--style garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
1/4 tsp. paprika
1 tbsp. sugar
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (regular shred works better than fine shred)
2/3 cup milk*
if desired, melted butter for biscuit tops

In large mixing bowl, combine biscuit mix, garlic salt, paprika, and sugar. Stir in shredded cheese. Add milk, mixing well. *The cheese sometimes absorbs the milk, so you may need to add a little more milk to make a softer dough. On floured surface, roll out dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out biscuits and place with sides touching on baking sheet. Bake at 425 F for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. If desired, brush biscuit tops with melted butter before serving.

Places to find Virginia Campbell:

eHarlequin Blog

Previous "A Taste For Romance" posts

New Release: THE FALL OF RAIN By Renee Vincent

2011-12-05T00:01:00.004-05:00

The Fall of Rain
By Renee Vincent

Now available at: Amazon | Kindle | Nook | All Romance EBooks | Smashwords | Turquoise Morning Press | Book Strand

Blurb:
Leif Dæganssen, an archeologist from Norway, is determined to trace back his Scandinavian roots as far as the Dark Ages and find proof of their existence on the Emerald Isle. After several years of living off the west coast of Ireland, he finally uncovers an ancient artifact—an intricately decorated chest with pagan carvings—buried beneath the very porch of his coastal cottage. Knowing it only confirms the presence of a glorified Norse-influenced settlement on Inis Mór, he’s determined to establish a link between himself and those who once inhabited the rugged isle.

For as long as she can remember, Lorraine O’Connor has had dreams of a Norse warrior kissing her. And even though she’s never fully understood the reason for her vivid subconscious imagination, she welcomes the meaningless and wanton pleasure of being in a Viking’s protective embrace—until the day she meets that brazen Northman on an impulsive vacation trip to Ireland.

Though blindsided by the relevance of her dreams and the strange familiarity of the man within them, Lorraine can’t help but feel a deep-seated intimacy toward Leif. And the more she gets to know him, the more she’s convinced they’ve shared a life together in a time long forgotten.

Are the clues to their ancestral past hidden within the contents of the chest or buried deep within their hearts?

Friday 56: DECISIVE MOMENTS by Toni Noel

2011-12-02T06:00:00.005-05:00

Charles glanced up and into Amy's eyes. He appeared astonished to discover her sitting by the fire. His obvious consternation made her smile.

He shoved the book aside. "I'm sorry. I can't believe I've neglected you this way. Are you comfortable there?"

"I'm fine. Please, go on with what you were saying."

Standing, he brushed at his knees where immaculate creases still arrowed down his pants. "Marta was curious about the model."

"So am I. Any idea who made it?"

Something flickered in the depths of his eyes. "My father. When I was little, I stood at his elbow and watched him working on it for hours. For years, I wasn't allowed to touch it."

"And now it belongs to you." And the little boy can touch it whenever he likes.

She joined Charles and Marta, bending above the bottle for a closer look. Her mind's eye pictured a faceless man constructing the model for his sons.

"I didn't realize it was so intricate. Have you tried your hand at one?"

The loving way he touched the book opened before them left no doubt about his secret longing. "Not yet. Some years back, I bought this book with that intention, but something else came up and sidetracked me. Now, Marta has me thinking about it again."

What about Randy's hobbies? Would Marta have found any of his hobbies worthy of her interest?

Flying was out of the question. Amy couldn't stand the thought of her little girl following him up into the sky. Or the possibility of Marta following him back down the same way.

"Isn't this neat, Mom?" Her daughter's unexpected inquiry sliced through Amy's thoughts. "Mr. Harding said the sailing ship slid in there all folded up, and unfolded all by itself when a string was pulled. I wish I could see it happen."

Gazing up at her, Marta's eyes sparkled like just-washed crystal. "Me, too," Amy managed to whisper.

Charles beamed down at Marta with pride.

Amy felt his body heat as Charles stepped close to her and they both stood watching the child totally mesmerized by the ship.

Then Amy felt his breath against her cheek as he brought his lips to her ear, giving her a secret, stolen kiss. Her knees almost buckled at the intimacy, a careful kiss hidden from Marta, meant for her alone. He was being cautious, in his own way, not wanting Marta to witness this thing, this heat growing between them.

Marta's small hand reached out and reverently touched the bottle. Her gentle touch, the longing evident in her look, made Amy fear at any moment her daughter might announce, "If I had a father, he would build one of these for me."

* * * *

Past The Print credits Freda's Voice for the great Friday 56 meme:

Other Friday 56 Blogs:

"Provocative Ponderings" By Sarah McNeal

2011-12-01T06:00:00.008-05:00

Holiday Stories
I love to read holiday stories, especially Christmas. Although this is the perfect time of year to read them, I can enjoy a cool Christmas story in the middle of July. I have only written two holiday stories.

The first story I’ve written around a holiday theme is Bitter Notes. It is an unusual story for me because it has no paranormal or historical element. It’s like a shot of whiskey, straight up and no ice. Bitter Notes does however contain a symbol—the piano that someone let rot in their front yard as a bitter act of revenge. I timed the story to take place during Thanksgiving—a time when families gather in gratitude. As we all know, the gathering together of families can bring up old baggage and the kind of dysfunctional reactions to these reminders many of us can relate to.

I am privileged to have a story included in the 2011 Christmas Collection published by Victory Tales Press. Gifts From the Afterlife is a paranormal with the ghosts and celestial beings I love to include in my stories. This anthology also includes stories by the talented authors: Cheryl Pierson, Kit Prate, Christine Schultze, and Stephanie Burkhart.

Blurb:
BITTER NOTES: An abandoned piano heals a broken heart.

Humiliated and heart broken by her fiancé, Ella has vowed never to open her heart again.

Nickoli has loved her for years, but she sees him only as her handsome Romanian friend.

How can an abandoned piano heal a broken heart and make it sing again?

Excerpt:
Ella drew in a deep, calming breath while Nickoli quietly waited for her to continue speaking. The backs of her eyes burned with humiliation. “I just can’t do it, Nick. I want to see them, and I would love to spend Thanksgiving with them, but not if I have to endure an inquisition.”

“What would make you happy then?” Nickoli asked the question quietly.

“I want to take a boyfriend with me, a fiancé, actually. Well, not actually a real boyfriend except that they would think he is my boyfriend.” She could barely make herself go on. Nickoli’s face seemed to pale, and his eyes darkened though he remained silent.

She summoned up all her courage. “I want you to go home with me for Thanksgiving. We can pretend we’re in love. It will make them happy, and I won’t have to face them and all their nagging.” She sighed heavily. “It would save me from the torment of their well-meaning questions.”

“You want to pretend.” He seemed to put a strange emphasis on the word that made Ella’s stomach clench.

“Well, yes. Would it be that hard for you to pretend to care for me that way?” A little knot formed in her throat that hurt her, reminding her of Mark and his casual disregard for her feelings.

He shook his head, but his expression seemed shadowed as his lips thinned in a frown. “No. I would not have to pretend to care.”

He was such a dear. He was like a comfortable pair of shoes that never pinched your feet. “Wonderful. Oh, thank you, Nick. You’ve saved me.” She leaned toward him and kissed him on his mouth. His firm lips responded, kissing her back, and a little thrill ran up her spine and quickened in her chest.

BUY LINKS:

Amira Press | Amazon | Book Strand | B&N

I am privileged to have a story included in the 2011 Christmas Collection published by Victory Tales Press. Gifts From the Afterlife is a paranormal with the ghosts and celestial beings I love to include in my stories.

Blurb:
How dark must it get before Lydia sees the light?

Lydia Sinclair’s life has run off the rails. She has lost everyone she loves and Christmas has lost its meaning. As Christmas approaches, Lydia wants to go to sleep and never wake up again. Perhaps an angel, some ghosts and a childhood sweetheart can convince her that life is worth living again. Can Lydia let go of what once was, renew her joy in Christmas and find the promise of hope for her future?

