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Author Jessica Keller & The Single Dad Next Door

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Lyn CoteJune 27, 2015

My guest today author Jessica Keller is a fellow Midwesterner and has a new book out, The Single Dad Next Door. (Jessica is offering a book giveaway US ONLY so watch for the QUESTION BELOW. Here’s Jessica on her latest heroine:

Living in the Chicagoland area,

my husband and I often escape to the beaches along Michigan’s Great Lake’s coastline throughout the summer. Tourist towns dot the picturesque landscape, making you feel like you’ve stepped into the setting of a book. While we were visiting Saugatuck, MI, which is known as the Bed and Breakfast capitol of the world (there is one on almost every single street in that town!) I started to wonder what the life of a single woman running a B&B would be like.

born from those travels

Maggie West, the heroine in The Single Dad Next Door, was born from those travels. Maggie manages the West Oaks Inn, a B&B in the fictional town of Goose Harbor. She loves her job and loves that she has been able to hold on to her ancestral home in this small way, but she made a lot of sacrifices in order to stay tied to the house. She passed up on adventures, turned down an offer from her old boyfriend, and stayed in Goose Harbor to take care of her grandmother and mother when the rest of her friends moved away and got married. Maggie’s beginning to give up on the hope that she’ll ever get married and have a family, which has been her long held dream.

life has passed her by

Now in her mid-thirties Maggie feels like life has passed her by and questions the choices she made along the way. She’s fought so hard to live “by the rules” and have control over all the details in her life, but all of that falls apart when her beloved West Oaks Inn is left to Kellen Ashby—a man who couldn’t care less about the history of her family home and who has made more than his share of mistakes in life. With Kellen running the inn Maggie might be out of a job and have to let go of the home she loves. If that happened, it would mean everything Maggie’s sacrificed for has been for nothing.

a lot of loss in her life

Maggie has seen a lot of loss in her life. Her father died when she was a teen, and he was followed by her grandmother and her mother during Maggie’s twenties. Her younger sister was killed while serving in an inner city ministry and the only man Maggie’s ever dated ended up conning her out of most of her savings. Despite all of that, Maggie has a soft and caring heart. She reaches out to others and wants them to feel like they belong. That’s Maggie’s greatest strength—her ability to have a soft heart in light of the fact that her circumstances could have made her bitter.”–Jessica

To purchase, click here. The Single Dad Next Door (Goose Harbor)

Blurb

Love Comes Home

All Maggie West has ever wanted is a family to call her own. But her new neighbor, single dad Kellen Ashby, is definitely not the man to make that dream come true. His daughters are sweet and silly, the kind of kids Maggie used to imagine having herself. But Kellen has just inherited the inn Maggie manages—her former family home—and the two butt heads at almost every turn. He’s handsome, and clearly a devoted father, but with all the changes taking place, Maggie worries she may soon be jobless, homeless or both. At war with her emotions, Maggie will have to decide what truly matters—heart or home.

For more online:
Connect with Jessica through her Website, blog, Facebook, Amazon Page, Pinterest, and on Twitter.

Very interesting strength. Reminded me when God told St. Paul that he would find his strength in his weakness (my paraphrase). Don’t forget the giveaway drawing. Here’s the QUESTION: Is there a biblical character that also showed strength not by fighting but by surviving or just loving?–Lyn

PS-Jackie T won Gail’s book and Dana won Beth Vogt’s. Congrats!

Author Gail Gaymer Martin & A Mother and a Recipe to Love

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Lyn CoteJune 24, 2015

My guest today is my dear friend author Gail Gaymer Martin. Gail has a great new Love Inspired Romance and a great recipe to share! When you leave a comment, you enter the free book drawing for an autographed copy of A Mother To Love signed to you from Gail Gaymer Martin. Here’s Gail:

I like strong women in my novels, ones who have flaws and problems, but survive because they are able to sort through the mess in their lives, face how they must grow and change to succeed and then do it.

Angie stands up against

In series novels, such as A Mother To Love, first book in the Lilac Circle series, some of the of the characters you’ll meet in Book 1 will grow and change as the series continues. In the first book, Angie stands up against her matchmaking sister and mother to find the man of her dreams. Finally to get them off her back, her coworker and good friend comes to her rescue to play the man of her dreams. Rick has a young daughter whom he adores and when Angie meets her, she understands why. Angie gets involved with five-year old Carly and teaches her to bake and to plant flowers. The child is in her glory and adores Angie. And so the story goes….

