Happy release day to Rachel Dylan. The final book in her Capital Intrigue series is available today! I finished Power Play last night — I loved it! If you haven’t read this series yet, why not get all three. Perfect for binge reading!
When State Department attorney Vivian Steele witnesses two ambassadors collapse as if poisoned at a diplomatic dinner in Washington, DC, she is recruited to be a member of a joint FBI task force assigned to investigate. But she soon finds her by-the-book ways clashing with a special agent in the Diplomatic Security Service, Jacob Cruz. A former Navy SEAL and in charge of the event’s security, Jacob takes the attack personally and is driven to act quickly, even ahead of the rules and regulations.
As Viv starts to work her diplomatic sources, her past as a State Department lawyer comes back to haunt her, and secrets held tightly by the government thrust her into a web of danger. Afraid, Viv turns to the one man bent on protecting others. But can she accept Jacob’s reckless ways as exactly what she needs to stay alive and to discover the truth behind the attacks?
Rachel Dylan is an award-winning and bestselling author of legal thrillers and romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids — two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel athttp://www.racheldylan.com.
My book club read Night Fall by Nancy Mehl this month. It is a fast-paced suspense with some romantic elements. It featured a weird religious cult, Ebola and the threat of pandemic, and an FBI profiler with some baggage. While there were a few things we didn’t like, overall this book earns a recommended read from us. If you liked it too, I have some more reading recommendations.
The Mind of a Serial Killer
The Coming of Winter by Tom Threadgill
Catherine Mae Blackston is missing. She is not the first.
While investigating Blackston’s recent activities, FBI Agent Jeremy Winter stumbles upon a string of missing persons within state parks. Unable to convince his boss that Blackston’s disappearance is anything other than a lost hiker, Winter joins forces with a local police officer to continue the search.
As the clues mount, a dark figure from Jeremy’s past emerges with an ultimatum — one that could force him out of the Bureau. Afraid that his girlfriend, fellow agent Maggie Keeley, will be dragged into a high-stakes political game, he delays his decision. But as the tally of missing persons increases, Winter closes in on the unlikeliest of suspects.
The bodies are out there.
He just has to find them before his past catches up with him.
Release of A Deadly Virus
Airborne by DiAnn Mills
Heather Lawrence’s long-awaited vacation to Salzburg wasn’t supposed to go like this. Mere hours into the transatlantic flight, the Houston FBI agent is awakened when passengers begin exhibiting horrific symptoms of an unknown infection. As the virus quickly spreads and dozens of passengers fall ill, Heather fears she’s witnessing an epidemic similar to ones her estranged husband studies for a living ― but this airborne contagion may have been deliberately released.
While Heather remains quarantined with other survivors, she works with her FBI colleagues to identify the person behind this attack. The prime suspect? Dr. Chad Lawrence, an expert in his field . . . and Heather’s husband. The Lawrences’ marriage has been on the rocks since Chad announced his career took precedence over his wife and future family and moved out.
As more victims fall prey days after the initial outbreak, time’s running out to hunt down the killer, one who may be closer to the victims than anyone ever expected.
FBI Profiler
The Pawn by Steven James
Special Agent Patrick Bowers had only met one man who made him truly afraid. Until now. When he’s called to North Carolina to consult on the case of an area serial killer, he finds himself in a deadly game. Cunning and lethal, the killer is always one step ahead of the law, and he’s about to strike again.
It will take all of Bowers’s instincts and training to stop this man who calls himself the Illusionist. And just when the pieces start to come together, Bowers realizes they’re not quite adding up. Can he unravel the pattern and save the next victim? Or will the Illusionist win the game by taking one of his opponent’s pieces?
Thrilling, chilling, and impossible to put down, The Pawn will hold suspense lovers in its iron grip until the very last page.
I love reading debut novels. Discovering a new favorite author is always a treat. And in Never Miss by Melissa Koslin, I did just that! A debut? Wow, I never would have guessed. The plot is intriguing, the suspense non-stop, and the characters are wonderfully complex. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by Koslin.
