Tuesday, February 28, 2017



March 1, 2017

March Madness … one month closer to spring and a month full of holidays! Ash Wednesday, Ides of March, National Craft Month, National Women’s History Month, Social Workers Month to name a few. Plus, did you know that March is named after the Roman God “Mars”? AND the second week of March is National Bubble Week! There is a lot going on in March, click here to find out what fun things you can celebrate this month.

IN THIS ISSUE:
©     Quote of the Month    
©     Check This Out
©     Featured Author   
©     New Releases
©     Author Recipe of the Month 
©     Upcoming Book Signings/Appearances
©     Coming Next Month

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:Good communication is just as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after” ~~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906-2001, American Writer)

CHECK THIS OUT:   
SO excited! I signed a contract with MuseItUp Publishing for my first cozy mystery, Simply to Die For, which has a 2017 release date. This is the first of a four book series set in the fictional town of Black Horse Canyon, Oklahoma.
I had great fun at the Pioneer Hearts Reader Appreciation Luncheon at the WinStar Legions Bar & Grill set on their beautiful golf course on February 11 in Thackerville, Oklahoma. I met so many readers and authors of western historical romance that I can’t remember all their names. J Readers and authors from Michigan, Arkansas, California, Washington, Texas, and Oklahoma attended.


 FEATURED AUTHOR:  Hywela Lyn 
My original inspiration for the first book in the series started with the hero of ‘Beloved Enemy’, Kerry Marchant. He invaded my dreams and I just had to start writing about him. Then came his starship. The Destiny, and her crew, and the woman who became the heroine of the first book ‘Starquest’ - Jestine Darnell, or Jess as she likes to be known. However, the characters did not conform to the plan I had for them and they argued with me about the ending. What had started out as a short story, became a novel, followed by a ‘sequel’ ‘Children Of The Mist’, set on one of the planets Jess came across in her ‘quest’. Then Kerry nagged at me to give him the ‘h.e.a.’ he’d lost out on in Starquest and so I ended up with a trilogy. 
‘Beloved Enemy’ was so much fun to write. I have become very fond of Kerry and the crew of the Destiny and enjoyed introducing a new character, Cat Kincaid, and her trusty pet ‘chameleopard,’ Shifter. Cat and Kerry have nothing but mistrust for each other at first. In fact, Cat has sworn to kill him. However, a smouldering attraction builds between them as they are obliged to work together to survive on a hostile planet.

 She touched a panel on the ship’s hull, and after a moment, a door slid silently open. Shifter leapt in immediately but Kerry stood back as she climbed into the airlock.
She turned with her gun still trained on him. “Are you coming? Or would you prefer to take your chances out there all night?”
He shrugged and followed her inside. They waited in the eerie blue light until the inner hatch opened.
She walked across to the control panel at the front and made a few adjustments. “It’s not much, but it’s likely to be home for a while until I find a way off this planet. There’s not enough left in the fuel cells to get away in this, even if I could repair the damage.”
He looked around, his face expressionless. She frowned at his perusal. The furnishings of the small interior were necessarily sparse. A pilot seat and passenger seat to the front, and, at the rear of the vessel, a small living and storage area, complete with a combined table and bunk unit. If he didn’t like it, that was too bad. He could always go back outside and sleep rough if he preferred.
“I dare say it will suffice,” he said at length.
“Well thank you. I’m so glad it meets with your approval.”
His expression remained impassive. It seemed her cynicism was lost on him. “It would be useful to have a name to call you.”
‘Katrina. Katrina — Kincaid. I prefer to be called Cat.”
Again that stunning smile spread over his face and she noticed how his eyes seemed even bluer above the even, white teeth. Damn, there was something about him. She almost regretted she’d have to kill him eventually.


NEW RELEASES THIS MONTH:

March 1
Book 3 Incognito Series
 Rebel Porter’s wife was killed to silence evidence he uncovered on a corrupt man. Now Reb’s in hiding, as afraid to lose someone to the bounty on his head as to lose his heart to another.



