Cooking with the Seasons

Pull up a chair while I fix dinner! I’ve been cooking non-stop lately, so it’s only fitting that I write my blog post while I work on tonight’s meal. My favorite time of year to cook is September through December, so it’s no surprise that I’ve been in the kitchen often lately. But I’m also feeding two of my grown sons and my husband while they work on a major house renovation, so I’m trying to pour some extra love into my cooking efforts as small way to thank them for all the manual labor.

My future office is part of the home renovation project

Tonight, it’s soup for dinner. I’m merging a recipe for turkey noodle soup and corn chowder so I get a turkey corn chowder. There’s bacon in it, so that’s always a win. Plus potatoes, noodles, corn and turkey. It’s a good post Thanksgiving meal because it puts the turkey carcass to work! I could live on soup because I like the taste, and the chef in me appreciates a one-dish meal.

My favorite soup recipes are for butternut squash and sweet potato (heavy on the ginger… I love ginger!), roasted tomato soup, and a ham and navy bean soup. I would have never imagined I’d like roasted tomato soup since I wouldn’t go near a tomato as a kid—(so sad since my father grew mostly tomatoes on our vegetable farm in my youth). But I’ve grown fond of tomatoes and I always make homemade croutons for that one, which takes the soup to a whole other level.

For tonight though, I’m working on my turkey corn chowder and find I have to make all kinds of substitutions since I haven’t been to the grocery store in awhile. Do you do this when you cook on the fly? No Worcestershire sauce, so in goes some soy sauce instead. No soup noodles, so get creative with the pasta element.

In the next few weeks, I’ll put a soup in the dinner rotation about once a week. And it’s a good thing to balance out some of the rich meals we’ll have all December long! Maybe that’s why I simplify my cooking tremendously once January comes. I’m back to grilled fish and chicken, lighter vegetable prep, and less sauces. The nice thing about living in Florida is I can cook on the grill all year long, and I take full advantage.

Win my January book

But for now, I’m unapologetically cooking with more calories (for my hard working laborers! They need it, right?!). My Christmas dinner goes all out with a standing rib roast and Yorkshire pudding. If we go to a family member’s house on Christmas Day, I’ll just rotate my own Christmas meal a day or two, but I don’t skip the chance to make those dishes that I look forward to all year long.

Free for a limited time

What about you? What’s on your menu most often through the fall and into the holidays? Do you change up your menu seasonally? I’ve got an advance copy of THE RANCHER’S BARGAIN, my January Harlequin Desire for one random commenter. And for everyone, please download my FREE book LAST CHANCE CHRISTMAS while it’s still free through 11/29.

Come visit a tropical paradise! - Kandy Shepherd

One thing I love about the Harlequin Romance series line I write for—apart from the lovely emotion and the happy-ever-after ending!—is the fact that these books often spirit me away to an aspirational and sometimes exotic destination.

As an author, we are often told to write what we know. I find it difficult to actually bring a place to life if I haven’t actually been there. Fortunately, I have travelled a bit and stayed at the destinations where my books are set. 

 My July release Best Man and the Runaway Bride is set on the beautiful small island of Nusa Lembongan in Indonesia, off the east coast of the much larger and better known island of Bali. I was fortunate enough to visit Lembongan last year and actually wrote some of the story while I was on location.

This month I thought I’d share with you some of the events in the novel, that actually happened to me on the the trip.

We stayed on a beautiful resort similar to the fictional Big Blue resort in the book. Our lumbung was right on the sea and it was absolutely heavenly! (With mod cons like our own bathroom and airconditioning.)

The lumbung where we stayed

View from our room - bliss to wake up to

 There’s a pivotal scene in the book where the hero Max and heroine Nikki dine at a restaurant with their feet in the sand and witness one of the awesome sunsets the area is famous for. We did that too!

This is the meal that inspired Nikki and Max's in the book - love that Indonesian food!