One thing that you find in most of my books

is cooking and recipes. At the end of A Mother To Love, as usual, I include a recipe that Angie makes for dinner one night. It happens that this is a real recipe in our home, and we love it. It’s low-fat, easy and fast to make, and since it’s a crock-pot meal Angie can work in her home or go outside with her flowers and not worry about her dinner being late. I’ve always been a creative cook so we’ve come up with many great meals, but this one is my husband’s, an excellent cook. I’m a blessed lady.

Angie’s Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken

Serves 6

Ingredients

6 (4 oz. Each) Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 (1.5 oz.) Packet Taco Seasoning Mix
1 Cup Salsa (Mild, Medium, or Hot)
1 Tbsp. Cornstarch
1/4 Cup Fat Free Sour Cream

Directions
Spray crock pot with non-stick butter flavored spray. Place chicken into crock pot. Sprinkle Taco Seasoning Packet on top of chicken. Pour salsa over seasoned chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (I actually cooked mine for 11 hours). 15 minutes before serving, take chicken out of crock pot. Mix cornstarch with a little water and a little juice from crock pot. Pour mixture back into the crock pot and stir. Add sour cream and stir until smooth. Place chicken back into the crock pot and heat until everything is hot again. Eat with rice, or it’s tasty on baked potatoes. If the recipe is too large for your family, it freezes well. Enjoy and let me know if you love it.”–Gail

To purchase, click here. A Mother to Love (Love Inspired)

Blurb:

An Unexpected Family

Angie Bursten wants to find love on her own timeline. Tired of her family’s interference, coworker Rick Jameson comes to the rescue—as her pretend boyfriend. Angie starts to spend time with Rick and his adorable daughter, Carly, and what began as a hoax soon feels all too real. Betrayed by the woman he’d married, single dad Rick is slow to trust. But seeing Angie with Carly, he can’t ignore the way he feels for his beautiful coworker. And when Angie helps Rick with the toughest battle of his life—gaining full custody of his child—there’ll be no more pretending. If they can open their hearts, Rick and Angie have a real shot at happily-ever-after.

For more online:

Website: www.gailgaymermartin.com

Writing Fiction blog: www.gailgaymermartin.com/category/writingfiction

Gail’s Kitchen blog: http://bit.ly/1f7ZI5f

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gail.g.martin.3

What a great recipe, Gail. And a great thought–a strong woman is strong enough to change. On Monday, Beth K Vogt visited and talked about thinking that a decision was the wrong one and it was right instead.

SO TODAY’S QUESTION: What heroine have you read about that was able to meet a challenge and change for the better? Leave a comment to enter the drawing for a copy of A MOTHER TO LOVE!

I’ll go first: Lately I’ve read two cozy mysteries by Mindy Quigley, her heroine Lindsay was abandoned by her mother as a child when her mother went to prison. And subsequently on each occasion when her mother came into her life, Lindsay has been disappointed and let down . Now again her mother has come into her life. Can she trust her this time? If she’s wrong, she could die. So what heroine have you read lately and what change or challenge did she face?–Lyn

BTW, have you signed up yet for my newsletter (see above on right side of banner). My newest book BLESSING will come out July 1st. I’m going to giveaway one copy in a drawing of my new and active newsletter subscribers. So don’t miss this. Sign up today!–Lyn

Author Beth K Vogt & Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Lyn CoteJune 20, 2015

My guest today is author Beth K Vogt. She’s writing a wedding destination series and is offering one copy of CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE in a drawing. (US Only) So be sure to watch for the QUESTION. Here’s Beth and her heroine Vanessa:

Bride-to-be Vanessa Hollister

shows up on page one of Crazy Little Thing Called Love, the first novel in my new destination wedding series. Vanessa’s fiancé has just turned their wedding plans upside down. And Vanessa has no idea just how soon she’ll run into her ex-husband Logan, who she hasn’t seen in eight years.

Ah, Vanessa. She’s tried so hard to control her life … but love’s a crazy little thing, right? And the consequences of the past often show up when we least expect it.

One question motivated me

as I wrote Crazy Little Thing Called Love: What if what you thought was your biggest mistake was actually the right choice? Vanessa’s given the chance to reexamine a mistake she made – but it comes at the absolute worst time.

