Currant Conversation Oolong Tea by Karen Rose Smith

 

Drinking tea was a past time long before I began writing cozy mysteries that take place at my sleuth’s business establishment, Daisy’s Tea Garden. When I was a child we lived with my grandfather and aunt. I remember nights in front of a black and white tv/radio/phonograph combination. My mom would brew tea.

                  Burton Teapot for One 

This week I tried Plum Deluxe’s Currant Conversation Oolong Tea. 

                                                     Currant Conversation Oolong Tea

Since my next Daisy’s Tea Garden mystery release is Murder With Oolong Tea, I’m especially interested in oolong flavors. Oolong is neither a Green tea or a black tea. It has characteristics of its own depending how it’s oxidized. The taste can also depend on where it’s grown. Its origins are in China and Taiwan.  This Currant Conversation Oolong Tea has more of a woodsy taste than fruit taste.  The smoothness comes from vanilla. It is organic. I used 1 teaspoon for each cup with boiling water, steeping it for about 4 minutes.

I hope you can relax and enjoy a time-out for a cuppa tea!

 

Tidbit about MURDER WITH OOLONG TEA

A spring house on a farm is almost a thing of the past. But not for Daisy Swanson. A spring house could save her life!

 NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER 

MURDER WITH OOLONG TEA

Release Date: DECEMBER 29, 2020

PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON

PRE-ORDER ON BARNES AND NOBLE

Hot #Cinnamon Tea for #Fall by Karen Rose Smith

 

Are you looking for a fall tea? Or just one that’s a little different in taste?

At Daisy's Tea Garden that my sleuth Daisy Swanson and her aunt Iris run in an old Victorian house, they are constantly mixing and discovering new flavors.  So am I.

This week I’m drinking Harney and Sons Hot Cinnamon Tea. Last winter when my throat was scratchy, I looked for a different type of tea to soothe it. At first I found the caffeinated tea. I like the sachets that look like delicate silky bags. Since I prefer this tea lightly brewed, I use them twice. 

 

Both caffeinated and decaf are sweetly spicy. They remind me of the taste of “red hot” candies that I sometimes use in baked apples. The tea sachets hold a combination of black tea, 3 types of cinnamon and sweet cloves. Each sachet can brew a 12 oz. cup. I prefer this tea hot. Harney and Sons Cinnamon Tea

 

If you like cinnamon, I believe you’ll like this tea. 

 

Murder With Oolong Tea tidbit this week!

Will Shakespeare’s wife’s name was Anne Hathaway. This is a clue leading to why a 60 year old English teacher used a fake ID! 

 

Until next time...

NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER 

MURDER WITH OOLONG TEA

Release Date: DECEMBER 29, 2020

PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON

PRE-ORDER ON BARNES AND NOBLE

A Perfect Cup of Tea by Karen Rose Smith

by Karen Rose Smith

With the release of MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS, the fourth book in my Daisy's Tea Garden cozy mystery series, my mind has been on all things tea-related.  I can remember as a child having a cup of tea meant boiling some water in a pan on the stove, pouring it into a mug and adding a tea bag.  Tea was often the choice warm beverage on days when I was home from school with a nasty head cold.

But when I embarked on the task of creating a tea-themed focus for a new cozy mystery series and began researching tea and tea rooms, I developed a new-found appreciation for tea.  I was amazed at all the varieties and blends available and the art involved in creating a perfect cup of tea.  There definitely is a tea to satisfy everybody's palette.  

As I began visiting area tea rooms, I was fascinated and curious how each owner was able to supply every guest at a table a different cup of perfectly brewed tea of their choice from an extensive menu.  I was delighted to find on the back of a business card from TranquilaTea Tea Room in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania tips for brewing a perfect cup of tea.  I would like to share those tips with my readers.

Brewing A Perfect Cup Of Tea

• Bring cold water to a boil
• Measure 1 tsp loose leaf tea per 6 oz of water
• Place tea in an infuser or tea filter bag
• Immerse infuser or tea bag filter into cup or pot filled with boiled water that has cooled slightly  

Water Temperature

205 degrees (F) for black, herbal and rooibos teas
180 degrees (F) for green and white teas

Steeping Times

Green and white teas -- 2 minutes

Black teas -- 3 minutes

Herbal and rooibos teas -- 3 to 5 minutes

For a stronger cup, add more tea leaves.  Do not steep for a longer period of time, as this can lead to a bitter cup!