 Nikki and Max go snorkelling on the reef surrounding the island, in a small traditional fishing boat known as a jukung. We bravely set out and snorkelled and it was an utterly wonderful experience.

This little boat transported us to a beautiful reef where we snorkelled and saw the most beautiful fish and coral

Just remembering the experience is making me want to go back there as soon as I can—or perhaps to another wonderful destination that will inspire a story! And of course I'm hoping while my readers are flicking through the pages of my book, I'll transport them for a few hours to an exotic, tropical island!

Is there a “dream destination” you’ve always wanted to visit? Do you have a favorite setting for a romance novel?

Please leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you! If you want to be in the draw to win a signed paperback copy of Best Man and the Runaway Bride, also include your email address.

Kandy Shepherd’s Best Man and the Runaway Bride is a July 2018 release from Harlequin Romance in North America; Mills & Boon True Love in the UK; and Mills & Boon Forever Romance in Australia and New Zealand. 

Kandy Shepherd is a multi-published, award-winning author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She lives on a small farm in the Blue Mountains near Sydney, Australia, with her family and a menagerie of four-legged friends.

Visit Kandy at her website

www.kandyshepherd.com

Connect with Kandy on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram

Blame The Mistletoe - Free! Merry Christmas

Finding topics for blog posts can be a challenge. You would think words pour from an author's imaginative brain through her fingertips at a moment's notice, but when you do that all day, you wind up with very little Real Life to write about. Fun fact: I'm boring. (Not that fun a fact, even.)

Fortunately, I have a book that is free right now! And it's a Christmas book! Being able to tell you about it is pretty much a gift to both of us.

Blame The Mistletoe is Book Two in my Love in Montana series. It's a sexy, fun story about the awkward family dynamics that can rear their heads over the  holidays, especially when exes and blended families get involved.

Liz is a bit of a scoffer when it comes to celebrating the season, but Blake converts her to a total Christmas lover. If you like yummy year-end food, walks in the snow to get a tree, and tender moments in front of the fire, snap this one up. It's your jam!

Another fun fact: Liz and Blake make an appearance in my new book, His Christmas Miracle.

In His Christmas Miracle, Quincy has just discovered he has a four-year-old son. He never expected to be a dad and is struggling to find his feet as a parent. He hires Nicki to get them through the holidays and she sees right away they need to bond.

Nicki creates an Advent calendar of activities to throw them together, and winds up falling for Quincy and Atlas herself. Here's what one reviewer said about it:

"This one had me in tears, both the sad, the wishful and the happy tears that only a really good story that touches the heart can produce. I absolutely loved this couple and their romance. It’s a story that I know I’ll be re-reading for many Christmas seasons to come." 

Blame The Mistletoe will be free for about another week. Double check the price before you one-click.

Finally, here's a message I recorded for my reader group. It's not fancy, but we had snow that day so I ran outside to say, "Merry Christmas." If nothing else, it's worth posting it so you can chuckle at the expression on my face in this thumbnail. I look like a pirate with the play button over my eye like that.

Would you like to join my newsletter? Use this link and you'll get a free download of Cruel Summer as a welcome gift.

Have a wonderful holiday season!
Dani

Pick a City for Romance! Annie West



As you know from my blogs, and hopefully my books, location is incredibly important to me. Whether it's a coastal area or mountain locale, or a rambling old house, or a city, I usually find at least one location in every book really 'speaks' to me as I write. That location is as important as another character to the development of my story and the way my characters interact.  I've had heroines who've struggled on dairy farms or found themselves in windswept deserts or isolated castles! But sometimes a city location is just right for a story. For instance, my current one, THE FLAW IN RAFFAELE'S REVENGE takes place in New York, as well as in country Australia and the Caribbean. My lucky characters - they really can be jets-setters!

