Roxanne Snopek: Cravings that won't go away

Have you ever had a craving that just won’t go away? Today I was craving soup, something good and hearty, full of nutrition and flavor. So, I went to my old favorite, Italian Sausage and Kale soup. Doesn’t this look delicious? And it’s so easy.

Roxanne’s Italian Sausage & Kale Soup

1 package Italian sausage (mild or spicy, to your taste)

1 onion

3 cloves garlic, crushed

1 large can diced tomatoes

2 boxes chicken broth

2 medium cans of beans (white, navy, black, I’ve used them all)

1-2 bunches kale, chopped fine

Scramble-fry the sausage with onion and garlic. Add the tomatoes and chicken broth. Rinse and drain the beans, then mash them with a fork and add to pot. (This Add chopped kale, season to taste and voila, you’re done!

Serve with crusty bread and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

And for dessert, a special treat: my latest book, THECHOCOLATE CURE is currently FREE on all platforms! THE CHOCOLATE CURE is part of the Love at the Chocolate Shop series and readers tell me they particularly enjoyed the humor in this one. Take a look for yourself and let me know what you think. We like to say this series is #WhatLoveTastesLike.

The Chocolate Cure

Roxanne Snopek
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
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Roxanne Snopek: The Chocolate Cure

Do you have a favorite smell? I’ve got lots: bread baking in the oven, fresh rosemary on my fingertips, bee balm, anything lemon, sawdust, alfalfa hay, babies, eucalyptus, roasted coffee beans… I could go on.

How about smells you can’t stand? That’s a list I won’t write, except to say that there are many. Many, many. And most of them are chemical or manufactured smells. I’ve a long-standing discussion going with daughter #3 about hairspray, ie: how many gallons does it take to create beauty, the merits of scent-free products and at what point and how far from the house will I set up her beauty station, should our discussion not progress in my favor. :)

In my latest book, THE CHOCOLATE CURE, my hero is recovering from a concussion, which affects his memory early on in the story. He meets the heroine but doesn’t really remember her – except when triggered by certain scents.

I know a little bit about brain injuries from my husband, who was hit by a car while riding his bike as a teen, and suffered a skull fracture. He was lucky to survive – the driver did not stop - and within a few months, made a full recovery. But a few years later, he began smelling things that weren’t there. Gradually his sense of smell disappeared completely. It’s undoubtedly the easiest of our senses to live without, and he’s not hampered greatly by it, but he does miss it when I’m baking cinnamon buns!

We know that there’s a strong link between smell and memory, so wanted to explore that in this story.

Mick’s first words to Maddie are “You smell good, like chocolate.” And from then on, he associates – and eventually remembers, her by smell.

Here’s a few excerpts:

Maddie bent forward, very slowly, keeping her gaze on his, holding his hand. He inhaled a trace of something light and flowery, lotion perhaps. Or her shampoo. It smelled... purple. Like lilac. Remember this. Keep this.

**

Light shone behind her head, renewing the halo he'd seen earlier. A lock of golden hair slipped free of the pins, fell over her shoulder and brushed against his cheek. Her neck was fragrant as a garden warmed by the sun. Lilac, spring breeze, sunshine.

**

The fragrance of shampoo, fresh, like sunshine, or lilacs in springtime struck Mick in the solar plexus and he inhaled reflexively, quenching some deep thirst he didn't know he had and couldn't identify. Her breath was touched with mint, but still, it warmed the wintery air around her... her breath... and her skin and the sparks in her eyes...

**

A whiff of lilacs drifted over him. Mick glanced around. The houses were all laced in snow and frost, the trees bare. There was nothing remotely in bloom. Where did that trace of lilacs come from?

**

And my favorite line of the whole book:

"I was broken," Mick said, "and you cured me, with lilacs and sunshine and chocolate."

**

I so enjoyed writing these wonderful fragrances, not to mention the delicious chocolate. Have you got a story about smells or memory? Visit me at www.facebook.com/RoxanneSnopekAuthor or www.facebook.com/LoveattheChocolateShop I’d love to hear it.

The Chocolate Cure is available at:

Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iBooks  | GooglePlay

Roxanne Snopek: The Chocolate Cure & Christmas Letters

Hello readers!

It’s time for the Annual Christmas Letters to start arriving. I don’t write one, figuring that if you don’t already know what’s going on with us, we don’t like each other that much anyway.