After eloping with Logan

during high school, Vanessa can’t quite escape the echo of the words “biggest mistake you ever made.” She’s become a paramedic and put their failed marriage behind her – or has she? Seeing Logan again, back in Florida where they met and fell in love, pulls at her emotions like a dangerous riptide. And facing an incoming Category 5 hurricane together reminds her how Logan helped her to take risks and embrace adventure.

the perfect new kid in town.

Growing up in a military family taught Vanessa how to be the perfect new kid in town. She’s good at saying hello and goodbye. In Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Vanessa’s ready to commit to a long-term relationship – but who is the right man for her? Ted or Logan?–“Beth

To purchase, click here. Crazy Little Thing Called Love: A Destination Wedding Novel

Blurb:

What if what you thought was your biggest mistake was actually the right choice? Wedding bells and storm clouds collide in the first novel in Beth K. Vogt’s destination wedding series that examines the power of love, and the mishaps and missteps that happen on a couple’s journey down the aisle to “I do.”

I think Beth’s question will be our QUESTION:

What if what you thought was your biggest mistake was actually the right choice? Or to ask another way–Have you made a decision and changed your mind but then realized you were right in the first place? OR ANOTHER –how did you know you’d made the right choice when you said I DO?–Lyn

For more online:

Website URL: http://www.bethvogt.com/

Blog URL: http://www.bethvogt.com/blog/

Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBethKVogt

Author Margaret Daley & Cornbread Salad?

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Lyn CoteJune 13, 2015

My guest today is award-winning author Margaret Daley and she is going to share a recipe that I have never heard of and wouldn’t have ever thought of. See what you think!

Cornbread Salad,

a delicious recipe for the holidays or for that matter anytime.

1 recipe of cornbread

1 envelope ranch dressing mix

1 cup (8 oz.) sour cream

1 cup mayonnaise

2 cans (16 oz. each) pinto beans (rinsed and drained)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

10 slices bacon, fried very crispy, and crumbled

2 cans whole kernel corn, drained

½ cup each of chopped red bell pepper, green bell pepper, green onions and several chopped tomatoes

Make up the cornbread, cool. Stir together salad dressing mix, sour cream and mayonnaise until blended, then set aside. Combine tomatoes, bell peppers and onions. Toss gently. Crumble ½ the cornbread into a large bowl. Top with half each of beans, tomato mixture, cheese, bacon, corn and dressing mixture. Repeat layer. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours. When ready to serve, stir together.

for a Christmas open house at school

I made this recipe with my special needs class for a Christmas open house at school. Ever since then, I’ve loved this. It goes well with ham. It is also a nice salad to share with others at a party.

great to serve at Easter

Cornbread Salad with a spiral ham would be great to serve at Easter. In Security Breach, the story starts with the White House Easter Egg Roll, a huge event that occurs at the White House for years. Thousands of volunteers and children and their families attend each year from all over. The president and his wife attend along with many celebrities. The White House is open to them, and activities are set up around the inside and outside of the White House. In Security Breach the Egg Roll isn’t uneventful.”–Margaret

To purchase, click here. Security Breach (Capitol K-9 Unit)

Blurb

When White House tour director Selena Barrow is attacked in her office, the Capitol K-9 Unit goes on high alert. Selena’s cousin is a person of interest in a congressman’s shooting, and Selena has been collecting evidence to exonerate her. Could this be the break they’re looking for? Officer Nicholas Cole and his dog, Max, step in to safeguard Selena—and to keep an eye on the evidence. As the attacks escalate, Selena finds it increasingly difficult to keep her distance from her handsome protector. But with an unknown enemy watching Selena’s every move, Nicholas will become her confidant…and her lifeline.

Capitol K-9 Unit: These lawmen solve the toughest cases with the help of their brave canine partners.

Contact with me:

Margaret Daley’s website: http://www.margaretdaley.com

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/margaretdaleybooks

Twitter: @margaretdaley

So do you think you’ll try this recipe? I think I will!

Author Katy Lee & Permanent Vacancy

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Lyn CoteJune 14, 2015

My guest today is Love Inspired Suspense Author Katy Lee. I had the pleasure of meeting Katy in person recently in Milwaukee at a reader and authors luncheon. So I’m glad to host her again. Here’s Katy sharing about her latest heroine.