BUY LINKS:

Amazon | Smashwords | Lulu | B&N

*Visit Sarah McNeal at: http://sarahmcneal.com

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2011-11-30T06:28:00.000-05:00

Rob Wilson

Model Mayhem

Stats:
6'
173 lbs.
Brown Hair
Brown Eyes

Photo Credits:
Jeff Slater Photography
Scott Hoover Photography
Nous Model Management

What can I say...I'm utterly speechless.

New Release:

2011-11-28T06:00:00.011-05:00

Nick Of Time
Climax, Virginia Mystery Series, Book 2

By Bobbye Terry

Available at: Amazon Kindle| B&N Nook | Turquoise Morning Press

Blurb:

New violence arrives to the town of Climax, lurking beneath the conventions and quirks of a down-home southern lifestyle. In the middle of the chaos, Sheriff’s assistant, Emily Franklin falls in love with newcomer Nick Troy and the two embark on a treacherous journey to discover who is hiding behind an evil web of crime. Amidst kidnappings, trafficking and murder, will the lovers’ happily ever after turn into a drearily dead down under?

Friday 56: RAFE'S REDEMPTION By Jennifer Jakes

2011-11-25T06:00:00.007-05:00

"You can't sleep. You'll die."

No answer.

He unlaced and removed one of her boots, then slapped the bottom of her foot. Her eyes flew open, blue fire spitting sparks.

"Damn you." She yanked her leg free.

"I’m glad you feel like snarling at me. That’s a good sign you’ll recover.”

He glanced at her as he spoke, watched the sparks die, and a hint of a wicked smile curve her full mouth.

“Mr. McBride, if that’s all it took, I’d be the picture of health.”

He laughed then, out loud, like he hadn’t since before the war. And it felt good. For a minute, he forgot everything that was wrong in his life and the danger surrounding them. For a minute, he imagined kissing her again, stealing the words from her sassy mouth, wrapping their naked bodies in a blanket and warming her the best way he knew how. From the inside out. Pumping heat into her chilled body with each slide of his cock, each stroke of his hand, each long, drugging kiss. Instead, he reeled back from her and stood.

“Sit tight while I make a fire.” He purposely frowned to erase the moment. And to stop the wayward path of his mind.

He strode to Moses and pulled the tinder box from his pack, calling himself ten kinds of fool. Why couldn’t he stop thinking about her? She never gave indication she would welcome any advance. She wanted that kiss, the devil in him tempted. No, she didn’t. She just wanted to go home. Though why she was so excited he couldn’t fathom. Sooner or later her abusive cousin would return, and there would be no one to protect her. Or was there? Unexpected jealousy hit him like a punch in the gut. Did she have a man waiting for her?

He darted a glance over his shoulder to where she sat. Pink-tinged lips; long, dark, tousled hair. No doubt some man wanted her. Well, good. That made his task easy. Once he deposited her on a stagecoach, his responsibility ended, and he wouldn’t think about her ever again. Ever.

* * * *

Past The Print credits Freda's Voice for the great Friday 56 meme:

Other Friday 56 Blogs:

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2011-11-23T04:00:00.002-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

From my kitchen to yours, may you have a very happy and safe holiday. Don't forget to give thanks for all the many blessings and special people in your world. Life is too short not to let them know how much you appreciate them.

Oh, and while you are at it, don't forget to indulge a little as well...I know I will be!

Thank you all for being the best romance fans ever!
Happy Wednesday!!!

All right ladies, who's your favorite sexy chef?

Come Visit With Me!

2011-11-21T13:17:00.000-05:00

Today I'm at two great romance blogs:

At Romance Books R Us, I'm talking about Breaking Dawn and my movie experience this weekend.
At Sweet N Sexy Divas, I'm featuring another segment of "Soulful Quotes" from Native American romances by Karen Kay and Beth Trissel.

And just as an fyi, this weekend, my books Ræliksen and Mac Liam were listed among Regan's Romance Reviews as two of the "BEST VIKING ROMANCES." Just below that post is also a great review for Ræliksen. Here's what she had to say: "It's a well-told, unique Viking story. This one is superb."

New Release: UNDERCOVER By Christina Wolfer

2011-11-21T06:00:00.004-05:00

Undercover

By Christina Wolfer

Available at: Kindle | Nook | ARe | Smashwords

Blurb:

As a police officer, Erica Salinas is determined to eliminate as many gangs as she can. When she's offered an opportunity to go undercover as a student at a Chicago city high school to stop the drugs trafficking its halls, she jumps at the chance. She intends to right a wrong committed against her family years ago and prove to herself she isn't the coward she once was.

It doesn't take long for her to identify the two gangs that rule the school and get offered drugs. But she isn't satisfied with runners, she wants to go up the chain to the dealer and supplier.

She befriends a boy who has connections with one of the gangs, hoping to get closer to her goal. Instead, she finds herself getting attached to the kid and falling in love with his brother, Derrick.

Sparks fly when Derrick and Erica meet for the first time. Derrick can't believe she is only seventeen and takes on a moral battle when he can't get her out of his mind. How will he ever forgive her when he finds out the real reason she is there?

Erica knows she is putting the case at risk by getting too involved. And when she spots a gang allegiance tattoo on Derrick's wrist, she will have to decide if her career and avenging her sisters death is more important than love.

Friday 56: UNHOLY PURSUITS By Suzanne Rock

2011-11-18T06:00:00.003-05:00

He kissed the sensitive spot between her neck and shoulder. “Yes. I left them for dead, Ari. I left them for dead.”

“Dead? Who?”

“My team.”

“No one survived? Just you?” Panic built in her chest. Was Cai really dead? If so, then she needed to go back to Celestial Wood immediately. This was terrible news.

“Gone.” He shook his head. “I don’t know.” He worked his way back down her spine. That tongue could do wicked things and Arianne had all she could do to not succumb to the erotic sensations he was creating. Lower and lower he dropped, sliding that hot, wet tongue over her spine and building pressure in her core. Heaven help me. The need was so strong, the pressure so great, that she thought that she might burst.

When he reached the base of her spine, he nuzzled his face against the small of her back. “I don’t know anything anymore.”
He rubbed his face over her skin and Ari fought the tingles of pleasure he created along her lower back. “Darien, is your team still alive down there?”

“Not everyone.” He stood and stretched his body over hers until every inch of his torso touched her back, creating tingles of excitement down her spine. “Not everyone.”

There was hurt and loneliness in his voice and Ari’s heart went out to him. He blamed himself for their predicament. “I’m sorry, Darien.”

“I just want to forget.” He nuzzled his face into her hair. “I just want to sink myself deep inside of you and forget how much of a failure I am.”

“You’re not a failure.”

“I am—the worst kind of failure.” He nuzzled her back once more, the tender gesture warming her heart and increasing her need.

“No, you’re not a failure.”

“And you know the worst part?”

“What?”

“I don’t care.”

* * * *

Past The Print credits Freda's Voice for the great Friday 56 meme:

Other Friday 56 Blogs:

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2011-11-16T06:00:00.016-05:00

Allen Clippinger

Website

Stats:
5'11"
Hair: Strawberry Blond
Eyes: Green

Photo Credits:
Jeff Slater
Wander Augiar

No, you are not experiencing dèjá vu. Remember, I said I was doing two weeks of this guy? If you missed last week's WMU Wednesday post (or just want to visit it again) click HERE. Otherwise, enjoy the photos I've chosen for this week.

Happy Wednesday!

Honestly, is there anything better than watching a bunch

of rough and tough shirtless guys passing around the ol' pigskin?

Okay, this one just melted my heart...

Admittedly, so did this pic.

All right ladies, what's the verdict? Was he worth a two week showing?

New Release: SOMEWHERE THE BELLS RING By Beth Trissel

2011-11-14T06:00:00.003-05:00

Somewhere The Bells Ring
By Beth Trissel
Available at:

Blurb:
Caught with pot in her dorm room, Bailey Randolph is exiled to a relative's ancestral home in Virginia to straighten herself out. Banishment to Maple Hill is dismal, until a ghost appears requesting her help. Bailey is frightened but intrigued. Then her girlhood crush, Eric Burke, arrives and suddenly Maple Hill isn't so bad.

