Tag Archives: AUTHOR SPECIAL

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Author Special Ashlynne Laynne

March 16, 2012 Karen Docter 4 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, ASHLYNNE LAYNNE, and her recipe for Applesauce Raisin Bread!

BOOK PEEK ~ The Progeny

“No fate other than the one I choose.” The timeless creed, and tattoo, bore by the Rousseau’s— a vampire clan with the purest bloodline of any vampire family. Out of this clandestine group came one who was different, yet the same: Ascher – a half-bloodling— half- human, half vampire.

Ascher questions the purpose for his existence and which world he truly belongs to: the human world or the vampire world. Two months from sealing to Ursula— a prearranged union to a woman he abhors — he’s at his wit’s end. He knows if he calls off the sealing, the Romanian clan will strike with deadly force, but he cannot see eternity with a cold empty shell of a woman like Ursula.

Just when he thought life was complicated enough, he meets Shauna— a beautiful, bi-racial human Wiccan — and immediately develops an unshakable attraction to her. She makes him feel alive and vital despite his origins and Ascher makes a decision that turns his immortal world upside down.

Praise for The Progeny…

Fallen Angel Reviews

http://fallenangelreviews.com/2012/February/teresa-theprogeny.htm

Paranormal Romance Guild

http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/reviewsashlynnelaynn.htm

~~~

The Progeny by Ashlynne Laynne
EXCERPT

I was eight years old when I placed third in an Optimist Oratorical Contest on Freedom in America. I accepted my shiny gold pin, read my award winning speech and marveled at how everyone hung on my every word. It was the first time I realized the power of my words.

A writer was born.

My rebellious teenage years were spent writing poetry as a sort of therapy. I dabbled in the occasional Danielle Steel novel, never realizing that I wasn’t exactly the target audience for that particular genre. This early exposure to such salacious material was the marked beginning of my love of romance novels.

I fell in and out of love, had a kid and went through many emotional changes in my twenties. The one constant was always my love of poetry and the written word. And although I lost my faith in true love, that didn’t stop me from writing about it. Some of my best love poetry actually occurred when my heart was at its most broken and fragile.

The promise and possibility of finding that one person that completes your heart spurred a fire, in me, to write about what I was almost certain didn’t exist. I took my love of writing a step further and appeared in several anthologies and poetic compilations. I loved that so much that I took to publishing a book of my original work under another pen name. While stretching my creative muscles, I ventured into songwriting. It was much like poetry set to music. Minding the rhythm and meter of music, and writing words to fit, presented an awesome challenge.

With the benefit of hindsight, I attribute my songwriting to grooming me for the task of taking an idea and characters and immersing them in a world that takes a shape of its own. Writers use their words, the varying of sentence structure and pacing to illicit emotions from readers.

So what—you might ask—possessed a poet/songwriter to consider writing a novel?

Several factors…

The Progeny wasn’t the first novel I ever wrote, even though it is my first release. My first novel had a good concept and characters but it was lacking in technique. I wrote two books of the series before I abandoned it for something else.

I’ve always loved vampires, witches and the horror genre. My next endeavor would encompass my two horror loves. With Stephen King as my favorite author, this shouldn’t be a shock.

Fast forward six years from my songwriting. Now I’m in a better place. I’ve somehow pinned the elusive cupid down and convinced him to give me another shot at corralling love. He obliged and sent me my hubby, Mark. Now I’ve got the love thing down and honestly believe that it exists.

What’s next?

October, 6 2010 started like any other day. I woke up, went to work and came home. I was tired so I took a nap that day. This is where it gets interesting. I dreamed about a gorgeous guy. He had dark hair, the weirdest blue eyes and a strange necklace around his neck. When I woke up, I immediately began sketching that necklace. I’m no artist but I had to admit that what I came up with was interesting.

The pieces of my story line slowly gelled. I researched witches, witchcraft and the Salem witch trials the next day. When I slept the next night, I dreamed about him again but this time I dreamed his name—Ascher. Now that my guy had a name, he needed a love. I’ve always loved the name Shawnette. So I shortened it and made it Shauna.

October 8, 2010 was the day that literally changed my life. Surrounded by a stack of witch research, the vision of Ascher, Shauna’s name and sketches of a unique amulet, I decided to write a home for these two characters. I never considered myself patient enough to write a novel but the characters wouldn’t leave me alone.

I dreamed about them, thought about them and imagined different scenarios for them until my idea was 115,000 words. Shauna did the most changing during the process because I didn’t dream her in the beginning. Her physical appearance and origins evolved until she was exactly who Ascher needed.

I was ecstatic when I finally dreamed them together because I knew that it was finally right.

