Karen Docter

  KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH

Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where, every Wednesday, readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

 Grimsley Hollow, The Chosen One by Nicole Storey

Back Cover Blurb

Gage wanted friends and adventure, but he had no idea they would come at such a dangerous price.  Can one autistic boy defeat an evil witch and save his new friends?  Travel to Grimsley Hollow and find out!  After all, not all superheroes wear capes…courage comes from the heart!

~~~~

Grimsley Hollow

The Story Behind the Story

I never knew a book with an autistic child as the main character and hero would be frowned upon by some readers.  Would I have written the book differently had I known this?  Absolutely not – it’s high time people realize that autism is not synonymous with the words “mentally handicapped.”

I began writing this book in earnest after my son, who has autism and Tourette’s, started middle school.  After the peace and calm of his elementary school years, it was quite a shock when he was bullied on his second day of sixth grade.  I must say it enraged me that kids were calling him names and making fun of him, especially since these children had no idea who my son was, nor took the time to get to know him before making such harsh judgments.  They called him a “freak”, just because he was a little different.  I have read a few books with autistic characters in them, but they are always portrayed as helpless and ignorant, or as idiot savants.  I decided it was time to write a book that showed what special-needs children are really like.  I wanted readers to know what autism is, and how if effects those who have it.  I wanted to educate other children, teach them that in some way or another, we are ALL different, and that special-needs kids want the same things they do:  acceptance for who they are and inclusion in our lives.

I came up with Grimsley Hollow by combining things I love the most, which include Halloween and my children.  Halloween is my favorite holiday.  It only seemed natural that I create a world where every scary monster and magical being I loved as a child (and still do) actually lived.  I wanted to pull them from their pretend existence in fairy tales and movies – give them life, characteristics and a voice.

I began writing the story in February of 2011.  I finished in September and was signed with Inknbeans Press in November.  My son, Gage, is the main character in the book.  All of the autistic elements in the book come from his experiences with the neurological disorder.  I believe my book is different from other juvenile/YA fantasy books because the main character is a child who struggles with a disorder, yet finds strength and courage he never knew he had.  It teaches about acceptance of others – no matter how different they may be – but the moral is disguised in a fun, spooky read that kids can enjoy.  They learn a lesson without realizing it.  I didn’t sugar-coat the autism aspects of the story, nor exaggerate it for dramatical purposes.  I want other kids to learn how autistic children really are and to be able to relate to them on some level.  I think I accomplished that with Grimsley Hollow.  It is a series I will always be proud of.

 ~~~~

  Meet Nicole Storey, Author….

Hello!  My name is Nicole Storey and I am the author of Grimsley Hollow-The Chosen One.  I live in Georgia with my husband of twelve years, two amazing children, a finicky cat, and tanks full of goldfish.  When I’m not playing in the imaginary world of Grimsley Hollow and dreaming up new adventures for my characters, I enjoy reading and reviewing books, gardening, and cooking.  I also love to go online and look at Halloween decorations – it’s my favorite holiday!

~~~~

~~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Nicole will give away a copy of GRIMSLEY HOLLOW, THE CHOSEN ONE (via Smashwords) to two lucky readers who comment on her Author Interview (Monday) or her Book Bench blog (Wednesday)!  Multiple comments only count as one entry. Winners will be randomly selected and announced on Friday, May 4th.  Good luck!  Thanks, Nicole, for sharing your story with us!

Filed under: **Book Peek**, Karen's Killer BOOK BENCH | 2 Comments →

There were one giveaway last week!  Congratulations to the Winner!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Karen’s Killer Book Bench w/Allison Merritt

Giveaway: One lucky reader comment will be randomly chosen to receive a giveaway, a copy of THE TREASURE HUNTER’S LADY, from Allison Merritt.  Thanks, Allison, for sharing with us!

WINNER!! JENNIFER LOWERY (KAMPTNER)!!

Filed under: Specials & Giveaways | Add Comment →

**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with Nicole Storey

Before we get started talking about your writing, tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you do for a living (if you’re not a fulltime writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share.

Hello, Karen, and thanks for having me on your blog!  My name is Nicole Storey.  I’m a born and bred Georgian.  I live in a smallish town called LaGrange – about an hour south of Atlanta, GA.  When I’m not writing, I am one of the many Super Moms who work at home.  For those wondering, we Super Moms have many jobs which include, but are not limited to: doctor, chauffer, veterinarian, zoo keeper, cook, maid, teacher, referee, and slayers of boogey men who like to hide in closets and under beds.  In my spare time (what little I have of it), I like to garden, cook, and read and review books on my blog.

1. How did you get started writing?

I started writing as a hobby, really.  I found that after the kids went to school and my house was cleaned, I had time on my hands and didn’t know what to do with myself.  I had looked for part-time jobs, but there were never any available that still allowed me to be there for my children.  I have played around with writing short stories since I was a teenager.  It was nice to be able to do that again.

2. What genre(s) do you write in and why?

I write juvenile/YA fantasy with a dash of paranormal and a lot of Halloween.  LOL!  I like to write what I love, so I mixed them all together and that is what I came up with.  I’m still waiting for Amazon to recognize my genre and add it to their list.    I think I’ll be waiting a while.

3. What is your favorite part of writing?

My favorite part is being able to share my passion with others.  Whenever I read a book, I get swept away to another time and place.  I can fight zombies, be a witch with a black-cat familiar, or a survivor in a dystopian world.  There is magic in books.  I love being able to give that magic to someone else – especially kids.

4. What is your least favorite part of writing?

Definitely editing!  LOL!  I find it hard to edit my own work, especially when I have read it so many times.  I’m sure my editor wishes I would get better at this!

5. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

I draw from things I’m familiar with and people I love, like my children.  I try to think of things I loved to read about when I was a child, reinvent them, give them little twists, and make my own creations.

6. What is your typical day like?

I get up at 6:00 a.m. to get the kids ready for school.  I have a seven-year-old daughter and a fourteen-year-old son.  After they leave, I write for a while, clean, run errands, and then it is time to pick the kids up from school.  After dinner, we do homework, and then I try to sit down and talk with my family.  We tell each other about our day, watch a movie, or read a book together.  Too soon, it’s time for baths and bed and I write again.

7. What is most difficult for you to write?  Characters, conflict or emotions? Why?

For me, it is characters.  I tend to want to switch point-of-views too much.  I sometimes struggle with conflict, as well. 

8. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?

I am working on a short novella that will be the prequel to the book I published in November of 2011.  My first book published is called Grimsley Hollow – The Chosen One.  This short novella is called Grimsley Hollow – Eve of the Beginning.  I don’t have a definite publishing date, but I am almost done with the final draft for my publisher.  I am very excited!  I’m also working on the second (or third, if you count the novella) book in the series titled: Grimsley Hollow – The Search for Siren.  My books are juvenile/YA fantasy and the main character is an eleven-year-old boy with autism.