March 1
The Wahyas of Walker's Run #2
 A heartbroken werewolf collides with a spirited woman whose zeal for life just might be his saving grace—except someone wants him dead.

March 1
 The Hitching Post Hotel #5
 Their one-night stand results in not one...not two...but three babies. Now they have a family, can they find true love?



March 2
  A warrior hunts his cousin’s murderer but finds love in the form of a gifted Spirit Talker from another tribe.

March 7
 A psychology professor who has based her career on the hypothesis that love is simply a chemical reaction must defend her science when she meets her antithesis in the form of a romantic literature professor.
 Amazon 



March 13
Book 3 Clan of Dragons
 A dragon-shifter in pain wants nothing more than to fly, and he sure as hell kneels to no one.
 Blog 

March 13
 
A Lake Chelan Novel
 Police officer Nolan evacuates semi-recluse Kristen when wildfires threaten her home. Forced into town problems and the art world, they find the fire threatening the town is nothing compared to the flames roaring between them.
  


March 15

COVER UNAVAILABLE

SInbad’s Triumph
Book 5 of The Adventures of Sinbad
 Made into a business man by the government he hates, Sinbad has a new enemy: a fellow smuggler. Tsan Hsi’s vendetta will cost him dearly but wife Andi’s love will help him face the greatest tragedy of his life.
March 24
Undercover Elementals, Book 1
 When Lindsey is framed for murder and thrown into a world of magic, her only hope for redemption is Nevan, an immortal enslaved by a magical bargain.
 Website 



March 24
Italy’s haunted caves spell danger for an American Golfer and a NATO geologist.


March 28
 A woman’s life should not be defined by what is enough.





AUTHOR RECIPE OF THE MONTH:  Lynn Crandall
I haven’t always made good food choices in my life, but a few years ago I began making conscious choices for a healthier life. This recipe for chili is so tasty and different, it’s fun to eat and serve. I don’t include ground beef and I have food sensitivities so I also don’t include all the spices. But it’s still enjoyable. It’s a recipe the heroine in Always and Forever Love, Lacey Aegar, would fix. She tries to eat healthful foods because she feels it’s something that helps her be a strong woman. In my stories, strong women have heart and Lacey is no exception. 


Quinoa Chili

Ingredients
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups water
1 pound ground beef (optional)
1 TBSP olive oil
1 onion chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 TBSP chili powder
1 TBSP ground cumin
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 (19 0z) cans black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 TSP dried oregano leaves
1 TSP dried parsley
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions
·        Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes.
·        Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir in (optional) ground beef. Cook and stir until beef is crumbly and no longer pink. Drain and discard any excess grease; set beef aside.
·        Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion, garlic, and jalapeno pepper; cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add chili powder and cumin; cook 1 minute more to release flavor of spices. Stir in tomatoes, black beans, green and red peppers, zucchini, oregano, and parsley. Season to taste with black pepper and salt. Simmer until peppers are tender, about 20 minutes.
·        Once peppers are tender, stir in the quinoa, beef, and corn. Return to a simmer, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro to serve.


Lynn Crandall is the author of two romantic suspense and five paranormal romances. Always and Forever Love, a romantic suspense, is particularly dear to her heart because in it Lacey Aegar struggles to find her way through life after her husband’s murder. She’s faced with living in the safe rut she’s created or opening to new love.

UPCOMING BOOK SIGNINGS/APPEARANCES:
Ø Third Saturday of the Month:  OKRWA Meeting, Oklahoma City, OK
Ø January 18—March 23 (Thursdays):  Chickasha PD Citizens Police Academy, Chickasha, OK
Ø July 14-17, 2017:  A Weekend With The Authors, Nashville, TN

COMING NEXT MONTH:  Kara O’Neal and April Showers.