 





 

Most of the time I don't deliberately set out to choose a location for a story, it chooses me. That's what happened with New York in FLAW, when I wanted a place as far from rural Australia (where Lily lives when the story opens) as I could get. And with Sao Paolo in Brazil for DAMASO CLAIMS HIS HEIR when Marisa finds herself unexpectedly pregnant to the most dangerous man she's ever met. And the quaint old city of Prague in Europe seemed the perfect place for Flynn and Ava to marry in THE SINNER'S MARRIAGE REDEMPTION.

 

 

A VOW TO SECURE HIS LEGACY is about a woman who believes she only has months to live. She decides to experience life to the full, and so of course, she includes Paris on her bucket list, where she meets a suave, charismatic Frenchman who turns her expectations on her head.

 

 

When I needed a palatial inner city apartment for a man intent on revenge against his English father, it seemed natural Rafe would move to London in RAFE'S REDEMPTION. I loved the glamour of that city as a backdrop to the tension between Rafe and Antonia, the woman he blackmails into being his mistress.



Some books almost grow from their setting. I knew from the first that SEDUCING HIS ENEMY'S DAUGHTER would be set in Sydney, and that sun would shine on the harbour, making it look it's spectacular best.

Right now I'm considering writing a few more of my HOT ITALIAN NIGHTS novellas and Venice is a distinct possibility for a setting. After all, it's such a romantic city and I was lucky enough to visit in the last couple of year so I have a good feel for the location.

So now it's your turn. I'd love to hear what city or cities you think might make a good setting for a romance. So much the better if it's one I haven't mentioned.

I'm giving away a copy of my first HOT ITALIAN NIGHTS novella: BACK IN THE ITALIAN'S BED to someone who comments. Do come back later to check the name of the winner - I'll post it in the comments section.

Introverts and Extroverts and 'The Flaw in Raffaele's Revenge' - Annie West

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I visited as I've been busy on a number of projects (yes, more books in the pipeline) and with a trip to Europe to attend some romance reader events - enormous fun! It's lovely being here at Tote Bags again, sharing some news and musing a little.

 

You see, I have a release coming up late in June. Here's the cover. I smile whenever I see it.

 

 

And here's a little taste of what it's about:

 

A fragile beauty that tamed the beast within…

Relentless Italian Raffaele Petri needs reclusive researcher Lily Nolan to see his revenge plans come to fruition. But the damaged beauty is feisty, argumentative and all-too intriguing to be ignored!

Scarred as a child, Lily shut herself away from cruel prying eyes, so working for a man as breathtakingly handsome as Raffaele makes her own physical imperfections harder to bear. Until Raffaele’s kisses awaken the untouched woman inside.

As Raffaele’s retribution draws closer, Lily must use her new-found strength to help him release the torment eating at his soul. But will Raffaele risk his vengeance for her love.

This is my reverse Beauty and the Beast story, where the hero is the beauty (at least on the outside) - he's been voted the Sexiest Man on the Planet, and Lily is the beast (scarred and locked away from the world).

One of the things I most enjoyed writing during this story was how Raffa helped Lily overcome her reserve and her past pain, and lured her out into the world again. It wasn't easy, not least because Lily is basically an introvert anyway. She gets her strength from that quiet time away from others. Through the story she's surprised to discover there's joy as well as challenge to be had from being part of a group, not just a loner. By the end of the book, as well as finding love, both Lily and Raffa had found more balance in their lives, and more purpose, which was very satisfying.



UK cover

My question to you is: are you an introvert or an extrovert. Or, if you don't want to commit, tell me what you most enjoy doing by yourself and what you most enjoy doing with others.

To celebrate the upcoming release of THE FLAW IN RAFFAELE'S REVENGE I'll give away a signed backlist title of mine to someone who comments. (I'll announce the winner here).

In the meantime, here are a couple of links if you'd like to order a copy:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository
Harlequin
UK Amazon


Winter is coming...

Winter is coming, the clocks have gone back and now the nights are longer I have a yearning for a new hobby. Something to get excited about.

