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Author and Composer John Starley Allen & The Ripple Effect

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Lyn CoteAugust 27, 2015

I don’t often host a gentleman but I met John on Goodreads and he shared one of his Christmas songs here last year. This year he has a book to share with us, A Splash of Kindness. Here’s John:

power of the ripple effect

Throughout my life the profound power of the ripple effect has captured my attention. But it was the following specific incident that served as the catalyst that got me thinking about writing a book on the ripple effect. Some aspects of the story are too personal to recount in detail, but I will touch upon the highlights.

an old friend

I was visiting a city where my family used to live several years ago. As I was walking along a busy street a man hailed me. At first I didn‘t recognize him, but as he came closer I realized that he was a friend I had known in that city. We had been close, but after our family moved from that city, my friend and I had lost track of each other.

Standing there on the sidewalk, we spent some time catching up with each other. And then my friend said a most astonishing thing to me. “You know, John, you changed my life. You realize that, don‘t you?”

dumbfounded

And, dumbfounded, I responded that I didn‘t know any such thing; I didn’t know what in the world he was talking about. As far as I knew, I hadn’t had any impact on his life whatsoever—let alone a life changing one.

My friend then refreshed my memory by speaking of an encounter we had just a few weeks before our family moved away. From my perspective, the incident was trivial—just a few words and what I considered a very simple act on my part.

didn‘t understand the significance of what I had done

And now as my friend spoke with me, he sensed—probably due to my blank expression—that I didn‘t understand the significance of what I had done. He explained what had been going on in his life during the period we knew each other. He explained that on this one particular occasion I had said just the right thing at the right time. And that a subsequent action on my part which I considered simple, was something that made a great impact on his life.

a little self-conscious and awkward

This revelation of my influence on my friend somehow made me feel a little self-conscious and awkward. The conversation then shifted to other lighter matters. We exchanged phone numbers and addresses and promised to do a better job of staying in touch with one another.

the right thing at the right time

That night in my hotel room I reflected on what my friend had shared with me. Without really knowing it, I had said and done the right thing at the right time.

And I spent the night pondering how lives affect other lives in rather amazing ways.

In the afterword of my holiday novel Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices—in which a man‘s simple acts of thoughtfulness have unforeseen yet profound effects—I put it this way:

Throughout my life I have been impressed by the “ripple effect”—how just like the stone thrown in a pond creates ever-widening ripples, so can our actions have far-reaching consequences often unknown to us. I think we do more good than we know. And if we‘re aware of the ripple effect, hopefully we‘ll keep striving to do good.”–John

To purchase, click here. A Splash of Kindness: The Ripple Effect of Compassion, Courage, and Character

I couldn’t have John as my guest without featuring one of his songs too. QUESTION: HAS ANYONE EVER THANKED YOU FOR A KINDNESS YOU DIDN’T RECALL OR DO YOU WISH YOU COULD THANK SOMEONE WHO DID A KINDNESS TO YOU IN PASSING? Thanks, John!–Lyn

For more online:

http://www.johnstarleyallen.com

His Goodreads Profile

Author Maureen Lang & Italian Beef Sandwiches!

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Lyn CoteAugust 22, 2015

My guest today is author Maureen Lang, a friend, who is going to share a great recipe and a bit about her latest book, The Cranbury Papermaker. She is offering an Ebook copy to one commenter. So don’t miss the QUESTION below. Here’s Maureen:

Hi, Lyn! I’d love to share my recipe for Italian Beef sandwiches with your readers. At a glance, it looks like a lot of steps but honestly, I’m not much of a cook and this is so easy! Not many ingredients, and it always turns out with such great taste and tenderness.

The key for Italian beef is to make it the day before you want to serve. Cutting the roast thin is soooo much easier when it’s completely cooled! And the other tip: be generous with Italian seasoning.

This recipe belongs to my daughter’s grandmother, a popular choice on her father’s side of the family.

Italian Beef Sandwiches

Sirloin tip rolled roast

Approximately 3/4 stick of butter (you may margarine, but it’s best with at least half butter)

One large onion, diced

Salt and pepper to your taste

Italian seasoning blend (I use this generously, perhaps a tablespoon or more, to start with)

Water to line the bottom of a dutch oven, covered pan. Enough to keep the roast moist during cooking. Do not let the water cook away, add more as needed.