To Eric, wounded in Vietnam, his military career shattered, this homecoming feels no less like exile. But when he finds Bailey at Maple Hill, her fairy-like beauty gives him reason to hope--until she tells him about the ghost haunting the house. Then he wonders if her one experiment with pot has made her crazy.As Bailey and Eric draw closer, he agrees to help her find a long-forgotten Christmas gift the ghost wants. But will the magic of Christmas be enough to make Eric believe--in Bailey and the ghost--before the Christmas bells ring?

Friday 56: THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN By Patricia A Rasey

2011-11-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

He knew Casey was right. He knew his marriage had been over long ago. He had accepted that fact when he filed the separation papers. But the rift in the marriage was not entirely his fault. Sure he had been absent because of his long hours on the job, but that didn’t give Susanna the right to find someone to take his place, warm his side of the bed. Anger seeped through him. Why the hell should he care if she wanted the divorce? Hell, he ought to be thanking her.

“Tev?”

“I’m here,” he grumbled. “Just make sure she’s there Sunday night. If Susanna wants the fucking papers signed, I’ll gladly oblige. But she’ll face me when I do it.”

Tev snapped shut the flap on the phone and rested his head along the back of the sofa. How dare she divorce him when it was her infidelities that had led to the demise of their marriage? If he were honest, though, it wasn’t the divorce that bothered him, but losing custody of Becca. With him stuck knee-deep in this case, there was little he could do about losing his daughter. Tev threw the phone on the sofa and walked to the bathroom.

* * * *

Past The Print credits Freda's Voice for the great Friday 56 meme:

Other Friday 56 Blogs:

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2011-11-09T06:00:00.058-05:00

Allen Clippinger

Website

Stats:
5'11"
Hair: Strawberry Blond
Eyes: Green

Photo Credits:
Jeff Slater

I decided, after perusing through countless pics of this guy, to feature him two weeks in a row. I felt as if I had dug up a treasure trove of male goodness and couldn't pick just a handful of my favorites. So, here he is in all his beautiful glory.

Happy Wednesday!

I'm liking the James Dean look...

And my personal favorite...

He looks VERY nice in a pair of chaps!

New Release: THE SINNER By Margaret Mallory

2011-11-07T06:00:00.017-05:00

The Sinner
The Return of The Highlanders
By Margaret Mallory

Available at: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | IndieBound | Books A Million

Blurb:
THE SINNER: THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS

Four fearless warriors return to the Highlands to claim their lands and legacies. But all their trials on the battlefield can't prepare them for their greatest challenge yet: winning the hearts of four willful Scottish beauties.

IRRESISTIBLE DESIRE

Alex MacDonald is known for his skill as a warrior, his prowess with women, and his vow to never take a wife. But now his chieftain has asked him to make the ultimate sacrifice: wed Glynis MacNeil, a lass famed throughout the Highlands for her exquisite beauty-and defiant ways.
Familiar with heartbreak, Glynis refuses to fall for another handsome scoundrel. Yet when Alex's past sins force an unlikely union, Glynis gives in to temptation and becomes his wife. Will their newfound passion be strong enough to fight the enemy that threatens their home, their clan, and their very lives

Friday 56: HIGHLAND DRAGON By Kimberly Killion

2011-11-04T06:00:00.008-04:00

When the laird twirled her ebony curl around his finger, she froze. He may as well have chained her for she lacked the ability to move away from him. A ferocious tingle flitted beneath her skin, and she rushed to continue the conversation. “In all actuality, I expected my benefactor sooner. I am already three years past marriageable age. I should have a bairn at the breast and one tugging at my kirtle by now.”

“Ye are hardly past your years. I think the mon will be eager to see ye swollen with his child.” He stroked her forearm with the back of one finger. In a flash, gooseflesh covered her skin beneath his simple caress. She giggled like a half-brained maiden and fought with a loose thread on her skirt. She was acting a fool. Kendrick would bruise his hand on her backside for talking to the laird in such a way.

She blew a relieved breath when her brother’s stealthy footsteps crunched out of the grove.

Kendrick gruffly interrupted. “Did ye talk?”

“Akira was just telling me her expectations of her benefactor. She hopes he’s auld and homely with a pack of weel-mannered bairns to rear.” Laird MacLeod smiled at her brother, and she regretted sharing such details with him. The look of disgust on Kendrick’s face made her feel as if she’d betrayed her benefactor. Her body, in fact, had. But the sour expression curling her brother’s lip was directed at the laird, not her.

Kendrick stepped closer, shook his head, and glared at Laird MacLeod. “Ye’ve not told her, have ye?”

“Ye went to take a piss. ’Twas hardly enough time for me to broach the subject.”

“Ye’ve had plenty o’ time, MacLeod,” Kendrick growled. “Ye will tell her or I will. She deserves the truth. Now!”

“Tell me what?” Akira sensed Kendrick’s agitation. She’d seen that scowl before. He’d worn the same disappointed look a hundred times when scolding her for disobedience. “Tell me what, Kendrick?” she asked again when no one spoke.

Her brother stared at Laird MacLeod, giving him ample opportunity to answer. When he didn’t, Kendrick proceeded. “The new chieftain o’ Clan MacLeod is your benefactor and has come to claim ye as his wife.”

“What?” Akira’s hands flew to her face to cool the hot humiliation flooding her cheeks. This cunning, arrogant man, who just asked her a dozen questions about himself, was her benefactor? “Nay! ’Tis not true.”

Recalling the details she’d provided him caused her further embarrassment. He deceived her, which told her more than she wanted to know about his character. And the innocent smile he offered her bit into what little pride she felt she had left. The air thickened and grew too stifling to breathe. She stood and gave Kendrick a glare she hoped passed for righteous indignation. “How could ye? He is not what ye promised me.”

“He is what he is,” Kendrick offered without emotion.

She bolted into the timberland. A full moon reflected off the firth, which lit her way to the thickest tree in the grove. Digging her fingers into the bark, she started climbing.

* * * *

Past The Print credits Freda's Voice for the great Friday 56 meme:

Other Friday 56 Blogs:

"Provocative Ponderings" By Sarah McNeal

2011-11-03T06:00:00.003-04:00

Here’s Come The Holidays; Like It Or Not

Like it not, here come the holidays for winter. Almost every culture has winter celebrations of some kind. As far as I’m concerned, it’s just a way to stave off the dark days of winter that can be cold and uncomfortable, and can be awful depressing on occasion.

I don’t know if any of you have ever been alone for a major holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas, but I can tell you from personal experience that it can make life feel mighty lonesome. I have learned to have a back-up plan—just in case. Often I have spent the holidays with friends which has actually been kind of fun. I have never spent Christmas with a friend though. A few Christmases have found me with just my pets and a tiny fake tree. I bring this up because I used these rather austere elements in a short Christmas story I wrote that is part of the Christmas Anthology 2011 by Victory Tales Press. The story is titled: Gifts From The Afterlife.

Gifts From The Afterlife
By Sarah McNeal
Christmas Anthology 2011

Blurb:
How dark must it get before Lydia sees the light?

Lydia Sinclair’s life has run off the rails. She has lost everyone she loves and Christmas has lost its meaning. As Christmas approaches, Lydia wants to go to sleep and never wake up again. Perhaps an angel, some ghosts and a childhood sweetheart can convince her that life is worth living again. Can Lydia let go of what once was, renew her joy in Christmas and find the promise of hope for her future?

Excerpt:
"I don't get 'liquored up' and, yes, my name is Lydia Sinclair. You're not a stalker, are you?" She gave him what she hoped was a piercing look then peered at the grocery bags. "So, now that we've established you're not a serial killer, a stalker, or a scam artist, what is it you want?"

"Very nice, Lydia Sinclair. I couldn't feel more welcome than if I had walked into a pit of feral cats." He chuckled. "I thought this being Christmas Eve with me just next door and who, by the way, has no electricity might come over to your house and ask to borrow your stove in return for a Christmas Eve dinner." He winked. "Complete with dessert."

"You cook?" Nothing could be more unbelievable than a drop dead gorgeous man who cooked.

The grin grew even bigger. "Yes ma'am, I do, and pretty damn good. I picked it up when I was doing post graduate work. The motto was either learn to cook or starve." He picked up his bags again. "So, what'd you say? Free dinner sound good to you? Besides, it's Christmas Eve. Nobody wants to be alone on Christmas Eve."

