Saturday, September 29, 2012

Saturday Night Special

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Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. Today’s recommendation is: Circle of Silence by Carol Tanzman

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Thursday's Southern Recipe

From my cousin...

SUPERB FUDGE PIE


Connie Emmons



In top of double boiler or over low heat, melt:
1 Stick Butter (1/2 Cup)
3 Squares Unsweetened Baking Chocolate

Meanwhile, place in mixing bowl and beat until light:
4 Eggs

Beat into the eggs:
3 Tablespoons White Karo Syrup
1 ½ Cups Sugar
¼ Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Vanilla

Now, add the chocolate mixture (slightly cooled). Mix thoroughly and pour into an uncooked 9-inch, pastry-lined pie pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes (depending on your oven), or until top is sort of crusty and filling is set but still somewhat soft inside, DO NOT over bake. Pie should shake like custard so it will not be too stiff when cool. This may be served plain; however, is best served with a topping of vanilla ice cream.

Thursday's Southern Recipe

A special birthday greeting goes out to my buddy, Jim Rubart!
Hope you have a great day!

Now, for today's Southern Recipe...


Monday, September 24, 2012

Sound Off Monday!





Here's your chance....SOUND OFF MONDAY. That's right, tell me whatever's annoying you today! What's bugged you over the weekend? What's got you ready to pull your hair out?










Saturday, September 22, 2012

Happy Anniversary!


Today I'm not posting up a Saturday Night Special as today is mine and my hubby, Casey's 23rd wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary, honey! I love you!

Friday, September 21, 2012

Carol Awards Coming Soon!

Tomorrow night, the Carol Award winners will be announced here at the 2012 ACFW Conference in Dallas, Texas. Last year I was a finalist, so I know how nervous the finalists listed below are right now. Good luck to ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Debut Novel:


Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell, Editor)

The Loom by Shella Gillus (Guideposts – Beth Adams, Editor)

Give the Lady a Ride by Linda W. Yezak (Sky Sail [Port Yonder Press] – Chila Woychik, Editor)



Long Contemporary:

Lost Melody by Lori Copeland/Virginia Smith (Zondervan – Sue Brower, Editor)

The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell – Andrea Doering, Editor)

Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House Publishers – Sarah Long/Dave Long, Editors)



Long Contemporary Romance:

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones (Thomas Nelson – Jamie Chavez/Natalie Hanemann, Editors)

Lilly’s Wedding Quilt by Kelly M. Long (Thomas Nelson – Natalie Hanemann, Editor)

My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (Tyndale – Karen Watson, Editor)





Long Historical:

Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis (Moody Publishers/River North – Deborah Keiser, Editor)

Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell, Editor)

Mine Is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs (WaterBrook Press – Laura Barker, Editor)



Long Historical Romance:

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen (Bethany House Publishers – Karen Schurrer, Editor)

Lilies in Moonlight by Allison Pittman (Multnomah Publishers – Alice Crider, Editor)

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House Publishers – Karen Schurrer, Editor)



Mystery:

Falling to Pieces: A Shipshewana Amish Mystery by Vannetta Chapman (Zondervan – Sue Brower, Editor)

Died in the Wool by Elizabeth Ludwig/Janelle Mowery (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Yesterday’s Secrets by Kelly Ann Riley (Guideposts – Beth Adams, Editor)



Novella:

An Accidental Christmas from A Biltmore Christmas by Diane T. Ashley/Aaron McCarver (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Reese: All Along from Smitten by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell/LB Norton, Editors)

A Star in the Night from A Log Cabin Christmas by Liz Johnson (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany, Editor)



Romantic Suspense:

Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell, Editor)

Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon (Revell – Jennifer Leep, Editor)

Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany/Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)



Short Contemporary:

The Protector by Shelley Shepard Gray (Avon Inspire/Harper Collins – Cindy DiTiberio)

Lakeside Reunion by Lisa Jordan (Love Inspired – Melissa Endlich, Editor)

Oklahoma Reunion by Tina Radcliffe (Love Inspired – Rachel Burkot/Melissa Endlich, Editor)



Short Contemporary Suspense:

Double Identity by Diane Burke (Love Inspired Suspense – Sarah McDaniel-Dyer, Editor)

Nightwatch by Valerie Hansen (Love Inspired Suspense – Melissa Endlich, Editor)