I fell in love with their story and felt their pain. I laughed when they laughed and cried when Shauna cried. They became my babies. My husband and I often joke that we talk about them so much that they should occupy rooms in our home. Almost a year—to the date—that I started writing these characters, J.E. Taylor at Novel Concept Publishing accepted my manuscript and confirmed what I already knew. Like love, the right publisher is out there that will believe in your work and push you to be better.

There was something there in the pages of that Word document. She now believed as much as I did.

That was only the start of my journey. The first manuscript that she saw and what the reader actually reads is very different. I eventually added three chapters to my manuscript to explain Ascher’s existence and to deepen Ursula’s character.

In the end, I think The Progeny offers the reader a different view of vampires. Though I love vampires, I’ve been disappointed at how common their portrayals have become. I think it’s time the world experiences a new breed of vampire.

In closing, and in lieu of an excerpt, I’d like to leave you with my original poem from The Progeny. Books one and two both feature my poetry as the epilogue. I wrote this poem back in 2007—before I ever thought about writing a novel. My bestie tells me that this poem’s existence is proof that The Progeny was my destiny.

I tend to agree.

Blessed Eternity

Envelop me in the sweet darkness of your burning light

Spin me into a web of your eternal delight

Make me yours for all to see

Cover me in kisses sweet with sinful pleasure

Transform me so that I may be yours forever

Make me yours for all to see

I am not longed for the duties of this world

Nor do I wish to be just an ordinary girl

Make me yours for all to see

One day with you is worth a thousand forevers

If this is the only way for us to be together

My soul is a mere formality

Meet me when the shadows replace the light

In the sweet darkness of the eternal night

Give me blessed eternity

About the author, Ashlynne Laynne….

Ashlynne Laynne has always had a soft spot in her heart for vampires but grew tired of the garlic fearing, sun loathing creatures of old. An avid horror movie fan, she tends to enjoy media and music that is of a younger, more eclectic nature. This was the catalyst for her writing The Progeny. The vampire/witch pairing is unique and different when most books pair vampires with werewolves.

The infinite possibilities, for such a wickedly unique couple, intrigued her. There is no shortage of romance, steam and surprises in The Progeny. These books are for adults and contain adult sensuality and themes, but minimal profanity. She loves writing on the edge and teetering between the erotica and romance genres. She thinks of Ascher and Shauna as the damned version of Romeo and Juliet.

She’s currently working on book two of the series entitled Blood Bonds. In her spare time, Ashlynne enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her family. Ashlynne juggles the hats of wife, mother, full time employee and part-time writer, hoping to write full time one day soon.

Ashlynne lives in North Carolina with her husband and teenage son.

About The Progeny….

At its core, The Progeny is simply a story about a man and woman who fall in love, and the fact that he’s a half-blood (half-human, half vampire) and she’s a Wiccan human are secondary factors. In the beginning, of the book, Ascher is grumpy. Frankly, who could blame him? He’s engaged to seal to Ursula—a cold and careless vampire who wants nothing more than to get her hands on a bloodstone— and he feels conflicted about his existence.

All of that changes when he meets Shawnette McCutchin. She’s beautiful, intriguing and possesses some of the most potent blood that he’s ever smelled. A war immediately begins inside Ascher. He craves Shauna’s blood just as much as he craves her body and the closer they get, the harder it is for him to control his urges. After Ascher calls off the sealing to Ursula, the trouble begins. His family’s peaceful period ends when Ursula’s army attacks the Rousseaus. Kidnapping, some steamy love scenes between our hero and heroine and Wiccan rage complete the plot.

Connect with Ashlynne….

Twitter: @qlane

Facebook: Book Page– http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Progeny-Series/129418917161599?bookmark_t=page

Author Page- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Ashlynne-Laynne/118945981513261

Google + https://plus.google.com/102489030801377466225#102489030801377466225/posts

Author Blog: http://ashlynnelaynne.blogspot.com/

Email: ashlynnelaynne@aol.com

The Progeny is available at:

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Progeny-ebook/dp/B0074535P6/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328127665&sr=1-1

Amazon Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Progeny-Ashlynne-Laynne/dp/1470141604/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330639326&sr=1-1

Amazon Kindle UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Progeny-ebook/dp/B0074535P6/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_t_2

Barnes and Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-progeny-ashlynne-laynne/1108540255?ean=2940014108355&itm=1&usri=the+progeny+by+ashlynne+laynne

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/128489

All Romance E-books: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theprogeny-726383-139.html