Brown meat in the butter/margarine and season well with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning before and after browning.

Add 1/2 cup water and simmer.

Add onion after the first half hour.

Let simmer for approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours till done.

Cool, remove meat, then wrap in foil and refrigerate overnight.

Refrigerate juices separately in Tupperware or other covered dish.

Next day, slice meat thinly then place in pan, adding the saved juice. Simmer until warm, adding more seasoning as desired.

Serve warm with Italian bread or rolls.

Actually my newest story, The Cranbury Papermaker, doesn’t feature much about food. Between my heroine’s grief at the start of the story and subsequent worry over losing her father’s papermaking legacy, she never seems to have an appetite. However, although her cook isn’t the most organized or even the neatest of fictional household servants, she serves sandwiches on a daily basis. Perhaps one of her favorites might have been such tender beef sandwiches that this recipe provides!”–Maureen

To purchase, click here. The Cranbury Papermaker

BLURB:

The Cranbury Papermaker

New Christian historical romance from Maureen Lang

Arianne Casterton is devastated when her father and his new wife are killed in a train accident. Despite her faith in God, her grief soon turns to despair when she discovers one-third of everything her father owned has been transferred automatically to his wife’s estranged son and heir, Jonas Prestwich—someone Arianne never knew existed.

Though God has blessed Arianne with the passion and talent to be the next gifted papermaker in her family’s tradition, she finds the demands of keeping the business going to be nearly overwhelming. When Jonas offers to expand the business to something more modern and profitable, Arianne is suspicious, reluctant to give up the art of handmade papermaking. But she realizes without his unwanted help she might lose everything anyway.

Can two people with such impossibly different views of art and business ever merge . . . even when love tries binding them together?

Thanks very much for having me, Lyn! And I’d love to offer a free e-copy of The Cranbury Papermaker (ebook only, for Kindle, Nook or Kobo readers).

Sounds like an interesting romance, Maureen. Now for the QUESTION: Have you ever inherited something. Was it a surprise or did you expect it?–Lyn

For more online: Sign up for Maureen’s Newsletter on her website, www.maureenlang.com or visit her on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maureen-Lang/77586161029?ref=hl

Author Patty Smith Hall & Mama’s Chili

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Lyn CoteAugust 23, 2015

My guest today is author Patty Smith Hall. She’s written for Love Inspired but now is writing independent romances too. After her recipe, please read about her newest book and see what you think. Here’s Patty:

I am not a cook.

At least, not in the sense my mama is. Mama is known throughout our family and friends as a whiz in the kitchen, serving up delicious meals and amazing deserts made from scratch. Her German Chocolate Cake is a little slice of heaven right here on earth(which is why I request it for my birthday every year!)

but my mama and grandma are

Mama inherited her cooking talents from her mother. Grandma made the most mouth-watering biscuits I’d ever put in my mouth. Every time I went to her house as a little girl (which was often—I lived right next door,) I’d make a beeline to the kitchen and to the pan of biscuits she kept on the stove. Grandma would pour me a glass of milk and meet me at the table, ready to spend the next few minutes asking me about my day. But Grandma’s talents weren’t limited to biscuits. No, she made a juicy chocolate cake that drew folks from two counties away. Her secret to this delicious treat was to use a fork and poke holes in the top of the cake then pour melted chocolate into each hole.

Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

You might be asking how I missed the cooking gene? I’m not sure. It could have been the first cake I tried to bake—my friend, Virginia and I decided to make a cake for a school project but reading the directions weren’t as cut and dry as I’d thought they’d be. We couldn’t decide—was it 1/4 of a cup or 4 cups of water? The mix looked too dry with just 1/4 cup so I threw in another 3 1/2 cups of water! If you know how to bake, you know that my cake came out of the oven looking more like a pancake than a desert.

So what recipe I’m going to leave you with today? Don’t worry—it’s not mine but a favorite of our family, Mama’s homemade chili.

Mama’s Chili

Use fresh tomatoes to get the best flavor out of this chili. It will warm you up on those cool fall days.