Former CIA sniper Kadance Tolle possesses a special set of skills and a rare pedigree. She comes from a family of assassins, and by saving Lyndon Vaile’s life she risks being found by them. Despite the danger, Kadance feels compelled to help Lyndon discover who is after him–and his research that seems to prove that the Ebola virus was manmade and is about to be weaponized.
With shadowy figures pursuing them and a Mastermind watching their every move, Kadance and Lyndon must scramble to stop an impending bioattack at the State of the Union address. But their warnings fall on deaf ears, and it becomes increasingly clear that there’s no one they can trust — except perhaps each other.
Strap in for a breakneck story that will have you up all night, hurtling toward the last page as the clock ticks and time runs out.
Melissa Koslin is a fourth-degree black belt in and certified instructor of Songahm Taekwondo. In her day job as a commercial property manager, she secretly notes personal quirks and funny situations, ready to tweak them into colorful additions for her books. She and Corey, her husband of twenty years, live in Florida, where they do their best not to melt in the sun.
My Impressions:
Never Miss by Melissa Koslin is an exceptional debut novel. This romantic suspense has all the requisite elements of the genre — engaging characters, a twisting plot, and an interesting premise. But there is nothing formulaic about this novel. What makes the book better is how the author handles the characters. I found them unique and wonderfully complex. While I enjoyed the race against time story line, I was more intrigued by the development of the characters — individually and in their relationship. Kadance is a woman with a past, a now retired sniper on the run from those who would exploit her skills. Lyndon is a deceptively geeky scientist who is determined to find answers to a deadly virus. Together they are an unstoppable team. The two are wonderfully quirky and dangerous making them my favorite couple this year. There is a pandemic aspect to the novel which some may not enjoy in light of the past year. But I didn’t have any trouble reading about the weaponization of a virus. In fact, the Covid info from the past year made the book very credible and chilling. NeverMiss is Christian fiction and the faith message is strong. It is also fresh given the employment of the two characters — a dedicated scientist and a former assassin.
If you are a fan of the romantic suspense genre, Never Miss is a must-read. A fresh voice is always welcome, and I look forward to more great books by Koslin.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Happy Friday! With a long weekend in front of me, I’m looking forward to a lot of good reading. First up on my list is Power Play by Rachel Dylan. I have been eagerly awaiting the final book of her Capital Intrigue series and snagged an early copy. But you don’t have to wait too long to get your hands on your own copy. Release day is June 1. Haven’t read the first two books? What are you waiting for? Get all 3 to jumpstart your summer reading. 🙂
Here’s the first line:
It’s going to be a long night.
When State Department attorney Vivian Steele witnesses two ambassadors collapse as if poisoned at a diplomatic dinner in Washington, DC, she is recruited to be a member of a joint FBI task force assigned to investigate. But she soon finds her by-the-book ways clashing with a special agent in the Diplomatic Security Service, Jacob Cruz. A former Navy SEAL and in charge of the event’s security, Jacob takes the attack personally and is driven to act quickly, even ahead of the rules and regulations.
As Viv starts to work her diplomatic sources, her past as a State Department lawyer comes back to haunt her, and secrets held tightly by the government thrust her into a web of danger. Afraid, Viv turns to the one man bent on protecting others. But can she accept Jacob’s reckless ways as exactly what she needs to stay alive and to discover the truth behind the attacks?
Rachel Dylan is an award-winning and bestselling author of legal thrillers and romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids — two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel athttp://www.racheldylan.com.
For more First Line Friday fun, head over to Hoarding Books.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Crazy for You by Michelle Sass Aleckson presented by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Crazy for You Series: Deep Haven Collection #3 Author:Michelle Sass Aleckson presented by Susan May Warren Publisher: Sunrise Publishing Release Date: May 25, 2021 Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
The problem with being related to everyone in town is that there is no one left to date…until now…but will this outsider survive his family?
Former soldier Veronica “Ronnie” Morales isn’t going to let her kid brother, Tiago, get pulled into the gangs of Minneapolis, so, seeking safety and a fresh start, she heads to sleepy Deep Haven on the north shore of Minnesota. She’s hoping to put down roots as the paramedic for the new Crisis Response Team, but it’s not easy to be the town outsider.