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 28 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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NOTE FROM ASHLYNN: This is a family recipe that has passed down from my grandmother to my mother and to me. Both my grandmother and mother have since passed away. This is a very special recipe to me and I’m thrilled to share it with your visitors and readers.

APPLESAUCE RAISIN BREAD

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a loaf pan (I usually use a one stop spray like Baker’s Joy).

Ingredients:
1 cup applesauce
1 cup sugar
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 egg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1-3/4 cup plain flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground clove
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Combine applesauce, sugar, egg, oil, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove together. Sift flour, salt and baking soda together then combine with wet ingredients. Fold in raisins and pecans. Place in greased loaf pan and bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 20 mins.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Author Special Cathy Boyd

March 9, 2012 Karen Docter 8 Comments

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

Introducing author, CATHY BOYD, and her recipe for Angel and Devil Egg!

Meet author, Cathy Boyd….

Cathy Boyd is a writer of children’s stories. She also writes Paranormal, urban fantasy, and romances in her grown–up name, Cathy Brockman.

Born and raised a southern girl, she loves working outside in her garden and creating great new recipes with all the goodies she grows. She loves to cook, sew, garden and craft. She loves to sit outside in one of her gardens when it’s nice to read or write.

She began writing in high school study hall getting prompts from her friends and making silly stories for them. When she was bored she was busy trying to write her own Nancy Drew mysteries. She put her dreams on hold to raise two lovely children. Now that they have flown from the nest she is back to pursing her dreams of writing.

She currently lives in the mid-south with her Hubby and her four-legged children, Molly and Spudcat, and she enjoys spending time with her many grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She is back to chasing her dreams writing children stories, different types of Romance and mysteries, and spending too much time on Facebook!

About Cathy’s books….

I have currently Luke’s Dragon on Amazon.com as an Ebook Published by Saga Books. My first children’s story and I will be doing more. There will be a second in the Dreamworld series in Luke’s Adventures very soon, as well as a few other children’s stories.

I am currently working on two other projects first of which is what started me on my writing Journey, A paranormal romance/urban fantasy series I call the New Breeds— I am currently reworking the titles for the books, so I refer the first book as Blaize-The Beginning. I am hoping to create a world of new and interesting characters. Some may start out as mild and tame and they may become something entirely different as time progresses. This will all depend on the paths of each individual character and what they are actually bred from, and how they choose their destiny. Blaize sets out on a journey to see what she actually is as she starts coming into her powers and finds out she isn’t a witch as she was raised to believe and that her Grandmother is actually not just queen of the night and witches but actually a true demon of the underworld- . So she tries to find out who her birth Father that is a Vampire, is with the help of an Arrogant born Incubi that is supposed to be helping her not only find her father but handle her new needs. There are werewolves born and made, witches and you will have to tag along to see what else! It is set to release sometime later this year also published by Saga Books.

I am Also working on a M/M romance that is about a Middle age man that is tired of his life as a player and decided after turning forty to move to a new town ,new job and a new life-hoping to finally find the one true love that he wonders if really exists. He meets a young Male model at the magazine that he works for and they become very close friends. Be Careful What You Wish For. You will get it. It just may not be exactly what you think. .

I am trying to create new romances that may seem a bit controversial but deal with real issues in a different way. My stories will be hot and steamy ,I still want to be able to sweep you away into a fantasy, but still be able to say hey I am me and I am what I am and proud of it. I am hoping to have this one out by mid- to late summer. It will make a great vacation read!

I am hoping to reach more than just one audience with my Romances- I have Paranormal- M/M several F/M- and several levels of heat. I want them hot enough that erotica lovers will like but also have a true meaning and touch your hearts not just your groins. Please join me at my Blog to learn more about me-

Living with a Muse or two or three or four on Tuesdays and my Interview Inside the World of Writing on Thursdays. I also Cohost a radio blog with my friend Sian Young on Fridays.

Radio Blog: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogtalkradio.com%2Fmy-writing-journey%2F2012%2F03%2F08%2Fmy-interview-with-kim-mutch-emerson-and-the-koda-conference&h=GAQFHTY97AQFZ5ZA7m5HIKEjhu_dz-E5pDYh-whOx0A8CDw

FMI about Cathy and her books: http://cathybrockman.com/
Luke’s Dragon now available at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lukes-Dragon-Lightning-Dreamworld-ebook/dp/B0079PD1Q4/ref=as_li_ss_mfw?&linkCode=wey&tag=wwwtashaturne-20