With much gratitude, until next time…keep reading.

Maxine
Spark your imagination and entice your mind
Be adventurous in your own mind
Take a journey into a new world and be inspired
Enjoy the pleasures of reading ~~
It does the mind and body good. 


Above photo from Pinterest


Wednesday, February 1, 2017


February 1, 2017
   It’s time for Valentine’s Day! I don't know about you, but the above song clip always tugs at my heart and makes me teary-eyed.
   Do you have your hearts and flowers evening planned out yet? For me it all depends on whether or not my hubby is home. Valentine’s Day is extra special as that was the day he proposed to me at work in the cafeteria! Boy-oh-boy, I was only 46 years old then. LOL. I had found my knight in shining armor and I’m not about to let him slip away from me.  

In this Issue:
©     Quote of the Month
©     Check This Out
©     Featured Author
©     New Releases
©     Author Recipe of the Month
©     Upcoming Book Signings/Appearances
©     Coming Next Month

Quote of the Month: “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” ~~ Lao Tzu (Chinese Philosopher)

Check This Out 
My husband and I took our eldest son (we have two of each, all grown) to the Cotton Bowl for the Wisconsin—Northern Michigan game (their fans were just as loud as the Badger fans). The staff at AT&T Stadium were friendly and helpful. I’m not a Cowboys fan at all (Packers all the way baby, so sad they lost to the Falcons) so being in their stadium was strange. With Wisconsin on the field and getting the “W” the day was fabulous! Spending time with family was priceless.

Our local police department started a Citizen’s Police Academy on January 19 and running through March 23, when we will have graduation. The first night was introductions of the “training” officers and a tour of the station. The room was full and I’m excited for each Thursday night. We are going to be learning things like shoot or don’t shoot, domestic violence, defensive tactics, community policing, etc. It’s a great way to know what your local police do each time they are on your streets protecting you and your friends/family. If your local law enforcement offers this program, I highly recommend you sign up! 


Featured Author:  Nicole Fitton
   Forbidden Colours was the evolution of a question that had been rattling around in my brain. You know, those annoying questions that wake you at 4am and won’t let you rest until you’ve written something. Well, that’s how it was for me. I had read a newspaper article about the complexity of the human brain and well, it all started from there. Forbidden Colours is a gripping love story which contains elements of psychological suspense. It contains enough adrenaline fueled drama to power the national grid! Once I had the protagonist Midori Yates firmly fixed in my mind's eye she took charge and dictated the direction of travel. I have a passion for science and being able to incorporate that into a book is very exciting. The story centres around a new drug being brought to market that does not quite do what it is supposed to…. I shall leave it at that. As I said earlier I started Forbidden Colours with a question and everything flowed from there. So, I know you want to know, what was the question? It’s a question I often ask myself but seldom has it led me in such an unusual direction…... ‘What if?’

What if your memories were not your memories?
What if the drug hailed as a cure became a curse and ultimately your destruction?

Midori Yates works for pharmaceutical giant KLD. The launch of new drug Centoria has revolutionised the treatment of amnesia, with outstanding results. Trials exploring its use in the treatment of Alzheimer’s are on the horizon. But is it really as good as the data suggests?
     Neurologist Dr. Nick Campbell has seen amazing results with his patients and is ready to believe in Centoria’s transformational abilities…that is until his patients start displaying strange and worrying symptoms with drastic results. Determined to uncover the truth, Midori and Nick find a conspiracy that is to have devastating consequences for both of them. A dark world threatens to engulf them. Can they survive?


New Releases This Month: 
February 1
 Book 7 of the Adventures in Amethyst Series

The first girl Bud Marasek loved was Briar Sankey. Years later, he married, had a daughter, and his wife died unexpectedly. He turns to Briar for help in raising Harper. As if for the first time, Briar sees the man who’s been there for her all along.



February 7
Book 1 of the Last Cold Case series

A homicide detective and FBI agent, hunts a serial killer who collects and kills women annually during the summer solstice.