Hello, I’m Katy Lee, and I’m here today to share about my heroine’s bravery in starting over after an abusive relationship. Right from page one the reader sees my heroine of Permanent Vacancy, Gretchen Bauer, starting a new life. Gretchen takes on the restoration of an old vacant Victorian with the plans to begin a new business venture as a bed and breakfast owner. The island she lives on is filled with people who don’t want her to succeed for various reasons, including her ex-boyfriend. Especially her ex-boyfriend.

the many aspects of bullying and abusive relationships and the trauma

When I began writing Permanent Vacancy I wanted to show the many aspects of bullying and abusive relationships and the trauma they can instill in their victims, even make them question if they can make it on their own. For so long Gretchen believed the words the man she trusted said about and to her.

being alone is not the same thing as being

One in particular was she couldn’t make a good decision without him. He made her question every choice she made because he always found fault in her decisions. Now, on her own, Gretchen is making all the choices by herself. She’s beginning to see being alone is not the same thing as being on her own. She comes to realize her own restoration is taking place, but sometimes that doesn’t come during a time of peace, it comes in the midst of conflict where she must rise up to demonstrate her newfound power.

Thank you for having me today, Lyn.

To purchase, click here. Permanent Vacancy (Love Inspired Suspense)

BLURB:

When Gretchen Bauer begins renovating an old Victorian house to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, she barely escapes several dangerous “accidents” at her home. Colm McCrae, host of the home improvement TV show helping her renovate, refuses to believe these aren’t on purpose. Could this be a harmful ploy by his boss to boost ratings? Yet with Colm’s smooth-talking Irish brogue, Gretchen wonders whether he could be involved. But with a whole town full of neighbors disgruntled about the inn bringing strangers to their shores, Gretchen has a list of more likely suspects. Now she must trust Colm if she wants to keep her new business venture from turning into a five-star death trap.

Rita nominated, Katy Lee is the author of five published novels. She likes to say she writes higher purpose stories at high speed because her suspenseful romances thrill, inspire, and satisfy the reader—from the edge of their seat. A native New Englander, Katy loves to knit warm wooly things. She enjoys traveling the side-roads and exploring the locals’ hideaways. A homeschooling mom of three competitive swimmers, Katy often writes from the stands while cheering them on. Her Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense, Grave Danger, is both a RITA and Daphne Du Maurier finalist. Keep in touch with Katy at her website, www.KatyLeeBooks.com. There you will see links to Facebook and Twitter.

For Katy’s last visit to my blog, click here.

In case you don’t know, the RITA is the highest award for excellence in romance like an Oscar in film. Hope you win, Katy! QUESTION: Have you ever felt your self confidence slipping? How did you handle this?

PS From last week, Keli’s winner: Merry & Lynn’s winner: Melissa Oldaker CONGRATS!

Author Lynn Huggins Blackburn, Covert Justice & Scones

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Lyn CoteJune 6, 2015

Today’s guest Lynn Huggins Blackburn is a debut author, but I like her taste in scones! I’m gluten-loving but for those of you who just can’t take it, Lynn includes a gluten free version. And her book sounds amazing. Lynn is offering a copy to one commenter. Don’t miss the QUESTION later so you will be entered into the drawing. Here’s Lynn:

Thank you for having me, Lyn!

I hope your readers will enjoy the recipes I’m sharing today.

Blueberry scones are one of my favorite treats.

The ginormous ones from Panera have fueled a lot of my writing hours and I love experimenting at home with recipes for all varieties of scones. I’ll eat them sweet or savory and filled with just about anything—cheese, fruits, spices, or chocolate.

gluten and I aren’t good friends.

A few years ago, I realized that gluten and I aren’t good friends. I can tolerate it in small amounts, but my body runs best when I avoid it. This led me on a journey to find gluten-free versions of some of my favorite foods. Including blueberry scones.

So I’m sharing two recipes. The first is a more traditional scone recipe that you can personalize with everything from blueberries to chocolate chips. It’s a favorite in the Blackburn house. The second is a gluten-free scone made with ground cashews and arrowroot powder (both of which are easily found in most grocery stores). It bakes up into a mouth-watering pastry that will please even your pickiest guests.