Buy Links:
Amazon | Smashwords Ebook ($3.99) | Lulu Ebook ($3.99):

Contest:

To one lucky commenter I will give a copy of the 2011 Christmas Anthology. Be sure to include your email address.

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2011-11-02T06:00:00.011-04:00

Today, I thought I'd do things a little different. You know, spice things up a bit. Are you game?

Oh, now don't worry, I'll still give you the normal Wake-Me-Up mancandy you've come to expect, but I also thought I'd give you a show to go with it. And if you're anything like me, you'll find yourself watching this commercial several times. It is so worth the look!

Happy Wednesday, ladies!

This one is my favorite!

"A Taste For Romance" by Virginia Campbell

2011-11-01T06:00:00.027-04:00

Since November is the month in which we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the United States, I wanted to talk about what I am so grateful for in my life. All of my immediate family has been gone for a while. I have lost many close friends and cherished pets. I also mourn the loss of friendships which I thought were unbreakable, only to see them fly away for fairer weather during the stormiest times of my life. When you choose to follow your own beliefs and stay true to who you really are as a person, you often walk that path alone.

My life has never been like I expected it to be, and if someone had told me as a child what I would have to face as an adult, I wouldn't have believed them. I am now in my early fifties, and I can see that I have mellowed in some ways and matured in others. It's also true that I am still a VA mountain girl, and I am still full of corn. I like corn, and I feel sorry for those who don't have it. Everyone should have a measure of corn, and by that I mean an appreciation for old fashioned storytelling, simple silly jokes, and the wry awareness of the unfailing ability of human beings to shoot themselves in the foot when they are already on crutches. If you don't have all that, then chances are you will take yourself far, far too seriously.

I have always been a person with big emotions, deep feelings, and my heart is worn plainly on my sleeve. Even though that makes me an easy target, I am glad that I will never be ambivalent about life, love, respect, and common courtesy. For most of my working life, I have been employed in some form or another of customer service. I genuinely like to help people. I am a problem solver, and I hate waste. It is very satisfying to identify someone's problem, know the solution or how to find the solution, and then resolve the issue for the customer. Some people really appreciate that, and others scream at you and talk to you as though you were an alien sub-species, something not even human. Those screaming people obviously lack corn.

"Hey, Grandpa, what's for supper?"--from TV's corniest show--"Hee Haw"

One thing that has never changed for me is my love of books and reading. As you know from viewing my blog posts and comments, I am hooked on comfort reads as well as comfort foods. Even in this great big world of the internet, ebooks, "nothing sacred" reality TV, and promotional banners in outer space, the sustenance found in a well-written story with involving characters still shines a light through the haze of human malcontent and misbehavior. Whether it is the expected skill of a favorite author or the joy of discovery of an appealing new writer or genre, taking the time to read takes you away from one situation and places you in a situation of your own choosing. You may still be sitting in your living room, a doctor's waiting room, or riding a bus to and from work, but at the same time, you can travel around the universe without moving more than your eyes back an forth across the printed words and your finger as it turns the page.

In these troubling financial times, when so many of us face financial difficulties, you won't find a better bargain than a book. I have a lot of respect for those who produce the books that I enjoy so much, and that includes the authors, the publishers, the cover artists and cover models, the booksellers, the publicists, the retailers, and the makers of the books. The making of a book starts with the seed of an idea that is nurtured and cultivated and pruned to its presentation point. Lots of fertilizer is spread along the way!

The thing that I am most grateful for in my life is the foundation for living that was given to me by mother and grandparents. While my life has been far from perfect, I wouldn't change having the three "parents" that I had--they made me who I am today. They enabled me to be a respectful, appreciative, grateful person.

I also love the few friends who have stayed with me throughout my life, no matter how awful things were or how stupid I have acted at times. Of course, there are no words to truly express the love given and received between my pets and myself. Really, no words are needed. I appreciate and admire all of you who are part of my book world. You are in my heart, and you make my heart full.

Little things still mean a lot. Life's simple pleasures are the best! Right now, my house smells heavenly. I made bread and I have a fresh pot of coffee brewing as I type. In a few moments, I will take out my little covertly hoarded (from myself) stash of real butter and pure concord grape jelly. Fresh coffee and homemade bread with butter and jelly--sheer bliss!

This morning, early, when I turned on the TV, I was lucky to start my day off with the movie "Rose Marie", starring Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald. I love opera and operettas and big glorious movie musicals! My all-time favorite movie is "Show Boat" (1951), with Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson. When I was a kid, my mother, grandmother and I would sing along with the movies. Mom had the high voice, mine was lower, and Gran did the "silly singing". We were silly singers extraordinaire! Corn Artistes!

Here are some recent reads that made me laugh out loud, pulled at my heartstrings, expanded my reader's imagination, and were simply pure reading enjoyment:

"LOVE AT ABSOLUTE ZERO" by Christopher Meeks--With some books, you can sense in advance that you are in for a reader's treat, that you will be taken outside your normal reading zone and sent on an involving and entertaining journey through words. "Love at Absolute Zero", by Christopher Meeks, is just such a book. I knew that I would love the hero, Gunnar Gunderson, and that I would be captivated by his adventure of self-enlightenment. What I didn't know, since this was my first read from Chris Meeks, was that the author would blow me away with his skill as a storyteller. Since Gunnar is a physicist, his thought processes center around science and logic. He even uses physics to rationalize human behavior and sexuality. Full review...

"A NIGHT TO SURRENDER" by Tessa Dare--I smiled all the way through "A Night to Surrender" by Tessa Dare. The humor and banter and romantic sparks were just right. There were also moments of exquisite tenderness as well as evocatively erotic interludes. The appreciation between the hero and heroine of each other as individuals was as profound as it was passionate. Neither of them knew that they had spent a lifetime searching for each other until they actually met. Full review...

"WINTER BLOOM" by Tara Heavey--Just as the garden of "Winter Bloom" is lovingly and skillfully brought back to life, so are the lives of the characters revived and renewed. Tara Heavey tells the story of five people who work together toward a common goal and discover much about themselves and each other along the way. When young widowed mother Eva Madigan spies the sadly neglected walled garden of the elderly Mrs. Prendergast, she is struck by the desire to restore the wasted space to its former glory. It takes some convincing, and Mrs. Prendergast warns her that the garden is meant to be sold, but Eva is given permission for her project. Full review...

"ONCE IN A BLUE MOON" by Leanna Ellis--As I began reading "Once in a Blue Moon", by Leanna Ellis, I soon realized that I was in for a rare treat. I have my favorite genres and types of characters, and those are my comfort reads. However, I love it when an author can take me some place new, make it a journey to remember, and introduce me to new friends to whom I don't want to say goodbye. That's exactly what Leanna Ellis did with "Once in a Blue Moon". Bryn Seymour is a journalist with a college-aged daughter, a divalistic cat, and real difficulty with close personal relationships. Full Review...

"CAPTIVE OF SIN" by Anna Campbell--Nothing pleases me more as a reader than to be captured by a story line and to become so involved with the characters that I am actually immersed in the book. With "Captive of Sin", I was turning the pages, leaning forward in my seat, and I think I spoke out loud in response to what I was reading! Full Review...

Southwest Stuffed Peppers
4 extra-large, or 6 medium, sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup white rice
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb very lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (3 oz) can mild green chilies
1 (14 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp sugar
salt & pepper to taste
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with Mexican seasoning
1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack or mild cheddar cheese, divided

Preheat oven to 350. Prepare peppers by washing, slicing tops off, and removing insides. Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon salt. Boil whole peppers for about 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften. Remove from water with tongs and place on paper towels to drain. Prepare rice per package directions and drain well. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, onions, garlic, and chilies and cook until meat is done. Add corn, beans, cumin, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until corn and beans are heated through, about 5 minutes. Place peppers in a greased baking dish. Remove skillet from heat and add rice, tomatoes, 1 cup cheese. Stir to combine well. Taste mixture and if needed, add extra seasoning. Evenly divide mixture between peppers. Top peppers with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.