1 1/2 pounds of ground chuck, browned and drained.

1 quart of diced tomatoes

1 small can (8oz) of tomato sauce

1 can(15oz) of kidney beans, drained

1 ounce of chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 small diced onion(optional)

Mix all ingredients in a crock pot and simmer on low for 6 to 8 hours. Serve with grated cheese and sour cream.”–Patty

BLURB:

She’s ready to take back her life . . .or what’s left of it.

After ten years of caring for her invalid grandfather, Kallie Huffman is ready to claim her life as her own. Taking a job in the laboratory of New Hope Community Hospital seems like a logic choice while she waits for her nursing license to be reinstated. That is until she meets Lab Director Jefferson Muster. Kind and intelligent, the handsome doctor is everything Kallie has ever wanted in a man. But what about having a life of her own?

He’s never needed anyone’s help. . .until now.

Patients are dying at New Hope Community Hospital, and Jeff needs help to discover the culprit before another family loses a loved one. When help comes in the person of Kallie Huffman, the walls Jeff has constructed around his heart after a family tragedy start to crumble. But Kallie craves a life on her own terms. Can two people shaped by heartache trust in a life long love?

Patty, thanks for sharing a recipe that looks easy enough–even for you! 😉 And for sharing about your newest book.

QUESTION: Are you a good cook? Is it an inherited talent or can it be learned? Opinions please!

PS: Last Week’s winners are:

Cindy Yoder for Brenda Nixon’s book Beyond Buggies and Bonnets

Cindi Altman won my copy of Until I Met You by Victoria Bylin

CONGRATS!!

REMINDER: Have you signed up for my enewsletter? Get the free Old Recipes booklet free and all the news about my latest! Enter email above right in banner!–Lyn

Author Brenda Nixon & Parenting Teens from Another Culture

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Lyn CoteAugust 15, 2015

I have enjoyed reading many Amish romances and have invited many “Amish” authors to be my guests here. But all of us know human nature, its dark side which can pervert God’s message of love and forgiveness and substitute rules and punishment. It happens outside of the Amish culture and unfortunately inside also.

Author Brenda Nixon has firsthand experience of young people who have fled from harsh parents and legalistic churches that remind me of the Pharisee’s that Jesus railed against. I hope you’ll pray for young people caught in these harsh situations, not the norm for Amish families I’m sure. Here’s Brenda:

“Parenting” TEENS from another culture

He slipped out of his darkened farmhouse one night. Running down a small country road, he cried wondering “who would take care of me.” Yet the determination to leave his life and traditions behind overpowered his fears of the unknown.

Months later he and I met. Through a series of conversations, I became acquainted with Mosie, a.k.a. Moses. He was eighteen years young, impulsive, passionate, hardworking, and complex – not unlike the culture he left.

With his help I learned about his upbringing as an extremely conservative Swartzentruber Amish. With my help, he was “mothered” and taught the ways of our world – jobs, insurance, cars, discernment in dating, and how much God loved him.

Often admired. Misunderstood. Mysterious. I’ve learned to know and understand inside the conservative Amish Orders from Mosie and the many other formers I know. Most left Swartzentruber – the strictest and most punitive – and a handful of conservative Old Order Amish. Predominantly guys but a few gals have come through my home and heart.

Taking in a teenager from another culture – and a boy, I raised girls – was like walking into a snowstorm. I learned that he was taught to be stoic. Withhold his emotions. Our home encourages family members to recognize and release emotions.

He was taught to bathe once a week and never go to an outside – English – dentist. My husband and I taught our daughters to care for their bodies with daily hygiene practices and bi-annual dentist visits. He was brought up to believe that deliberate inattention to the body was proof of righteousness.

I grew up with loving, Christian parents. I sat through many church services as a child hearing about God’s grace and forgiveness. How God desires relationship with us. Mosie grew up attending church services in German – his least understood language. His sermons always included the wrath of God. His suspicious supervision. His punishment for breaking Church rules.

All these and other differences made for a challenging task but one God put in my home. And I grew to love that boy. He called me, “Mama,” and I felt affection for him like he was my own kid.