While the characters in Covert Justice aren’t gluten-free,

they do enjoy a good blueberry scone. Heidi Zimmerman is the undercover FBI agent trying to protect the Harrison family from the evil plans of the Kovac crime syndicate. She loves to have a scone or a cucumber sandwich with her afternoon tea, and she shares this love with the Harrisons. Blake Harrison’s young daughter, Maggie, loves to help bake the scones. Blake is just happy to eat them!

To purchase, click here.

Blurb for Covert Justice:

AGENT UNDERCOVER

When a woman drags Blake Harrison out of his wrecked car, he knows the mysterious stranger has saved his life. But more shocking than the hit-and-run is the news that a crime cartel has infiltrated his factory. There’s a fortune to be made by tampering with the factory’s products…but only if Blake is out of the way. Undercover FBI agent Heidi Zimmerman has two goals—catch the criminals in the act, and keep Blake alive. Falling for the single dad and his adorable daughter isn’t in the plan. But everything changes when an abduction leaves Heidi face-to-face with a killer, revealing the danger that’s been hiding in plain sight all along…

Simple Scones – original recipe from AllRecipes.com, submitted by USA WEEKEND columnist Pam Anderson

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

8 Tbls unsalted butter, frozen

½ cup raisins, currants, craisins, dried blueberries, chocolate chips – be creative!

½ cup sour cream

1 large egg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Grate butter into flour mixture on the large holes of a box grater (or shred using a food processer). Use your fingers to work in butter (mixture should resemble coarse meal). Then stir in your fruits (or chocolate!).
In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream and egg until smooth.
Using a fork, stir sour cream mixture into the flour mixture until large cough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough against the bowl into a ball (the dough will be sticky in places and there may not seem to be enough liquid at first, but as you press, the dough will come together).
Place on a lightly floured surface and pat into an 8-inch circle about 3/4-inch thick. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. of sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut into 8 triangles and place them about an inch apart on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet
Bake until golden, about 15-17 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes and serve warm or at room temperature.

Paleo Blueberry Scones

https://rockinglion.wordpress.com/2014/01/30/clean-eating-blueberry-scones-paleo-recipe/

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups Cashews (or 1 1/3 cups ground)

¼ cup Arrowroot powder

Pinch of Salt

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

1 cup Fresh Blueberries

¼ cup Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

3 tablespoons Maple Syrup

2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

1 Egg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F & line a 9-inch metal pan with parchment paper.
Blend the cashews in a food processor until powdered.
Whisk all the dry ingredients together then stir in the blueberries.
Whisk the wet ingredients together then stir into the dry.
Pour into the baking pan and bake at 350 F for 30 minutes.
Let cool for at least 10 minutes, slice, and enjoy!

Adapted from PaleOMG‘s recipe for Lavender & Vanilla Bean Scones

Lynn Huggins Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Her first book, Covert Justice, releases June 2015.

Those recipes sound great, Lynn. I love scones and all the other yummy stuff at my local coffee shop. (I live much too far from any of the chain coffee shops here in the boonies.) Anyway here’s the really hard QUESTION to answer to enter the drawing for COVERT JUSTICE: What’s your favorite local coffee shop and what’s your favorite “treat” there?

I’ll go first my favorite is Little Creek Coffee Co. They have the best!–Lyn

For more online:

www.lynnhugginsblackburn.com

www.facebook.com/lynnhblackburn

www.twitter.com/lynnhblackburn

www.goodreads.com/lynnhugginsblackburn

www.pinterest.com/lynnhblackburn

www.instagram.com/lynnhblackburn

California Author Keli Gwyn & Family of Her Dreams

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Lyn CoteJune 8, 2015

It’s my pleasure to host a brand new author Keli Gwyn. Welcome, Keli. She is also offering A BOOK GIVEAWAY so be sure to leave a comment after the QUESTION below. Here’s Keli:

California Author Keli Gwyn & Family of Her Dreams

Imagine being three-years old and left on the steps of an orphanage. That’s what happened to Tess Grimsby, the heroine of my first Love Inspired Historical, Family of Her Dreams. Alone and terrified, Tess faced life with a gruff orphanage director and little hope of ever being adopted.

Fast-forward thirteen years. Tess, now sixteen, is given the opportunity to care for the children of a family traveling to California. Eager to make a life for herself, she embraces it.