~~~~

FMI about Nicole Storey and her books:

My website:  http://nicolestorey.weebly.com/

My Blog:  http://nicolestorey.wordpress.com/

My Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nicolestoreyfans

Twitter:  @Nicole_Storey

My books can be found at:

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/GC9kO2

Smashwords:  http://bit.ly/tHfXB7

Barnes and Noble:  http://bit.ly/I9F430

~~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Nicole will give away a copy of GRIMSLEY HOLLOW, THE CHOSEN ONE (via Smashwords) to two lucky readers who comment on her Author Interview (Monday) or her Book Bench blog (Wednesday)!  Multiple comments only count as one entry. Winners will be randomly selected and announced on Friday, May 4th.  Good luck!  Thanks, Nicole, for sharing your story with us!

BE SURE TO COME BACK to read the story behind Nicole’s novel, GRIMSLEY HOLLOW, The Chosen One, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy reading!

Filed under: **Author Peek** | 1 Comment →

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!!  Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors.

Introducing author, CHER’LEY GROGG, and her favorite recipe for Linda’s World Famous Chicken Enchiladas!

BOOK PEEK ~ Stamp Out Murder

An amateur stamp collector and antique enthusiast, James Freeman, takes a vacation from his Washington DC accounting firm to acquire an exquisite French Armoire that he located on the internet. With his Mapquest print-out in hand, he leaves the comforts of the city and heads into the mountains of West Virginia.

He travels to the village of Wanton, where he ventures down the wrong road, and becomes the prime suspect in the drowning of Sam Austin. The locals believe The Cheat River Ghosts are responsible for this murder and the cold case murders from the past. Nevertheless, the Sheriff, who doesn’t believe in ghosts, is convinced that James came to his town for more than a piece of furniture.

The Cheat River has claimed one life from the McKeel clan for the last three generations. With steadfast determination, James fights with all of his might to break the curse, before the river claims the life of his newly found love, Carolyn McKeel.

Because of his meddling into the mysteries of Wanton, James wakes up battered, beaten and bruised in the hospital. This warning for him to get out of town only makes him more determined to find out who is responsible for his injuries, the death of Sam Austin, and the recent shenanigans in Wanton.

