Thursday, December 31, 2015

A #Feline New Year--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith






This time of year we look forward to New Year's Eve. Our son flies home and friends gather at our home for an evening of conversation and games. We're not sure how the fur babies will react to a house full of guests. So far during the holidays, Halo is usually serene, sleeping or sitting close by. Zoie is the most sociable. To our surprise Paddy has been hiding for a while until she gets used to the idea of more people in the house. London stays upstairs. Tonight we'll safeguard Zoie, Paddy and Halo by settling them in my office until everyone arrives and eats. Then we'll open the office door and let the kitties decide if they'd like to join us. 


Hoping you and yours have a healthy, happy new year! 

London says, "I hope this party isn't going to
interfere with my nap and meal times!
Halo says, "I'm going to try to stay awake
 until midnight!

Zoie watches as the guests arrive!
 
Paddy wonders why everybody is wearing those
funny hats and making all that noise.

Sunnybud makes his
grand arrival at the party.


HAPPY NEW YEAR from the Smith Felines!



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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 91st novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 


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Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Meet Susan Schild--Author of Linny's Sweet Dream List via Karen Rose Smith









Dear Readers,

If you like sweet Southern reads with a bit of a kick, pick up my new novel, LINNY'S SWEET DREAM LIST, a funny small town tale about charming men, missing money, girlfriends you can't live without and finding true love when you think it's too late.

Coming on January 5.  Pre-order now on my website or on Amazon.

Susan Schild


LINNY'S SECRET DREAM LIST (The first novel in the Willow Hill series) by Susan Schild

Set in the off-beat Southern town of Willow Hill, North Carolina, Susan Schild’s moving and witty novel tells of one woman who loses everything—and finds more than she ever expected.

At thirty-eight, Linny Taylor is suddenly living a life she thought only happened to other, more careless people. Widowed for the second time, and broke, thanks to her cheating late husband, Linny has no house, no job, and no options except to go back home. There, in a trailer as run down as her self-esteem, Linny makes a list of things that might bring happiness. A porch swing. A job that nourishes her heart as well as her bank balance. Maybe even a date or two.

At first, every goal seems beyond reach. But it’s hard for Linny to stay in the doldrums when a stray puppy is coercing her out of her shell—right into the path of the town’s kind, compassionate vet. The quirky town is filled with friends and family, including Linny’s mother, Dottie, who knows more about heartache than her daughters ever guessed. And as Linny contemplates each item on her list, she begins to realize that the dreams most worth holding on to can only be measured in the sweetness of a life lived to the fullest…

“Charming, funny, feisty. I totally loved this novel.”--Cathy Lamb, author of My Very Best Friend




Visit Susan's Website at http://www.susanschild.com


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When Clare Thaddeus' sister was abducted, she was five and her family fell apart. Now, twenty-seven years later, there's a chance Lynnie could still be alive! Divorced parents, a rebellious daughter, and a devoted sister find their lives in turmoil once again. This time, will crisis tear them apart or will forgotten love knit them together once more?

HER SISTER on Amazon

 HER SISTER on Barnes and Noble



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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 91st novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 


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Monday, December 28, 2015

New Year's Eve, A #Celebration With #Tradition by Karen Rose Smith




I look forward to New Year's Eve as much as I do Christmas. 

New Year's Eve tradition began the first year after I married.  That year was filled with so many firsts--a committed life together, the possibility of a pregnancy, holidays different from before. For that first New Year's Eve my husband and I celebrated with my college roommate and her boyfriend. We toasted midnight in our shabbily fixer upped apartment with affordable rent that was near my husband's relatives. It was an evening of college remembrances and good times and hope.  For a couple of years we celebrated with my husband's family...or alone with a new baby. Then my former college roommate found her life partner and an unbreakable tradition began. Every year for the past forty years (except one or two because of ice and snow), we have spent New Year's Eve in each others' homes. 