Fire Chief Peter Dahlquist is a peacemaker—he has to be. After he’s related to both of the Deep Haven dynasties – the Zimmermans and the Dahlquists, Deep Haven’s version of the Hatfields and the McCoys. Worse, Peter is the holdout vote for a landmark project, which also makes him the loneliest guy in town when both sides demand that he pick sides. The only one who seems to understand his plight is the newcomer in town…his pretty, street-tough paramedic.
When Tiago finds himself caught up in small town shenanigans and the town blames Ronnie for tragedy, Peter is forced to pick sides. But will his choice cost him the home—and the woman—he loves?
The plan was easy. Bring Oreos, kiss his mother, and skedaddle.
No need to stick around and get caught in another fight.
The last thing Peter Dahlquist needed this Memorial Day weekend was another fire toput out. At least, the family relations type. A good old-fashioned barn blaze—he’d be all in. He stood on the apex of Zimmerman Mountain and looked out on the land that had been in his family for more than eight generations. Eighty acres, about half of it developednow with log cabin and A-frame Zimmerman homes, all nestled in a valley of birch and pineforest. And sprawling out at the foot of the acreage was the glorious blue of Lake Superior,calm and barely frothy against a pebbled shore.
For the annual family picnic, all seventy-two of his closest relatives were gathered inthe field behind him, in the yard of the family lodge, the first homestead—now remodeled— of Luther and Agnes Zimmerman. The fragrance of fresh cut fescue and other field grassesmixed with the smoke from the usual bonfire. Uncle Martin held camp talking politics in hisgrizzled voice with the dozens of other uncles and aunts, most of whom Peter didn’t know.
Okay, he knew them all. But sometimes, he wished he didn’t. Especially when it cameto local politics.
“Uncle Pete, watch out!”
He turned just as a football shot toward his head. But instead of ducking, he reachedout and nabbed it with one hand.
He still had it.
His second cousin, once removed, held up his hands and Peter chucked it back tofourteen-year-old Ben. He’d heard the kid was hoping to make the Deep Haven Huskiesfootball team this fall.
“Wanna play with us?”
Toss around a ball and avoid getting roped into discussion? Definitely.
He opened his mouth to say yes when Elton stepped up and dropped a heavy handon Peter’s shoulder. “Sorry, Ben, I’ve gotta steal Pete to help unload wood for the fire. Assoon as we get it going, we’ll eat. Tell the others, son.”
Great. See, he should’ve made a run for the hills as soon as he was done stackingwood for the fire. And running back to town for more ice. And after the game of hide-and seek with his younger cousins.
Okay. Peter just couldn’t find the words to say no.
Which was, of course, why he was in this mess.
“No problem,” Peter said as he grabbed the wheelbarrow from Elton and followed hisolder cousin to the wood pile behind the family lodge, a simple one-room cabin they usedfor all the family events.
“So. Pete, you know which way you’re voting, right? We could really use thatproperty.”
Yep. Ambushed. He knew it was coming.
If he kept his mouth shut, what were the chances of being struck by lightning? Peterglanced at the wide expanse of clear blue sky stretching over Deep Haven and the
glistening sapphire of Lake Superior down the hill. Not a hint of a storm. At least not the kindhe could appreciate.
“I’m still researching all the options.” And a way to bring about a peaceful end to thislongstanding family feud. It all started with him. He had to find a way to end it.
Copyright: Sunrise Media Group, LLC.
ALSO AVAILABLE
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.
After growing upon both the east and west coasts, Michelle Sass Aleckson now lives the country life in central Minnesota with her own hero and their four kids. She loves rocking out to 80’s music on a Saturday night, playing Balderdash with the fam, and getting lost in good stories. Especially stories that shine grace. And if you’re wondering, yes, Sass is her maiden name. Visit her at www.michellealeckson.com.
Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills.
(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card + 3 Crazy for You ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 25, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 1, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Love You, Little Peanut is a heartwarming padded board book about the deep bond between a parent, grandparent, or any loved one and their little one. The sweet rhymes and adorable illustrations help show all the wonderful moments shared with a child, reminding even the youngest readers how special they are and how much they are loved.
Little hands can comfortably hold this durable board book, and little fingers can point out pictures and follow along with the easy-to-read text.
The adventures we’ll have
each day as you grow
just wait, Little Peanut —
there’s so much to know.