James has the life he’s always desired in Washington—A high paying career, a big, antiques-filled house, the freedom to pursue his stamp-collection hobby, and his solitude. Will he give it all up for love and the quirky friendships he makes in Wanton?

~~~~

Stamp Out Murder by Cher’ley Grogg

EXCERPT

“Just hold on, Mrs. Franklin.” Clay rose to his feet. “Mr. Freeman is a suspect in a murder investigation. He can’t just walk out of here.”

“Harry?” Linda glared at the mayor. She crossed her arms over her amble bosom. Her face appeared emotionless, smooth. The only thing she moved was her eyelids. Her majestic attitude showed a lack of patience.

Harry stood, moved close to Linda, turning his back to Clay and said, “I’m working on it, Vinnie. Don’t get your undergarments bunched up.”

Linda slapped Harry’s face.

He backed away, “Sorry. No offense intended.”

Linda glared at him for a couple of seconds and then turned back to the sheriff. Clay Talbert turned sideways to watch Mrs. Franklin and Harold Benson square off. James had a clear view of all three.

   About the author, Cher’ley Grogg….

Cher’ley Grogg first wants to greet you, “Howdy”.

Cher’ley writes different genres. “Stamp Out Murder” is her first novel to be published; however, she has many poems, short stories and articles published online and in print books. She has a children’s mystery book and a picture book completed, and a YA novel and a suspense novel that are waiting for editing.  Some of her hobbies are photography, and painting fine art. She has received awards in both mediums and she has art is in collections throughout the United States and foreign countries. She enjoys fishing, reading, walking, dancing, and long, long baths.

She loves the Lord, her husband, children and grandchildren, and loves spending time with each of them. Lizzie, her boxer is a true joy.

Cher’ley and her husband, Del, have seen the country through the windshield of a big yellow Kenworth Commercial truck, which they named Penelope, because with its blue fenders and spoiler, it reminded her of Penelope on Criminal Minds (the Blonde hair and heavy blue eye-shadow).  There are many beautiful and fascinating states, but none as pretty (to them), as West Virginia.

The Kanawha River is in their front yard and sometimes (not often enough), Cher’ley heads over the bank with her fishing pole, a few worms and Lizzie to see if they can catch supper.

Her very favorite thing to do is laugh. She looks for every opportunity to share in something fun and interesting. She also likes to apply different Bible verses to her life. During the publication process of her novel, the one that speaks to her the most is found in Philippians 4:8. She likes to close with that verse. ‘Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.’

She’d like to say, “Ya’ll come back to see me when you can.”

Connect with Cher’ley….

Stamp Out Murder by Cher’ley Grogg is available at:

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 34 recipes and counting with this posting.  Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Linda’s World Famous Chicken Enchiladas

by Linda McKeel

This make enough to feed a small army.  You’ll probably have some left over for yourself too!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Large glass baking dish

Small glass baking dish

Large mixing bowl

Skillet or frying pan

Cutting board

Sharp knife

Wooden toothpicks (optional)

INGREDIENTS:

3 cans cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)

1 can chicken broth (10.5 oz)

3 small cans CHOPPED green chilis

1/4 cup diced onion (I use a lot more)

3 lbs. chicken breast

20ish soft yellow CORN tortilla shells

4 cups mild cheddar or Mexican style cheese  (I usually use more. You almost literally can’t have too much)

Pinch of pepper

Vegetable oil

STEP 1

a.  Cut the chicken into small cubes; think about the size of a sugar cube. Helpful hint: partially frozen chicken is easier to cut in small pieces than thawed chicken.

b.  Use the vegetable oil (or non-stick cooking spray) to very lightly coat the pan — just enough to prevent the chicken from sticking to it.

c.  Combine the onions and the chicken in the frying pan, and cook over medium heat until thoroughly done. (Like you would do if you were browning ground beef.)

d.  Drain any excess grease or fat.

e.  Set aside for now.

STEP 2

a.  Clean the frying pan and dry THOROUGHLY.  (Or use another one.)

b.  Pour in a small amount of cooking oil (just enough to allow submerging the shells) and place over medium heat until oil is warm.

c.  Soften tortillas by dipping each one in warm oil for just a few seconds.  Too little time leaves them tough, too much makes them fall apart.   It may take a few attempts to get the hang of it.

STEP 3

a.  Place the first tortilla shell in the large baking pan, and spoon in some of the cooked chicken and onions.  Try to gauge the amount of chicken you have so you can place an equal amount in each tortilla.

b.  Sprinkle some cheese in each tortilla, but just a little.  The majority is to be used later.

c.  Roll the tortilla shell shut.  (I use a toothpick to help keep it closed)

d.  Continue filling tortilla shells with chicken, onions and cheese until both baking dishes are full.  If you have any chicken left over, it can be used later.  If you have any tortillas shells left over, you can discard.

STEP 4

a.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

b.  Combine the 3 cans cream o’ chicken soup, the 1 can chicken broth, the 3 small cans CHOPPED green chilis and the pinch of pepper (to taste) in large mixing bowl.  Any leftover cooked chicken can be added as well.  Mix thoroughly.

c.  Once mixed, pour evenly over all the enchiladas in both baking dishes.  The goal is to have all the tortillas covered as much as possible.

d.  IMPORTANT!  Remove toothpicks if you used them.

e.  Sprinkle the cheese evenly over all the enchiladas in both baking dishes.

d.  Place one or both dishes in preheated oven, and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the contents are piping hot.

Serve with your favorite side dishes.

Filed under: Karen's Killer Fixin's | 2 Comments →

  KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH

Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where, every Wednesday, readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

The Treasure Hunter’s Lady

Back Cover Blurb

For years, Romy Farrington traveled at her world-famous archeologist father’s side, exploring new lands and uncovering ancient secrets. It was everything she ever wanted, until a near-fatal encounter with hostile natives forced her and her father into a life of retirement in Boston and an undesired advance into proper society.

Romy’s eyes locked on Abel’s necklace. “What’s that around your neck? A fossil of some sort?”

His hand flew to the pendant and stuffed it back down his collar. “Nothing.”

“As someone who’s seen a lot of nothing, I can tell you without a doubt it’s something. Full of secrets, aren’t we, Abel?”

Blue eyes widened then narrowed, as she looked between him and the maps he’d lifted out of the drawer. Her coyness fell away like leaves in the fall. “You’re a treasure hunter. You found out that Papa is going to search for the Diamond of Uktena, but you plan to steal it first.”

“Why would I want to steal a—” He gave up the pretense. “First of all, it isn’t stealing if it isn’t in anyone’s possession. Second, I’m not a treasure hunter.”

“It is stealing if you’re going to sell a priceless artifact to the highest bidder on the black market.”

Abel frowned. “I don’t need a lecture from some little chit whose daddy is the biggest treasure hunter in the world.”

Romy poked a finger into his chest. “Take it back. He’s an archeologist and an adventurer. When he finds valuables he turns them over to the proper authorities.”

He pushed her finger away. “I’ll bet you a thousand dollars he’s not going to do it this time.”

Her eyes narrowed into slits, half-hidden behind a thick fringe of lashes. “You’re wrong.”

“It would be the biggest discovery of our time. Of any time. It’s no mere gem, no ornament to put on a shelf.”

“I have some knowledge of the Diamond,” she defended.

The admission was too nonchalant. Had mere curiosity led her to follow him?

He patted the fang inside his shirt. “I doubt anyone could put a price on its worth, but there are those willing to try.”

She stared at him dubiously. “Because it’s supposed to come from a mythical serpent?”

He debated telling her. It wouldn’t benefit Romy to know what he was doing. After tonight it was unlikely he’d see her again.

“Ask your father. He might know more than I do. I have to leave now. I’d appreciate it if you kept our little rendezvous quiet.”

He snatched up the papers, flashed a grin and started for the door. The rustle of skirts alerted him that she was right behind him, but he didn’t slow down. Not until a cold metal barrel pressed against the center of his neck.

“Stay where you are.”

Romy’s voice was hard and all business. Abel raised his hands. She drew the gun back and came around to face him. The pistol was no little thing, not the type a dainty female would carry for protection. Romy was a woman of many facets, like the fabled Diamond.

“I can’t give you the fang.”

“I have the feeling it’s an intricate detail in your mission, Mr. Courte.”

He sighed. “I don’t know for certain.”

“Tell me what you do know.”

“The fang is solid proof that Uktena exists.”

She frowned. “And who is Uktena exactly?”

“Uktena isn’t your typical serpent. Rumor has it that this sparkly rock stuck in its forehead can bring power and riches to whoever wields it. Better still, the Diamond cures illnesses. Any disease you can think of.”

  Meet Allison Merritt, Author….

A life-long love of reading turned Allison Merritt into an indie author who writes historical, paranormal and fantasy romances, often combining the sub-genres. She lives in a small town in the Ozark Mountains with her husband and dogs. When she’s not writing or reading, she hikes in national parks and conservation areas.

Filed under: Karen's Killer BOOK BENCH | 7 Comments →

There were two giveaways last week!  Congratulations, winners!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Karen’s Killer Book Bench w/Mari Collier

Giveaway: One lucky reader comment will be randomly chosen to receive a giveaway, a PDF copy of BEFORE WE LEAVE , from Mari Collier.  Thanks, Mari, for sharing with us!

WINNER!! KAREN COTE!!