 For about the past twenty, the celebration has been at our home because our son flies in from wherever he is and friends of his in our area reunite with him. Another college friend of ours usually joins us and recently our new neighbors do too. Children are welcome. Along with conversation we play games like Scattegories and Mancala. We provide main courses for the buffet table but everyone contributes food and there is always plenty.
Before we watch the ball drop on Times Square, we talk about lessons learned in the year gone by and hopes for the new year. We laugh, we share, we learn how we are changing as we grow older.  We discuss our fears, our plans, the dreams we still want to fulfill.  That's what New Year's Eve is all about for us--togetherness, camaraderie, past memories and a toast with hope for the year to come. 




I love having my husband at my side, my son at home and friends nearby.  This is the reason I look forward to New Year's Eve every year as much as I do Christmas. 

Do you have a New Year's Eve tradition?
 Feel free to share it in the comments. 





DRAPE EXPECTATIONS on Amazon


DRAPE EXPECTATIONS on Barnes and Noble




USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 91st novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 


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Thursday, December 24, 2015

Silent Night--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith



  Silent Night...



...all is calm.





May you find peaceful moments with those you love this holiday season.



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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 91st novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 


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Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Snickerdoodle #Cookie #Recipe via Karen Rose Smith






Every holiday season, I think about what cookie recipes I want to bake first just in case I don't have the time to bake all on my list.  SNICKERDOODLES are a family favorite that I rate high on my to-do list. They're easy and oh, so good. The secret to great Snickerdoodles is to bake them until they are golden brown and then remove them from the cookie sheet immediately.  Otherwise they will stick! These are a melt-in-your-mouth cookie I'm sure family and friends will enjoy.


SNICKERDOODLES

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup Crisco
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon (or more)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream butter, shortening, and 1 1/2 cups sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Form cookie dough into one inch balls.

Mix 3 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon. Roll dough balls in the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Place balls about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake for 8-10 minutes or until set.  After taking them from oven, remove from baking sheet immediately.


Makes about 3 dozen cookies. 




DRAPE EXPECTATIONS on Amazon


DRAPE EXPECTATIONS on Barnes and Noble




USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 91st novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 


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Sunday, December 20, 2015

Meet Paisley Kirkpatrick, #Historical #Romance Author, #CHRISTMAS SURPRISE via Karen Rose Smith



Paisley Kirkpatrick has been a dear friend for many years. I've witnessed her journey as a writer and a woman. CHRISTMAS SURPRISE,  the first historical novel in her NORTHWOODS series, is a very special, emotional story and in her message, she explains why. Paisley, I'm so glad the joy of Christmas is touching you once more.


From Paisley...

 Bio PicWhen my editor asked for Christmas themed books, I wasn't sure I could write one. After we lost our daughter, Kellie, thirteen years ago to cancer, we no longer celebrated the holiday. Our spirit died with her. The story came from my heart and as I wrote I could feel my heart healing and my spirit returning. A Christmas tree stands proudly in our living room, the decorations grace our house, and we have found the joy of Christmas again.

All the joy of the season to you and yours.

Paisley



Can a family torn apart by grief find comfort and forgiveness in the wisdom of a stranger's words?


Christmas Surprise on Amazon 


Widower Hank Hughes has had it with his headstrong daughter. She'll be married by Christmas come hell or high water.

Nobody, including her father, would force Caroline Hughes to marry a man she doesn't love. She plans to choose her own husband. Her hopes are set on Tam MacGregor, but would he sever his family ties to stay with her?

Tam MacGregor and his brother came to the Northwoods to deliver horses and a new governess. Neither one of them expected to get caught up in a world of smuggling and even more dangerous, match making.

Caught between her own stubborn pride and the love she prays is enough to keep Tam in Wisconsin, Caroline is determined to have her Christmas wedding on her own terms.
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JAKE'S BRIDE on Amazon

 JAKE'S BRIDE on Barnes and Noble
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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 91st novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 


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