Plum Easy Cake
2 cups ripe plums, unpeeled, pitted & diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1/4 unsalted butter, melted & cooled
3 tablespoons sugar

Preheat oven to 400 F. Spray and flour the bottom of either an 8 X 10 baking dish or a 9” square. Place plums in a bowl with lemon juice and set aside. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and yogurt, whisk in melted butter. Add flour mixture to yogurt mixture. Drain off excess liquid from plums. Fold plums into batter. Pour into a baking pan and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of cane sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when tested.

Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Sausage
2 acorn squash
2 tbsp. soft butter
1 lb. maple-flavored pork sausage
1 Granny Smith apple, unpeeled, small-diced
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 tbsp. brown sugar
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg

Wash squash well, cut in half to make two round halves from each squash. Scrape out the seedy middle. (**Save seeds--see below). If necessary, slice a very thin piece from each end of squash to make the halves sit flat while cooking. Place the squash halves on a foil-lined baking sheet. Rub the inside of each squash half with soft butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes, or until soft. While squash is baking, cook sausage in a large skillet until almost done, breaking up sausage as it cooks. Add the apple and continue to cook until sausage is done and apple is softened. Add chopped walnuts and sugar. Sprinkle with light shake each of cinnamon and nutmeg. Continue to cook and stir a few more minutes until mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and cover. Heat again just before adding to squash. When squash is done, place each squash on serving plate and fill with heated stuffing.

**Toasted Squash Seeds: You can wash off and bake the seeds just like pumpkin seeds. Sprinkle with salt and bake for about 7 minutes on 350, or until toasted. For a different flavor kick, instead of salt sprinkle seeds lightly with ground cinnamon, chili powder, or garlic powder.

Fettuccine with Shrimp and Bacon
1 pound uncooked fettuccine
2 bacon slices (uncooked)
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 cups frozen green peas, thawed
1 cup shredded carrot
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup (4 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
chopped fresh parsley or fresh chives for garnish

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well; keep warm. Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 6 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon from the pan, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in pan. Crumble bacon; set aside. Add shrimp and garlic to pan; sauté over medium-high heat 2 minutes. Add peas and carrot; cook 2 minutes or just until shrimp are done. Transfer shrimp mixture to a large bowl; keep warm. Combine milk, flour, salt, and pepper, stirring with a whisk. Add milk mixture to pan; cook over medium heat 3 minutes or until thickened and bubbly, stirring constantly with a whisk. Remove pan from heat; add cheese, stirring until blended. Add milk mixture to shrimp mixture; stir until combined. Add pasta and toss gently to coat. Transfer pasta mixture to a platter, or divide evenly among each of 8 plates; sprinkle evenly with parsley or chives and crumbled bacon. Serve immediately. Makes 8 servings.

Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups quick or old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 (12 ounce) package white chocolate chips
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (14 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Combine flour, oats and brown sugar in large bowl. Add butter; mix until crumbly. Stir in morsels. Reserve 2 1/2 cups morsel mixture for topping. With floured fingers, press remaining mixture into prepared pan. Beat cream cheese in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and vanilla extract; mix until smooth. Pour over crust. Combine cranberry sauce and cornstarch in medium bowl. Spoon over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle reserved morsel mixture over cranberry mixture. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cover; refrigerate until serving time (up to 1 day). Cut into bars.

Hot Mulled Cider Tea
1 (32 oz) bottle cranberry juice cocktail
1 (32 oz) bottle apple juice
6 cinnamon-apple herbal tea bags
brown sugar or honey to taste
cinnamon sticks

In a 3 qt. saucepan over high heat, bring cranberry juice and apple juice to a boil. Remove from heat. Add tea bags, cover, and let brew for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in sweetener. Pour tea into mugs and add a cinnamon stick to each mug.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
4 eggs
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
1/2 cup water
3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1 bag (11 oz) mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray and add paper liners. Mix sugar, oil, eggs. Add pumpkin and water. In separate bowl mix together the baking flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices and salt.. Add wet mixture and stir in chocolate chips. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until muffins spring back lightly to touch. Makes about 2 dozen muffins.

Places to find Virginia Campbell:

eHarlequin Blog

Romance At Random: Fabulous Food and Fantastic Fiction

Previous "A Taste For Romance" posts

Halloween Release: SOMETHING SPOOKY THIS WAY COMES

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

Something Spooky This Way Comes

Turquoise Morning Press

Halloween Anthology: A collection of eerie short stories, for Halloween or not! Some ghosts, a vampire, a witch-in-training, a little romance, and more....

Available at: Amazon | B&N | Turquoise Morning Press

Authors:

The Unhaunted House by Lozi Hart
A Trick for a Treat by Keri Ford
Dracula's Bath and Fireside by J.W. Keleher
Masked Souls by Tonya Kappes
A Witcherly Challenge by Maddie James
The Dragon Keeper by Janet Eaves
A Piece of her Soul by Magdalena Scott
Finders Seekers by Jennifer Johnson

New Release: RUBY, THE WHITE KING, AND MARILYN MONROE By F.L. Bicknell

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

Ruby, the White King, and Marilyn Monroe
By F. L. Bicknell
Urban Fantasty/Romance/Paranormal

Available at: Turquoise Morning Press | Kindle | Nook

Blurb:
Reincarnated over the centuries. Stuck with a ditzy Marilyn Monroe lookalike. Falling for a rich albino guy. It’s just Ruby’s luck for Hell’s “real” angels to ride into this life and screw it all up.

Friday 56: APRIL'S KISS IN THE MOONLIGHT By Jean Joachim

2011-10-28T06:00:00.003-04:00

"Farm boys! I warned you. . ." he said, grabbing her around the middle and tickling her.

They struggled for a while, April shrieking and laughing at the same time. Hal and Shirley came out on their deck, concerned about the screaming until they looked over at April. They smiled and went back inside. She continued to struggle, knocking Gavin off balance. He let go of her to keep them from falling. She stepped back, panting. Both of them worked to catch their breath. The moonlight painted a warm glow on their faces as they eyed each other. He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her to him. April tried to push away but Gavin gripped her firmly and wasn’t going to let go. His lips met hers before they heard Cassie giggling. The couple parted.

Justin and Cassie were howling with laughter as they returned. His arm was around her shoulders with hers around his waist. Cassie’s lipstick was smudged on Justin’s mouth and cheek leaving none on her lips. They appeared to be drunk, although no one was drinking.

"Interrupting something . . . I hope," Justin snickered, laughing.

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Past The Print credits Freda's Voice for the great Friday 56 meme:

Other Friday 56 Blogs:

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2011-10-26T08:32:00.000-04:00

Devin Ludlow

Stats:

Height: 5'10"
Hair: Light Brown
Eye: Blue

Photo Credits:
Frank Rubio

Elite Model Management

The eyes caught me on this guy! I love how light they are and how they look right through me. There is a kindness in the way he looks at the camera, but underlying all that, is a bad boy waiting to be unleashed. Anyone else see it?

Happy Wednesday!!!

I'm so digging the scruff!

See what I'm talking about? Here's the boy next door look...

And here, the bad boy threatens to come out whether you can handle it or not. Love it!

New Release: TIMING IS EVERYTHING By Drea Becraft

2011-10-24T06:00:00.011-04:00

Timing Is Everything

By Drea Becraft

Available at: Amazon | B&N | ARe

Blurb:
Mandy only wanted one thing in life–to have a family. With no other options available to her, Mandy seeks out to adopt a child to call her own. Then a favor for a friend turns her world upside down and inside out.

Dmitri is on a mission to expand his business, but when his ex drops their baby on his doorstep for him to raise, Dmitri’s plans start to venture into unknown territory. If it weren’t for Mandy, his whole world would be in shambles.

Both Mandy and Dmitri have their own crosses to bear but Dmitri can’t imagine life without her. In a situation neither of them planned on, can they get past their differences and find happiness together?

Guest Blogging at Two Blogs: Romance Books R Us and Sweet N Sexy Divas

2011-10-21T07:00:00.005-04:00

I'm guest blogging at Sweet N Sexy Divas today and I have some soulful quotes from a few paranormal romances, since it's very close to Halloween. Hope to see you there!

