Entire Collection, .99 Special, Limited Time!

 To celebrate Valentine's Day, I wanted to let you all know about two very cool things--I'm having a .99 cent sale on the ENTIRE Sweet and Savory Romance collection! That means:

THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE

THE DEVIL SERVED DESIRE

THE ANGEL TASTED TEMPTATION

THE GROOM WANTED SECONDS

THE BEAUTY CHARMED SANTA

and the all-new novella, THE MILLIONAIRE TEMPTED FATE, are all available for less than a dollar each!

The sale also applies to Amazon UK and Barnes and Noble Nook editions, so whatever eReader you have, you can take advantage of this sale!

Also, check out the new www.SweetandSavoryRomance.com website, for more info on the books! We'll be adding extras and more content over the coming weeks!

And one more cool thing--I'm part of the new site, www.chocolateboxwriters.com and we're launching tomorrow with prizes and fun! Like us on Facebook (The Chocolate Box) or visit the site for more info!

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

 

Shirley

Day Nine: Tell Him It's Over

For Angie, telling her best friend that their relationship is completely over is the only way to protect her heart. Her ten-day plan to win his heart hits major bumps in the road, and in THE MILLIONAIRE TEMPTED FATE, Angie's forced to admit that maybe she and Max aren't meant to be. Read the book to see if they get their own happy ending by Valentine's Day! Only .99 on Amazon, Nook and iBooks!

Shirley

Day Two in Angie's Quest!

Angie isn't much of a cook, but she does her best to try to show Max her domestic skills in THE MILLIONAIRE TEMPTED FATE. Grab this all-new novella today to see how one night goes horribly awry--and yet still changes everything between them. Also, check out the www.SweetandSavoryRomance.com website! I'll be adding recipes, words of wisdom and all kinds of fun stuff over there!

And don't forget to get your copy of THE MILLIONAIRE TEMPTED FATE. Available on Nook, Kindle and iBooks!

Shirley

SUMMERSET ABBEY by TJ Brown and Mustard Roasted Potatoes

Today I welcome author T.J. Brown, who has an incredible personal story about overcoming cancer, and an incredible debut novel. If you like Downton Abbey, you're going to love her new book, SUMMERSET ABBEY!

She's also a great cook, so read below for a recipe that I'm definitely going to try!

 

TJ Brown's Recipe: Mustard Roasted Potatoes

I have found an absolute passion for cooking now that my children are grown…no more picky eaters to please and I get to make what I want! This recipe is originally from the Barefoot Contessa, but I modified it to suit our tastes. These are perfect for a party because you can make them ahead of time and then put them under the broiler for a few minutes  to reheat.  

• 2 1/2 pounds small red potatoes (or any potatoes really)
• 3 tablespoons good olive oil
• 3 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
• Salt to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Cut the potatoes into bite sized chunks, and place them on a sheet pan.  Mix together the olive oil, mustard, 2 teaspoons salt, and the pepper in a bowl and pour over the potatoes. Mix together well with your hands. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until the potatoes are lightly browned on the outside and tender on the inside. Toss the potatoes from time to time with a metal spatula so they brown evenly.

Serve hot sprinkled with chopped parsley and a little extra salt.

 

And now, about the book, SUMMERSET ABBEY (available in bookstores nationwide):

1913: In a sprawling manor on the outskirts of London, three young women seek to fulfill their destinies and desires amidst the unspoken rules of society and the distant rumblings of war. . . .

Rowena Buxton

Sir Philip Buxton raised three girls into beautiful and capable young women in a bohemian household that defied Edwardian tradition. Eldest sister Rowena was taught to value people, not wealth or status. But everything she believes will be tested when Sir Philip dies, and the girls must live under their uncle’s guardianship at the vast family estate, Summerset Abbey. Standing up for a beloved family member sequestered to the “under class” in this privileged new world, and drawn into the Cunning Coterie, an exclusive social circle of aristocratic “rebels,” Rowena must decide where her true passions—and loyalties—lie.