~~~~~

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** w/Elaine Raco Chase!

Giveaway: Elaine will give away copies of her novel, DARE THE DEVIL, to lucky readers who comment. Thanks, Elaine, for sharing your story and fabulous recipe with us!

WINNERS!!  JENNIFER LOWERY (KAMPTNER), KAREN COTE, & LYNN A. REYNOLDS!!!

Filed under: Specials & Giveaways | 1 Comment →

**Author Peek** Interview with Allison Merritt

Before we get started talking about your writing, tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you do for a living (if you’re not a fulltime writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share.

I’m from the Ozark Mountains where I live with my husband and our dogs. I work as a catalog technician at the county library, which is a fancy way of saying I get the books first when they come in, pick the ones I want to read and then input them for the online catalog. When I’m not working or writing or being gobbled up by edits, I walk in conservation areas and national parks.

1. How did you get started writing?

The first story I wrote was when I was three. It was called Sally Is My Dog. I’m kind of glad that one is lost. But when I was in middle school I realized I wanted to be a writer. I don’t think my mom let me read romances until I was about 13, but I was influenced by authors like Harold Bell Wright, Louis L’Amour, Linda Lael Miller, Nora Roberts and V.C. Andrews.

2. What genre(s) do you write in and why?

I would love to dip my fingers into lots of genres. I think I would be kickass at YA, but sometimes I think I’d like to write a Christian romance as well. I’ve written contemporary and my first love is historical romance, but I’m working on a series of steampunk romances right now. It gives me the freedom to incorporate technology and myths that wouldn’t otherwise mesh with some genres.

3. What is your favorite part of writing?

When I really have the flow down, the characters are co-operating and the story writes itself. When the next scene comes to me in a flash. It’s very rewarding.