I'm also guest blogging at Romance Books R Us and featuring one of my best author friends, Gabriella Edwards. Come on over and meet this wonderful author.

Friday 56: NEVER SURRENDER By Deanna Jewel

2011-10-21T06:00:00.008-04:00

“Since you ignored her, so did I. It wasn’t my place to tell you how to treat your prisoner.”

Taima rose and pointed at his son. “Keep him with you until I return.”

He raced toward the horses, seeing a shadow slip into the pines. Why couldn’t white women be as obedient as the Shoshone women? At least they listened when a man warned them of impending danger. But like his mother, Kate was head-strong, and that thought stirred memories of the deaths that still haunted his dreams, stirred his hatred for the white man, and stirred his growing feelings for the white woman he pursued. Try as he may, he knew she was becoming a part of him.

This aggravating white woman had no idea how cold the nights got out here in the wilderness, nor how many dangerous animals preyed after dark. The cats especially enjoyed hunting then, sometimes dropping from the trees onto their unsuspecting prey. Taima knew he had to find her before they did.

The wind whispered a warning as Taima entered the pines, annoyed that he’d had to leave the warmth of his fire to find the strong-willed white woman. Ahanu could have prevented this when he watched Kate leave. He would pay dearly for making Taima leave his son to chase after some wild woman.

* * * *

Past The Print credits Freda's Voice for the great Friday 56 meme:

Other Friday 56 Blogs:

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2011-10-19T06:00:00.012-04:00

Stuart Reardon

English professional rugby league footballer

30 years old

Model Mayhem

Facebook

Photo Credits:

Gilles Crofta

This week, I have another remarkable athlete with a unique tattoo. He also looks quite fabulous in a pair of tight jeans. Have a very happy Wednesday!

New Release: GIFT OF THE HEART By Suzanne Barrett

2011-10-17T10:31:00.000-04:00

Gift of the Heart

By Suzanne Barrett

(A Christmas Romance Novella)

Available at: Turquoise Morning Press | Kindle | Smashwords ARe| Bookstrand

Blurb:
Amy Wilson struggles to make a home for herself and her small son in the Northern California town of Riverton. Widowed and alone, and saddled with debt from her husband’s failed business, she vows to pay off his creditors herself and remain independent from her overbearing in-laws.

Shay McHugh is dissatisfied with his life. At thirty-three, he has a home on the river which he has just remodeled, a white Porsche, a powerboat, and a position as manager of Riverton’s ValuKing Supermarket. But lately he finds life doesn’t offer the fulfillment he craves. Something is lacking. When he meets Amy, he has an overwhelming desire to protect her, which is exactly the thing Amy has been escaping. Can the two set aside their differences and make room for love?

Friday 56: SiNN By Tina Donahue

2011-10-14T09:44:00.000-04:00

Perspiration dampened the hollow of her throat and the skin beneath her breasts. Warm air from the ceiling vents poured down on her, drying it.

Brushing his lips over her cheek, Jake continued.

Lea bit back a moan at his teasing strokes. For a long moment, she regarded Toby, knowing how whorish she must look, enjoying it. This was what she craved…unrestrained passion with no regret. This was what he would give her before their time together ended.

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Past The Print credits Freda's Voice for the great Friday 56 meme:

Other Friday 56 Blogs:

Friday 56: UP A DRY CREEK By Avery Flynn

2011-10-07T07:00:00.004-04:00

“Old story. Girl meets boy. Girl falls in love. Boy sleeps with girl’s friend.” She shrugged as if it didn’t still hurt. “I came home, opened Harvest and here I am.”

Jake had inched closer to her while she talked. Her hip touched his thigh. His body heat seeped in, scattering her thoughts.

“What’s the idiot’s name?”

“Brett Green, why?”

“That way I know who to slug if I ever met him.”

She laughed. Pounding Brett was a fantasy she nurtured herself. Jake reached across for a napkin, his elbow grazing the side of her breast.

“How about you?” Her voice squeaked. Hoping to distract herself from his hard body, she swept the pizza crust crumbs scattered across the island into a small pile.

“No, I haven’t fallen in love with a boy recently.” He chuckled. “So, do killers tend to stalk you on a regular basis?”

She shrugged. “I’m just a boring restaurant owner. Half the time I think Harvest owns me, I’m there so much. No excitement in my life except when a customer’s car gets towed.”

“Too bad. You seem like a woman who enjoys stimulation.”

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Past The Print credits Freda's Voice for the great Friday 56 meme:

Other Friday 56 Blogs:

"Provocative Ponderings" By Sarah McNeal

2011-10-06T07:00:00.015-04:00

I’m certain many of you have purchased a book based solely on its title. After the cover, the title is the next component that readers scrutinize when purchasing a book from an author that is new to them. First off, let me just say that readers expect honesty in the title. What if the author titled the book The Haunting of Campbell House and you bought it expecting ghosts and suspense only to find it was a book about etiquette? You would most likely want to wrap your hands around the author’s throat and choke the life out of them or ask for your money back.

Then there are titles that are so complicated or nondescript that they make your eyes cross. Say you picked up a book that had the title, Dogs Cowboys Let Out the Moon...say what? Is it a western? Is it a dog-training manual? Is it a book about the space program or about the solar system? The reader might just scratch his or her head and move on down to the next book.

As authors, we try to make our titles fit the genre, say something about the story premise and entice the reader to buy our book over the mammoth selection of books from which they have to choose. Some authors have a natural talent for composing exciting and intriguing titles. I’m going to steal a title from an author who consistently comes up with inventive titles for his books. Taste for Love by Andrew Grey is the perfect title for a romance that has as its main character a chef who owns a restaurant and falls in love. I really have to give Mr. Grey his due because all of his books have well thought out titles. I’m sure a reader would grab up his books just based on their titles alone. Of course, once they read his books, they will be hooked on everything he writes.

Some authors use song titles that are perfect for their book. The first one that comes to mind is Let’s Misbehave by Rae Summers. The song, of course is a well known one from the 1920’s and readers could relate to it instantly. The books was a tantalizing, sexy story that did take place in the 1920’s and evoked a realistic history for the reader about that amazing time of changes in industry and society that decade brought about.

Usually, I can compose a title that has meaning to the story and can entice readers like Harmonica Joe’s Reluctant Bride or Bitter Notes, but then there are times when I am just completely stumped and befuddled. I recently contracted a story about a cowboy from Wyoming who ends up in World War I in a trench. The lead character first appeared in Harmonica Joe’s Reluctant Bride and I fell in love with him—Banjo. Well I worked and worked trying to get the title to come to me that would fit this story. Finally, I gave up and just titled it Banjo.

I probably should have had a title contest or something to get a good, intriguing title or looked through rafts of song titles from that period. Nothing I thought of seemed to fit the story premise and it was important to me to keep Banjo’s name in the title. Maybe simplicity works. I hope so.

I’m sure some of you have experienced the title dilemma. Perhaps you could share some of your ideas for creating titles. I know I would be very interested in what you have to say so bring it.

Places to find Sarah McNeal:

Website

Previous "Provocative Ponderings" posts

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2011-10-05T07:00:00.003-04:00

Campbell Brown

Aussie Footballer
*Australian Football League (AFL)
Hawthorn Hawks 2002-2010
Gold Coast Suns 2011 - present

Currently, this guy is suffering a broken pelvis, which has ended his 2011 season. Course, to a footballer, a broken pelvis probably comes with the territory as rough as this game is. I'm sure he'll shrug it off and be back next year! Here's to the tough men who work and play hard for our entertainment - and look great doing it!

Happy Wednesday, ladies!

I could certainly use him in my horse barn when there's a flatbed trailer of hay to be unloaded.

"A Taste For Romance" by Virginia Campbell

2011-10-04T07:00:00.036-04:00

This is a very special post, celebrating one year of blogging here as a guest of a truly lovely and talented lady, Renee Vincent. I would like to thank all of you who have visited and commented--you are the best! I have enjoyed "meeting" you and reading your thoughts and insights. This is such a rewarding experience!