Victoria Buxton

Frail in body but filled with an audacious spirit, Victoria secretly dreams of attending university to become a botanist like her father. But this most unladylike wish is not her only secret. Now, Victoria has stumbled upon a family scandal that, if revealed, has the potential to change lives forever…

Prudence Tate

Prudence was lovingly brought up alongside Victoria and Rowena, and their bond is as strong as blood. But by birth she is a governess’s daughter, and to the lord of Summerset Abbey, that makes her a commoner who must take her true place in society—as ladies maid to her beloved “sisters.” But Pru doesn’t belong in the downstairs world of the household staff any more than she belongs upstairs with the Buxton girls.  And when a young lord catches her eye, she begins to wonder if she’ll ever truly carve out a place for herself at Summerset Abbey…

Other books in the series:

A BLOOM IN WINTER (Summerset Abbey #2) March 5, 2013

SPRING AWAKENING (Summerset Abbey #3) August 6, 2013

Thanks for visiting, T.J.! This book looks awesome!! For more about the book, the series or TJ herself, visit her website!

Shirley

Last day to get a FREE book from me!

December 27th is the last day you can download THE GROOM WANTED SECONDS for free from Amazon! Even if you don't have an eReader, you can download the free Kindle app and read it on your computer or your smartphone. It's the prequel to the USA Today bestselling THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE, part of my special Holiday Bundle!

And, I'm guesting on the Heroes and Heartbreakers blog today, so stop on by and chat with me, for a chance to win the Holiday bundle!

Shirley

FREE book, until Dec. 27th!

For two days only (Dec. 26 and 27th), you can download THE GROOM WANTED SECONDS for FREE! If you have an eReader, or just download the free Kindle app to your smartphone or computer, grab this free novella, the prequel to the USA Today bestselling THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE series! This is one of my Sweet and Savory novels, fun, flirty reads with recipes written by the characters!

What'd you serve for Christmas dinner? I made Ina Garten's Prime Rib Roast...and it was OMG to-die-for. It's my second year making it, and I swear it gets better every year! Leftovers today, and it just makes me wish I bought a bigger roast ;-)

Have a wonderful Boxing Day!

Shirley

Merry Christmas! Free Book & Holiday Bundle

First off, I want to wish all my readers a MERRY CHRISTMAS! I'm always like a little kid on the holiday--I absolutely can't wait for the day to arrive! And of course, the meal...this year, it's rib roast. I am literally drooling, anticipating that tomorrow!

For all you who get Kindles or Nooks or iTunes cards for Christmas, I wanted to let you know that THE GROOM WANTED SECONDS will be FREE for two days only, December 26th and 27th! If you download it, you get a taste of the Christmas season, along with some great recipes!

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About the book: Nothing like a little breakup to remind a man why he loves a woman and what an idiot he’s been. After a clunky marriage proposal, Rebecca Wilson breaks up with Jeremy Hamilton, an engineer lacking a romance chromosome. She goes away for the summer and thinks she has found true love. When she returns with a broken heart, Jeremy seizes the opportunity to convince her to give him a second chance.

But it isn’t until he brings out his wild and fun side that Jeremy sees a dim flicker of hope for a future with Rebecca. His determination drives Rebecca to break into her secret cookie stash, hoping Thin Mints can make her forget Mr. Wrong. She’s already been burned twice before—is she ready to take a second chance on love?

The Sweet and Savory Romances will make you laugh, cry, and rev up your appetite with their hunky heroes. As a special addition, satiate your hunger—for food that is— with tried-and-true recipes written by the characters inside.

 

If you want to gift yourself, you can download my all new, limited edition Holiday Bundle of Sweet and Savory Romances, starting with the USA Today bestseller, THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE! Four books in one, plenty of reading for that holiday break!

 

Merry Christmas to you and yours. I'm grateful and blessed to be surrounded by those I love, and I hope you are, too.

 

Shirley

Guest Post: Aurelia B Rowl with a New Book and Mushroom Soup!

Today, I welcome author Aurelia B Rowl, with a quick and easy Mushroom Soup recipe and a new book with an awesome cover (and I love that title, too!).

About CHRISTMAS IS CANCELLED:

 

Matilda 'Tilly' Carter didn't think her day could get any worse, but even Christmas had just been cancelled.

The one girl Dean Watson has sworn never to have—never even expected to see again—just flared back into his life and into his home—his sanctuary—like she belonged there. Christmas would certainly be more bearable with Tilly around though…

As the chinks in Dean's armor appear, Tilly seizes the chance to win her knight once and for all. She's not about to take no for answer—not this time—but Dean must resist, even as his heart rebels and temptation threatens to undermine his resolve.