Now available:

Keith Rebert is homeless with a sad story that includes the death of his wife and medical bills that decimated his finances. Daisy and her friend Jonas Groft meet him through one of Daisy’s employees and offer help. But soon Keith is caught up in a murder investigation. He was supplying the shop Pirated Treasures with antiques, including Gettysburg Battlefield memorabilia. The nephew of the shop’s owner, Barry Storm, was lowballing merchandise that Keith brought in. One day Keith and Barry vehemently argued. Soon after, Barry was found dead, killed with a marble rolling pin that held Keith’s fingerprints. Daisy’s special for the month, cherry tarts, was found spilled on the floor next to him. Keith is the number one suspect.

Keith finds a job on a farm where he can live in a cabin with his daughter Mandy. A friend of Barry’s lived and worked there before the murder, then suddenly moved out. As Daisy finds clues that give insight into Barry’s life and prepares for her daughter’s wedding, she faces danger, verbally battles with the detective on the case, and tries to figure out what part Jonas Groft plays in her life. When she finds the ultimate clue that tells her exactly what Barry Storm was involved in, she almost loses her life. 

MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS on Amazon

MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS on Barnes and Noble

Thankful For A New Release--MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS

I have so many things to be thankful for and I could write about the traditional thanksgiving list of family, friends, health and on and on--all the things that surround me on a daily basis.  Truthfully as I grow older, I reflect on these things every day.  The one thing, as I get wrapped up in my day to day writing chores, that I sometimes forget to appreciate is the fact that I was gifted with the talent of telling stories in the written word and that I was fortunate enough to be able to share my stories with my readers.  So it seems significant that I celebrate my 103rd release this week with the publication of MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS, the fourth in my Daisy's Tea Garden cozy mystery series for Kensington Books.  And today I want to thank my faithful readers through the past twenty-seven years for believing in me and trusting me to produce a story that will warm your hearts and touch your spirit.  I have appreciated all of your kind words and supportive notes through the years.

MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS is a cozy mystery which revolves around Daisy's outreach to a homeless single father and his darling daughter.  I created a yummy cherry tart recipe for this book that is included in the back of the book. 

Pirated Treasures is an antiques shop that also plays a significant
role in the mystery.  Daisy purchases a Burton and Burton Victorian design teapot atop a teacup from the owner of the shop on one of her many visits to the shop while she is gathering clues to solve the murder of the store owner's nephew.  Notice its uniquely-shaped infinity handle.

What could better than a steaming cup of tea, delicious food and delicate china to soften the sometimes terrifying search for a murderer in the community of Willow Creek, Pennsylvania, deep in Amish country!

Here is a little summary of the book which is now available:

Keith Rebert is homeless with a sad story that includes the death of his wife and medical bills that decimated his finances. Daisy and her friend Jonas Groft meet him through one of Daisy’s employees and offer help. But soon Keith is caught up in a murder investigation. He was supplying the shop Pirated Treasures with antiques, including Gettysburg Battlefield memorabilia. The nephew of the shop’s owner, Barry Storm, was lowballing merchandise that Keith brought in. One day Keith and Barry vehemently argued. Soon after, Barry was found dead, killed with a marble rolling pin that held Keith’s fingerprints. Daisy’s special for the month, cherry tarts, was found spilled on the floor next to him. Keith is the number one suspect.

Keith finds a job on a farm where he can live in a cabin with his daughter Mandy. A friend of Barry’s lived and worked there before the murder, then suddenly moved out. As Daisy finds clues that give insight into Barry’s life and prepares for her daughter’s wedding, she faces danger, verbally battles with the detective on the case, and tries to figure out what part Jonas Groft plays in her life. When she finds the ultimate clue that tells her exactly what Barry Storm was involved in, she almost loses her life. 

MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS on Amazon

MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS on Barnes and Noble

Extending Indoor Space to the Outdoors

I've wanted a canopied porch swing for quite a while.  Arthritis and fibromyalgia sometimes limit where I can go and what I can do.  The past few years my husband kept insisting our patio wasn't big enough to comfortably accommodate a swing.  But...where there's a will, there's a way.  And I set out to find the way.  I enjoy spring, summer and fall as much as I can.  I begin growing flowers and tomatoes from seed in February and March to remind me that spring and spending time in outdoor space is coming.