A Deadly Game by Virginia Smith (Love Inspired Suspense – Tina James, Editor)



Short Historical (four finalists due to a tie):

Promise of Time by S. Dionne Moore (Heartsong Presents – JoAnne Simmons, Editor)

Revealing Fire by Connie Stevens (Heartsong Presents – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Light to My Path by Erica Vetsch (Heartsong Presents – JoAnne Simmons, Editor)

The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh (Revell – Andrea Doering, Editor)



Speculative Fiction:

The Story in the Stars by Yvonne Anderson (Risen Books – Reagan Reed, Editor)

The Chair by James L. Rubart (B & H Fiction – Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)

Broken Sight by Steve Rzasa (Marcher Lord Press – Jeff Gerke, Editor)



Suspense/Thriller:

Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins (B & H Fiction – Karen Ball, Editor)

Fallen Angel by Major Jeff Struecker/Alton Gansky (B & H Fiction – Julie Gwinn, Editor)

Freedom’s Stand by Jeanette (J.M.) Windle (Tyndale – Jan Stob, Editor)



Women’s Fiction:

A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner (WaterBrook Press – Shannon Marchese, Editor)

When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley (Multnomah Publishers – Jessica Barnes/Shannon Marchese, Editors)

Dandelion Summer by Lisa Wingate (Penguin Praise/Berkley – Ellen Edwards, Editor)



Young Adult:

Wreath by Judy Christie (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany/Jamie Chavez, Editors)

The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan – Jacque Alberta, Editor)

There You’ll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones (Thomas Nelson – Natalie Hanemann/Becky Monds/Jamie Chavez, Editors)

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Thursday's Southern Recipe

CONO’S FABULOUS DIP






1 8 ounce package Cream Cheese
1 8 ounce package Sour Cream
1 Jar of Hormel Bacon Bits or Pieces
1 ½ Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
2 Fresh Jalapeno Peppers with seeds (chopped)
1 Fresh Jalapeno Pepper without seeds (chopped)

NOTE: If you like it hot, leave the seeds in all three peppers!

Mix all of above together saving ½ to 1 cup of cheddar cheese (or more if you like lots of cheese) to sprinkle over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve with Fritos or your favorite corn chip. If you double the recipe, cook for 40 minutes covered and about 10 minutes uncovered—just enough to melt the cheese.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Robin's Wednesday Recommended Reading

Today's recommendation is: Darkness Rising

Click on cover for more information

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Happy Birthday, Trace!

Today is my bestie, Tracey's birthday. We've been besties since...uh, a LONG time. LOL

Happy Birthday, Trace! May your day be filled with fun and love!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Sound Off Monday!

Here's your chance....SOUND OFF MONDAY. That's right, tell me whatever's annoying you today! What's bugged you over the weekend? What's got you ready to pull your hair out?





Sound off....everyone who leaves a comment will have their name put in a drawing to win a "soothing" prize to help ease their frustration!



Saturday, September 15, 2012

Official Release Date!

I am foregoing today's regularly scheduled Saturday Night Special because my latest book releases TODAY!



Click on the cover of TO WRITE A WRONG...today is the official release day! WOOHOO

Friday, September 14, 2012

Acknowledgement!

I'm so excited about the second book in the Justice Seekers series, To Write a Wrong, releasing tomorrow. I wanted to give a little shout out....

Through the course of my research for this novel, I came across an organization whose purpose is to exonerate those wrongfully convicted, as well as reforming the justice system in order to prevent future injustices. I applaud their efforts and the strides they’re making to set innocent people free. You can find out more about the organization by visiting their Web site at www.innocenceproject.org.


Another example of someone dedicated to the freeing of innocent people I found while researching is Dallas District Attorney, Craig Watkins. I commend his and his staff’s efforts. You may find out more information on him by visiting http://www.dallasda.com/Craig_Watkins.html.

I can't wait for y'all to read the book and let me know what you think!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Thursday's Southern Recipe


Today's recipe comes from my sister-in-law, Lisa (pictured above) from her mother, Nancy Young.

Nancy's Chicken Fried Steak




Cut up a tenderized round steak into whatever size pieces you'd like.

Soak in buttermilk for a few hours--the longer the more tastier.

Dip in flour making sure it's coated everywhere, in all the crevices.

Sprinkle with pepper.