Whether you’re reading out loud, reading together, or being read to, Love You, Little Peanut will help you snuggle and hug your way through one cherished story time after another.
Annette Brashler Bourland has been writing books, poems, cards, cartoons, and jingles ever since she can remember. With more than 25 years in the publishing world, Annette has a love for creating entertaining, great content for children. She earned degrees in English and Business Administration from Hope College, and an MBA from the University of Colorado. Annette lives in Michigan with her husband and son, and runs her own publishing consultant business.
My little granddaughter loves to be read to. I am so pleased that I will be able to share Love You, Little Peanut with her. The rhyming text talks about the love for a small child and the adventures that life together (whether with a grandparent or parent) will bring. I loved that each page features different animal pairs, adult and child — skunks, alligators, elephants, etc. — exploring the world. The pictures are detailed and boldly colored capturing a child’s attention as they listen to the narrative. And while Vivian loves to be read to, she also likes to look at her books independently. This sturdy board book will stand up to her perusal. 😉
A fun book to share with your little one, Love You, Little Peanut is recommended for your family library.
Recommended.
Audience: toddlers – preschoolers.
(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Happy Tuesday! This week Top 10 Tuesday is prompting bloggers to share book quotes. To me first lines are important. They set the tone of the book and in some cases suck a reader in. I have chosen suspense novels — some I have read, others that are on my TBR shelf. I hope these lines will intrigue you to pick one up.
Dr. Heather Fontaine strapped her feet into the sandbar and pushed off. There was nothing like the feel of the wind in her face and that peace-filled stretch of time from the top of the mountain to the bottom.
Never Miss by Melissa Koslin
“Sarah Jeane Rogers,” she muttered. “Elizabeth Jeane Jones.” Which ID to use this time? “Eenie meenie minie moe . . .” She held up the license in her right hand. “Sarah Jane Rogers it is.”
Night Fall By Nancy Mehl
His mother sat in the chair next to his bed, reading from The Book. He was almost twelve now, and she’d been reading it to him ever since he was a little kid.
Adam hated it.
Obsession by Patricia Bradley
The January warm spell had definitely ended in South Mississippi. Emma Winters zipped her National Park Service jacket against the biting north wind as she hiked the quarter mile from the gate to the Mount Locust Visitor Center on the Natchez Trace.
On The Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright
He had ruined death for her, and the hope of it. Thwarted death on all sides, until the possibility of escape was removed entirely and she was left with breath, body, and the plaguing memories of many yesterdays.
The Paris Betrayal by James R. Hannibal
From a rooftop perch, Ben Calix watched the courier leave the Tiber and cross the piazza. He traced his scope from the man’s temple down to his forearm.
Point of Danger by Irene Hannon
The package was ticking.
Eve Reilly froze . . . sucked in a breath . . . and gaped at the FedEx box propped beside her front door.
Power Play by Rachel Dylan
It’s going to be a long night. Vivian Steele checked her glossy pink lipstick one final time before exiting the ladies’ room and entering into the shark tank — otherwise known as a diplomatic dinner in the Washington, DC, area.
Unknown Threat by Lynn H. Blackburn
Mondays were the worst. Luke Powell’s head throbbed as he parked his sedan in the empty lot and glared into the nearby trees. The darkness had just begun the slow fade toward dawn, and the US Secret Service special agent could barely make out the trailhead.
Visible Threat by Janice Cantore
Ivana and Villie sat close, heads together as they pored over the magazines — Glamour, Vogue, Self — oohing and aahing at the clothes and the stick-thin models. The sisters had been up for almost sixteen hours, unable to sleep as they anticipated their new adventure. Ivana could hardly believe their good fortune.
A modern-day fairytale of rescue and hope from NYT bestselling author Rachel Hauck
Growing up in small town Hearts Bend, Tennessee, Gemma Stone had big dreams. So she headed to Hollywood to make her mark in the world.
But dreams have a way of becoming nightmares. When she returns home twelve years later, she’s limping through life and harboring a dark secret.
Running a rescue ranch and raising her friends’ orphaned daughter is her sole mission now. All the while she’s well aware these defenseless ones are also rescuing her.