Plus, I’m always depressed after hearing about how great everyone else’s lives are. After all, I didn’t put in a pool last year… or save a whale/cure Chlamydia/get my PhD/bear famous offspring/visit an orphanage/run for office/kick the booze/etc.

So, if I DID write a Christmas letter, it would probably go something like this:

(Tongue firmly planted in cheek)

Merry Christmas from the Champion Family!

To our distant relatives and obligatory acquaintances:

Since we won’t be there to partake of the Sweet-Potato-Brussel-Sprout Delight with you in person, we’ll share the highlights of the past year like this.

First of all, our best news of all: that thing on Jumbo’s neck turned out to be benign. What a blessing! They won’t take it off, something about insurance, so I made him a scarf. You can still see the outline, but it helps hide the smell and it’s pretty dashing, if I say to myself.

Also, we’re officially empty-nesters now! Between Jumbo’s traveling five days a week and having the trailer to ourselves, we’re like newlyweds again! Although I must give credit to our court-appointed therapist, who helped us each grow and develop personally, as people, and as individuals, too.

Our oldest, RuBella, is a new gal these days, since they changed her medication. She’s now pursuing her dream of becoming a taxidermist. If what she did with the neighbor’s dearly departed pet raccoon, Stink-Eye, is any indication, she’s found her path! And they said she shouldn’t be around knives!

Just goes to show you, doctors aren’t always right! LOL! (Don’t worry, sis, I know Johnny is better than the average doctor. We’re so lucky to have such an accomplished, handsome, sweet nephew in our gene pool. I KNOW.)

The twins, Calico and Fortrel, had a big year, too, between getting the ankle bracelets off and passing their urine tests! Cali, the brainiac, is studying for her piercing certificate, and Forty, the maternal one, is going after her kids again. If she wins visitation rights, I’ll be a grandma! And me so young!

Though if they find the father of the third one, we might be SOL, so I hope he stays “disappeared.” I loved him dearly but, to be honest, he was a bit of a felon.

The other twins, Beau and Deau might not be doctors, (LOL, love you sis!) but we’re still proud of them! They’ve really turned things around with their latest business venture! We’re not too sure of the details; first it was agricultural. Now they say it involves cooking. Who knows these days? And not to brag, but it sure brings in the cash! Just last week, they bought me a skillet!

Perfect timing because since the menopause, I’ve been a wee bit moody and I find throwing cookware helps. It’s great exercise! LOL! And thanks to the hot flashes, I haven’t had to plug in the heat yet this winter! Bonus!

And then there’s our little after-thought, Pru-Marie-Suzette. PMS is such a blessing! She’s off on another one of her crazy adventures to parts unknown, with funds unknown, and her new guy, also unknown. The police know him, though, so that eases our minds. It’s hard to let go of your babies, isn’t it?

As for me, I’ve been restless, what Jumbo on the road and my chicks all launched, so guess what? I started my own business! I’ll have more details when the kit arrives but let me just say it’s a product I believe in 110%! I’ll be making $4000 a week, from my own home! (Don’t tell Jumbo… but this year he’s finally getting that fancy Blackberry he’s had his eye on!)

If you get a chance, stop by for some home-brew. Don’t worry, success hasn’t changed us one bit!

Love, and Merry Christmas from the Champions

And to read about a slightly-less-crazy family, watch for Roxanne’s upcoming book THE CHOCOLATE CURE, coming January 4, 2017, as part of the Love at the Chocolate Shop series from Tule Publishing.

No more chocolate! No more meddling! No more men!

New Year’s resolutions are great. Announcing them in a crowded bar, with a chocolate martini in her hand? Not Maddie Cash’s finest moment. It’s time this new realtor got serious about her life and this time, she means it.

But when hospital volunteering lands her at the bedside of bruised and battered Mick Meyer, who has no knowledge of Maddie’s reputation – and no memory of the kiss he begged from her during that long, pain-filled night, her best-laid plans are put in jeopardy. It’s not just his sweet tooth that’s tempting her.

The hunky bush pilot with the concussion has an old family property to unload. Making this sale could be Maddie’s professional salvation. But when Mick turns on the charm, she’s in danger of forgetting all her best intentions... on chocolate... on meddling... and especially on men.

Available for pre-order NOW:

Kindle  Nook  Kobo  iBooks  GooglePlay

Roxanne Snopek: Bags, Bags and More Bags

Anyone else here addicted to bags? Tote-Bags and Blogs – I’m guessing so!

We recently visited with friends who have a very large, beautiful house, with the best walk-in closet and laundry room I’ve ever seen. I confess, I had storage-envy after seeing their place.