Drop in a deep fryer (fry daddy or such) and cook until it's light to medium brown. Make sure the deep fryer is very hot before you drop it in.



This also works well for chicken strips. Cut up some skinless boneless chicken breasts into strips and do the same way. For chicken, it's best to let it soak all day in the buttermilk.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Robin's Wednesday Recommended Reading

Today's recommendation is: House of Mercy by Erin Healy



Click on cover for more information

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Let's Talk About Accountability!

In my upcoming release, To Write a Wrong: A Justice Seekers Novel, one character made excuses for another and didn't hold him accountable for his own actions.

Accountability...wow, that's a big one. What does the word mean to you?

Monday, September 10, 2012

Happy Birthday, Bek!

Today is my sister, Rebecca's, birthday. Pictured above with my niece, Krystina.

Bek, I love you SO SO SO MUCH! I hope your day is as beautiful and special as you are!

Saturday, September 08, 2012

Saturday Night Special




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Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. Today’s recommendation is: Starring Me by Krista McGee

Friday, September 07, 2012

Realizing Love...

In my upcoming release,To Write a Wrong: A Justice Seekers Novel , one of the characters had to be in danger before someone realized they really loved them.

Has it ever taken a crisis to make you realize how much someone meant to you?

Let's talk about how we realize we're in love....

Thursday, September 06, 2012

Thursday's Southern Recipe


Today's Southern recipe is one of my absolute favorites. I remember Mom making these for me every year for my birthday...just thinking about them makes my mouth water! YUM. Hope you make and enjoy.

Joyce's Batter Buns

2/3 cup warm water
1 pkg yeast
2 T sugar
1/2 t salt
1/4 soft shortening
1 egg
1 1/2 cups flour

Dissolve yeast in water. Add sugar, salt, shortening, egg & 1 cup flour. Mix & then add rest of flour. Beat till smooth. Pour in greased muffin tins 1/2 full & let rise in warm place till they reach top of tin, about 40 minutes. Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes.

Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

Today's recommendation is Double Blind, by Brandilyn Collins:  

Click on the cover for more information

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

Forgiveness?


In my upcoming release, To Write a Wrong: A Justice Seekers Novel , a main theme of the book is forgiveness, in one form or another. Forgiveness is often something we Christians struggle with.

What about you? Do you forgive easily? Or do you carry a grudge?

Share your experiences!

Monday, September 03, 2012

Happy Labor Day!

From the U.S. DOL: Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.


In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.


The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.




Saturday, September 01, 2012

Saturday Night Special



Click on the cover for more information

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. Today’s recommendation is:

Friday, August 31, 2012

Countdown to ACFW Conference


I have 17 days until I leave for the ACFW conference. As Conference Director, this begins the most hectic time of the year for me and my team. Are YOU coming to conference?????? Can't wait to see you there!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Thursday's Southern Recipe

Not exactly a "real meal" (as my kids would say), but here's my youngest, Bella, at our picnic with her daddy...Yeah, my hubby just looks like he's having so much fun, huh? lol

Today’s down-home southern recipe is one of mine and hubby’s favorites. Quick, easy, and you can adapt to your own tastes. I sometimes switch the eggplant with about 1 ½ cups leftover rice. J



Stuffed Bell Peppers



8 large bell peppers (cut in half with stems and seeds removed)

1 pound lean beef browned with 1 large chopped onion, drained

1 eggplant, peeled & pureed

Salt, black pepper and cayenne to taste

¼ cup chopped parsley

1 bell pepper chopped

1 red bell pepper chopped

¼ cup chopped green onion tops

Bread crumbs

1 large can stewed tomatoes (thick)


Add eggplant to the browned and drained beef/onion mixture. Simmer for 5 mins. Season to taste. Add chopped bell peppers, parsley, and green onion tops. Add bread crumbs as needed to stiffen. Cook about 3-5 mins. Remove from heat and place stuffing into the cut and cleaned bell peppers. Place in pan with enough water in the bottom to coat. Spoon stewed tomatoes over each stuffed bell pepper to moisten. Sprinkle bread crumbs lightly over tops. Bake at 350, uncovered, for about 30 minutes until tops become brown and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

Today's recommendation is Placebo by Steven James

Click on cover for more information.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Upcoming Release!



My upcoming novel, To Write A Wrong, releases in less than a month! I'm SO excited to share this very close-to-my-own-heart story with you.