The next nine years Tess is busy caring for other people’s children while longing for a family of her own. She’s forced to face the possibility that she may never be a wife and mother.

As Tess’s twenty-fifth birthday approaches, her situation takes a turn for the worse. She’s dismissed from her job. With a lackluster recommendation and precious few coins in her purse, her hopes of finding a governess position are dim. She must remain brave in spite of her dire circumstances.

Recent widower Spencer Abbott needs a housekeeper to care for his two young children and hires Tess. She’s thrust into the midst of a family in the throes of grief. Having witnessed loss repeatedly, she feels certain she can minister to them.

The job proves to be tougher than Tess thought. Tess must draw upon her inner strength—and her faith—to face each threat even when her dream of a Family of Her Dreams seems impossible.

Life for women in the West wasn’t easy. Their resilience, resourcefulness and courage are qualities I admire and seek to showcase in my stories. Tess embodies them all.

Thanks for hosting me, Lyn, and for enabling me to showcase the strength of the heroine in Family of Her Dreams.”–Keli

• • •
To purchase, click here. Family of Her Dreams (Love Inspired Historical)

BLURB:

A Family to Cherish
Headstrong Tess Grimsby loves her new job caring for the children of a recently widowed man. But she never imagined that she’d fall for her handsome employer. Yet Spencer Abbott is as caring as he is attractive, and Tess can’t help but feel for him and his family. Though, for the sake of her job, she’ll keep any emotions about her boss to herself.

Between his stationmaster responsibilities in a gold-rush town and trying to put his family back together, Spencer has his hands full. He soon finds his new hire’s kind personality warming his frosty exterior. But could he ever admit to seeing her as more than just an employee?

For more online:

Website: www.keligwyn.com
Blog: www.keligwyn.com/blog
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KeliGwynAuthor
Twitter: @KeliGwyn

QUESTION: Keli is from California. Do you think where you come from shapes who you are? Are Midwesterners really different from Southerners? What’s your take?–Lyn

PS:

Shanna Hatfield’s Winner is Kathy C and Melody’s winner is AmyC– Congrats!

Author Shanna Hatfield & Strawberry Shortcake- YUM!

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Lyn CoteMay 31, 2015

My guest today is author Shanna Hatfield who writes with zest! She’s going to share her summer memories and a recipe AND A GIVEAWAY! Here’s Shanna:

Thank you, Lyn, for hosting me today. Happy June to you and your readers!

release from my educational prison

Growing up, the first of June always meant school was out for the year. I always anticipated the release from my educational prison with much anxious excitement.

By the beginning of June, the first cutting of hay had filled the air around our farm with that sweet, fresh scent that make me want to fill jars with the aroma and save it for the dreary months of winter.

The first crop of strawberries

would also be ripe for the picking. One of my brothers decided to make his fortune selling strawberries to the restaurants in town. After planting what seemed like a million acres of berries (more than half an acre), he failed to take into account the frequency with which they needed picked. I was enlisted to help with this chore and spent many a summer morning carefully working my way up and down the rows of berries, filling flats with the ruby-red berries.

Mom always made jars full of strawberry freezer jam and sometimes she made strawberry rhubarb pie (my oldest brother’s favorite, not mine).

No, I held out for strawberry shortcake,

when the sweet juice from the berries would slowly sink down into the cake and vanilla ice cream would melt over the top like a smooth, milky crown. It almost made me forget how much work it was to pick all those berries. Almost.

In my new release Lacy (Pendleton Petticoats Book 5), Lacy Williams grew up on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. She hasn’t had an abundance of sweets, but finds she enjoys the variety of treats. Handsome Grant Hill introduces her to when she takes a job at the telephone office across the street from his bank.

Sweet romance blossoms between people from two very different worlds.

Eager to make her own way in the world, Lacy Williams leaves behind her family on the Umatilla Reservation and accepts a job in Pendleton at the telephone office as an operator. The work she takes in stride, but dealing with the unfamiliar, unsettling feelings stirred by the handsome banker across the street is an entirely different matter.

Grant Hill wants a wife.

However, not just any wife will do. If that were the case, he’d make an announcement at the mercantile and cause a stampede to the church. Grant wants a woman who will look beyond his material wealth and see into his heart. When he’s all but given up on the possibility that such a woman exists, he runs into the lovely Lacy Williams.

The shortcake recipe included below is easy to make and so good.