And I immediately recognized another bag-lover. Not only does my friend has a long shelf in her closet devoted to her handbags, but she also has another floor-to-ceiling cupboard in their laundry room to house those shoes and bags she uses less often. I LOVE it!

I’m currently looking for a good bag that can be used every day, as well as for travel and this is the one I’m leaning towards. I adore the purple, but it comes in a bunch of other colors, too. And the prices are very reasonable.

Travelon Anti-Theft Red

I already have a different cross-body Travelon bag in red and I really like it. But as I almost always carry a water bottle or two with me, I’m thinking this might be a good change. Plus, PURPLE!

Travelon Anti-Theft Cross Body Purple

For years, I was hooked on Derek Alexander bags. They’re an entirely different kind of bag, leather, elegantly designed, and very pricy, so I can’t indulge myself much on these. But this is one of the best organizer bags I’ve ever had.

Derek Alexander Crossbody

Sometimes though, I wish I had a cute little bag for when you’re going out and you only need to bring keys, a credit card, tissues and lip balm. A friend of mine has this adorable pink Kate Spade mini-clutch.

Kate Spade Mini Clutch

Who here also loves bag shopping? What’s your favorite bag?

CJ Carmichael: My Thankful List

Author Melissa McClone’s newest release, A Thankful Heart, (book 2 in our Love at the Chocolate Shop series) showcases a heroine with a huge heart. Dakota knows how to appreciate the good things in her life, and the lessons she has to teach the hero help make this a truly special read.

Since I’m working on the Love at the Chocolate Shop series with Melissa, I was able to read an advance copy of this wonderful book, and it left me with a real appreciation for the importance of being thankful.

Every time I pick up a newspaper or catch the news on TV or the radio, I am thankful for all the big things in my life that make me one of the truly fortunate. I’m thankful for my children, husband, friends and family. I’m thankful to live in a lawful country that respects the rights of all humans. I’m thankful for my health, for my home, and for having the means to live comfortably unlike so many in the world.

Yes. So fortunate.

A poem I was reading last night also reminded me it’s important to reflect on all the little things that give joy as well. And so, today, as I sit at the island in my kitchen and look out my window I am thankful for…

The delicious latte my husband makes me every morning…

The lovely finches and chickadees who are feeding on sunflower seeds outside my window right now…

The space and quiet to do work I love right from my own home…

The knowledge that I don’t have to cook dinner because there is left over pot roast in the fridge…

And maybe best of all, a wonderful book waits for me to start reading it when I finish my work for the day…

What joys are making you smile today? I hope anticipation for reading a good book is one of them.

Warmly,

C.J. Carmichael

Website

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Roxanne Snopek: The Season of Anticipation

I love autumn. Always have. Maybe it’s because I was one of those kids who liked school, (even though simultaneously riddled with anxiety on that first day.) I also love, love, love the colors and crunch of leaves as they begin to drift from the trees, the fresh smell cool rain on thirsty earth and how great hot oatmeal tastes on a chilly morning.

Fall also begins the countdown to Christmas, Hallowe’en and in our house, several birthdays, so there’s much to look forward to as the season changes.

This year, there’s another thing to look forward to: the launch of a new book series. If you read yesterday’s post by C.J. Carmichael, you’ll be familiar with Love At The Chocolate Shop. If not, and you enjoy heartwarming romances and, ahem, chocolate, then you’ll want to pay attention. The first, Melt My Heart, Cowboy, by C.J. releases tomorrow, October 6. I’ve already read this story and readers, it’s wonderful.

There are six talented authors writing a total of 12 books, to be released one per month for an entire year. A year of chocolate and love, people! How great is that? Along with C.J. you’ll be treated to stories by Melissa McClone, Debra Salonen, Marin Thomas, Steena Holmes and me, Roxanne Snopek. The cover art for my first book was just released so I’m thrilled to share it with you. Isn’t it beautiful?

Sign up here to make sure you don’t miss the announcements: http://tulechocolateshop.wixsite.com/coppermountainchoc/sign-up-for-updates

And please stop by our Facebook page to join in the fun and get an invitation to our launch party next Wednesday, October 12. www.facebook.com/LoveAtTheChocolateShop.

Happy Fall!

Roxanne Snopek

CJ Carmichael: Writers Can Play Nice With One Another. It Happened Once.

Writing can be a solitary pursuit, until you agree to be the front man for a twelve-book series, working with five other authors, and then suddenly, it’s not solitary at all!