4. What is your least favorite part of writing?

Editing and revising!

5. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

I read and research a lot of myths. Everyone is doing vampires, shifters and a few ghosts, but I like to get in there and bring up creatures that don’t have such common reputations. Right now I’m looking at Native American legends, but I wrote a novella couple of years ago that features boo hags–horrible creatures that steal the skin of young women and suck the souls of the people a little bit at a time–that I’m hoping to expand in the future and I have an idea for the Irish creature Pooka, a nature fairy that often appears in the form of a stallion or a goblin.

6. What is it that makes your writing different from all the others in your genre?

The fact is, there aren’t many steampunk romance authors out there. The very few I’ve read tend to incorporate more magical elements than I do. I like to let my characters do the magic in a romantic way. Yes, there is some magic, some mysticism and definitely some out-there kind of creatures, but I like to focus more on the romantic elements.

7. Are you an avid reader?  When you do read someone else’s writing, what is your favorite genre?

I’m absolutely an avid reader. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in what I’m reading, I don’t want to write. My favorite genre is romance, but I’m pretty eclectic in my reading, although I seldom ever pick up non-fiction unless it’s a biography or for research.

8. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?

My next book is The Sky Pirate’s Wife, the sequel to The Treasure Hunter’s Lady. One of the characters would not let go of me after I finished The Treasure Hunter’s Lady, so he got his own book.

After a tragic airship wreck, Captain Alwin van Buren is worried that his shipping business might fail, so he begins searching for a wealthy bride. He meets his match in Sophie Barnes, heiress to an airship empire. But after he seduces her and ensures their marriage—igniting a rivalry between him and her godfather—he learns that she’s as headstrong as he is.

Sophie’s entertained herself by reading the dime novels based on Van Buren, but the romantic character and the flesh-and-blood man are two very different creatures. She doesn’t approve of the way he captured her business, but she can’t deny her attraction to the Dutch captain. If it’s not bad enough that her godfather wants to break them apart, she learns that Van Buren’s airship accident was a result of mythical eagles that appear to have a grudge against him, a fact that he deliberately tried to hide from the world by accusing her godfather of sabotage.

But lies are a small problem compared to the danger their lives are in when they’re stranded in the Midwest at the mercy of beasts that were once men and the evil that controls them.

I’m hoping to release it sometime around mid-summer.

~~~~

Links to Allison Merritt’s website, blog, books, etc.

Facebook – http://facebook.com/allisonmwrites

Twitter – http://twitter.com/allison_merritt

G+ – http://gplus.to/AllisonMerritt

Blog – http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com

You can buy The Treasure Hunter’s Lady at:

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/The-Treasure-Hunters-Lady-ebook/dp/B0076ZE4W2/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_4

Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1108643191?ean=2940014022002&itm=1&usri=the+treasure+hunter%27s+lady

Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/130781

~~~~

BE SURE TO COME BACK to read an excerpt from Allison’s novel, THE TREASURE HUNTER’S LADY , on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench!

Filed under: **Author Peek** | 6 Comments →

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!!  Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors.

Introducing author, ELAINE RACO CHASE, and her Devil of a Chili Recipe!

BOOK PEEK ~ Dare The Devil

Welcome to Glacier Country! Luthor Devlin and his ranch hands were out tracking 20th century rustlers when they stepped into a time warp!

There on the jagged cliffs was a woolly mammoth, a sabre-toothed tiger and her – a tawny, near-naked savage. She was a primal fantasy come true – that left him stunned!

His gaze was locked onto hers. “I’d really appreciate an explanation of all this. You, the hairy elephant, and the cat with the overbite are not the norm in Montana. And I know you can understand my every word. So anytime you’d like to begin.”

Her relaxed appraisal hadn’t gone unnoticed by either the man or the large tiger. The latter proved her undoing. His mouth opened not to snarl again but to emit a long, loud, kittenish yawn. The tiger rolled over, rubbed his back and shoulders into the ground, his hind legs spread-eagle, yawned again, and pawed sleepily at his face. To the amazement of everyone, his sword-like teeth fell out.

“Damn it, Pumpkin, why couldn’t you have just growled!” She extended her hand. “Cam Stirling, action technician.” At his confused expression, she sighed. “Stunt woman.”