Strawberry Shortcake

¾ cup sugar

½ cup butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 egg

1 cup milk

2 tsp. baking powder

2 cups flour

4-6 cups of strawberries

½ cup sugar

Vanilla ice cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine flour and baking powder, set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together ¾ cup sugar and butter, then add egg and vanilla extract. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the bowl until batter is well blended.

Pour into a greased 9 x 13 baking pan and bake until top is a light, golden brown.

Cool completely.

Wash and hull strawberries, placing them in a large bowl. Mom always used a potato masher to break them down a little. You don’t want to pulverize them, just mash them enough they get good and juicy and break into nice little pieces. Stir in ½ cup of sugar until sugar dissolves then let rest for at least 10 minutes. When ready to serve, cut slices of cake then top with strawberries and a scoop of ice cream.

Yield: approximately 8-12 servings (depending on if you’re serving dainty pieces or hungry-man slices).

Author Bio:

Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield is out to make it happen one story at a time. Her bestselling sweet historical and contemporary romances combine humor and heart-pumping moments with realistic characters.

When she isn’t writing or consuming unhealthy amounts of chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

GIVEAWAY – For a chance to enter a drawing to win a digital Ebook copy of Lacy, please post a comment below with your favorite summer treat. Is it ice cream? A cold popsicle? S’Mores? What one summer sweet do you love?

Shanna, this reminded me of a favorite summer memory. I always picked wild strawberries in the field behind our house. My mom agreed to make her shortcake. It was a hot day and she had the oscillating fan on the kitchen counter to keep her cool. Ooops. She turned her head and the page of the cookbook turned and we ended up with waffle-shortcake. She’d started with the shortcake recipe and ended with the waffle recipe. Very strange looking shortcake!–Lyn

For more online:

To purchase:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shanna-Hatfield/e/B0056HPPM0

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shanna-Hatfield/e/B0056HPPM0/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1391485546&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/shanna-hatfield

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/shannahatfield

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/shanna-hatfield/id450458896?mt=11

Shanna:

Website: http://shannahatfield.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorShannaHatfield

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/shannahatfield/boards/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4981400.Shanna_Hatfield

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShannaHatfield?feature=watch

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShannaHatfield

Author Yvonne Lehman & The Earliest Memory of Her Mother

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Lyn CoteMay 31, 2015

I have never met in person my guest today Yvonne Lehman but we’ve been in contact since the mid ’90’s. So I feel like I know her. Yvonne is going to share about her earliest memory of her mother and her latest project, Spoken Moments. Here’s Yvonne:

Earliest memory of my mother:

I remember watching her get ready for us to walk to town. She stood in front of the mirror, primping. Her dark hair was on top of her head. She applied bright red lipstick. Her dress was right above her knees. It was either blue or green, perhaps teal. She stepped into high heels. When she was ready, we left the house and began walking the several blocks to town.

I thought she was beautiful

as I looked up at her. My hair was thin and blonde and I didn’t’ feel pretty, but was so proud to be walking with that beautiful woman. I don’t remember what we did that day, but we did go to a drug store, sit at a table and drink cherry cokes.

On the way back home, it started to sprinkle rain.

She grabbed my hand and said, “Let’s run. My dress is crepe and it will shrink.” The rain fell harder. I didn’t want her to get messed up but she began to laugh, so I did too. Her dress began to shrink, halfway up her thighs. We both got drenched but because she laughed, it was a wonderful experience.

Now onto Spoken Moments

I am a novelist who never thought I would be working in non-fiction other than perhaps an occasional article or devotion. But, three years ago several of us were in the lobby after classes at the Blue Ridge writers conference. Cindy Sproles told about God showing up in an unexpected, miraculous ways. Then I told how God showed up in the Ladies Room at the Presbyterian Church. Others joined in. I said those stories should be in a book. An editor overheard the talk about such divine experiences and called me two months later to says she was interested.

That led to my call-out for such articles and by last year at Blue Ridge I made a presentation of “one-free-book” to 23 of the 37 authors. They get no monetary compensation and all royalties are donated to Samaritan’s Purse.

Here’s our latest compilation:

To purchase, click here. Spoken Moments

Spoken Moments

52 Inspirational stories About the Power of Words

Christians are a people who value words because they realize words do more than just convey information. Some words mean everything: God spoke the world into being by the power of his words. He speaks through words he gave to the authors of the Bible. Jesus is The Word made flesh.