Win or lose? Love or honor? Which will Dean choose? Assuming he gets a choice…

 

FROM CHRISTMAS IS CANCELLED:

 

Tears welled in her eyes, clouding her vision. She turned and wandered blindly toward the exit as the first tear escaped, forging a track down her cheek for the rest to follow. Tilly took in a lungful of air and then another. Having made a spectacle of herself once already, she really didn't want to be the cause of yet another scene.

The crowds swarmed around her, with students and family members heading home for the holidays only adding to the usual rush-hour melee of commuters. They jostled past, threatening to swallow her whole, as they rushed en mass in the opposite direction, using their briefcases and suitcases as a battering ram.

It was suffocating. She had to get out of there. Breaking into a run, broken heel or not, she raced through the doors and out into the biting December chill. Her waterlogged eyes struggled to adjust to the dark, dreary sky after the bright station lights, but she didn't dare slow down, desperate to escape the throng of festivities and merriment.

Carol singers assembled outside burst into a jovial rendition of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," full of joy and happiness. Didn't they know Christmas had just been cancelled?

"Ooof!" Tilly smacked her shin against the edge of a low bench, too dark to see as she tried to dodge the growing audience. She ended up sprawled across the bench, dropping the handle of her suitcase with a loud clatter.

At least the pain shooting down her leg gave her an excuse to be crying. Unfortunately, it meant she had to stop running too. Not good. Whenever things got too tough, too intimate, or too confrontational, you could rely on her to make a run for it. Running away was what she did best...

A tall figure loomed in the edge of her vision, something vaguely familiar about the man's loping gait. In an effort to see him more clearly, she wiped her eyes with the back of her hands, then cringed inwardly at the black streaks now etched all over them. Great. She could add impersonating a panda to her day from hell as well then.

The mascara stung her eyes, rendering her unable to focus properly. She blinked furiously as the man strode past her, talking into a mobile phone in a deep voice that resonated throughout her body and made the fine hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. A surge of adrenaline rushed to her legs, numbing the pain as her subconscious told her to run. Now! 

The cloaked figure stopped mid-stride as if he'd heard her gasp. "Mike, I've gotta go," he barked into the phone, hanging up instantly. He backtracked until he was standing right in front of her, his tone changing from a growl to one of surprise. "Basmati?"

Great. She hadn't heard the nickname for years—nine years, four months and...sixteen days, to be exact—and even then, only one person had ever actually used it. She screwed her eyes tightly shut, shaking her head from side to side. No. No way. There was absolutely no way this could be happening to her. Not now. Not today of all days... Talk about kicking a girl when she was down. Buy the book here!

 

Aurelia’s Oh-So-Simple Creamy Mushroom Soup

 This soup is so deliciously creamy and tasty, yet ridiculously easy to prepare. It can even be prepared in advance, then reheated immediately prior to serving, so is ideal for dinner parties.

 

Ingredients:

Mushrooms 1lb or more – chopped (I like to include a few field mushrooms for their colour)

Cream ¼ pint

Milk 1 pint

Plain flour 1½oz

Butter 2oz

Vegetable stock ½ pint

Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the mushrooms and cook for three minutes.
Sprinkle over the flour, then stir to coat the mushrooms. Stir in the vegetable stock and the milk, then bring slowly to the boil.Simmer for five-to-ten minutes.

Allow to cool, then blend – if you like your soup chunky, only blend half.

(At this point you can store soup in the fridge to reheat later) Return to the pan, then add the cream and reheat.
Serve immediately. (Delicious with fresh, warm crusty bread).

 

Thanks so much for visiting, Aurelia! Love the recipe!

Shirley

All New Holiday Reads!

Just in time for Christmas, I've got two new holiday reads and a cool Holiday bundle of my books! In stores now is MISTLETOE KISSES WITH THE BILLIONAIRE, the final story in the Holiday Miracles trilogy! Take a trip to Beckett's Run for a Christmas to remember!

And in my Sweet and Savory Romances series (romances with delicious recipes written by the characters), I've got THE BEAUTY CHARMED SANTA, an all-new novella featuring a few of your favorites from THE DEVIL SERVED DESIRE.

For readers new to my books or those looking for a great bundle of books to load onto your Kindle or Nook, try my limited-edition Holiday Bundle, FOUR books in one! See why readers are raving about this fun, flirty series!

Merry Christmas to all!

Shirley

Cookies, Cookies, Cookies!

Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

I love cookies. I mean LOVE cookies (and cupcakes, and brownies and fudge...okay, any dessert, LOL). I try not to make cookies the rest of the year, because then I'll EAT them, but at the holidays, I go on a baking spree :-) This week, I made White Chocolate Raspberry Thumbprints, Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars, and Melted Snowmen cookies.

First up was the Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars, a request from a friend after I saw it on Pinterest. They were delicious, and really easy! I bought the Peanut Butter Pretzels at Meijer--there was a plastic jar of them on the potato chip aisle, by the pretzels. I used Nestle's Chocolate Chip Cookie dough. I ate all the crumbs :-)


Next up is my White Chocolate Raspberry Thumbprints, which is one of my own recipes (and is featured in Sugar and Spice). It's a favorite with my whole family, and an annually requested recipe. The kids have already eaten all the extras :-) They freeze super well, and are quick and easy. See below for the recipe.

Then I made my Melted Snowman cookies. They weren't as pretty as last year's, and that's because I used the canned Betty Crocker frosting instead of buying the pro tips at the candy and cake decorating store. I almost always forget I've got those metal cake decorating tips in the sink and grind one or more up in the garbage disposal, LOL.


Melted Snowman Cookies
 

These ones are pretty easy. I use the recipe from The Somewhat Simple blog. I use Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix (I find that works better than the refrigerated, already made kind), Then I buy the Royal Icing mix, add enough water to make it at "flood" stage, and do the decorating on top of waxed paper.

I bought the Betty Crocker black, green, orange and red icing cans this year, but would definitely recommend pro decorating  tips if you can get them. It takes a little practice, but overall, the decorating is pretty easy, especially for non-crafter like me :-)

I assembled them all on a tray for a party I'm going to tomorrow night. I was going to decorate the tray, then figured the cookies were enough decoration :-)


White Chocolate Raspberry Thumbprints
(from Sugar and Spice)

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (I always use real vanilla)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam
1 cup white chocolate chips
Red sugar sprinkles
 
Trust me, these ones are so good, you won’t have any left for guests (and whoever invented that rule about sharing your cookies, anyhow? It’s Christmas, indulge yourself a little). In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and the shortening with an electric mixer (or use a stand mixer and let the machine do the work), then add the sugar, powdered sugar, baking soda, cream of tarter, and the salt. Beat just until combined.

Add the egg and vanilla, then mix in the flour gradually. Cover the dough and refrigerate for three hours. I know, it’s a long wait, but it’ll be worth it later. Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Roll the dough into 3/4-inch balls and put them on an ungreased cookie sheet. With your thumb or the end of a wooden spoon, press a circular indentation into the center of each cookie. Drop a 1/4 teaspoon of jam into each thumbprint. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, then cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, pour yourself a glass of milk and get into serious cookie-eating mode. Skip lunch if you have to-there’s no way a tuna on rye can compete.

Put the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until the chips are melted. Pour the white chocolate into a resealable plastic bag and snip off a tiny bit of one corner. Drizzle the white chocolate over the cookies. Sprinkle cookies with red sugar to add that festive flair.

Now you’re ready to indulge-don’t worry about the calories until January 1st. Makes three dozen, just enough for you and a friend!

 

Did you catch my post on the cupcakes and the Salted Caramel Shortbread I made the other week? Tell me, what cookies are you making this year? Which ones are your MUST HAVE cookies for the holidays?

 

Shirley

Terri Rochenski's new book and an Easy Appetizer!

When I first saw Ms. Jump’s blog I was thrilled. She posts about two of my passions – books and cooking. And then she offered to let me guest post … well. Beyond thrilled to say the least!

Rather than blather on about writing or my process I decided to share one thought and a little about my newest release.

As a stay-at-home mom I often get bogged down in the details of life – kids, cleaning, laundry, cooking (even thought I love it!). I’ve found it’s easy for a woman’s identity to fade, oftentimes disappear altogether into the new one of mommy, wife, and housekeeper.

Writing has always been a passion of mine – my hobby – it’s the one thing I cling to that is all mine. M.I.N.E. It’s my escape, and I nab a few minutes wherever and whenever my children allow.

Because let’s face it … they do come first.

And one of the things I enjoy doing for them, the most besides hugs and kisses of course is cooking yummy food. Seeing as how the holiday season is upon us, I decided to share my favorite go-to party recipe.