HRH Crown Prince John has learned a royal title cannot shield him from heartbreak. He had the perfect life as heir to the revered House of Blue, the royal dynasty of Lauchtenland, and married the love of his life. Then tragedy changed everything. Is there any way to be saved from a life of grief?
When he finds himself in Hearts Bend on a mission for his mother, Queen Catherine, he catches up with a good friend–country music great Buck Mathews. He has no intention of joining the 4th of July fun until he’s cajoled into a three-legged race with the beautiful Gemma Stone.
The disastrous race leads to a quick friendship. They are easy and comfortable around one another because love is absolutely not an option.
John desperately wants to hold onto the memories of his wife while Gemma refuses to trust her heart to any man. Even a prince.
When trouble in Lauchtenland calls the prince home, he realizes how much Gemma has rescued him. Saved him and restored his hope for his role as future king.
For Gemma, falling in love with the prince must be quenched. If it weren’t for her past, she’d give him her heart in a second. How could she risk bringing her shame to the House of Blue and the world stage?
However, she’s not the only one who can rescue and heal the wound. If she saved Prince John, why can’t he save her? And when he tries, will she have the courage to say yes to the best role of her life?
“Another compelling royal story by the master of princely tales!” Susan May Warren, USA Todaybestselling, RITA award-winning novelist
Part fairy tale, part parable, all wonderful — that’s my impression of Rachel Hauck’s newest novel, To Save A King. For those like me who are big fans of Hauck, you will recognize many favorite characters as she brings together the Wedding Shop and True Blue Royal series. Prince John is reeling from the loss of his wife of only 4 months. Sent off to America by the Queen, he meets a woman destined to heal his wounded heart. Gemma has wounds of her own that she covers with false smiles and hard work. I really liked these two characters. Flawed as they were, they were relatable. Grief, betrayal, shame, and guilt all are obstacles they face. I especially connected with Gemma. She refuses to deal with past mistakes, instead hiding them away so that they gnaw on her soul. I think many Christians resist God making them clean again. As always Hauck infuses a supernatural spiritual element that gives the books a fairy tale quality, yet are spot on in the realities of a faith journey. I loved the tough love of Emmanuel and the princess-prep of Adelaide. In fact Adelaide was a great reminder that all believers are daughters (or sons) of a King. And for fans of romance — this book is filled with swoony moments!
I loved my return visit to Hearts Bend and Lauchtenland, and look forward to many more. You don’t have to read any of the previous novels to enjoy To Save A King, but why miss out? Several books await your reading pleasure!
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Celebrate Lit and the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
About The Author
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner. Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie. Three more of her titles are under film contract.
Rachel was awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A retired member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Executive Board, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.
In the real world, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.
A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.
She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.
More from Rachel
One of the biggest challenges in a series is keeping the reader interested. Even more of a challenge is writing in a trope like royals.
I never set out to write a second royal series. With five stories in the Royal Wedding Series, I thought I’d explored the topic to my satisfactions.
Yet when readers asked for more, and when I found myself in a season to produce my own stories, another royal series seemed like the perfect fit.
But can I be honest? Really honest? Come close. I’ll tell you a secret. Closer…
Royals can be a bit boring. At least to write. You laugh but I’m serious.
What do we really know of their day to day lives? They attend national functions, patron charities, represent the nation on walkabouts around the world. They are ambassadors with no real political agenda. They champion causes.
But what exactly do they do with their days? What are the inner workings of palace life? What are the real expectations? Do they call the queen “her majesty” when talking among themselves? When talking to her? Are they as formal as it seems on television?
Yet royals are the most documented people in history. So there is a lot to glean from when I make up my worlds.
But at the end of it all, they key for me in writing royal characters is to make them real, everyday people. The prince is the kind of chap you want to chat with over tea. The heroine is the sort of girl you’d love to see become a princess. Maybe even see a bit of yourself in her.
In To Save A King, Crown Prince John is trying to emerge for a year of grief. Gemma Stone is desperate to escape her past.
Gemma’s story has some what of an edge to it. In her attempt to achieve her goals, she walked a path she never thought she’d walk when she was a girl growing up in Hearts Bend, Tennessee. And it proved her undoing.
