Monday, May 1, 2017



May 1, 2017

Did you know that there are two meanings to May Day? There is the traditional one we all know that have to do with magpies and welcoming spring, and of course the May Day Pole. But the lesser known meaning is that it’s a day of worker solidarity and protest. Who knew? For more information on its history click here.

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

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “A mixture of admiration and pity is one of the surest recipes for affection.” ~~ Arthur Helps (1813-1875, British Historian)

CHECK THIS OUT:   
OMG, this has been busy past few weeks for me. I got partial edits for my first cozy mystery, Simply to Die For from MuseItUp Publishing, and I finished writing, got edits for, and am just about ready to publish the second in the Brides Along the Chisholm Trail series, The Marshal’s Bride. I’ve also started working on the third in the series, The Cattleman’s Bride. And I hired a personal assistant! For me, this is a huge step in my career as an author. I am so thankful that Maria happened to have a spot open. I am looking forward to working with Maria.

Please remember that young author or poet in your family. There is a writing competition for kids between 11 and 18 years of age. Have your little Fitzgerald or Poe enter his/her works for next year’s New Voices Young Writers Competition for 2018 starting in November. FMI on how to enter click here.


FEATURED AUTHOR:  Pam Thibodeaux
I am 100% panster so when I sat at the computer with one scene in mind, Keri scrolling through her newsfeed and grumbling “bah humbug” over the ‘Christmas in July’ propaganda, I had absolutely NO idea where the story was going or what would happen. I was introduced to Energy Medicine a couple of years ago and find the whole concept of healing the body – or actually the body healing itself by correcting energy imbalance–fascinating. Along with EM, I’ve discovered the power of positive thoughts and prayers (see: You can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay). Add to that, my belief in the afterlife and the books & movies affirming those beliefs, and well, this story practically wrote itself. What is so amazing and encouraging for me is that Keri’s Christmas Wish is the first romantic story I’ve written in its entirety since my husband passed away in 2009. Oh, I’ve had things published that were already in the works, but other than a couple NF pieces, it is the only thing written from start to finish. Hopefully this means I’m in a much better place emotionally and other books/novellas/stories are sure to follow.

For as long as she can remember, Keri Jackson has despised the hype and commercialism around Christmas so much she seldom enjoys the holiday. Will she get her wish and be free of the angst to truly enjoy Christmas this year?
A devout Christian at heart, Jeremy Hinton, a Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Spiritual Mentor and Energy Medicine Practitioner has studied all of the world’s religions and homeopathic healing modalities. But when a rare bacterial infection threatens the life of the woman he loves, will all of his faith and training be for naught?

Snippet: She awoke in another dimension. Keri had no idea if she was in Heaven, but neither did she fear Hell. Her surroundings were reminiscent of a dense forest at dusk. Shadows danced against a sunset where brilliant colors bled from the sky. A light shone in the distance but as she moved toward it, Keri felt as though she plowed through molasses. Unease pricked her skin. The sound of water drew her deeper into the woods until she stood at the base of a vast waterfall and rapids so swift she dared not attempt to cross the river.
The light grew stronger, brighter. Beckoning. 
Buy Links
 Author Links

 New Releases This Month:

May 1
Return to Bloodmoon Manor
Book 4 of the Bloodmoon Cove Spirits Series
Daniel and Hannah are newly married with their first child on the way when Hannah is bequeathed Bloodmoon Manor. After a lifetime of poverty, the wealth appeals to her despite barely escaping last time with her life.



May 1
 The Rancher’s Baby Proposal
The Hitching Post Hotel #6
Ally’s long-ago first crush returns to town and now wants her, too - as a babysitter! Still in love with Reagan, she’s determined to win her way into his bed and his heart.

May 1
The Cowboy's Accidental Baby
Cowboys of Stampede Texas
Lydia is looking for love, but there's nothing wrong with Mr. Right Now while she waits for Mr. Right. One steamy night with Gunner has unexpected consequences.



May 9
Why Did It Have To Be You?
Connie Wilkerson is a new attorney, but she's finding out that her toughest battle isn't the one in the courtroom. It's trying to keep her hands off of her opposition.