#

Dried Beef Cheese Ball

3  4oz. packages of dried beef, broken up

3  8oz. softened cream cheese

1 small onion, chopped

2 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbs. Accent Season Salt

Mix all ingredence in a bowl. Shape into a ball, cover and refrigerate. (I like making it the night before to let all the flavors mingle together.)

Easy peasy! Slap some on a cracker and yums with a capital Y.

#

Now on to my newest release.

My short story, Beginning of Forever, is in Still MomentsPublishing’s Christmas Magic Anthology which released on December 4^th. It’s a collection of my historical romance and three other contemporary stories. For now it is only available as an ebook.

Here's an excerpt from Terri's new book!

Beginning of Forever by Terri Rochenski

When Wayne Edwards moves to town, Lillian Davis experiences stirrings she thought were long dead. Guilt ridden over betraying her deceased husband and the feelings Wayne inspires, Lillian reluctantly lets him in. Secrets of the past – an old promise emerges, but will it threaten their forever?

Excerpt:

I rubbed my fussing son’s back and stumbled down the hall to grab the phone. “Hello?”
“Mrs. Douglas?”
A glance at the clock and my stomach clenched. Ronnie was an hour late for our Christmas Eve dinner. “Y-yes?”
“There’s been an accident.”
Through Steven’s heightened cries and the ringing in my ears I heard my husband’s name and Anna Jacques hospital.
This isn’t real. I need to wake up.
“Mrs. Douglas?”
I swayed and slumped to my knees on the linoleum floor, struggling to keep Steven in my grasp.
The floor is cold. I’m not dreaming.

A big thanks to Shirley for inviting me. I hope you’ll try the drool-inducing cheese ball AND my book!

Terri

Here's her blog and website, for more about Terri!

Thanks for visiting, Terri!

Shirley

Book News, Trilogy Behind the Scenes Peek and JSWI news!

It has been a BUSY few weeks here! I've been writing my fingers off, trying to make a lot of deadlines that just sort of ran together. Not much cooking going on in my house--mainly just dump something in the crock-pot or fix something fast ;-) But I'll get back to it soon, these colder temperatures have me craving comfort foods!

Lots of writing news--first, I wanted to announce the release of THE GROOM WANTED SECONDS, the prequel to the Sweet and Savory Romance series (with THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE, THE DEVIL SERVED DESIRE and THE ANGEL TASTED TEMPTATION). This all-new book is a fun, sexy novella that features Rebecca and Jeremy's story--read all about how they almost didn't make it to the altar! And at only .99 cents, it's a bargain!

Second, if you're interested in how a trilogy comes together, stop by the Romantic Times blog and read how Donna Alward, Fiona Harper and myself wrote our Holiday Miracles trilogy together. Three friends, working together to tell the story of three sisters. It was a blast and so is our in-real-time interview!
Third, the JumpStart Writing Institute is offering LOTS of awesomeness for writers! Those who join get access to regular motivational posts, writing information and first dibs as well as lower prices on all my classes. From now until October 12th, midnight, there's a special price for signing up! Stop by the membership page for details!


Oh, and local people who pick up Glo magazine, look for Part One of my six-part novella, "Fools Rush In," a Glo exclusive! You can also read it online (turn to page 30).

Happy reading!

Shirley

Talk about Dialogue and FREE online read!

For the next few weeks, Harlequin is posting my FREE online read about the McKennas, featuring Finn, Riley and Brody's cousin Alec (you see snippets of him in the McKenna books--the first book is out now (ONE DAY TO FIND A HUSBAND) and book two comes out in a week (HOW THE PLAYBOY GOT SERIOUS). Stop on over at eHarlequin to read a new chapter every Tuesday!

Also, as part of the "Book in 3 Months" program on eHarlequin, I'll be talking Dialogue with editor Keyren Gerlach from Harlequin Romantic Suspense. Stop on by and learn our top tips for writing powerful dialogue!

I'm trying out a new chili mix tonight for dinner, something DH brought home from a recent road trip. Will have to let you all know how it turns out! I'm also sneaking in some healthiness by using ground turkey instead of ground beef ;-)
Shirley

Enter to Win a Kindle copy of THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE!

From now until midnight EST July 25, 2012, post your favorite chocolate treat below and be entered for a chance to win one of two Kindle copies of THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE. Note, this is for the Kindle ebook copy--and if you don't have a Kindle, you can download the free app for reading on your computer or iPad. All entries must comment below, and be sure to include a way to contact you.