While we may have never faced a past like Gemma’s, we can all relate to personal betrayal of our values from gossip to immorality. I hope Gemma’s story reminds us the nearness of love and forgiveness.
On a lighter side, I recently learned British society has moved away from chap and bloke, replacing it with the American term “guy.” Isn’t that funny. Louise Lee, my narrator, said it was funny to read those words in To Love A Prince since there were more her parents’ generation. Ah, the signs of a more global society.
Well, I didn’t care if they have gone out of style for young people. I used them anyway. I like them. Maybe we should adopt “chap” and “bloke” over here. What do you say, guys?
I hope you enjoy To Save A King, book two in the True Blue Royal series and find your heart cheering on broken, wounded characters to a happily ever after worthy of a prince and princess.
Irene Hannon‘s latest book in the Hope Harbor series, Blackberry Beach, really made me hungry! With all the scenes featuring cobblers made with wild blackberries, the delectable treats at the coffee shop and tea room, and the homemade truffles, I am surprised I didn’t gain any weight while reading. 😉 The truffles made by main character, Kat, tempted me especially. I love chocolate. Kat experimented with lavender truffles, which sounded really intriguing. My son brought me lavender cheese from Amsterdam — it was delish — so lavender and chocolate has to be a winner. That made me google recipes. What do you think? Check out the recipe and the book info below.
Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted–fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn’t she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she’ll be able to calm the storm inside.
Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss — and he has no plans to change the life he’s created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. He’s had enough drama to last a lifetime. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. And as their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?
Irene Hannon is the best-selling author of more than 35 novels. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine and the Daphne du Maurier Award for mystery/suspense. Irene and her husband make their home in Missouri, USA. Irene invites you to visit her at her website, http://www.irenehannon.com
Lavender Truffles
The recipe for Lavender Truffles comes from All Recipes.
Ingredients
12 fresh lavender flower heads
⅓ cup heavy cream
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions
Step 1 Place the flower heads and cream into a small microwave safe glass bowl. Cook in the microwave on High until hot to the touch, 20 to 30 seconds. Once hot, stir the flowers with a spoon, and set aside to steep 5 minutes. Return to the microwave, and cook 10 to 20 seconds to reheat. Stir again, and set aside to steep 5 minutes more. Repeat the heating-stirring-steeping process two more times until the cream is strongly flavored with lavender.
Step 2 Combine the bittersweet chocolate with the semisweet chocolate in a microwave safe glass bowl. Divide the chocolate into equal portions, and set one portion aside. Cook the remaining chocolate in the microwave on High in 20 to 30 second increments until melted, stirring between each heating. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the cream into the melted chocolate; discard the flower heads and bits of lavender. Stir the cream and chocolate together until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator until somewhat firm, but not hard, about 1 hour.
Step 3 After the lavender chocolate mixture has chilled, place the remaining chocolate and butter into a microwave safe glass bowl. Cook in the microwave on High in 20 to 30 second increments until just melted, stirring between each heating; set aside.
Step 4 Line a baking sheet with a piece of waxed paper. Roll the lavender mixture into 1 tablespoon-sized balls, and dip into the melted chocolate mixture using a skewer or toothpick. Place onto the prepared baking sheet, and chill in the refrigerator at least 2 hours to harden.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving: 125 calories; protein 1.4g; carbohydrates 10.3g; fat 9.1g; cholesterol 11.1mg; sodium 13.3mg.
Today’s Top 10 Tuesday challenge is to list books with titles that are complete sentences. Looking at my shelves I didn’t find any, but I did find books with titles that convey a complete thought. With all our social media shorthand, I thought they would fit into today’s topic pretty well. The genres of these books vary, so there is something for everyone. I hope you find a title to love!
Many of the books I review are provided to me free of charge from publishers, authors, or other groups in return for a review. The opinions expressed in the reviews are mine and mine alone. No monetary consideration is given. This disclaimer is in accordance with FTC rules.
I am an Amazon.com affiliate, which means that I earn a small percentage of the sales from products purchased through links on my site. I NEVER recommend a book in order to receive a profit. Proceeds from affiliate sales help to defray operating costs of the blog.
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Title: Crazy for You
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