Most of all, I want to express my deep gratitude and admiration for Renee, who makes all of this possible with her generosity and shared love of history and romance. I have always lived in historical romance. I just “reside” in the modern world. From as far back as I can remember, I was always drawn to times of old, ladies and gentlemen from another era, and clothing and customs from days gone by. I love history, and that is one of the reasons that I have been a lifelong reader of historical romance.

I know that some readers state that they want a romance, not a history lesson, but I think the two go hand-in-hand. The setting of the book, the era, culture, social mores, religious beliefs, fashion, art and literature of the times all affect the way the characters would develop as people. Therefore, they are very important elements of the story line details. I appreciate the amount of research and love of subject an author invests into a well-written historical romance.

Today, I am focusing on Renee's remarkable book series, "The Emerald Isle Trilogy".

The powerful and moving love story of Daegan Raeliksen and his Lady Mara will resonate long after the last page is read. This is historical romantic fiction at its best, written by an author inspired by the legends and lure of ancient Ireland and Norway. Renee Vincent has brought to life a turbulent time in history when cultures collided and to the victor went the spoils! Only a love story as intense as "Raeliksen" could match the true passions and intrigue of tumultuous Ireland of Olde!

Daegan is a charismatic Northmen, a world-traveling tradesman, and a leader of his people. One look at a beautiful maiden who visits his favorite secluded woodland spot takes his breath and steals his heart. He soon learns that she is Mara, daughter of an Irish king, a woman who should be forbidden to a Northman. Daegan is not a man to be denied, and fate and undeniable love soon set in place an adventurous course of events. When two hearts truly love, no risk is too great to keep that love safe. The timeless melding of two souls in spiritual and sensual union is both poignant and passionate. Not to be missed!

Breandan Mac Liam is a man who knows his heart belongs to only one woman, the beautiful Irish princess, Mara. For years he has loved her, dreamed of her, and held her close in his thoughts. However, Mara was the wife of a charming Northman chieftain, Daegan Raeliksen, and she was to remain unattainable to Breandan. When their paths unexpectedly cross years later, much has changed, and Breandan is once again a captive of his love for Mara. Sent to retrieve Mara by her dying father, Breandan must put his own desires aside to protect the woman he loves and return her to her home to grant the last wish of the king.

In, "Mac Liam", the second book in "The Emerald Isle Trilogy", Renee Vincent once again takes us back to a time of great adventure and grand passions. Skillfully blending historical fact with exciting action and battle scenes and soul-scorching romance, she places the reader in Ireland of Olde. Her brave and brawny Northmen, the explorers and conquerors, are intriguing and vividly drawn. The conflicts and merging of these two cultures would change the face of the world forever, with far-reaching consequences. An endlessly fascinating era in time for lovers of history and great romantic characters.

The third book in the trilogy, "The Fall of Rain", will be released in December, 2011. This is a series to savor, one that will stay in your heart and mind and lead to your own dreams of irresistible Irishmen and magnetic Northmen! A highly recommended read.

* * *

What is your favorite era in history? Is there a period in time which you would like to visit? Would you forsake your modern day life for a chance to live in a past world full of intrigue and adventure? My bookshelves are full of a wide variety of books, and a great many of them are from the historical fiction genre. If I took a look at your bookshelves, what would I find?

One of the things that I love most about the Fall of the year is the return of savory, spicy-sweet foods and cooking aromas. Heartier, heavier fare that warms the body and the soul. The soup is bubbling on the hearth, the bread is baking in the oven, and I am settled down with a great read. Heaven! I hope that you all will enjoy these Autumn recipes.

Creamy Pumpkin Soup
3 slices of bacon
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups chicken stock
16 ounces of canned pumpkin, or 2 cups cooked pumpkin, mashed
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon sugar
salt & black pepper to taste
1 pint heavy cream
sour cream
reserved cooked bacon pieces
dried chives

Dice the bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and sauté until crispy in a Dutch Oven. Remove bacon pieces and reserve. Add chopped onion to the same pan, and sauté the onion in the bacon grease for 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden and soft. Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, then remove from heat and whisk in the pumpkin, cayenne pepper, sugar, and salt & pepper. Using a hand blender, blend until smooth. Stir in cream. Heat soup gently on low, stirring, until the soup is heated through. Serve soup garnished with a dollop of sour cream, croutons, crumbled bacon, and sprinkle of dried chives.

Pork Roast with Maple-Mustard Glaze
1 pork loin roast, bone-in, about 5 pounds
2 large cloves garlic, halved
Salt and pepper to taste
2 slices bacon, optional
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard or gourmet mustard

Heat oven to 325°. Rub the roast all over with the garlic halves; save garlic. Place the roast, fat side up, on a rack in a roasting pan; sprinkle with salt and pepper and add garlic pieces to pan. If there is very little fat on top of the roast, lay 2 slices of bacon across the top (optional). Roast the pork, uncovered, for about 2 hours. Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl. Brush the glaze over the roast and continue baking for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the roast registers about 155° on a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meatiest part of the roast (not touching bone or fat). Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serves 6.

Roasted Harvest Vegetables
1 small butternut squash, cubed
2 red bell peppers, seeded and diced
1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
3 Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
1 red onion, quartered
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine the squash, red bell peppers, sweet potato, and Yukon Gold potatoes. Separate the red onion quarters into pieces, and add them to the mixture. In a small bowl, stir together thyme, rosemary, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss with vegetables until they are coated. Spread evenly on a large roasting pan. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, stirring every 10 minutes, or until vegetables are cooked through and browned.

Apple & Cheddar Bake
8 cups unpeeled chopped apples (a mix of tart & sweet, green, yellow & red is wonderful)
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup self-rising flour
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup butter, melted

Preheat over to 350F degrees (177C). Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish. Place apples in the baking dish. In a medium bowl, stir together sugar, flour, nutmeg and cheese. Blend in melted butter. Sprinkle mixture evenly over apples. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Bourbon Fudge Brownies
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups sugar
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350F. Bring bourbon to a boil in a small saucepan; remove from heat. Add chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt, stirring with a whisk. Combine sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well combined. Add vanilla and eggs; beat well. Add flour mixture and bourbon mixture to sugar mixture, beating at low speed just until combined. Spread batter into a 9-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350F for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack. Serves 20.

German Meatballs and Sauerkraut
1 lb. hamburger
1/2 lb. ground pork
3/4 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
1 T. fresh parsley, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup milk
2-3 T. oil for frying
1 27-oz. can sauerkraut, undrained (or use homemade)

In a mixing bowl, combine the meats, bread crumbs, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, egg, and milk and mix well. Shape into 2-inch balls. Heat the oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs. Remove and drain the fat from the skillet. Spoon the sauerkraut into the skillet and top with the meatballs. Cover and simmer 15-20 minutes or until meat is completely cooked. Add water if necessary during cooking so the dish doesn’t become too dry.

Plum Cobbler
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups sliced plums (about 12 medium)
1 1/2 cups baking mix
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Bring first 4 ingredients to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat; stir in plums. Pour into an 8-inch square baking dish. Combine baking mix and 2 tablespoons sugar; stir in milk and butter. Spoon over plum mixture. Bake at 400F for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden. Makes 6 servings.

Places to find Virginia Campbell:

eHarlequin Blog

Romance At Random: Fabulous Food and Fantastic Fiction

Previous "A Taste For Romance" posts

New Release: LOVE'S LONG SHADOW By Ciara Knight

2011-10-03T10:20:00.002-04:00

Love's Long Shadow
By Ciara Knight

YA Paranormal

Available at: Turquoise Morning Press | Amazon Kindle | Smashwords | Bookstrand | All Romance Ebooks/OmniLit

Blurb:
Sammy Lorre was cast from Heaven for conduct unbecoming an angel. Living in a demon-infested small town with no memory of her previous life, she faces never-ending purgatory until Boon saunters into her life with a promise of angelic love. But is he an angel from Heaven or a minion from the underworld preying on her human emotions? To discover his true identity, she must risk eternal damnation and her heart.

Friday 56: WRONG KIND OF PARADISE By Suzie Grant

2011-09-30T07:00:00.002-04:00

She stalked away from him. “What if I don’t want to marry?”