~~~~

ANGEL AND DEVIL EGG
(Recipe inspired by my sweet and naughty muses.)

8-12 hardboiled eggs

½ cup of Mayonnaise-or salad dressing (divided)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tsp. honey Dijon mustard

2 tsp. spicy sweet hot mustard (I use Inglemeyers, hot sweet pepper mustard—or honey Dijon with tabasco if I’m out)

Dash of Smoky Hungarian Paprika (regular paprika works fine)

Optional (dash of dill)

Hard-boil 8-12 eggs (these are delicious the next day)

Halve each egg and separate onto two plate’s -8-12 halves on each plate. Scoop the yellow yolk out into two bowls equally. In one bowl, add ¼ cup of mayonnaise and 2 tsp. of honey Dijon mustard, a dash of salt, a dash of pepper (optional ¼ tsp. dill)

In the other bowl mix ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tsps. hot and sweet pepper mustard (I use Inglmeyer’s hot sweet pepper mustard— you can substitute your favorite or just use honey mustard with a tsp. of tabasco sauce will work.)

Scoop rounded teaspoon of each mix into the egg halves. Sprinkle the hot ones with a dash of smoked Hungarian Paprika (or regular paprika if that’s what you have.) Refrigerate.

These are easy to make and I like to keep on hand for lunch or snack since I try to eat lower carb fares. This way, I can indulge my sweet side or spicy side! Enjoy!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Author Special Linda Rae Blair

February 24, 2012 Karen Docter 2 Comments

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

Introducing author, LINDA RAE BLAIR, and her recipe for Fruit Scones!