Mosie was the first. After him God brought ex-Amish Harvey, Josh, Sarah, Monroe, Noah, Levi, Uriah, Uria, Andy, and others into our home and hearts.

Some lived with us. Others passed through with a meal and “Mom” hugs. A few needed a financial boost. I don’t know why God brought this cultural learning curve into my life at a time when my daughters were grown and my husband and I were empty-nesters. But I’m grateful He trusted me with His dear children. Those who needed to know that God is gracious, loving, forgiving, and desires relationship with his creation.

After a few years and pleas from friends, I put pen to paper and began blogging about my experiences and what I’d learned. The blog received 2014 Blog of the Year at Book Fun Magazine. The blog evolved into a book, Beyond Buggies and Bonnets: Seven true stories of former Amish.

Like “parenting” teens with different upbringing and parental values, giving birth to the book has been a resistant challenge. From publisher rejections to false allegations from fiction authors, I’ve persisted in providing a deeper understanding of the complex Amish culture. Maybe it’ll crack open the door to recognizing and respecting the great diversity, and to pray for those who need to experience a God of love.”–Brenda

To purchase this book, click here. Beyond Buggies and Bonnets: Seven true stories of former Amish

For more online:

http://www.brendanixononamish.blogspot.com

Brenda, thanks for sharing your experiences with these teens. And thanks for offering a free copy of the Ebook edition of your book. If you’d like to enter the drawing for this ebook, here’s the QUESTION: Have you ever dealt with a Christian that was a stumbling block to others? Don’t name names please, but how did you handle this?–Lyn

PS-I visited Brenda’s blog and read this interesting article on Amish teens and cell phones & even Facebook! http://www.brendanixononamish.blogspot.com/2015/04/rumspringa-perpetual-spring-break.html#more

Lyn Reviews Author Victoria Bylin’s Until I Found You & WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Lyn CoteAugust 15, 2015

If you would like to enter the drawing for my copy of UNTIL I FOUND YOU, please leave a comment below.

Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved Until I Found You. The story is told in 3 viewpoints: the heroine, hero and the heroine’s grandmother.

I most appreciated the frankness of the grandmother who didn’t make light of struggles she had in her life. Each of these caused her to trust God more and more, but NONE of them gave her the warm fuzzies.

I loved the thread of the struggle to help the California condors escape extinction and the hero’s struggle to embrace chastity, a concept almost completely lost into today’s culture. I found the reason for this completely believable.

I also felt the heroine’s character was very believable. Things happen in every life that shape for good or ill. But the message in this book is that God can heal every heart that opens to him. A very good thing to remember.

View all my reviews

QUESTION: Do you enjoy stories that involve more than one generation in a family? Do you have a favorite?–Lyn

To purchase, click here.Until I Found You

AND I’M WAY BEHIND ANNOUNCING WINNERS! SORRY–We’ve had lots of summer company; that happens when you live on a lake!

WINNERS:

Jessica Keller’s winner

Valri

Louise Gouge’s winner

Brittany McEuen

Maureen Lang’s winner

Diane Blaser

Jo Ann Brown’s winner

Sunnie

FINALLY the winner of a signed copy of my latest Quaker Brides romance, BLESSING, is

pinksummerdays who subscribed to my enewsletter in July!

Amish Author Olivia Newport & Chocolate-Frosted Shortbread Squares!

Posted on August 12, 2015 by Lyn CoteAugust 8, 2015

My guest today is Amish author Olivia Newport. She is sharing about her latest Amish novel and a recipe that I WILL BE TRYING! My husband loves chocolate shortbread! Here’s Olivia:

A long-time favorite family recipe? One leaps to mind light years faster than any other.

Chocolate-frosted shortbread squares!

I can’t say that I know the origin. I suppose my mother came across it in a women’s magazine, or perhaps it came from a woman at church. But once these scrumptious treats graced our kitchen counters, they never left.

Thanksgiving is the big holiday for my extended family now, an event that beckons four generations. Not everyone makes it, and I don’t get there every year, but usually there are 35–40 people present.

And the biggest question always is,

“Who’s bringing the shortbread squares?”