The idea for a series focused on a chocolate shop in small town Montana originated in February, when my publisher, Jane Porter, suggested that readers had loved my Sage Carrigan and her Copper Mountain Chocolate Shop (from my book, Promise Me Cowboy). I agreed there was potential to build a series around Sage and her shop, but I was leery of signing on to write too many books. I was also leery of working with a group of authors on the project because I’d been involved in other multi-author series and ended up pulling out great clumps of my hair on a daily basis.

It did occur to me, though, that the right group of authors might make all the difference. What we needed was talented authors—but no divas. We needed to work together in building our world and our stories, plus we also needed team players willing to do their share when it came time to promote and spread the word about our books.

Tentatively I sent out a few emails, and to my surprise and delight managed to snag some pretty amazing talent. Before I knew it we had set up a Facebook Group. Contracts were signed and story planning commenced. Suddenly, via Facebook and email, I was in daily contact with five creative authors, and I’m happy to say not a temper was frayed. Melissa McClone, Debra Salonen, Roxanne Snopek, Marin Thomas and Steena Holmes...all are such a treat to work with.

Melissa is incredibly organized and business-minded. She keeps us focused. Debra is wonderfully fun and enthusiastic... she’s positivity personified. Roxanne is incredibly creative. She came up with this wonderful caption for our series: “What Love Tastes Like.” We use it in all our promo because we think it captures the spirit of our books so well. Marin Thomas is a Facebook guru—she and her wonderful assistant Denise have a million excellent ideas for promoting our books. And Steena Holmes is our self-professed chocolate expert. She’s so committed to the cause she actually volunteered to visit Paris on our behalf and report back on all the best chocolatiers she discovers. Now that’s sacrifice.

So here you have it. A documented, real life example, of six authors managing to work on one series and not drive each other crazy. On top of that, I believe we’re coming up with some excellent stories for our readers. Happily, our very first book, my own Melt My Heart Cowboy is being released this month on October 6. Finally we’re going to be able to share some of the fruits of our hard work with our readers. Of course, Melt My Heart Cowboy is just the beginning. There are eleven books to come, one a month, until the series wraps up in September 2017.

If you want to join in the fun, please do like our Facebook Page and request our notifications. There are going to be so many parties, giveaways, laughs and stories in the year to come, and the more along for the ride the better.

Also, I’m hosting a special Love at the Chocolate Shop giveaway on my website this month and I invite you to enter that contest as well.

Hope to see you on Facebook soon!

C.J.Carmichael, author

Website, Newsletter

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Roxanne Snopek: The Joy of Communication

For many of us introverts, especially if we've been in "the cave" (ie: writing / reading / working alone for any length of time) social interactions can be daunting.

Talking. To real people. Where to begin? What to say? How to say it? To whom? Sometimes at parties, I feel like The Simple Dog, just wanting my own happy square of linoleum to stare at.

Let's face it, a lot can go wrong when I draw breath to speak. I detest the flavor of my own feet, and spend a lot of time considering my words before I let them out, but still end up with way too much toe-jam in my teeth.

There's what I say. There's what I *thought* I said. Then there's what I actually meant, and how I said it.

There's what you heard. And what you *thought* you heard. And what you thought I meant, and how you interpreted it.

If I squirm because I have to pee, you might see the squirm, think it means I'm not interested in you, turn away. I see you turn away and sink into myself, certain I've bored or hurt or offended you and do the only reasonable thing: hide in the bathroom for the rest of the evening.

I’ve discovered I often write characters who talk too much, sometimes without thinking. I love them for being brave enough to share themselves like this, even if it ends up going so badly wrong, before it ends up right. I feed them a lot of toe-jam before they succeed!

In CINDERELLA’S COWBOY, my shy heroine Cynthia Henley has a nervous stutter to overcome, and two gorgeous stepsisters, Maddie and DeeDee, who have the world by the tail and want to “fix” her. I adored watching Cynthia grow into herself!

And I can’t wait to show you what’s in store for her stepsisters. Maddie’s story, THE CHOCOLATE CURE, comes out in January 2017, with DeeDee’s THE CHOCOLATE COMEBACK releasing April 2017, as part of the Love at the Chocolate Shop series from Tule Publishing. This 12-book multi-author series begins in October and the first two books are available for preorder from iTunes here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/melt-my-heart-cowboy/id1136480600

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/a-thankful-heart/id1137789914 

I adore these covers and I think you’re going to love the stories inside as much as I do.

