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! 

Maxine’s Bookshelf

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?

Available on Amazon

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. http://www.karenwiesner.com Facebook | Angelfire | Writers Exchange		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. https://www.mjlabeff.com  https://www.facebook.com/LaBeffMJ 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. https://www.facebook.com/tvsweeney https://www.classactbooks.com https://www.classactbooks.blogspot.com		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? www.KristinHolt.com Excerpt | Amazon
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? www.kariTrumbo.com www.facebook.com/karitrumboauthor

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

February 1, 2016

Love is in the air, can you feel it?  It was 15 years ago that my husband proposed to me at work in the cafeteria on Valentine’s Day.  Let me tell you, I was surprised at the timing...and so were my co-workers who were all waiting for me upstairs at my desk wanting to know what happened.  I was 46 when I got married for the first time and all I can say is ... it was definitely worth the wait!  I hope your Valentine’s Day is filled with such happiness and love.

In this Issue:

Quote of the Month

Featured Author  

For the Single Girls

Recipe of the Month 

Upcoming Book Signings/Appearances

Coming Next Month

Quote of the Month:  “For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.” ~ Judy Garland (1922-1969)

Featured Author:  Christina Weigand

Joachim banishes Brandan to prison island of Hyogo. His infant son, Prince Airyn disappears from his cradle. A chain of events is set in motion that will pit brother against brother, friend against friend, parents against children as Brandan and Joachim struggle for control of their sanity and their very lives.

With Brandan declared dead and his son missing Joachim sinks into despair and anger, where those close to him fear he may never return.

Is Brandan really dead and if he is, who is manipulating the Mantion and enemies of Crato?

Can Maeve save her country and her husband from the tentacles of evil pervading the land?

“I have sent one who can save them, but he can also bring about their final destruction.

“You, my Guardians, must seek him out. Protect him and ensure he is guided on the right paths.”

Alorn lifted his great, ruby-red head. “Tell us who is he, Lord, that we may fulfill Your wishes.”

“I cannot reveal his identity…yet. Just know there are three who need you now. My power will be seen in all, but only one will be the savior in the end. However, all are needed to bring My Will about and they must all be protected and nurtured.”

“How will we know them?” Stefano leaned forward.

“All will be children of Brandan or Joachim and they will blend the lineage of the three races.”

“We know of Joachim’s children, but Brandan has none.”

“He has one, a half Mantion-half human child. Gorou is the third and he will be the hardest to protect and nurture.”

“Why a child of Brandan?” Cielo asked. “Brandan has already chosen the path of evil time and again. Would not a child of his be exposed to that same evil?”

MuseItUp Publishing / Amazon / B&N / Kobo

For the Single Girls: 

Is Valentine’s Day the worse nightmare for singles? The whole world is celebrating love and you seem to be the only one left out? It doesn’t have to be that way. Here is the action plan for fabulous single girls to enjoy this day.

Come to think of it, even attached girls could use this as well. Look out guys, your ladies are kicking it this Valentine’s Day.

Action 1. Release.

Get the negative feelings out of the way. It’s OK to feel sad. Don’t try to sugar-coat it by pretending to be happy. But remember, being single is way better than being trapped in a troubled relationship. If you have to, give yourself 5 minutes to focus on your misery, (you’ll realize how stupid that is before the time is up.) Check to see if anything is changed. Then move to action 2.

Action 2. Express.

Valentine’s Day is not just about romantic relationships, it’s about the BIG love. Show your appreciation of your friend, your family, your pets, yourself, or planet earth! Send Valentine’s Day card to your loved ones. And remember to pick the most fancy card for yourself and write down reasons why you’re so special and lovable. Make sure it’s big enough, cause you need all the space.

Action 3. Connect.

If you are determined to get out of singlehood, put yourself out there. Prince Charming is not going to come and knock on your door no matter how long you stay home waiting. Think what you are passionate about. Join an interest group and start making friends. Try Meetup, Meet Market Adventures, or groups on Facebook.

Action 4. Have fun.

There are plenty of singles parties on this day. Sign up and have fun! You’ll realize that there is plenty of fish in the sea. You may find the special one on this special day. (Wishful thinking, I know, but be careful what you wish for, cause it might come true.)

Action 5. Get Physical.

If you are not the party type, exercise is a good way to boost your energy level and get you in a good mood. Go to the gym, attend a kickboxing class, try belly dancing, or go swimming in your poker dot bikinis.

Action 6. Indulge.

Before you can love others and be loved, you must love yourself. Pamper yourself with a SPA session or soak in your own tub with music (yes, you are encouraged to sing along) and aromatherapy candles. Enjoy a good massage and paint your toe nails in fuchsia.