I learned to make them using a mixture of baking cocoa, butter, oil, and powdered sugar for the chocolate. Years later I discovered that the original recipe called for melted chocolate chips. I suspect my mother used the mixture to substitute for chips she didn’t have on hand—just as I often don’t have the chips on hand.

One day, years ago, my mother gave me

a typed index card, and I realized it was the copy of the recipe that she’d kept in her collection for decades. It’s so spattered and stained with ingredients that I can practically lick the flavors off the card.

Instead, I put it in a frame and hung it in my kitchen so this recipe, which has become a favorite with my children too, is never out of reach. Here is a slightly updated version:

Chocolate-Frosted Shortbread Squares

Ingredients:

2 cups sifted flour

½ cup firmly packed brown sugar

¾ cup butter

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted (I use twice that!)

Mix the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Press into an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 25–28 minutes. Spread the melted chocolate pieces over the hot, baked dough. Cool before cutting.

My latest release is Brightest and Best, an Amish historical in the Amish Turns of Time set. Maybe someday I’ll try using an Amish shortbread cookie recipe—but I won’t let go of the chocolate frosting!”–Olivia

To purchase, click here. Brightest and Best (Amish Turns of Time Book 3)

What’s the skinny on Brightest and Best?

The collapse of a schoolhouse puts pressure on Amish families and their long-held educational values. Ella Hilty anticipates marrying Gideon Wittmer and becoming a mother to his children. In a whirling clash of values, Ella seeks the solid ground that seems to have slipped away. Margaret Simpson, an English schoolteacher, wonders if she is losing her last chance at love. As the local authorities draw lines in the sand, Margaret puts romance at risk one final time. All eyes turn to Ella to make a sacrifice and accept a challenge that can bring unity to the Amish and understanding to the English.

Thanks, Olivia, for this recipe. So

QUESTION: When you don’t have everything a recipe calls for, do you substitute ingredients or run to the store?–Lyn

For more online:

www.olivianewport.com

@OliviaNewport (Twitter)

www.facebook.com/OliviaNewport

Lyn Reviews Author Patricia Hickman’s The Pirate Queen

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Lyn CoteAugust 8, 2015

The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman

The Pirate Queen surprised me. The first few pages made me think I had stumbled into a Southern-style Danielle Steel novel. But then Patricia Hickman waved her author wand and swept me away into a story with layer upon layer of meaning, emotion and tension, a one-of-a-kind family drama. Tender, compelling, outstanding. A keeper.”

View all my reviews

If you’ve never read a novel by Patricia Hickman, I suggest you look her up at her website http://www.patriciahickman.com and try a few of her out of the ordinary and very special novels.–Lyn

Author Kimberly Rose Johnson & a Family Favorite

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Lyn CoteAugust 6, 2015

My guest today is author Kimberly Rose Johnson who is sharing a family favorite and her latest book. Here’s Kimberly:

This is the recipe my mom uses, and I’ve tweaked it through the years. I prefer to mix ricotta with the cottage cheese. If you choose to mix the cheeses, purchase the size down from the one listed above. The amounts of cheese and spices used are to taste and what looks good to you. I like it really cheesy.

I believe this recipe first came to us via a friend of my mothers. It’s a family favorite that we have had a Christmas, birthdays, and just because. This recipe appears in my book Island Dreams. It’s what Chase makes for Piper when he invites her over for dinner. It’s his family recipe too. ?

Lasagna

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Ingredients:

8-10 lasagna noodles
24 ounce cottage cheese or Ricotta cheese

2-3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese 2-3 cups of shredded mozzarella Parmesan

Italian seasoning
Parsley flakes
1 to 1 1/2 lbs. of ground beef
1 jar of spaghetti sauce
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup water

Bring a pot of water to a roiling boil then add noodles. Cook for five minutes. Meanwhile brown the ground beef in a skillet. Drain off grease then add spaghetti sauce, salt, and water.

Pour half the sauce/meat mixture on the bottom of a 14-inch (or close in size) baking pan. Place three or four noodles on top of the sauce then layer according to how much you like in this order: cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and parsley flakes.

Repeat layers of noodles, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and parsley flakes.

Add the rest of the sauce and finish off with the remainder of the cheeses.

