Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with CATE BEAUMAN!

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 favorite 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, CATE BEAUMAN, and her favorite recipe for LOBSTER ROLLS!

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SECRETS HIDDEN IN THE GLASS

The Carter Island Trilogy, Book 1

Release Date:  October 8, 2017 (*new cover)

Three Siblings. One Year. Everything Changes.

Stained glass artist Callie Davis is in desperate need of a vacation. Burnt out and on the edge of a nervous breakdown, she’s taking refuge on Massachusetts’ tiny Carter Island. Callie yearns for long, lazy days and pretty walks on the beach—blessed solitude and an escape from the pressures of her career and complications of her life. Then she bumps into gorgeous Nate Carter, and everything changes.

Sheriff Nathan Carter couldn’t be happier now that the height of the summer season has finally come and gone. After four endless months, tourists have packed their bags and headed for the mainland. The quiet days of autumn are about to befall the town—the way Nate and his fellow Sandersonians like it best.

But nothing ends up quite the way Nate expects when he meets the beautiful blond with the big blue eyes. Callie’s pretty smiles hide secrets—deep, dark mysteries that have the potential to rip apart their lives.

AFTERMATH OF SECRETS

The Carter Island Trilogy, Book 2

RELEASE DATE:  June 4, 2020 (*new cover)

Three Siblings. One Year. Everything Changes.

Boston’s Most Eligible Bachelor has it all: good looks, a great career, and plenty of wealth and prestige. But Bradley Sanderson’s charmed life quickly falls apart when scandal rocks his famous family. Arrests have been made; the media circus has begun, and Brad has been tasked with the daunting chore of restoring the Sandersons’ good name. Moving back to Carter Island and picking up the pieces hasn’t been easy, especially when the one person he needs the most won’t give him the time of day.

Bakery owner and island resident Molly Carter is loyal to her core, but that doesn’t mean Brad’s homecoming hasn’t left her torn. Brad’s darkest days aren’t lost on Molly, but reaching out to her lifelong friend isn’t so simple when she’s forced to guard her heart. Everything changed when she woke up alone after their sexy summer night.

The complications keep coming when Brad’s long-lost brother shows up in town, bringing the remnants of his checkered past with him. Forgiveness and redemption are possible for all, until new secrets come to light that may have shocking consequences.

NO MORE SECRETS

The Carter Island Trilogy, Book 3

RELEASE DATE:  June 22, 2021

Three Siblings. One Year. Everything Changes.

Aussie billionaire businessman and pilot Cade Paxton has struggled to put his life back together after suffering a tragic loss. With his purchase of Carter Island Air and recent move to the small Massachusetts island, he sees his chance for a fresh start. Cade’s sole focus is on growing his investment and avoiding romantic entanglements at all costs. But then he hires Rebecca Carter Interiors’ new assistant designer to help him update the aging airport. Cade quickly finds himself fascinated by the sassy beauty who often speaks her mind, talking to him in a way most people wouldn’t dare.

Single mother Gwenyth Carter has recently been through hell. She’s starting over after several months of nasty surprises. Newly divorced and nearly broke, she’s rebuilding her life one step at a time. Gwen’s certain she has everything she needs: her sweet baby girl, a supportive family, and her dream career. She’s endlessly grateful when the lucrative airport project falls into her lap. But Gwen soon realizes that her new job comes with unforeseen complications, mainly the amount of time she’s forced to spend with her gorgeous client and his sexy accent.

Their mutual attraction is undeniable, yet Gwen tries her best to keep a professional distance, even when she recognizes how wonderful Cade is with her daughter. But it isn’t long before Gwen is dealt another unexpected blow that she struggles to handle on her own. Gwen will have no choice but to turn to the one man she’s determined not to want or risk losing what she loves most.

Excerpt

“The ultimate goal is expansion—expanding the airport in phases and contracting with a major airline to maximize the island’s summer reach. I’d like to bring in flights from D.C., Atlanta, and Miami.”

Gwen blinked her surprise. “Wow, I didn’t realize that was happening.”

He nodded again. “That’s the long-term plan. Infrastructure needs to catch up before we start bringing more people in for a visit, though. I’d say we’re three years away from the full implementation.”

“I see.” She made notes, not sure how much she liked the idea of Carter Island becoming a massive tourist attraction. They had numerous visitors every summer, but this seemed extreme.

“You don’t have much of a poker face, Gwen.”

Her gaze snapped to his. “I’m sorry?”

“You’re frowning.”

“Oh.” She immediately smoothed her features with a polite smile. “I apologize.”

“You’re not much on the idea, then?”

She shrugged. “We’re not looking to turn Carter Island into a summertime circus. It’s unfortunate if Buzz and the council have given you that impression.”

“There’s plenty of room for growth.”

“As a developer, I’m sure that’s your bottom line, but there’s also a need for conservation. I recognize that Thomas was too stuck in his ways when he was mayor. I also understand that Buzz is moving Sanderson in a new direction, but bigger isn’t always better.”

“I agree.”

She nodded decisively. “Good. Because both of the founding families are on board with careful, well-considered growth, but neither the Sandersons nor Carters will tolerate developing to capacity. As a Carter myself, I can assure you that won’t be happening.”

A grin split Cade’s face.

She felt her frown return. “Why are you smiling? What have I said that’s funny?”

“You’ve certainly told me.”

Her temper began heating. “This is my home—my daughter’s home. I have a duty to speak up and protect my birthright.” Never again would she be complacent when something didn’t sit right.

“It’s been quite some time since anyone’s put me in my place. Most people wouldn’t dare.”

She jerked her shoulders. “You don’t frighten me much.”

He roared out a laugh, his head tipping back with the deep sound. “Duly noted.”

Karen

P.S. We’re at 540 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.

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LOBSTER ROLLS

It’s summer and the perfect opportunity to get lost in a new adventure—or three. The Carter siblings are about to find out that a year can change everything, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Love hasn’t come easy for Nate, Molly, or Gwen. But things are certainly heating up on Carter Island.

Since Secrets Hidden in the Glass, Aftermath of Secrets, and No More Secrets take place on a tiny Massachusetts island, I thought it would be fun to share the ultimate summery island favorite: lobster rolls!

I often think of Molly Carter making up a big batch of this super simple recipe to share with the patrons of Carter Island Deli and Bakery or for one of the Carters’ Sunday afternoon get-togethers.

This is my version of a summertime classic that comes together quickly and allows the yumminess of the lobster to shine through.

I hope you’ll enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do!

LOBSTER ROLLS

Makes 4 lobster rolls

Ingredients:

1 lb fresh lobster meat, cut into chunks (If using frozen lobster, make sure the meat is thawed and dry.)

1/3 cup mayonnaise (I use Hellman’s.)

2 tsp thinly sliced green onion

¼ cup thinly sliced celery (I usually cut the stock in half lengthwise before slicing for smaller pieces.)

A couple of twists of salt and pepper from a mill or a pinch of salt and pepper to taste

4 Top-split hot dog rolls

2 tbsp softened butter

1. Add the mayonnaise, green onion, celery, and a pinch of salt and pepper to a medium-size mixing bowl. Stir well until combined.
2. Add the fresh lobster and mix again.
3. Refrigerate the lobster salad for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4. When ready to eat, spread the softened butter along the outsides of the split-top hot dog rolls. Toast the bread in pan on medium heat until the bread is golden brown. Add the lobster salad to the bread and enjoy. French fries, potato chips, a green salad or fruit salad compliment this dish and make for the ultimate summer meal!

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Special Giveaway:  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks, Cate, for sharing your trilogy with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read these books!