You can pick a few actions from the list or do them all. Who knows, this may be your last single’s Valentine’s Day. Celebrate it, your way.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chantelle_X

More on Singles on Valentine’s Day:

©     Glamour’s Single Girl’s Guide

©     Netflix Movies

©     Surviving Valentine’s Day

©     Don’t Forget the Wine  

Recipe of the Month:

Fruit and Cheese-Stuffed French Toast

2 tbls light cream cheese, softened

4 slices whole-wheat bread

2 tbls strawberry or raspberry all-fruit spread

1 large egg

2 egg whites

3 tbls fat-free milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp cinnamon

Pinch nutmeg

1 cup hulled & sliced strawberries

1.     Spread the cream cheese evenly on 2 slices of the bread, leaving a ¼ inch border. Spread the strawberry spread on the remaining slices of bread, leaving a 1/8 inch border. Put the slices of bread together to make 2 cream cheese-fruit sandwiches. Cut each sandwich in half on the diagonal; set aside.

2.     Beat the egg and eggs whites in a large shallow bowl or pie plate; whisk in the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add to sandwich halves to the egg mixture; let stand until evenly soaked, about 20 seconds on each side. Repeat with the remaining 2 sandwich halves.

3.     Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and set over medium-high heat. Add the sandwiches to the skillet and cook until browned, 2-3 minutes on each side.  Serve with the berries.

From: Weight Watchers in 20 Minutes Point Value = 6              Serves 2

photo credit: slashfood

Upcoming Book Signings / Appearances:

©     3^rd Saturday of Month:  OKRWA Monthly Meeting, OKC Museum of Art

©     April 13-17, 2016:  Romantic Times Reader Convention, Las Vegas, NV at the Rio Hotel and Casino

Coming Next Month:  Feature author, Brent Archer

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 found on Pinterest

Red Love Heart, Valentines Day Concept image courtsey by cuteimage at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

February 1, 2015

It’s the month for Love!  Let’s have a collective SIGH.  February has spawned marriages, engagements and otherwise unusual happenings when it comes to the matters of the heart.  I hope everyone’s Valentine’s Day is filled with warm, love, happiness and a special night with the special someone.  The big party night before Cupid’s Arrow strikes happens at Mardi Gras a/k/a Fat Tuesday on February 17th!  Get your King Cake in time and see who gets the baby this year.

In this Issue:

          Quote of the Month

Valentine’s Day Contest Winner Announced

          Recommended Read of the Month

Interview with Sir Reynold Roddington of Knight to Remember

Valentine Traditions, bonus recipe

          News/Updates

          Upcoming Appearances

          Coming next month

Quote of the Month:  “All that we are is a result of what we have thought.”  Buddha (563 BCE - 483 BCE)

Valentine’s Day Contest -- Congratulations!  Mary Wirth of South Dakota won the Kama Sutra Honey Dust!  Thank you Mary for being a Muser and for your support.

Featured Authors:  What could be more fun than hanging out with your writer buddies in a martini lounge and drinking martinis? We’ll tell you what…creating

stories centered around a martini lounge with your WBFFs (Writer Best Friends Forever). That is exactly what these four have done—Amanda McCabe, Alicia Dean, Kathy L Wheeler, and Krysta Scott. Each author has written a novella set in the 1920s. Their heroines are (BFF) friends who fled England to New York City in search of a new life. The most fun part of these stories is how they interact as the timeframe for each is simultaneous. So you know there were some interesting meetings!

Rebellious - Amanda McCabe

Can an aristocratic lady melt the cold heart of a Russian gangster?

Lady Jessica Hatton fled her high-society London debutante life for one of investigative journalism in New York—only to be relegated to the fashion pages. Searching for a juicy story leads her to Club 501, the city's most glamorous speakeasy—and its handsome, mysterious owner, Frank Markov. But his past of war and revolution puts their hearts—and their lives—in danger... 

Amazon

Ruined - Alicia Dean

She vowed she’d be no man’s doxy, but fate had other plans... 

After the Earl of Goodwin attempts to force himself on her, housemaid Eliza Gilbert flees England for New York, hoping to build a better life. But the land of opportunity proves as harsh as the London docks, and she finds herself in a situation more dreadful than the one she escaped. Former boxer, Vince “The Fist” Taggart dreams of marrying, having a family, and living a quiet, peaceful life. But when a girl he's known since childhood disappears, he heads to New York in search of her and meets Eliza, a woman with a less than honorable reputation. Inexplicably captivated, Vince can’t force himself to stay away, especially when he learns Eliza is the key to finding his missing friend. 