Cover with foil and cook for one hour. Let rest five to ten minutes after it comes out of the oven.”–Kimberly

To purchase, click here. Island Dreams (Wildflower B&B Romance Book 2)

BLURB for Island Dreams:

Piper Hunt arrives on Wildflower Island to develop family property into an upscale resort knowing this may be her last chance to prove her worth to her father. With grandiose ideas, she soon finds herself at odds with adjoining property owner, Chase Grayson. As she begins to appreciate the simplicity of the island, she struggles to maintain balance between her father’s wishes, preserving the natural beauty of the island, and her attraction for Chase.

Chase Grayson values the peace and quiet of Wildflower Island. That serenity is threatened when Piper Hunt discloses her plans to develop an upscale resort that not only butts up to his property, but will turn the island into a busy tourist destination. In fighting her plans, he also finds himself fighting his attraction to her. If he doesn’t stop her plans for the resort, his life will be altered forever. If he succeeds, it means he will never see her again. Can he live with either choice?

Sounds like my kind of recipe, Kimberly. However, I like to use noodles that don’t have to be prepared separately. That makes it even easier!–Lyn

For more online:

http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyRoseJohnson?ref=hl

Twitter https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/krose1990/

Author Jo Ann Brown & How Strong Women Build Their Families

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Lyn CoteJuly 31, 2015

Today my guest is author Jo Ann Brown who is going to share about her daughter and families. She is offering a copy of her latest book Promise of a Family (US ONLY). So be sure to reply to the QUESTION below. Here’s Jo Ann:

I’m fascinated by how strong women build their families.

Some build through birth; others build through adoption and/or fostering. Then there are the strong women who reach out and build families that come together through common interest and need—families built with friends, neighbors, and those who have an empty place in their lives.

A big step into the unknown for her,

My daughter, Marianne, is doing the last. In fact, she’s been doing that all her life. She’s the friend who always has an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on, sometimes very late at night. Recently she set aside her work on her masters in math to follow her heart to begin work on a masters in social work because she wants to make “a difference in someone’s life.” A big step into the unknown for her, because she’d done her undergrad work in math as well. But she is willing to take the risk.

While working a full-time job in finance, she’s taking a full load of classes and will begin an unpaid internship three nights a week in a renal clinic. Not the work she eventually hopes to do, because she wants to work with geriatric clients. Even though she’s my most squeamish child when it comes to needles, she sees this as a chance to help the community she will become a part of. A community that is a family, working together to help those in need.

thinking about that sense of community

When I was playing with ideas for the trilogy that would become “Matchmaking Babies,” I began thinking about that sense of community and the outreach to help others in need. That led me to the idea of what would happen to a family and a small Cornish village in the early 19th century if a rowboat with six very young children was discovered floating in the cove. Who would reach out to those children in need? How would people’s lives change? Could the children find a welcome in loving hearts and help build unexpected families? Who had put the children in the boat and why?

To purchase, click here. Promise of a Family (Matchmaking Babies)

In Promise of a Family, the first book of the trilogy (Love Inspired Historical August 2015), Susanna Trelawney needs to find answers. Her search for the truth is complicated by the man who rescued the children. He’s Captain Drake Nesbitt, a ship’s captain. Susanna’s sister’s husband was a sailor and died at sea, leaving her beloved sister bereft. It’s easy for Susanna to fall in love with the children, especially twin toddler girls, and she’s drawn to the handsome captain, but she promised herself never to risk her heart again. Once betrayed, twice shy is her heart’s motto. As the war with the French comes closer to the cove, Susanna discovers she must be courageous enough to set aside the past in order to grasp the future she wants. To do so means risking her heart one more time…if she dares.”–Jo Ann

Wow, what a daughter, Jo Ann! I admire her selfless spirit. QUESTION: Do you know anyone who puts the interests of others before their own? Who and how?–Lyn

For more online:

http://www.joannbrownbooks.com

Author Kristen Ethridge & Jalapeno Bullets?

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Lyn CoteJuly 26, 2015

My guest today is Kristen Ethridge, a new author to me and maybe to you. She sounds like my kind of girl, loves food! And is sharing a recipe with us. I’m not really into HOT food, slightly spicy is my choice. So proceed with caution. 🙂 Here’s Kristen:

A Texas-Sized Treat on the Grill!