BOOK PEEK ~ Hard Press’d

Here’s a taste of “Hard Press’d”, the first in the series of seven currently published novellas. Number eight is due to publish in the spring of 2012. Press has just been assigned a new partner, a young cop who just made detective. Press isn’t happy about “baby-sitting” a new partner but decides to make the best out of it by having a little fun at the “kid’s” expense. He had just caught himself nearly growling. Looking at his watch he silently cursed as he realized it would still be hours before the local Starbucks down on Laskin opened.

~~~

“Throw up on me or my crime scene, Evans, and you’ll ride your desk for the next week,” Press growled in his deep voice. “Lesson #2, Evans—never, ever throw up on my crime scene.”

“Yes, sir—I mean, no sir!”

“Make up your mind, Evans! See anything else? ”

Evans took a deep, cleansing breath. “Strange the way she’s laying there. The first shot should have knocked her off her feet. Usually there’s an odd position of the body—she looks like she just lay down to take a nap.”

“Yeah, or maybe somebody laid her down.”

Another notch for the kid.

“But the girl’s very probably not a pro, Evans—at least not a street pro—there’s real money here and lots of it. Could be a high-priced pro, but I don’t think so. The clothes are too pricey. Dress is silk.” He bent over and gave a slight lift to that dress’s skirt—which had never covered more than the top third of those long, slim legs. “Lingerie is French lace.” He carefully put the skirt back in place. “And those sandals were about fifteen-hundred dollars retail.”

“Whew!”

The awe in Evans’ voice and the look on his face told Press that the kid couldn’t imagine paying that kind of money for a pair of shoes—let alone shoes that were just straps with spikes for heels.

“I’ve got a sister with expensive taste,” Andrews explained.

“How can you tell that’s French lace, sir?” Trace asked. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen French lace.”

Press gave the kid a crooked smile and a wink. “Once you’ve seen it up close, kid, you never forget it.” He saw Evans taking one more look, as the kid tried to figure it out.

Novels by Linda Rae Blair are available at the following retailer websites: Barnes & Noble, Sony, iTunes, Kobo. Also available on Smashwords and Amazon. Links to these sites and others are available on the author’s website: http://lindaraeblairauthor.wordpress.com/

FMI: Linda Rae Blair Author of The Preston Andrews Mysteries Sample or purchase:http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/lrbauthor Web site & Blogs: http://lindaraeblairauthor.wordpress.com/

“Like” both “Linda Rae Blair, Author” and “The Preston Andrews Mysteries” on FaceBook! Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/lindaraeblair

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 26 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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The Preston Andrews Mysteries
By Linda Rae Blair

The “hero” of my detective series, The Preston Andrews Mysteries, is a guy with so many good attributes besides those icy blue eyes and that thick black hair that tops off the 6’3” frame of his that I dare not try to list them all here or we’ll lose our interest in cooking altogether.

One thing that Press, as his friends call him, definitely gets from me is his love for Starbucks coffee. And, if you love your coffee, you’ve just got to love scones to go with them.

My absolute favorite recipe started out an entry in the “Flat Belly Diet Cookbook”. Of course, I couldn’t just leave it alone! First, let me say that you don’t have to use cranberries (I use Craisins) for these wonderful scones. I’ve used dried or fresh blueberries, dried cherries, dried apricots and dried mixed fruit. So, here’s my version of:

FRUIT SCONES

Freeze and thaw for individual servings through the week!

Oven 400 degrees F 20-25 Minutes 9” round pie pan pre-treated with canola oil spray or non-stick spray.

Mix together all the dried ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. orange or lemon zest (experiment using lemon w/blueberries, orange w/cherries for example)

Slowly add in:

1 ½ cup plain or vanilla yogurt
2 T. canola oil

Once the above are mixed thoroughly (batter will be rather thick and dry) add in:

1 cup walnuts or pecans (I love walnuts) and mix well.

Then stir in:

1 6-oz. pkg. of your favorite dried fruit (by adding these last and by hand, you will avoid tearing up the fruit pieces and have larger, yummier bits of fruit in your scones).

Place the batter in prepared baking dish. Spread level with a wooden spoon or spatula. Score the dough with a knife to make 8 equal slices.

If you like your scones a little sweeter, you can sprinkle a light topping of granulated sugar over the top of the dough just before baking. Done when toothpick or knife test in center comes out clean.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Author Special Jennifer Zane

February 10, 2012 Karen Docter 4 Comments

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

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**! Today, in lieu of one of my 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, JENNIFER ZANE, and her recipe for Pulled Chicken Sandwiches!

BOOK PEEK ~ Gnome On The Range

Once you get the zing you can’t go back.