She was wild, irresistible – and he was the man to tame her. She dared the devil every day – why not Luthor Devlin!

~~~~

Dare The Devil by Elaine Raco Chase

 EXCERPT

The men were now only twenty feet away.  A silent battle ensued.  She stared at them.  They stared at her.  Astonishment, incredulity, and intrigue chased themselves over assorted sun-bronzed masculine faces.

She decided to play dumb.  Let them make the first move.  Perhaps keep them guessing, keep them wondering, keep them off-balance – just until the others arrived.

Her inherent sense of self-preservation and survival took over.  She judged each man individually, assessing her own odds.  The three teenage boys were quickly dismissed.  Her eyes gauged the others.  They varied in age from mid-twenties to sixties.  Bodies matched faces – tough and strong, courtesy of hard, physical labor.  She knew she could disable six of the wranglers rather quickly.

Her gaze shifted to the man leading a wild-eyed buckskin stallion.  Despite the fact that no one had violated the silence, she did not doubt that he was the boss.  While the black hat he was wearing cast a shadow on his face, she easily recognized an unmistakable air of self-confidence and authority.  It showed in his powerful build, in his walk and his impressive carriage.

And if such nicely packaged masculine charms had been displayed in any other place and under any other circumstances, she would have been the first one to show appropriate feminine appreciation.  But this was not the right time or the right place.

She did, however, notice a subtle change in a few of the younger cowboys.  It was her fault, she quickly acknowledged.  The silence had gone on too long.  While she had been assessing them, they had been assessing her.  Caution and disbelief had been replaced by that old hormonal curse – lust.

When she saw leers slant half-dozen lips, her thumb, and forefinger pressed into the cat’s neck.  His wide mouthed, fanged snarl immediately sent the horses into hysterics and restored more respectful expressions on the men’s’ faces.

Her victory, however, was brief.  One minute later, she heard the distinct snap of a bolt-action repeating rifle and found three of them aimed at the cat and a fourth at her.

“Hold it, boys.”  Devlin stepped between the guns and their targets.  “Let’s keep calm.  Buck, pull the horse’s way back.  All right, relax, everybody.  There’s no need to get trigger happy.”

“Maybe she doesn’t understand English,”  Nate piped, observing her moccasins.  “Let me try some Blackfeet.”  He cleared his throat and offered, “Kokipi sni menuah.”

Devlin exhaled a painful groan.  “Nate!  I don’t think ‘do not fear, let’s take a bath’ is very appropriate!”

With one eye on the men, she lowered her chin and tried hard to control the laughter that threatened to bubble forth.  Her left hand made a graceful gesture that shielded her smile and then moved on to straighten the bear-claw necklace at her throat.

The instant the man called Devlin advanced two more steps toward her, she stiffened in wary attention.  Fingers tightened on the cat’s leather collar, her left hand dropping against the ivory handle of the knife sheathed in her loincloth.

Suddenly, he found himself facing two predators.  He didn’t miss the lethal quality in her taut, ready-for-combat stance.  Neither had the saber-toothed tiger.  A growl rolled in his throat; powerful haunches were tensed for attack.

  About the author, Elaine Raco Chase….

I write sassy, sexy, LOL contemporary romance novels. Often they start with “love at first sight.” I was thrilled read some wonderful stats:

According to match.com – 59% of men believe in love at first sight!
Prevention Mag. says 60% of Americans believe in love at first sight!
Prevention also noted that women see brooding men as significantly more
sexually attractive than happy fellows! (is this the “bad-boy?”)
Prevention again recorded the world’s longest kiss: 46 hrs/24 min/9 sec!

Fabulous! My dad fell for my mom – as he watched her chase her dog! I told him that was the silliest thing I ever heard, they hadn’t even said a word to each other. He winked and said “sometimes you just know”..they were married for 57 years.

Hubby and I are headed for 43 years this October..he said it was “lust at first sight” – yeah! That works too!

I am originally print published, with over 3 million books in print and just about all my romances were #1 bestsellers – currently 8 of my contemporary romances have all been updated, expanded and enhanced (most are explicit) with four more romances to come as well as updating, enhancing, expanding my best-selling mystery series featuring Roman Cantrell and Nikki Holden.

Connect with Elaine ….

Website: http://www.elaineracochase.com

Dare The Devil by Elaine Raco Chase is available at:

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s.  Happy eating!

Karen

P.S.  We’re at 33 recipes and counting with this posting.  Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DEVIL OF A CHILI RECIPE

1 lb of rough ground (chili ground)  top sirloin, bison meat or even ground turkey
2 cans of dark red kidney beans – rinsed
1 can of Progresso Soup – your choice:  Tomato Parmesan OR Creamy tomato basil
I usually add in mushrooms and chopped onions
Season as spicy as you like it with chili powder Or red pepper flakes

*  I don’t use any salt at all.

*  Also fun add-ons:  sour cream, chopped onions for toppings
It’s heart healthy (low salt/high fiber). Can be ramped up with spices for ‘heat’ and increased for a crowd but upping the meat/beans/soup proportions.

~~~~

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Elaine will give away copies of her novel, DARE THE DEVIL, to four (4) lucky readers who comment!  Winners will be randomly selected and announced at 12:00 PM (Noon) MDT on Monday!  Thanks, Elaine, for sharing your story and your fabulous recipe with us!

Filed under: Karen's Killer Fixin's | 7 Comments →

  KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH

Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where, every Wednesday, readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

Before We Leave by Mari Collier

Back Cover Blurb

BEFORE WE LEAVE continues the saga of a Thalian-Justine mutant from the planet Thalia.  While strand on Earth, he is using the name MacDonald.  He has the spaceship to return to his planet and complete his mother’s revenge on the Justines.  He needs to gather a force to leave with him, but first he must raise his Earth daughter. His adopted son, Lorenz, a Justine-Earth mutant, is vital for this task of conquering the Justines.  Lorenz refuses to leave as long as his wife lives and their children need him.  MacDonald needs to convince others to go with them.  Before they leave, the Earth mutant offspring experience elopements, Comanche and outlaw raids, hangings, blizzards, madness, quarrels within the family, and a FBI investigation.  The remaining family mutants will be trained to staff the MacDonald Corporation and carry on their family traditions.