Amazon

Reckless - Kathy L Wheeler

Lady Margaret turned Lady Bootlegger… 

Singer Margaret (Meggie) Montley needs money…fast. Her friend is in a dire situation with nowhere to turn. While Meggie is on the brink of stardom, it’s not soon enough to save her friend. Harry Dempsey is out to avenge the deaths of his father and brother at the hands of a ruthless gangster. But trouble spirals out of control when Meggie Montley shows up the night he meets his nemesis to settle the score. Saving the impetuous woman from a crime lord might be easier than saving her from her own reckless behavior. 

Amazon

Runaway - Krysta Scott

Can she prove her innocence before more than her dreams are destroyed? 

After escaping an arranged marriage, Lady Charlotte Leighton lands on a new shore, determined to realize her dream of opening her own bakery. But her plans are shattered when her former fiancé follows her to New York. Now, she finds herself in a fight for her freedom. Haunted by a string of failures, Detective Felix Noble is determined to solve his latest case. But his efforts to find a murderer are jeopardized by a forbidden attraction to his number one suspect. While he’s certain Charlotte Leighton is keeping secrets, instinct tells him she’s not the murderess he first believed. 

Amazon

Martini Club Blog / Facebook

Interview with Sir Reynold Roddington a/k/a The Black Knight in Knight to Remember:

Q:  Sir Reynold, please tell us what brought you to our land.

Black magic.

Q:  Black magic? Really now, can you honestly say you believe in magic in the modern world?

In thy world, mayhap not. Magic is a way of life in my land and practiced by Queen Isabel for her own gain.

Q:  And what of Queen Isabel? What is the relationship between the two of you?

We grew up as children playing within the castle walls with Thomas and Kathryn. Isabel took over the crown when her father, King David, died. I swore on his deathbed to protect her and the lands of Heartsease, not to lay in her bed. ‘Tis was her jealousy of my love for the Lady Kathryn which hast sent me to thy lands; deception and trickery.

Q:  Ahhh, another woman. I’d say typical male, but you’re anything but typical. Are you in love with Lady Courtney?

Thee hast but to look into my eyes to see the truth. Lady Courtney is my life and soul now as she was as Lady Kathryn.

Q:  Tell my readers just what it is that makes you defy your queen for another woman.

A passion for people, love of thy country. My heart speaks louder than any of the Queen’s threats upon my life.

Q:  Is there a happy ever after to your story, Sir Reynold?

M’lady, if I revealed such a secret there’d be no reason for your readers to seek out our story, now would it?

Q:  You are so right. Thank you, Sir Reynold for your time and insight.

‘Tis been a pleasure, m’lady.

Amazon / Nook / iBook / ARe

Valentine Traditions:  Valentine's Day always falls every year on February 14, and

is the traditional day on which lovers in certain cultures let each other know about their love, commonly by sending Valentine's cards, which are often anonymous. The history of Valentine's day can be traced back to an obscure Catholic Church feast day, said to be in honor of Saint Valentine, are discussed below. The day's associations with romantic love arrived after the High Middle Ages, during which the concept of romantic love was formulated.

Some legends go back to erotic festivals in ancient Rome that happened to take place during February. Women would dress up as wolves and wait to be whipped by men wearing loin cloths. Today in Italy and Greece, young men still chase young women while brandishing whips - made of plastic. The Lupercalia (February 15), was a fertility festival until 495 A.D., when a pope put a stop to it.

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Love Potion

2 pods of vanilla	1 liter of milk
2 tbs spoons of pure cocoa	1 quarter of liter of tepid water
2 tbs spoons of honey	2 tbs spoons of brown sugar
1 pinch of salt	1 glass of rum or tequila
1 half tea spoon of Tabasco or Cayenne pepper

Preparation

- Heat the vanilla pods 10 minutes in milk.

- Withdraw the pods, press them to extract all juice from it and scrape them to preserve small seeds.

- Add the pure cocoa to water with a quarter of tepid liter of water.

- Add hot milk while stirring up well, then to add honey, and the brown sugar.

- Incorporate while whipping: Tabasco or Cayenne pepper, salt, and rum or the tequila.

Is useful hot or cold. Drink in very good company!

News/Updates:  Release date for Eternally Yours coming soon, and my Civil War time-travel, Blood Ties, coming to print soon with a new print cover!

Upcoming Appearances:

• April 4:  Book Signing – Anadarko Library, Anadarko, OK
• May 12-17:  Romantic Times BookLovers Convention, Dallas, TX

Coming Next Month:  Easter traditions.

With much gratitude, until next time…keep reading.

Maxine           

Spark your imagination and entice your mind

Be adventurous in your own home

Take a journey into a new world and be inspired

Enjoy the pleasures of reading ~~

It does the mind and body good.