Also, don't forget you can buy the Nook and Kindle editions of books #2 and #3 in the series! Look for THE DEVIL SERVED DESIRE and THE ANGEL TASTED TEMPTATION.

This contest is easy, it's fun, and should get all of us in the mood for a little chocolate! :-)

Shirley

Now on Kindle! THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE

I'm thrilled that THE BRIDE WORE CHOCOLATE is now on Kindle, too, for all my Amazon reading fans! Now you can buy the entire Sweet and Savory Romances series on both Kindle and Nook, so no matter what kind of e-reader you have, you can read these funny, recipe-filled romances!

Click here to buy it on Kindle and here for Nook!

Join Me on Mystery Lovers Kitchen!

I'm over at Mystery Lover's Kitchen today, blogging about the exciting re-release of several of my books and sharing a low-calorie cookie recipe. Join me and tell me your favorite low-call sweet treat!

Shirley

New Book in Stores and The Reader Posse

I read an interesting article about reader posses yesterday. It's sort of the modern day equivalent of a fan club. I think it's a cool idea (and not just because I love the idea of having a posse, LOL), but because it makes sense in today's world where word of mouth is often the best advertising. Basically, you have a select group of readers/fans who get copies of your books in advance, on the agreement that they will read it, then blog about it/talk about it/spread the word. I have a few friends who do this just because they like my books, but think having an official "posse" is a cool idea.

What do you think? Would you be interested in something like that?

And on another note, my newest Riverbend book is out in stores today! It's always cool to go to the grocery store and see my book on the shelves! And if you notice, the price at Meijer (which is where I was today) is reduced, just like at Wal-Mart. A bargain! And a great stocking stuffer if I say so myself!

For those of you who have loved the Riverbend books, this is Livia's story (who made a quick appearance in Midnight Kiss, New Year Wish). Edward, the banquet hall owner is also back, but not the man he was months before, after a tragedy that deeply impacted him. And reader favorites Earl and Betsy are back as well, and getting a little spice in their romance ;-)

For an excerpt go here, and here to buy the book (available in stores everywhere and in Nook, Kindle, etc.).

Hope you all are keeping warm wherever you are! We're supposed to get our first snowfall of the year this afternoon, but they swear it's not going to stick. :-)

Shirley

Wonderful review for THE PRINCESS TEST

What an awesome way to start the weekend! I came across this really fabulous review of THE PRINCESS TEST this morning, and it just made my day!

For those of you who are writers, just a reminder that my October class starts Monday, so sign up today if you've been delaying (and you'll get real, hands-on help making your scenes compelling and strong!). It's all online, so you can read/participate at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Also, for the cooks in the audience, more fabulous recipes are coming next week! I've got a pork roast with a peach mustard sauce, and a gnocchi Alfredo, and whatever else strikes my fancy for cooking :-)

Have a great weekend, all!

Shirley

Interview with a Romance Novel Cover Model

How cool is this? This interview features a romance cover model--and one of the titles they feature in the interview is mine! She was the model for How to Lasso a Cowboy, which came out in April. Check out the interview for a little behind-the-cover information!

Back to work on the next books this week. I'm writing a series featuring three brothers from Boston. I love connected books, though they can be challenging from the author's POV to keep everything straight. I should be more organized about the whole thing, and that would probably make my life a lot easier, LOL.

Shirley

Hoisin Chicken--and Writing Chat tomorrow!

Tonight's dinner was a HUGE hit with DH. I love Food Network Magazine and absolutely LOVE their cookbook. It's filled with the past year's recipes from the magazine, and 99% of them are super easy and really good. This one was no exception. I served it with my own fried rice, and also made the cucumber salad in the recipe.

A couple tips: be sure your grill is really well oiled (I found out the hard way :-) and reserve some of the marinade for basting. The cucumber salad is perfect--not too tart, not too sweet--and I highly recommend it.

Here's the recipe. I read in the reviews that some people tried it on pork, something that's on my to do list for sure :-)

I served it with my own tried-and-true fried rice recipe. If you chop all your ingredients beforehand, Chinese food isn't so tough to make :-)

Also, tomorrow, I'm doing a writing chat on Twitter--ask me anything you want to know about writing. My twitter name is @shirleyjump and the chat hash tag is #ARWchat. Chat starts at 11:30 am EST, which I've been told is 4:30 pm UK time. All chatters will be entered to win an Amazon gift card and a copy of one of my books!

Shirley