“Mina, take all the children into one of the bedrooms. Now!” She didn’t wait to see if Mina obeyed. “Brigetta, do du know vhere there is any ammunition in this house?”

Brigetta stared at them, her eyelids almost devoid of lashes blinking over her pale blue eyes, her breath coming in short pants, and her right hand supporting her protruding belly. “I think my water broke,” she said in German while water ran down around her feet.

“Down,”screamed Toni. “Get into the bedrooms. An arrow flew through the window and thudded into the opposite wall.

Anna thanked God the Rolfe house was dug into the river bluffs. The only wooden room was the long one used for the kitchen, eating, and sitting areas. The furnishings were minimal: a black stove, a table and chairs for eating, a daybed, and a desk. The only windows were on either side of the door and they were small. The porch roof sloped upward over the porch and the long room. The roof was secured into the bluff with beams driven into the soil and calked every year with mud, stones, and willow boughs.

Toni was busy pushing the desk against the door while Anna dumped the table over on the floor. Then she pulled it closer to the arch doorways dug into the bluff.“Check the drawers for ammunition,” she ordered Toni.

Outside they could hear the horses whinny and heard the banging of tubs being overturned and men laughing and whooping. They’re probably amused by the white men’s clothing thought Anna.  Toni scooted behind the table with a box of bullets, and Brigetta let out a scream.  This set the children to screaming and more whoops could be heard outside as someone jumped onto the porch and started for the window. Toni pulled the rifle trigger and they heard a grunt before the man disappeared from view, his blood splattering against the window sill.

Brigetta and the children were still screaming and Anna longed to slap them into silence. They heard the men outside bang at the door, then hatchets crashing into the heavy oak timbers, but the door held firm, and the Indians stayed far away from the windows set on either side. For a moment there was silence. Then a flurry of arrows sailed through the windows, most of them went downward into the floor while others struck the tipped over table top.

“Antoinette, scream in your mind for Lorenz,” Anna said through set teeth.

“Why, whatever for?” Toni had heard of Anna’s kenning ways, but never that Lorenz possessed any.

“Sometimes vhen two people love each other and something is not right, they sense it.” Anna closed her eyes. Lorenz had not told her! Something was wrong, her stomach was still making her dizzy and she fought back the nausea.

  Meet Mari Collier, Author….

My birth state is Iowa , but I have lived in Arizona , Washington  and now Southern California .  Before I left Iowa , I wrote a neighborhood column for the Audubon Advocate.

While In Arizona , I completed my education.  Then I became a young wife and mother, served as a bookkeeper, collector, and sold my first story.

During our Washington  stint, we were the care givers for his mother for nineteen years.  I also found employment with Nintendo of America.  While at Nintendo, I wrote a mixture of fantasy and fact to the many fans that contacted their Call Center  operations.  Currently, I write Snapshots in Time column for the Twentynine Palms Historical Society’s Old Schoolhouse Journal.  I’m also the Coordinator for the Desert Writers Guild of Twentynine Palms.  I live in the quirky little town of Twentynine  Palms . 

I started my first novel, GATHER THE CHILDREN, when I was twelve.  I killed everyone but Lorenz in the first chapter.  My older brother roared with laughter.  Everyone in that chapter stayed dead except for Anna.  She wanted her children.  GATHER THE CHILDREN was published in 2008.  BEFORE WE LEAVE is the sequel.  The prequel is finished and I hope to have that out by next year.

Filed under: **Book Peek** | 3 Comments →

**Author Peek** Interview with Mari Collier

Before we get started talking about your writing, tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you do for a living (if you’re not a fulltime writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share.

I was born on a farm in Lincoln Township, Audubon   County, Iowa.  The doctor didn’t make in time for my arrival.  I was always delighted to go to Council Bluffs or Omaha where they had real bathrooms with water dispensing from taps.  Of course, other people on the farms had electricity and some had bathrooms.  The towns people enjoyed all those things.  Papa just wouldn’t pay for the installation.  My allergies became so severe, Mother took me West.  In Phoenix I could eat, breathe, and sleep again.  I met my husband in high school.  It sounds impossible, but we were married the day after he graduated from high school and remained wedded until death parted us forty-five years later.  We lived in Arizona, Washington, and then retired to California.  Like others, we bought homes, planted trees and roses, raised two beautiful children, and enjoyed our dates with each other.  He had a small finish carpenter company in Washington. I did the books, sometimes the labor portion.  Later I went to work for Nintendo of America.  They paid me to read, write, and talk.  You could say some of the letters I sent to our fans were a mixture of fantasy and down-to-earth advice about gaming.  I’m supposedly retired, but my days are so filled that I don’t have the time for reading and writing that I want to devote to them.  I keep threatening to retire again.  The Old Schoolhouse Museum in Twentynine Palms has become my home away from home.