This is a book about the power of words. Here you will find stories from 42 authors who share moments when words—from the Bible, the Holy Spirit, family, friends, acquaintances, business associates, and even strangers—impacted their lives. The stories are a testimony that words can hurt yet they can heal.

You will laugh, cry, nod your head in agreement, and shake your head in wonder at their examples of how God uses aptly spoken words to shape our lives and remind us of the saving grace of Jesus.”–Yvonne

Thanks for sharing that memory, Yvonne. And Spoken Moments sounds like just the kind of gift many women would appreciate.–Lyn

For more online:

Yvonne blogs at www.christiansread.com

Award-Winning Author Melody Carlson & Her Dad’s Unusual Bequest

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Lyn CoteMay 30, 2015

Today award-winning author Melody Carlson is my guest, I think for the first time. I’m so glad to host her since I have enjoyed several of her books. Since this is the month of Father’s Day,

Melody is going to share about her father. Also she is going to give away one signed copy of her latest romance, Once Upon a Summertime. Sounds like a great summer read. Here’s Melody:

Thanks, Dad

With Father’s Day around the corner, I’m reminded that, as a child, I hated that particular ‘holiday.’ All it did was spotlight the fact that I had no father. When I was three, my dad chose alcohol and a musician’s life over fatherhood. Although I forgave him (as an adult) and communicated with him via occasional letters, I never felt close to him. Never really understood him. But when he passed away a couple of weeks ago, I felt a deep sadness. Not for a relationship that was lost—but for a man who’s life seemed to count for so very little.

In the midst of making my dad’s final arrangements

and sorting through what little he’d left behind, I mentioned my frustrations to my literary agent—confessed to her that I was struggling with sadness over such a wasted life. And she wisely said: “He gave you to the world.” Six little words, but it felt like a light went on. Besides the obvious DNA donation, I realized that, as my ‘father’s daughter,’ I experienced some difficult challenges growing up—hardships that helped mold me into the writer I am today. I can honestly thank him for that. If I’d had a ‘normal’ life, I wouldn’t have nearly as much to write about.

one of the highlights of his rather stark life

And I know my dad took pride in my books. It was one of the highlights of his rather stark life. Ironically, my newest book (Once Upon a Summertime) is set in my dad’s birthplace, New York City. And the main character, Anna Gordon, grew up with some of the same challenges I had as a child. So, you see, I really can thank my dad for his influence on my writing—and I’ll be wishing him a Happy Father’s Day next week, knowing that he’s reunited with his own dad—as well as his Heavenly Father. “–Melody

To purchase, click here. Once Upon a Summertime: A New York City Romance (Follow Your Heart)

Book Blurb

Once Upon a Summertime (Follow Your Heart series) Baker/Revell

Anna Gordon, is stuck. Working a dead-end job at a lackluster motel in her boring hometown, she’s held hostage by a childhood she had no control over. But Anna is fed up and when the opportunity arises to try for a job in New York City, she casts aside her fear and makes the big leap to the Big Apple. Hoping to land a top managerial position in an upscale boutique hotel in Soho, she gives it her all. And fails. Or so it seems.

Instead of giving up, Anna rolls up her sleeves and takes on the unglamorous task of managing housekeeping. She gives her all to get the exclusive hotel up and running—smoothly. Creatively handling challenges in the workplace, combined with a love affair with New York City, Anna is transported to places she’d previously dreamed about. But ‘ghosts’ from her past and a ‘forbidden’ relationship threaten to undo Anna’s new life.

For more online:

www.melodycarlson.com

This really touched me, Melody. I was separated from my father when I was eleven (a nasty divorce). And saw him maybe three times over the next forty some years till we met again when he was in his 80’s and just months before his death. And like you, I realize my father’s absence shaped me in a way that his presence might not have, giving me too an unusual bequest.

Now for the

QUESTION: What effect did your father have on your life? How did he influence you?

Be sure to leave a comment to enter a drawing for a copy of ONCE UPON A SUMMERTIME by Melody Carlson.–Lyn

Ps-Abby Breuklander won Patricia John’s Firefighter book.

Sunnie won the ebook collection and

Vicki Barwick won Milinda Jay’s book. Congrats!