May 15

Sinbad's Homecoming
Book 7 of the Adventures of Sinbad
A return to peace should've been an easy thing but SInbad finds residuals of combat can do strange things to a man. His discovery is one to break a father's heart, for now he has to choose: Hide his son's crimes or open the entire Clan to the shame of what he has done.



May 15

The Colors of My Life
A woman takes the place of a bank hostage and it changes her entire life. Bank robbers, kidnappers, and a daring romance.

May 19
For the Love of the Marquess
The Noble Hearts Series
She will never trust her broken heart to him again.



May 20
Spooky Twisties I
Tweens find themselves in some supernatural dilemmas that lead to unexpected ending twists. Mix of fun, humor and horror.

May 20
The Touchstone of Raven Hollow
Secrets of Roseville #3
Love is never lost; it haunts the heart.



May 23
A Counterfeit Heart
A feisty counterfeiter and a cocky British agent clash in this sultry Secrets and Spies novel by K. C. Bateman, whose witty, intelligent, and sexy historical romances have become her signature.

May 23
Echo in the Wind
Can Donet resist the English vixen who entices him as no other woman? Will Lady Joanna risk all for an uncertain chance at love in the arms of the dashing Jean Donet? 


May 30
Rebel’s World
A severely oppressed population seeks a new homeworld. A heavily armed private army sweeps down to destroy the emigrants. Can the raw courage and determination of the outnumbered rear guard prevent the planned annihilation?

Author Recipe of the Month:  Betty Bolté
I like making this simple yet elegant cake for special occasions. I've included it in my latest release, The Touchstone of Raven Hollow, as one of the desserts Tara chooses to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner. It's light and refreshing and most important delicious! Enjoy!

Angel Food Waldorf Cake

Angel food cake mix (or bakery baked)
Cool Whip, large container
1 10-oz package frozen strawberries, thawed and drained
2/3 cup toasted slivered blanched almonds, divided
6 large marshmallows, quartered (or miniature marshmallows)
6-10 fresh strawberries of approximately equal size, capped, optional

·        Bake an angel food cake as directed on the package. Cool completely. Remove from pan; place cake upside down on serving plate. Slice off entire top of cake about 1 inch down; set aside.
·        Make cuts down into cake 1 inch from outer edge and 1 inch from edge of hole, leaving substantial “walls” on each side. With a curved knife or spoon, remove cake within cuts, being careful to leave a base of cake 1 inch thick. (Feel free to enjoy the pieces you remove as you won’t need them for the rest of the recipe.)
·        To a large container of Cool Whip (or other whipped cream) add a few drops of red few color and blend well, if you’d like. This step is not required.
·        Divide Cool Whip into two halves. Fold in strawberries, marshmallows, and 1/3 cup toasted slivered blanched almonds. Fill cavity with the mixture, pressing firmly to avoid holes in the cut slices. Replace top of cake and press down gently.
Frost cake with remaining whipped cream mixture. I like to add fresh strawberries of approximately equal size spaced evenly on the top of the cake. You can also sprinkle more almonds on the top and sides, if you’d like.

Betty Bolté writes both historical and contemporary stories featuring strong, loving women and brave, compassionate men. No matter whether the stories are set in the past or the present, she loves to include a touch of the paranormal. In addition to her romantic fiction, she’s the author of several nonfiction books and earned a Master’s in English in 2008. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Historical Novel Society, the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and the Authors Guild.
Get to know her at Website

 Upcoming Events:
Ø Third Saturday of the Month:  OKRWA Meeting, Oklahoma City, OK
Ø June 14-18: EPICon, San Antonio, TX
Ø July 14-17:  A Weekend With The Authors, Nashville, TN
Ø October 6-8: Rock Island Arts Festival 2017, Chickasha, OK
Ø November 1-December 20: New Voices Young Writers Competition entry dates

Coming Next Month:  Toni Sweeney, June releases, and a new recipe.

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
“Maypole Dance at Brunswick Sq Shopping Center London, UK” from BILLYE77 Channel YouTube