Jane West has everything a woman could want. A job in a small Montana town’s only adult store, two busy young boys and one dead husband. Everything except a little excitement–a little zing. But that changes one summer morning at a garage sale when her kids buy some garden gnomes.

Now someone wants those gnomes and will let nothing get in their way. Including Jane. This new excitement for Jane spells trouble for a relationship with new neighbor–and hot fireman–Ty Strickland. Can Jane and Ty handle a relationship meddling mother-in-law, crazy kids, and stay alive while trying to solve the mystery of the garden gnomes?

Excerpt: http://jenniferzane.com/sneak-peek/

FMI about Jennifer and her book…. http://www.jenniferzane.com
Amazon: http://amzn.to/vrvUI3
Follow her on Twitter: @JenniferZane

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 24 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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PULLED CHICKEN SANDWICHES (EASY!!)

In your crockpot place boneless chicken breasts. Pour your favorite BBQ sauce in, stir around and lift meat to coat. Cook on low for at least 3 hours. When ready to eat, take chicken out, pull apart with 2 forks and return to crockpot. Scoop out chicken and sauce. Serve on rolls. I like jalapeno jack cheese and dill pickle slices with it.

** For an easy cleanup, don’t forget the crockpot liner!

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Author Special Ann Everett

February 3, 2012 Karen Docter 5 Comments

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

Welcome to my new 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, ANN EVERETT, and her recipe for Chocolate Coconut Pecan Pie ~ “Orgasm Pie”!

BOOK PEEK ~ Laid Out and Candle Lit

The nicest little town in Texas, Brownsboro, just had a murder.

Twenty-six year old Tizzy Donovan is a widow, single mother, daughter to the best baker in town, sister to the county Sheriff, and also known as the local girl who occasionally talks to the dead.

When Tizzy discovers a dead body in the cemetery, she goes to prime suspect number one, and lands in a decidedly unsweetened pickle. With lead after lead placing her in the crosshairs, her only hope and potential damnation come in the form of Texas Ranger Ridge Cooper. She won’t be able to wiggle her way out of this one with a sassy comeback and a helping of Better than Sex Cupcakes.

Cutting his teeth on his first murder case, Ranger Cooper becomes torn between duty and desire. His job gets a whole lot harder as he works to find a viable suspect other than Tizzy.

Adding some fun to the serious business of solving the crime is a skunk attack, a bar fight, and some downhome wit and wisdom served up Texas style by Tizzy’s mom, Pattiecake and Aunt Sugarpie.

LAID OUT AND CANDLE LIT is the first book in a series of three revolving around the same characters and set in the same location of small town Brownsboro, Texas. Because many scenes take place in SWEET THANGS BAKERY, a recipe from one of those scenes will be included in each book. For LAID OUT AND CANDLE LIT, the choice was Chocolate Coconut Pecan Pie. A delectable, rich concoction guaranteed to become an addiction.

Owners of the bakery, Pattiecake McAlister and Sugarpie Monroe, will be releasing a SWEET THANGS cookbook very soon, brimming with…you guessed it…nothing but Sweet Thangs!

A native of the Lone Star state, Ann Everett is a former school secretary. For many years, Ann enjoyed doing stand-up comedy for businesses, corporations, and non-profit organizations. She is an active member of the Northeast Texas Writers’ Organization, where she currently serves as Director for their twenty-sixth annual writers’ conference.

Ann is an award winning short story author and has been published in on-line e-zines as well as several newspapers. She lives on a small lake in Northeast Texas with her husband.

FMI about Ann and her books… http://www.anneverett.weebly.com
Twitter: @TalkinTwang
Email: Ann.Everett@rocketmail.com

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 23 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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CHOCOLATE COCONUT PECAN PIE

“Orgasm Pie”

2 eggs
1 ½ Cups sugar
½ Cup cocoa
6 oz. evaporated milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/8 tsp. salt
¼ cup margarine, melted
1 tsp. ground cinnamon (secret ingredient)
½ cup chopped pecans
1 cup coconut
1 unbaked deep dish pie shell

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl beat eggs. (We use an electric mixer.) Add sugar and cocoa and mix well. Add milk, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and melted margarine, mix well. Stir in pecans and coconut, mix well by hand. Pour into pie shell and bake for 45 minutes or until firm.**

** If the edges of your crust start to get too brown before the pie is firm, cover the edges with foil or a pie crust shield.

*** You can use a frozen store bought pie shell if you like. We make our crust by hand.

PIE CRUST

1½ cups sifted all-purpose flour
½ tsp. salt
½ cup shortening
4 to 5 tablespoons cold water

Sift together flour and salt. Cut in shortening with a pastry-blender—Sugarpie does this by hand. Pattiecake uses the dough hook with her stand mixer. Either way is fine, but Pattiecake’s is easier. Blend until pieces are the size of small peas. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the water over the flour-shortening mixture continuing to blend either with the pastry-blender or the dough hook. You keep adding water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until all is moistened. Your dough should be “wet” enough to gather into a ball and hold together.