True communication is a never-ending challenge - and such a joy when it happens. I strive for it in Real Life, and in my books.

Who will you connect with today?

**
Excerpt from CINDERELLA’S COWBOY:
A pair of golden-green eyes stared out from between the bale of straw and the wall of Cynthia's office, then blinked, once.
“Mrrt.”
Doing business out of a barn might not be everyone's cup of tea but the cats were a perk. Especially when they were kittens.
     Cynthia hunkered down onto her hands and knees and nudged the china plate across the concrete floor. The scrawny creature swiveled his ears but held his ground. She was definitely making progress.
     She gestured to the slice of turkey with her ballpoint pen, then spoke into it, as if it were a microphone.
     "Tell me, Mr. Tiny Orange Feline, what makes DMC Solutions the best choice in today's business climate?"
A simple question, right? The kind of thing a media and communications specialist would be perfectly positioned to answer, right?
     She pointed the pen at the kitten. In a high, squeaky voice, she answered.
     "Cynthia Henley is poised, polished and perfectly presentable. She uses the right words, in the correct order and never ever embarrasses herself or others."    
She pointed the pen back at herself.
     "Thank you, Tiny Feline. We believe you to be biased by turkey-breast interference and thus unreliable, but we appreciate your kindness."
     The kitten stretched out his neck and snatched the turkey, just like the Marietta Weekly journalism intern who posted Cynthia's recent Interview of Shame on YouTube.
     The intern was long gone, but the paper's online Business Focus column had never had so much traffic.
If only she hadn't bumped into Chad Anders first. Coming face-to-face with one of her most embarrassing moments had awakened the monster that lay coiled inside her, ready to flick its forked tongue up her throat and spawn new, improved embarrassing moments.
I provide services my clients won't find elsewhere.
She'd meant to sound earnest but nervous hyperventilation made it come out like a spaghetti western madame offering up a room service special.
I'll do anything to muh-muh-meet their needs.
Why didn't someone stop her? Or shoot her?
Ha-ha. I muh-mean, not uh-uh-anything, anything. Ha-ha.
Bray like a donkey. That'll help.
DMC Solutions is uniquely puh-puh-positioned for today's buh-business cuh-cuh-cuh-climax.
Oh, the humanity.
**
https://www.amazon.com/Cinderellas-Cowboy-Montana-Home-Book-ebook/dp/B00WRP0DHG

Roxanne Snopek: Favorite Quotes About LOVE

Lately, I’ve been running across pithy sayings about love and romance. Here are a few of my recent favorites:

I know that over a quarter-century of loving and being loved by the same man has given me strength and courage I’d have never, ever thought possible. Of course, they also say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? ;)

As Rita Rudner says:

But what does love look like? Here’s what my character Pamela told Dane in The Millionaire Daddy Project:

As this one from The Princess Bride illustrates, love involves sacrifice and service. Westley will do anything for his beloved Highness, and when he says “as you wish” he’s really saying “I love you.”

http://youtu.be/gbX1U1tx9aw

This, from psychologist Eric Fromm, always makes me think of how love makes us both strong… and vulnerable… and strong again.

And finally, another comment from Dane, when he finally realizes he is in love. (SIGH!)

Now, go share this with someone you love. And to show my love, I’ve got a $5 Amazon gift card(or other e-book vendor of your choice) for one lucky person. Leave a comment here before July 7 to be entered.

The Millionaire Daddy Project is available at:

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Daddy-Project-Men-Zodiac-ebook/dp/B00W1E16BU/

Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-millionaire-daddy-project-roxanne-snopek/1121725503

Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/the-millionaire-daddy-project-entangled-indulgence

iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/millionaire-daddy-project/id985126036

GooglePlay https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Roxanne_Snopek_The_Millionaire_Daddy_Project_Entan?id=qVoXCAAAQBAJ&hl=en

From the Brain of Roxanne Snopek...

Once upon a time, I did a Bikram yoga challenge. It started as a 30 day jump-start to a fitness slump so bad, the only thing more sluggish was my writing practice. I aimed to do a class each day for 30 days straight, and to write something, anything, each day for 30 days straight.

I ended up doing 100 days, finishing a manuscript and jumpstarting both my fitness and my career. Probably one of the biggest and most rewarding challenges I’ve undertaken. For those of you who don’t know, Bikram yoga is a crazy, crazy 90-minute session done in 140 degree heat and rain-forest humidity, while the instructor challenges or berates you, depending on their enthusiasm.