“All women want to marry.”

Angel picked up the book she’d been reading earlier off the table and hurled it at his thick head. “You imbecile! I cannot believe you just said that.” She glanced around to throw something else at him but he rushed to her, gripping both her arms.

“I will tolerate your temper only once, Angel. Once.”

“Do not dictate to me. You are not my father!”

He let go of her suddenly and she stumbled back. Rounding the corner of the desk, he opened the drawer and pulled out a leaflet of papers.

“No?” He tossed them across the desk to her. “But I am your legal guardian. The moment the British took your father prisoner, the order went into effect.”

Blac moved across the threshold and seized both of her arms before she could reply. He pulled her so close she could feel the wisp of his breath fan across her forehead. He gave her a single, quick, soul-shattering kiss. “Welcome to the family, Angel.”

* * * *

Past The Print credits Freda's Voice for the great Friday 56 meme:

Other Friday 56 Blogs:

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

2011-09-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

Chris Starr

Stats:
6'
Green-Blue Eyes
Dark Blond Hair

Photo Credits:
Fashion Model Agency

I found this guy looking for someone else and my search suddenly ended. Can you blame me? He's absolutely breathtaking!

Happy Wednesday to you!

Is anyone else drawn by the revolver tattoo at his groin? Oh my! I believe that gives knew meaning to the "cocked and loaded" phrase.

Past The Print Gets Another Award!

2011-09-26T11:00:00.003-04:00

It's the LIEBSTER AWARD, given to me by my fellow OVRWA writer, Becke Martin Davis, and I am so thrilled to have earned this. Thank you ever so much for thinking of me.

You can find Becke at her blog, at B&N's Mystery forum and at Romance University.

In keeping with the traditions associated with receiving the Liebster Blog Award, I must now convey the following:

Winners of a Liebster must:

1. Post the award on your blog and show thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them via the award graphic.

2. Reveal your top five picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog or send them a shout out on Twitter.

3. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the Internet – other writers (and bloggers)

Those that I have passed this award on to:

1. Author Sarah Hoss, and fellow Celtic Hearts writer, at HEART OF ROMANCE

2. Author Lizzie Walker, and fellow Celtic Hearts writer, at BTTERFLIESZ ARE FREE

3. Liz Velez at COFFEE BEANS & LOVES SCENES

4. Author Tina Donahue, and fellow "Sweet N Sexy Diva", at TINA DONAHUE PRESENTS

5. Marilyn Wigglesworth at MARE'S PLACE

New Release: COMING TO CLIMAX By Bobbye Terry

2011-09-26T07:51:00.000-04:00

Coming to Climax

By Bobbye Terry
Category: Suspense, Mystery, Romance

Blurb:
Margaret Palmer returns to Climax, Virginia, a deceptively quiet country town where Southern charm hides long-buried secrets and evil lurks just beneath the surface of the daily routine. Frustrated and frightened, Margaret knows she will have to face Blue Moon, the only true love she ever had, and his adopted daughter, Carolina. More alarmingly, she may be forced to reveal a long-hidden secret—she’s Carolina’s biological mother. But, will her disclosure no longer matter when a psychotic serial killer eliminating residents, spirals out of control, determined that Blue will be his last victim?

Friday 56: WRITTEN IN BLOOD By Elaina Lee

2011-09-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

Damn. After nearly two weeks of deprivation, Lyndi didn't deny seeing Alek again did her body a world of good. A tingle danced across the surface of her skin, settling in the tips of her fingers and toes. She bit down on her bottom lip and checked the distance from where she sat to freedom. If she tiptoed, maybe she could make it the twenty steps from her chair to the elevator without him noticing.

The papers might be problematic; when she stood, they'd crinkle. Very carefully, she gathered them against her chest and rose. He didn't look in her direction; so far, so good. The scratching of his pen echoed in the stillness, and Lyndi figured she was home free as she pushed the elevator button to go down.

"It's rude not to at least say hello," he said, breaking the silence.

* * * *

Past The Print credits Freda's Voice for the great Friday 56 meme:

Other Friday 56 Blogs:

Guest Blogging With Renee Vincent

2011-09-21T12:00:00.000-04:00

Today, I'm blogging at two places and I do hope you'll visit with me.

Past The Print

New Release: COMMITMENT by Margaret Etheridge

Valentine's Day Contest - Coming Soon From Romance Book "R" Us!

Friday Backlist Book: THE MOST INTIMATE WISH by F.L. Bicknell

Great News!

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

New Release: THE DAUGHTER By Christina Wolfer

I'm Guest Blogging At Two Places Today!

Friday Backlist Book: SECRETS By Jan Scarbrough

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

New Release: BEUL NAM BEINN By J.W. Keleher

Friday Backlist Book: LATE HARVEST By Suzanne Barrett

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

Mark Your Calendars!

New Release: AN IRISH ROGUE By Suzanne Barrett

Friday Backlist Book: RESCUE ME By Jennifer Johnson

"Provocative Ponderings" By Sarah McNeal

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

"A Taste For Romance" By Virginia Campbell

New Release: UNINHIBITED IN APPLE TRAIL, ARKANSAS By Keri Ford

Friday Backlist Book: DOWN IN FLAMES By Sarah Ballance

Guest Blogging at FourFoxesOneHound

From My House To Yours...

My Three Favorite Things About Christmas

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

I'm at Fierce Romance Today! *Contest Alert*

New Release: THIS MAGIC MOMENT By Daryn Cross

New Release: FRESHLY DEAD By Maddie James

Friday Backlist Book: KENTUCKY BLUES By Cat Shaffer

SILENT PARTNER receives LASR "Best Book" rating!

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

I'm Guest Blogging at Drea Becraft's Blog: *Contest Alert*

Mark Your Calendars For A Renee Vincent Book Signing at The Country Heart in Alexandria, KY

I'm Guest Blogging at Mare's Place

Friday 56: THE FALL OF RAIN By Renee Vincent

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

Renee Vincent Interview and Giveaway

"A Taste For Romance" By Virginia Campbell

New Release: THE FALL OF RAIN By Renee Vincent

Friday 56: DECISIVE MOMENTS by Toni Noel

"Provocative Ponderings" By Sarah McNeal

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

New Release:

Friday 56: RAFE'S REDEMPTION By Jennifer Jakes

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

Come Visit With Me!

New Release: UNDERCOVER By Christina Wolfer

Friday 56: UNHOLY PURSUITS By Suzanne Rock

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

New Release: SOMEWHERE THE BELLS RING By Beth Trissel

Friday 56: THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN By Patricia A Rasey

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

New Release: THE SINNER By Margaret Mallory

Friday 56: HIGHLAND DRAGON By Kimberly Killion

"Provocative Ponderings" By Sarah McNeal

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

"A Taste For Romance" by Virginia Campbell

Halloween Release: SOMETHING SPOOKY THIS WAY COMES

New Release: RUBY, THE WHITE KING, AND MARILYN MONROE By F.L. Bicknell

Friday 56: APRIL'S KISS IN THE MOONLIGHT By Jean Joachim

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

New Release: TIMING IS EVERYTHING By Drea Becraft

Guest Blogging at Two Blogs: Romance Books R Us and Sweet N Sexy Divas

Friday 56: NEVER SURRENDER By Deanna Jewel

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

New Release: GIFT OF THE HEART By Suzanne Barrett

Friday 56: SiNN By Tina Donahue

Friday 56: UP A DRY CREEK By Avery Flynn

"Provocative Ponderings" By Sarah McNeal

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

"A Taste For Romance" by Virginia Campbell

New Release: LOVE'S LONG SHADOW By Ciara Knight

Friday 56: WRONG KIND OF PARADISE By Suzie Grant

Wake-Me-Up Wednesday

Past The Print Gets Another Award!

New Release: COMING TO CLIMAX By Bobbye Terry

Friday 56: WRITTEN IN BLOOD By Elaina Lee

Guest Blogging With Renee Vincent

I'm at Fierce Romance Today! Contest Alert

I'm Guest Blogging at Drea Becraft's Blog: Contest Alert