I used to sew but my eyes really aren’t good enough these days and I do sometimes get out the knitting needles but I have arthritis in my thumbs and I can’t keep it up for long. I know – I’m falling to bits.

I do read. A lot. Sometimes obsessively when I’m glomming a new author, but it’s a bit antisocial.

It’s all the dh’s fault. We went to the Tank Museum at Bovingdon back in the summer – it’s huge, they even loaned tanks to the makers of the film Fury — and now he’s having the best fun imaginable building model tanks and then turning them into rusty wrecks for his battle dioramas. Or maybe it’s the browsing on the internet for a gazillion shades of paint, 1:35 scale barbed wire, flora and the thousand and one bits of essential stuff that I envy.

If I had a hobby I could do that…

So I’m looking for ideas, inspiration. How do you fill the long winter evenings when the television is rubbish? I want a hobby that I can seriously shop for!

Meanwhile, here’s what I can do for you. If you’re looking for something free to download to your ebook, Old Desires is free at Smashwords – where you can download for any device, including the Kindle — iBooks, Barnes and  Noble and Amazon will catch up in a few days.

And this basket of goodies including three books of the winners choice, a must-have Rosie tote bag, a pair of snowflake socks to keep your toes warm while you’re reading, a Lindt chocolate Santa sleigh, an ice cream cosmetic bag, an ice lolly keyring and a tartan heart to hang on the tree will be going to one of my newsletter subscribers at the end of November. You have to be in it to win it so if you’re not already signed up to my newsletter do it now on my website

Rosie's Little Tote Bag

Well, golly, this seems appropriate!

To launch Vettori's Damsel in Distress, the third of my books about the Amery sisters and their adventures with ice cream (available for pre-order now!), I've created two special treats for my fans.

The first treat - for one lucky subscriber to my newsletter - is this fabulous "Rosie" tote bag. It's a one off and it's really good quality, printed on both sides with straps long enough to carry it on your shoulder.

Perfect for trips to the library, roomy enough for a visit to the beach. Or just a little shopping.

I'll be drawing the winners name from the dh's panama hat on publication day - 7th July so make sure you're signed up now - there's a form on the sidebar here.

And if you're not sure who Rosie is, everyone can download my second little treat for free.

Rosie's Little Book of Ice Cream contains all the wit and wisdom collected by Rosie (the vintage ice cream that started it all), a little history, some recipes from the books and the first chapters of Tempted By Trouble, Anything But Vanilla and Vettori's Damsel in Distress.

This is the Smashwords link which will work for everyone but it's also available at Amazon, iBooks, Nook and Kobo.

An Italian Treat for New Year

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you have a marvellous time in 2015.

 

I'm starting off the year on a high note as I recently released my second Hot Italian Nights novella called BOUGHT BY THE ITALIAN. Everything about this story makes me happy, from the actual writing, to the cover (which is so true to the story) to the reader feedback. Here's a taste:

 

 

She’s up for sale, and he’s the highest bidder.

Gennaro De Laurentis might prefer motorcycle leathers to Armani, but when it comes to what he wants, he’s as ruthless as any corporate raider in a killer suit. And he wants Chiara, the unforgettable woman who denied the passion sizzling between them and walked away without a backward glance. Now he has the high society princess back in his power – and he’ll risk everything to make her his.

When glamorous fashion designer Chiara Armati goes up for auction, she’s selling her company over dinner for charity. Nothing else. As bidding rises to astronomical heights, she gets nervous. Yet only when she discovers her purchaser’s identity does she realise she’s caught in a trap. She’s never stopped wanting Gennaro or forgiven his betrayal. Now she’s at his mercy – and he’s as irresistible as ever!    

 

BOUGHT BY THE ITALIAN is on sale for just 99c at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes and Smashwords.