It was amazing. I opened and loosened muscles and joints that had been locked up for years. My skin glowed. My limbs grew more limber, my sinew more sinewy.

But 150 hours in a crowded, hot, torture chamber has a downside. I had yoga laundry every day. My car smelled like a boys’ locker room. And I discovered that people (people like me, even) can be rude and gross and self-absorbed when they think they’re dying.

My inner peace got a little chain-saw murdery. so once my 100 days were up, I quit.

A mistake. With two novellas and three novels coming out in the next year or so – I’m such a tease! – I quickly fell victim to Dormant Butt Syndrome. This was followed by Locked Shoulders, Creaky Neck and Fell Out Of My Chair Due to Sleeping Legs Disease. I had to come up with an at-home practice.

So I now use the Down Dog app on my phone, (as mentioned in a previous post) and am currently on Day 8 of a new 30 day challenge. Anyone want to join me? There are no rules, no reporting, just rah-rah. (Hopefully saying this right now hasn’t jinxed me. I’ll let you know.)

But for those of you who like the class situation, let me share a few things I learned in the sweat-room. (Remember, I have space issues. I have many other issues, but this is the one we’re addressing today. Don’t judge me.)

Yoga Etiquette for Dummies

1. Keep your mat in line with the ones beside you. It's not difficult. There's lines on the floor. Don't think "maybe I'll just stagger mine down a bit." It's like taking two parking spaces. Someone might key you. Someone should key you.

2. Look in the mirror at the people behind you; if you're directly in front of them, move sideways, so they can see themselves in the mirror. Maybe you think you're doing them a favor, but they might actually want to watch themselves instead of your ass.

3. Don't blow your nose into your towel. Just don’t.

4. Don't be so oblivious to the person behind you that you kick them in the head. Which probably wouldn't have happened had you parked in your proper space.

5. Whenever possible, don't grunt or moan or fart or talk. (That's why the sign says NO TALKING outside the studio door. Geez.)

6. Leave the class quietly at the end, ie: don't thunder about like a stunned giraffe. It ruffles the centers of those of us in our final savasana.

7. And finally, brush your teeth before class. And maybe lay off the garlic the night before or whatever you ate that makes you smell dead. (FYI perfume only makes it worse.)

Oh and here's a thought: maybe I wouldn't be able to smell you, no matter what you'd rolled in, if you'd parked your mat in the PROPER SPACE.

And now you know why it’s best for everyone that I stay at home.

Namaste. :)

Roxanne Snopek: Books, Books, Books!

Did this past winter seem longer than usual to you? The one good thing about those long grey days is that they’re great for reading. I've read some wonderful books over the past few months and I'd like to share a few with you.

1. MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood. The third in her MaddAddam trilogy, following Oryx and Crake and The Year of the Flood, this post-apocalyptic tale is seductive, hypnotic, super-creepy and brilliant. After reading about pigoons, a human-pig hybrid, I'll never look at bacon the same way.

2. Her Spy to Have by Paula Altenburg. The first in her Spy Games series, this novel is a tightly-plotted globe-trotting cat-and-mouse game as well as a touching love story and I can't wait for the next installment. 

3. The Color of Destiny by Julianne MacLean. The second in her Color of Heaven series, this was a total palate-cleanser for me, a spiritual and emotional story, not inspirational per se, but definitely inspiring. 

4. In The Waning Light by Loreth Ann White. This romantic suspense-thriller kept me up way too late. I've read several other books by this new-to-me author and I'm now a huge fan. This book is a finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA award, and well deserved.

5. A Bramble House Christmas by C.J. Carmichael. A wonderful, heartwarming holiday read, this short contemporary romance is also a RITA finalist!

6. Love Me Tender by Susan Fox. Book 5 in her Caribou Crossing series, this made me go back and read the first four. Book 6, Love Somebody Like You, is yet another well-deserving RITA finalist.

Of course, I've read many more books but these stood out for me. Have you got books to recommend? I’d love to hear about favorite reads, recently discovered authors, new-to-you oldie-goldies. Please share!

Roxanne Snopek: Embrace the Lion

Take one wealthy, driven restaurateur, throw in a four-year old daughter he never knew he had and the uber-efficient assistant he’s never really noticed, put them on a wild, West Coast fantasy island for a month, and what do you get? Sun, surf, steam and heart-clutching new beginnings.