Isn’t it fun how food and fiction go together? I think it’s because food is often a part of memories and special times in our lives, and as writers, we can’t help but weave the things we’re influenced by into the books we write.

One of our favorite things to do is to grill.

My husband is pretty much a master at the grill. He cooks for us in the backyard and has catered events for more than 2,000 people—that’s a LOT of brisket! In fact, it’s probably pretty apropos that we met at a football tailgate, when he was behind the grill.

These days, one of our favorite things to do

is have friends over in the summer. We’re lucky to have a pool in the backyard so we can beat the Texas heat, and there’s nothing better than snacking all afternoon long while you splash. While burgers or a brisket is often the star of the show, we’ve even been known to grill pizzas. One of our favorite recipes to kick off grill time is this jalapeno bullet recipe.

jalapeno bullet recipe

Only three ingredients: cream cheese, jalapenos, and bacon (your choice, but maple bacon adds sweetness)

Slice jalapenos in half length-wise and then de-seed them. It’s crucial to de-seed them—they’ll be too hot to eat otherwise. Gloves are recommended if you’re not used to de-seeding peppers. If you get the oils from the seeds on your hands and then you wipe your eyes, you’ll be miserable.
Spread cream cheese into the de-seeded jalapeno halves. Press them back together.
Wrap in bacon and put a toothpick through each to hold together.
Place on grill until bacon is cooked and crispy
Enjoy!

In my August release, The Doctor’s Unexpected Family,

one of the ways that Pete and Angela celebrate the island reaching a recovery milestone after Hurricane Hope is to grill burgers out on the deck of beach house that faces the Gulf of Mexico. The local grocery store has just opened that afternoon for the first time since the hurricane’s landfall. Angela celebrates the simple pleasure of just being able to bite into a salty, greasy potato chip alongside a freshly-grilled burger.

I’m so excited about the Port Provident: Hurricane Hope series that began in July with Second Chance Sweethearts, not only because I’m going to be following the town of Port Provident through their recovery from Hurricane Hope, but because I’m also sharing my own personal story as part of it.

In the wake of Hurricane Ike,

I started a non-fiction book on the life lessons I learned from Hurricane Ike. Called Storm Surge: Life Lessons I Learned from Hurricane Ike and How You Can Rise Above Life’s Storms, it is my first non-fiction book and it will release on September 13, the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Ike. I wrote this memoir with a Christian living twist because I knew that not everyone goes through a hurricane in their life, but we all go through storms. And it is how we weather them that shapes our lives.

And the best part is

that I want to share this series that’s so close to my heart with you, the readers here. The next book in the series, The Doctor’s Unexpected Family, releases on August 1. But through the end of July, you can pick up a copy for your Kindle at a special pre-order price of 99 cents! (And in August, you’ll be able to preorder Storm Surge in advance of its September release!)

I hope you’ll spend the end of the summer on the beach in Port Provident with me and The Doctor’s Unexpected Family! (Click to purchase.)

BLURB:

GRACE FINDS YOU IN THE MOST UNEXPECTED PLACES…

Dr. Pete Shipley is on a mission to save lives and he’s ready to move to another corner of the world where his skills are needed. City Councilwoman Angela Ruiz is a single parent fighting to save her hometown after Hurricane Hope tears through Port Provident, leaving destruction across the community she has sworn to serve. Together, they team up to found The Grace Space, a Christian-based community gathering spot in the heart of Angela’s district, where residents can get food, household goods, and basic medical care while Port Provident rebuilds after the storm.

When Pete’s appointment to an international medical mission comes, will the doctor follow his lifelong dream and leave Port Provident, The Grace Space, and Angela and her daughter—or will he stay with the family he didn’t expect to love and realize he can change the world without leaving home?

Hurricane Hope: One storm changes Port Provident forever…and for good.”–Kristen

For more online:

www.kristenethridge.com

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Well, I don’t know if I’ll try the jalapenos in this recipe; I might substitute grilled banana peppers and add some seasoning to the cream cheese. I’m good with the bacon! WHAT ABOUT YOU? Thanks, Kristen!–Lyn