1. How did you get started writing?

I’ve always made up stories in my head.  Before I started kindergarten I would make up stories and use my younger brother to help act them out.  Poor child.  He would run around saying, “Who you?  Who I?”  Then we had to write essays in the one room country schoolhouse I attended. The essays were for history and geography.  When I was eleven, I had to write a story for English.  The rest of the class enjoyed it and asked that I write more.  I did and they loved them.  Heady stuff for a person just turning twelve.  I started a Western story that would be my first novel.  Almost every character died in the first chapter.  One of my older brothers roared when he read it.  I was devastated and put it aside. Then when I was thirteen, I began writing the township column for the Audubon Advocate.  The pay was a huge sum of $.03 a line and $.04 a line if it went on their Society page.  I used to pray for someone to have a birthday celebration, anniversary party, shower, or wedding as they all qualified for the extra penny per line.

2. What genre(s) do you write in and why?

My novels are all science fiction.  Two of the published ones have American history within the story.  Two more will follow the same theme as this is also a family saga.  My short stories are anything from contemporary to science fiction set on other worlds.  They all have a skewed take on reality.  Some of them are really twisted.  For a cookbook recipe with story, I had Dragon Stew.  One story highlights a dead man trying to get his daughter’s attention.  In the one about to be published, a stone lizard comes to life.  Those short stories are in the Desert Writers anthologies.  I also write Snapshots in Time for the Old Schoolhouse Journal published by the Twentynine Palms Historical Society.

3. What is your favorite part of writing?

Writing and bringing my characters to life, and being totally gone from this world.

4. What is your least favorite part of writing?

That’s easy.  It is editing.  It is my bane.  Just today I discovered (on my sixth time through Earthbound) that most people don’t recognize the old time term for mumps and what they can do to a man.  That prompted yet another rewrite.

5. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

They are just there in my head.  I see the people.  I hear them speak and the tone of their voice, the clothes they are wearing, the smells around them.  There is no explanation for this.  One of my friends firmly believes I’m channeling.  I reject that theory, but she’s happy with it.

6. What is it that makes your writing different from all the others in your genre?

The science fiction stories set in history are actual alternate history.  Mine are not.  The history is the history of Earth and this country.  My mutant characters are trying to survive in this world without drawing attention to themselves and the fact that they are so different.   The telling of their lives often involves areas that many writers won’t touch.  I’ve had authors tell me I can’t write about real women’s problems with menses, menopause, and childbirth.  As one author put it,  “It just isn’t done.”  I find that view unrealistic.  I’ve also been told that when I do my fight scenes, I write like a man.  A woman isn’t supposed to do that.  Huh?  How else do you make it real?

7. Are you an avid reader?  When you do read someone else’s writing, what is your favorite genre? 

My favorite genre is history and then science fiction, but most of the science fiction today leaves me cold and unfulfilled.  The characters are all out of the same mold and somehow not real.  Yes, one of my main characters is from another planet, but he has emotions, needs, and intellect.  He is not a killing machine bent on taking over Earth.  Stories should be more than a desolate world and everyone fighting for the remnants of civilization.  I do enjoy a horror story, a murder mystery, or a thriller occasionally, but rarely enjoy Romance of any kind.  I’ve read a few and then wondered why I bothered.  Of course, Gone With the Wind is in a class by itself.     

8. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?

The next one is Earthbound.  It features a stranded mutant (Thalian-Justine) on the planet Earth.  The violence of this Earth has killed the Justine that was to abandon him here.  He has the spaceship, but not the knowledge to pilot it.  It’s 1840 and he’s trapped here and must find a way to live and learn to pilot the ship.  Then he meets Anna and his whole life changes.  By the end of the novel, he realizes that through her, he may gain the means to return through the stars to Thalia and complete the revenge against the Justines.

~~~~

Links to Mari Collier’s website, blog, books, etc.

Website:  http://www.maricollier.com/

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Before-We-Leave-ebook/dp/B006M3XMEK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1324219927&sr=8-3

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/before-we-leave-mari-collier/1107928798?ean=9781618426994&itm=2&usri=mari+collier

I Book:  http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/before-we-leave/id487907160?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

The commercial links are for the book review of BEFORE WE LEAVE

Gather the Children is my first novel and is a soft back.   Gather the Children is the story I started when I was twelve and my brother found so hilarious.  Everyone I killed in the first chapter remained dead except Anna.  She wanted her children back. and she wanted her story told.  Gather the Children may be purchased at:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Gather-Children-Mari-Collier/dp/1604417374/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236400448&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gather-the-children-mari-collier/1100095269?ean=9781604417371&itm=9&

Authors Page on Face Book is Twisted Tales From A Skewed Mind:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Twisted-Tales-From-A-Skewed-Mind/124947397618599

 ~~~~

BE SURE TO COME BACK to read an excerpt from Mari’s novel, BEFORE WE LEAVE , on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench!

Filed under: **Author Peek** | 9 Comments →