That’s the basis of THE MILLIONAIRE DADDY PROJECT, my novel in the sexy alpha-hero Men of the Zodiac series for Entangled Indulgence. My hero, Dane Bergman, is a total Leo: determined, sensual, generous – and self-centered and oblivious. But don’t worry, there’s nothing like instant fatherhood to challenge a man to find his better self, especially with a suddenly-sexy but determinedly-professional executive assistant pointing out all his flaws. Dane finds love, times two, but I don’t make it easy on him!

Leos have a tendency to be show-stealing extroverts, and Dane is a true Leo in this regard. He’s the kind of guy who walks into a room and owns it, immediately. He doesn’t even have to try, which makes people like me – an introverted, neurotic Scorpio usually found hiding at the edge of the crowd, hoping she doesn’t end up on YouTube for choking on her drink – want to punch them.

But they also have the hugest hearts. You just have to find it.

Every sign of the Zodiac has its own unique qualities and right now, the #MenofTheZodiac series is on sale for #99. Twelve full-length novels in one complete set, including THE MILLIONAIRE DADDY PROJECT. It’s out of this world.

And also, right here:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Men-Zodiac-Boxed-Set-Andrews-ebook/dp/B01CNTOHV8/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/men-of-the-zodiac-boxed-set-amy-andrews/1123515667?ean=9781633756151

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/men-of-the-zodiac-boxed-set

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/men-of-the-zodiac-boxed-set/id1090888020?mt=11

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Amy_Andrews_Men_of_the_Zodiac_Boxed_Set?id=F2GyCwAAQBAJ&hl=en

The Millionaire Daddy EXCERPT:

“You think you know what’s best for me, don’t you?” He watched with pleasure as Pam’s pupils widened, making her eyes look as dark as the sea.

She snorted. “Because I do.”

Heat scorched between them as they stood toe to toe, their arms brushing together, their eyes locked.

She didn’t seem the least bit uncomfortable that they were both half naked.

“Maybe at work,” he said. “But we’re not at work now.”

He nudged her arms with his and bucked one thigh forward until it bumped against her hip.

She shook her head, her gaze like a laser burning into him. “Not appropriate, Mr. Bergman.” But she didn’t back down, didn’t take her eyes off his. Instead, she lifted one eyebrow, the barest hint of a smile teasing her lips.

Her nearness acted like lighter fluid to a spark. How long had this been simmering? How could he have worked so closely with her for so long without noticing her in this way?

And what about her? She knew him, knew his reputation, better than most. She knew enough to insist they keep this private, secret.

Their clandestine getaway.

Her blazing blue gaze told him everything he needed to know.

“What if I don’t want to be appropriate, Ms. Atwater?”

He leaned his head down and lowered his voice. “What if I want to sling you over my shoulder and carry you out to the tide pools, where the water is warm from the sun? What if I want to strip off that top and pour handfuls of warm water over your shoulders, letting it trickle over your breasts, down your belly?”

“Definitely not appropriate.” Her voice trembled slightly but she didn’t break eye contact. A light sheen of perspiration had broken out on her forehead that was not due to the summer heat, he was certain.

“What if we both get in the water to cool off, but we find it’s a little too cold, so I lift you up against me and all of a sudden we’re not the least bit chilly anymore.”

He heard her breath catch in her throat.

“Sounds like.” She paused to swallow, but a smoky husk remained in her voice. “Like we might get sunburned in some delicate areas.”

Only the color in her cheeks betrayed what his words were doing to her composure. It was wildly arousing.

“Oh no. Those would all be under water, hidden and slippery, so all anyone could see from the surface would be us kissing. Completely innocent.”

His own voice was hoarse.

She swayed slightly, and touched his shoulder as if to steady herself. “Innocent,” she said.

He uncrossed his arms and put them around her gently. “Just like this.”

He bent down and touched his lips to hers. A quiver jolted through her and he felt the gasp against his mouth. She gripped his neck and pulled him down closer to her, her tongue meeting his, making the kiss deeper, longer, wetter and sweeter than he could have imagined between them.

Roxanne Snopek: Time For a Change

I’m getting my hair done on Friday. I’ve worn it long for quite some time now – usually in a ponytail or clip – and I’m a little tired of it. I tend to chicken out when it comes to major change, so I’ll probably just get a trim and color touch up. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

"I like this just fine."

"Except I almost never wear it down, so why bother?"

But what if I want to make a major change? A purple streak? An asymmetrical layered bob? A pixie cut? Any suggestions?