Twitter: @MJLaBeff

February 15
COVER COMING SOON

Sinbad's Pride
Book 4 of the Adventures of Sinbad series

Sinbad wants to make his planet the power it once was.  The only problem is, the men who can help him want him to take his daughters as concubines...and wife Andi isn't wild about that idea.



February 24
 What is a Lady Lawyer to do with a fraudulent Mail-Order Bride Agency, Leap-Year, a charming but shy groom, and a bicycle built for two?


February 28
Jennie follows her family to the Wild West city of Deadwood. She meets Aiden, a gold prospector, along the way. Can a man who might have a vice as bad as her father ever claim her heart?





Author Recipe of the Month:  Anni Fife

It’s February, the month of love. I adore chocolate, and this is my favorite chocolate indulgence. So there’s only one recipe that’s going to do the job—Chocolate Indulgence in a Cup! Whether you’re in the lustful first months of a new relationship, or a loving marriage that has stood up to life’s many knocks, chocolate is the one delicious constant that we can always rely on. This recipe is not just silky and decadent to eat, it is quick and easy to make. It is inspired from different recipe books but refined by my mother. The orange addition is my own. I like to serve it in espresso cups with two raspberries, but go ahead and express your inner Valentine, and serve it to suit your mood!

Chocolate Indulgence in a Cup




7 oz quality dark chocolate (I use 2 oz of orange dark chocolate to add a sultry orange flavor to the mousse.)
2 large egg yolks (keep 1 egg white)
½ pint single cream
¾ oz butter
3 tablespoons of either premium brandy, or if you like the orange flavor like me, Cointreau or any good orange liqueur



  1. Heat the cream until nearly boiling. It’s best to use a thick-bottomed saucepan
  2. While the cream is heating up, break your chocolate into smaller pieces.
  3. Remove the cream from the heat. Sing half your favorite song, and then add the chocolate to the cream. Stir and sing, and don’t stop until the mixture is silky smooth.
  4. Beat in your egg yolks and add the brandy or Cointreau.
  5. If the mixture is still hot, sing your second favorite song…when the mixture is cooler, add the butter. Stir until silky smooth again. Tip: If the mixture splits, let it cool further, then add a little milk and whisk hard.
  6. Beat the egg white and fold it into the mixture. This will lighten the mousse.
  7. Pour into espresso cups or individual serving dishes (keep portions small).

 Tip: Cover with plastic wrap and you can store in the fridge for at least 2 days

(Serves 4)




Anni Fife is the exciting debut author of Luke’sRedemption, a contemporary romantic suspense—steamy!—released November 2016. It is already receiving 5-star reviews from popular bloggers. But Anni’s favorite review is from an Amazon Reader:



“Whew! Honestly one of the sexiest books I have read. This book is like a really good thriller that surprises you on Sunday night TV: you start, next minute you are hooked and stay up way past your bedtime to see how it ends. And those steamy sex scenes… yes.”

To read more about Luke’s Redemption and Anni Fife visit her website



Upcoming Book Signings / Appearances:
  • Third Saturday of the Month:  OKRWAMeeting, Oklahoma City, OK
  • January 18—March23 (Thursdays):  Chickasha PD Citizens Police Academy, Chickasha, OK
  • February 11, 2017:  Pioneer Hearts Reader Appreciation Luncheon, WinStar World Casino and Golf Resort, Thackerville, OK
  • July 14-17, 2017:  A Weekend With The Authors, Nashville, TN

Coming Next Month:  Hywela Lyn and a few March holidays.
With much gratitude, until next time…keep reading.
Maxine
Spark your imagination and entice your mind
Be adventurous in your own mind
Take a journey into a new world and be inspired
Enjoy the pleasures of reading ~~
It does the mind and body good.


 Above photo from Pinterest
Blake Shelton - Austin (Official Video) found on YouTube