On a lightly floured surface, flatten ball slightly and roll with rolling pin to 1/8 inch thick. If edges split, pinch together. Always roll spoke-fashion, rolling from center to edge of dough, using light strokes.

To transfer pastry, roll it over rolling pin, and then unroll it over pie plate, fitting loosely onto bottom and sides.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Author Special Christine Warner

January 27, 2012 Karen Docter 25 Comments

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

Welcome to my new 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, CHRISTINE WARNER, and her recipe for Chicken Salad Sandwiches!

BOOK PEEK ~ Some Like It in Handcuffs
Releasing March 23, 2012 with The Wild Rose Press

Sunny Kennedy is a fledgling private investigator and the only girl in a family of protective male detectives. She’s out to prove testosterone isn’t the main qualification required to solve a cold case. The only things standing in her way are a sexy detective and a killer who will stop at nothing to keep a secret.

Judson Blackwolf, a seasoned homicide detective, thinks women in law enforcement should work behind the scenes. The prospect of working with his Captain’s sexy daughter doesn’t thrill him.

But when their investigation takes a dangerous turn, they realize their feelings for each other, tangled in a web from the past, might not be the only thing to keep them apart.

Excerpt….

“This isn’t how I wanted it between us.” Judson grabbed the neckline of her sweater, dragging her body to meet his with a solid thump. Sunny licked her lips in answer to the question in his eyes. He lowered his head to move his mouth over hers.

Sunny closed her eyes, a small whimper escaping her lips. She didn’t want it like this either, but that wasn’t possible. Unable to resist her attraction she accepted it wasn’t an affair, or a long distance romance she craved, but for him to love her back. It was all or nothing for her. Her heart sank. She accepted this as their goodbye kiss.

With no thought to what was happening upstairs, Sunny rose up on her toes demanding more. Her lips pulsated against Judson’s. When his hand trembled against her cheek in a soft caress she lost touch with reality.

“Judson.” Sunny’s weakened body drifted farther into Judson’s as his fingers glided down her arms, pulling them to her sides where their fingers intertwined. He forced them behind her before his tongue thrust into her mouth.

Their bodies molded together, she heard her own heartbeat and his as well when he curved his fingers around her rear and squeezed.

That’s when the click of the handcuffs against her wrist connected her to the handle of the locked cupboard.

“What the hell…Judson?” She looked up at him, her knees shook, her body still inflamed with fever.

“Like I was saying, you wait here and I’ll go upstairs to check it out. Backup’s already been called, so you’re safe until your brothers arrive.” Judson winked before walking toward the steps to the third level. Once he reached them he turned toward her and smiled. “Gotcha,” he whispered with his notorious grin.

FMI about Christine and her books….http://christine-warner.com/
“Like” her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Warner/143430882396013
Follow her on Twitter: christineswords

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 22 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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CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICHES

3 White chicken breasts cubed
1 cup red or green grapes without pits (I slice them in ½)
¾ cup Celery
1 small onion diced
½ cup chopped walnuts
Miracle Whip as desired (important to use Miracle Whip and not mayo)

You can serve on croissants or Hawaiian dinner rolls with 1 lettuce leaf per sandwich. If I’m serving at a get together, I put a strawberry or olive on a toothpick and insert through the center.

NOTE FROM CHRISTINE: I know that this recipe is more geared toward the summer months, but there are times during the winter I get a craving for this and make it anyway! Yep, it’s that good! J

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Author Special

January 13, 2012 Karen Docter Leave a comment

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

Welcome to my bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**. Although I intend to continue with my usual Fixin’s feature every Friday 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, PATTY WISEMAN, and her recipe for Chicken & Sausage Gumbo!

BOOK PEEK ~ An Unlikely Arrangement

An Unlikely Arrangement is a cozy armchair romantic mystery with many twists and turns. Just when you think you have figured it out, you haven’t!

Young and rebellious, Ruth Squire defied her parents to live the high life of young people in 1929 Detroit. Handsome and responsible, Peter Kirby worked diligently to make his family’s life easier. Rich and powerful, Eric Horton held the fates of many families in his hands.

These three lives intertwine through the differing worlds of high society, middle-class life, and organized crime, culminating in an engagement, a kidnapping, a misunderstanding… and a murder.