This story features a very intense, passionate couple. It's a tale of heightened awareness and senses and I had much fun imagining their romantic midnight picnic. That lead me to wonder what an Italian man would prepare for a meal to seduce back the woman he loved. Because it was a picnic, I kept it simple, with cold snacks, like this bresaola which I tried in Cortina D'Ampezzo, in the Italian Alps - the region where the story is set. 



Italian bresaola.

But there are so many wonderful, Italian culinary treats, from pizza to cappuccino, from pasta through to cannoli, cured hams and risotto through to tiramisu. What is your favourite Italian food? I'm giving away a copy of one of my Harlequin books to someone who leaves a comment today. Check back later to see the name of the winner.

One of the best pizzas ever.

If you fancy a little bit more Italian romance in 2015, look out for my other Hot Italian Nights novella - BACK IN THE ITALIAN'S BED. 

No woman walks away from billionaire Fabrizio Armati’s bed. No woman except Jenna MacDonald. Now he’ll stop at nothing to get her back, and keep her there.

It’s love at first sight for Jenna when charismatic hotelier Fabrizio Armati sweeps her off her feet in Venice. That chance encounter sparks a sizzling affair that lasts until she discovers Fabrizio sees her as no more than a convenient, expendable mistress. Then her world falls apart.

Six months later Jenna tells herself she’s moved on. Until Fabrizio walks into a meeting to find her working for his greatest rival. She’s about to discover just how far he’ll go to get her back in his bed.

When revenge turns to passion, will surrender be on his terms, or hers?

Then on 1 February my Harlequin Presents book THE SULTAN'S HAREM BRIDE is released. Plenty of reading to start the new year!

Escape to an Island Romance - Annie West

Do you ever dream about getting away from it all somewhere secluded and romantic? Do you fantasise about a holiday somewhere warm and lush, where you can be pampered and carefree? Personally I couldn't resist the idea of an island getaway. There's something about the notion of being totally isolated from the world, linked only by phone or radio or boat, that appeals to the armchair adventurer in me. In real life I enjoy my comforts but as a kid I used to fantasise about a Swiss Family Robinson type existence and even now, the idea of an island getaway sounds so romantic to me.

So when I came to write my current book: CAPTIVE IN THE SPOTLIGHT I had enormous fun putting my two antagonists/soon-to-be lovers on an island. The story starts in Rome but shifts quickly to a private island of the south coast of Italy where the sunsets are glorious, the views fantastic and the temperature scorching - or maybe that's just Lucy and Domenico together.

It's not a tropical island but it does have lush gardens, plus a wilderness, some soft sand beaches and a pool to loll beside. There's a ruined castello and a luxury mansion. After all, if you want to hide away from the paparazzi, why not do it in style? After all, Domenico is from one of Italy's oldest and wealthiest families, so he'd have the best of everything at his fingertips. It takes a special woman to make him reassess the things he takes for granted to see another side to life.

Lucy, the woman who's just out of prison after a conviction for killing his brother, is that woman. Needless to say, falling for his brother's killer is not on Domenico's agenda. As for Lucy, the last person she wants to be with is this man who had no faith in her and abandoned her to the grinding legal system when she needed him most. You could say they have a lot to overcome - and you'd be right.

These photos of mine were both taken in sunny Queensland, Australia, but they give a feel for the lush luxury I imagine at the thought of an island escape. Lucy and Domenico's island looks a little different but has that some 'away from it all' air.

Does an island escape appeal to you? Have you ever visited an island and felt its magic? Maybe a tiny island just big enough for a lighthouse or a vast one like Sicily, brim-full of fascinating places and people. Is there an island destination you'd love to visit? 

Stop by tomorrow when I'll announce the winner of a free signed copy of one of my previously published titles to one person who leaves a comment.

Annie's CAPTIVE IN THE SPOTLIGHT is available now in North America, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Visit her website to read an excerpt or find out more about it. Here are a few links to buy: 

Amazon

Book Depository

Barns and Noble

Mills and Boon UK

Harlequin