I’ve tried a few different styles over the years and my three very fashionable daughters have provided much helpful feedback. “Don’t ever do that again, Mom,” is a favorite comment, when looking through old photos. “I love your hair exactly as it is,” my husband reminds me regularly. Very sweet, except for the glint of fear in his eye.

"Now THIS was a good hair day." Cue evil laugh

"Fantastic day. But not so much the hair."

Change can be scary – but it can be great, too.

My publisher is currently re-covering all the books in my first contemporary romance series, THREE RIVER RANCH. Two of the books are keeping the original art, but updating the look. And three of them have received total make-overs. And let me say, I love them all! What do you think? Do you have a favorite?

http://www.amazon.com/Three-River-Ranch-4-Book/dp/B00VZI5SA8/

And, if you want to see what wild and crazy thing I did with my hair, pop by my Facebook page on Friday! https://www.facebook.com/RoxanneSnopekAuthor/ 

Roxanne Snopek: Two Tips for a Healthier 2016!

I’ve got two great things to share with you today: one fitness tip and one recipe. How great is that, being that it’s the first week in January and we’re all focused on starting the new year off right, and aren’t yet depressed because we ended up eating the last of the Christmas fudge instead of throwing it out, like we told ourselves we would?

Anyway, I’ve promised myself for the past several years that I’d get more exercise, particularly yoga, which you’d think would be easy, because I love yoga. Unfortunately, going to yoga class involves leaving the house, a barrier many work-at-home-borderline-kleenex-box-slipper-recluses may recognize.

But recently I discovered a great way to bring the yoga class to me, via apps! Whoo-HOO! All you need is a quiet spot with a mat or carpet, and your favorite device. You get the soothing voice of an instructor, pictures of someone in the postures and voila, you just follow the instructions to bliss and great abs. Or so I tell myself.

Doing yoga – even on vacation - makes me feel better about ...

Here are the three I’ve found:

Down Dog http://web.downdogapp.com/ This has options for your level of experience, the kind of music you want and the length of practice. I’ve done it several times already and really like it. I’m using the free version so far, but there’s also a monthly membership I might upgrade to, if I get bored.

... eating on vacation...

I’ve also downloaded Yoga Studio. http://yogastudioapp.com/ Billed as “The #1 yoga app for iPhone” this one has many more options, making it more customizable to your own needs. As it’s only $3.99, I downloaded it but haven’t tried it yet. Early days.

There’s also All-In Yoga http://sport.com/all_in_yoga.html As I love to have options, I downloaded the free version of this one on my phone too, because, why not, it’s free. I haven’t played around with this yet, to say whether or not I like it.

So far, my “do more yoga this year” resolution is going great, thanks to these apps. (You’ll notice I kept my resolution fairly vague. It’s the key to success.)

As for the recipe, it’s called 5 Minute Magic Green Sauce and it comes from Lindsay of Pinch of Yum. http://pinchofyum.com/5-minute-magic-green-sauce

Or indulging in the occasional Krispy Kreme...

It’s basically a pistachio-avocado pesto. Lindsay says she could eat it every day for the rest of her life and I GET IT. It’s delicious! Here’s the recipe:

5 MINUTE MAGIC GREEN SAUCE

INGREDIENTS:

1 avocado

1 cup packed parsley and cilantro leaves (combined)

1 jalapeno, ribs and seeds removed

2 cloves garlic

Juice of one lime (or two – get lots of limey goodness in there!)

½ cup water

½ cup olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

½ cup shelled pistachios

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.       Pulse all ingredients – except pistachios – in a food processor until incorporated.

2.       Add pistachios and pulse until mostly smooth (depends on what consistency you want.)

3.       Serve as a dip, spread or sauce – or add additional water or oil to thin the sauce for use as a dressing or a marinade.

Lindsay adds that you can sub walnuts or almonds for the pistachios and it’ll work, but she doesn’t think the taste is quite as good. I *LOVE* the pistachio version; those babies are expensive but worth it for this stuff. (I suspect pine nuts would also work but I have no data to back this up at the moment.)

Magic Green Sauce will cancel this out. Right??

I mixed this Magic Green Sauce with cooked farro, spinach and halved cherry tomatoes for a hearty and delicious salad. You could use quinoa or couscous, probably and it would be just as good.

I could eat this up with a spoon. (Actually, I did!) I’m with Lindsay on this: it’s AWESOMELY YUMMY!

Anyone else have current favorite recipes or fitness tips to share? I’m off to do some yoga, followed by some Magic Green Sauce salad. I hope to see lots of suggestions when I come back! J