Patty Wiseman is the daughter of a WWII Navy vet who survived Pearl Harbor, Patty Wiseman was raised in Washington State. She attended The Wesleyan College in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and then moved to Northeast Texas where she has resided for over 30 years. For the past 24 years, she has worked as administrative assistant to a financial advisor.

An Unlikely Arrangement is her first novel and based on a true story. She has several short stories published and is currently working on two other novels, including the sequel to An Unlikely Arrangement.

She serves as secretary to the East Texas Writers Association and is a member of Northeast Texas Writers Association, as well as a two time winner of the National Novel Writing Month, commonly known as NaNoWriMo.

Now retired, Patty is proud to boast she still competes in her favorite sport, bowling. The proud winner of several 200 patches and other awards, she plans to continue to stay in shape with the sport.

Baseball is another passion, and Patty watches Texas Rangers Baseball faithfully. She and her husband Ron attend games as often as the can.

Patty and Ron are the proud owners of a year old crème lab they call Cutter. All their children are grown and scattered now with the grandchildren which gives Patty plenty of time to write and turn out the stories of a lifetime dancing in her head.

For more about Patty and her novels: Website, http://www.pattywiseman.com; Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Patty-Wiseman-Fan-Page/122326897827176; Twitter, http://twitter.com/#!/PattyWG

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 20 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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CHICKEN AND SAUSAGE GUMBO

1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 ¼ cups water, heated

¼ cup cooking oil 1 ½ chopped chicken

½ cup medium onion, chopped 8 oz. link fully cooked link sausage

½ cup celery, chopped cut into slices

½ cup green sweet pepper, chopped 1 ½ sliced, fresh okra

4 cloves garlic, minced 2 bay leaves

¼ tsp. black pepper 3 cups hot cooked rice

¼ tsp. red pepper, ground

1 14 oz. can chicken broth, heated

In a large heavy saucepan or pot combine flour and oil for a roux. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 mins., stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir for 12 mins. or until roux is dark reddish brown.

Stir in onion, celery, sweet pepper, garlic, black pepper, and ground rep pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 mins. over medium heat or until veggies are crisp-tender, stir often.

Gradually stir in hot chicken broth, hot water, chicken, sausage, okra, and bay leaves. Bring to boil then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 mins. or until okra is tender. Remember to discard bay leaves. Serve in bowls with rice.

Makes about 7 cups.

Karen's Killer Fixin's

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Author Special

December 30, 2011 Karen Docter 4 Comments

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

Introducing a bonus feature to Karen’s Killer Fixin’s! Although I intend to continue with my usual Fixin’s feature every Friday today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to another 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 and their books.

Introducing author, LIZZIE T. LEAF, and her recipe for SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP!

I’ve loved books since I opened the first one. My dream was to write them myself. Of course life has a way of throwing us a curve ball, and the writing became a distant memory, lost in the hectic day to day world of family, job, laundry and housework. When the twinkling ember did spark, it was usually doused by someone demanding their share of my time, and me allowing it to happen.

But life does seem to go full circle. The desire to put the stories that continued to play in my head on paper emerged stronger than ever, and at a time in my life when there was someone encouraging me to do it. Now I’m living my dream; creating stories to share with others. I hope you enjoy them.

My other hobbies, gardening and baking, are now taking a back seat, and as for housework…what’s that?

FMI about Lizzie and all of her books…. www.lizzietleaf.com
Beyond Magic now available at Passion in Print Press
http://www.passioninprint.com/ShowBook.php?CR=LTL_BEYONDMAGIC

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

Karen

P.S. We’re at 18 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.

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

SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP

Ingredients

1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
2 (13¾ ounce) cans artichoke hearts
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 cup grated pepper jack cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a casserole dish with nonstick spray.

Heat the spinach in a microwave oven on high for 5 minutes and squeeze dry. Drain the artichoke hearts and coarsely chop in a food processor.

Combine all the ingredients except the jack cheese in a large bowl. Stir well. Scrape into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the jack cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes. Transfer to a chafing dish and keep warm over a low flame. Serve with bagel chips.

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