In Angola State Penitentiary, a man is serving time for a crime he didn’t commit. Riley Baxter is an eager reporter desperate for a story to make a name for herself. When she stumbles upon the daughter of the incarcerated man, Riley sees a little too much of herself in the teen, and vows to help prove her father’s innocence.


At the same time, Hayden Simpson has his hands full with keeping his little sister in line, worrying about his job as Police Commissioner, and dealing with his past emotional baggage. The last thing he needs is someone blowing the lid off his emotional bucket. But when Riley Baxter storms into his life, struggling to understand why God would let bad things happen to good people, Hayden has no choice but to follow his heart.

Now, Riley and Hayden must work together to uncover the truth of the past . . . before someone shuts Riley up for good.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Sound Off Monday!

Here's your chance....SOUND OFF MONDAY. That's right, tell me whatever's annoying you today! What's bugged you over the weekend? What's got you ready to pull your hair out?


Sound off....everyone who leaves a comment will have their name put in a drawing to win a "soothing" prize to help ease their frustration!

*Thanks to Celeste Barnes, my youngest's bff....I ran outta kids and needed a photo and she obliged! Even looking crazy, isn't she cute?

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Saturday Night Special

Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. Today’s recommendation is: A Charmed Life by Jenny B Jones


Click on cover for more information

Friday, August 24, 2012

Do you support our legal system?



Send my brilliant editor, Julee Schwarzburg, happy birthday wishes cuz today's her big day! She's the reason my novels make sense! She pushes me to ask the questions I pose to my characters, and ultimately my readers.

Do you support our legal system? That's one of the questions I pose in my upcoming novel, To Write A Wrong:  how flawed is our legal system and what can we do to fix it?

Having personally gone through an ordeal where the legal system failed, I have to say, I don't have much faith in our legal system. Yes, it's a legal system, not a justice system. After my family's experience, I just can't support the system. I have no idea how we can fix it. I belong to several groups who contact our political representatives in order to be heard, but I'm not seeing many changes.

What about you? What are your thoughts of our legal system? Good, bad, or indifferent, share your thoughts/comments with me. I really would like to hear from you!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Thursday's Southern Recipe

What is food without good company to eat it with? So while I'm sharing recipes, I thought I'd share a photo from a few years back with some of my writing friends. (Left to write: Camy Tang, Cheryl Wyatt, Danica McDonald, me, Margaret Daley, and Allie Plieter)

Today’s southern recipe is one called many things, but I call it GOOD. It’s one of my favorites.



Maque Choux



1 doz ears of fresh corn on the cob

2 tblspn butter

1 onion, finely chopped

½ bell pepper, finely chopped

Salt and cayenne pepper to taste



Cut corn off the cob. (Slice across the tops of the kernels thinly and then cutting across a second time to remove the “milk” from the corn) Heat oil in heavy pot. Add corn and remaining ingredients. Cook over med-low heat for 20 mins, stirring constantly to keep corn from sticking. Lower heat to simmer, cover, and cook for about 5 more mins. Enjoy

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Robin's Wednesday's Recommended Reading

In honor of my good friend, Ronie Kendig's birthday on the 25th, today's recommendation is her novel, Trinity: Military War Dog. If you haven't read this book, you are MISSING OUT! Go and get it NOW!

Click on cover for more information.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Can people change?



One of the questions posed in my upcoming release, To Write A Wrong, is can people change? Interesting question. When I was researching the book, I asked many people that question, and the answers were pretty much divided down the middle.

I personally believe ANYTHING is possible with Christ, and that certainly includes people changing. That's why my "life verse" is Phil. 4:13: I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. BUT...what about the fakers out there? Those who just pretend to change to save themselves from something? How do you tell the difference?

So, what about YOU? What do YOU think? Can people change? What's your take? Let me know what your thoughts are. Really, I want to know.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Sound Off Monday!


Here's your chance....SOUND OFF MONDAY. That's right, tell me whatever's annoying you today! What's bugged you over the weekend? What's got your head about to explode?



Sound off....everyone who leaves a comment will have their name put in a drawing to win a "soothing" prize to help ease their frustration!


Saturday, August 18, 2012

Saturday Night Special


Each Saturday, I venture out of my "comfort" reading zone of Suspense/thriller/mystery/romantic suspense to bring you a recommendation in a different genre. Today’s recommendation is: Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury.


Click on cover for more information.