I searched for the swing I wanted online first, deciding exactly the type I wanted--a three-seater that I could lounge on as well as sit on.  Then with his trusty tape measure in hand, my husband and I went to the patio to figure out if and how it would fit.  He reluctantly agreed to order the swing, hoping that my plan would work.  (He should know after 47 years of marriage that it would!) After my hubby and our neighbor's son worked two hours to assemble the new purchase (the directions said it was supposed to be an easy assembly!), we began moving things around to see the best fit.  I already had several patio pots planted, ready to decorate the space. My goal was to create an outside living space without sacrificing the view or obstructing walking pathways.  Soon I had just what I wanted...a quiet retreat where I could spend sunny mornings either listening to music, editing or writing new material.

Just as you accessorize your indoor spaces with wall groupings, knickknacks, greenery and pillows, you can do the same to add a special homey touch to your outdoor living spaces.  I chose colorful cushions and pillows, potted groupings, and a fountain.  I added the cat doormat hubby received from a friend for Father's Day and I even had a corner that I decorated with colorful stones that are supposed to glow in the dark.  I added my favorite sign and a cat planter.

Now I can spend my spring, summer and fall mornings on the patio with the outdoor cats.  (We've been taking care of two ferals--Bonnie and Clyde--for a few years.)  Hopefully birds chirping, a fountain trickling and the scent of blooming annuals will give me peace of mind and the inspiration to write the next scene in my cozy mystery.

 And if I'm really lucky, I might even spot a deer grazing in the field to the rear of our property.   

MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES on Amazon

MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES on Barnes and Noble

Release Day--SLAY BELLS RING by Karen Rose Smith

Hi, readers! I'm so excited to announce my new release to you. SLAY BELLS RING, my seventh Caprice De Luca Home Staging mystery is a holiday cozy. It is available in print and ebook. I hope I have captured the warmth of the holidays and multi-faceted characters, as well as sentiments of the season.

The Santa cabin in SLAY BELLS RING is based on the cabin in Hanover, PA where both my husband and son visited Santa when they were children.










The Merriweather's house that Caprice stages looks something like this! 

The dog is SLAY BELLS RING plays an important role. His name is BLITZ and he's a white Malamute.










Join me for my Facebook launch party on October 31 from 7 to 9 P.M. EDT.  There will be chat, prizes and details about SLAY BELLS RING.  Click on this link  Karen Rose Smith's FB Author Page to attend the party!!!

Preview of SLAY BELLS RING

Christopher and Sara Merriweather have the perfect life.  They are selling their beautiful historic home that Caprice De Luca stages with the theme Christmas Delight. They plan to downsize.  Their grown children are in the vicinity and their craft shop is doing well.  Blitz, the white Malamute Chris rescued, is always by his side.  A Vietnam veteran, Chris has come to terms with his PTSD and even plays Santa Claus.  When he is murdered at the sleigh on Santa Lane not far from Santa's cabin, everyone is shocked.  (Blitz may have seen the murderer.)  As Caprice delves into the Merriweathers' lives, she discovers more than one secret. 

Click on the link below to read an additional blog entry by Karen

every Thursday on the Cozy Chicks blog

Cozy Chicks Blog

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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. This award-winning and bestselling author will have her 100th novel released in 2018.  At present she is working on two mystery series for Kensington Books--Caprice De Luca Home Staging cozies and Daisy's Tea Garden mysteries. From time to time, she also writes romance for Harlequin Special Edition.

Karen and Paddy

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks and does watercolor paintings 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. 

*****************

Sign Up for Karen's newsletter!

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Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen on Twitter

©2017 Karen Rose Smith

A Happy #Feline Mother's Day--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith

Once a mother...always a mother! Mother's Day made me think back over all of the beautiful moments and memories of Halo's pregnancy, the birthing of her kittens and her role as a mother. Witnessing her giving birth to three beautiful kittens and her devotion as a new mother was an experience I will always treasure. 

Even though Miss Paddington, her first-born kitten that we adopted along with Halo, has grown into a beautiful adult feline, they still share a special bond. The photos below celebrate that bond...one that I hope everyone can share with their own mothers...whether it be in person or through memories of times past.

Happy Mother's Day!  

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Click on the link below to read an additional blog entry by Karen  
every Thursday on the Cozy Chicks blog

Cozy Chicks Blog

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NOW AVAILABLE

Wendy Newcomb, director of the Kismet women's shelter Sunrise Tomorrow, is thrilled when the shelter receives a legacy.  She hires Caprice to decorate the mansion to serve women who need more than an overnight port in a storm. But in her drive against domestic violence, Wendy has made enemies and is murdered. Caprice finds herself in danger once more as she asks questions and even calls on St. Anthony for inspiration to solve this murder mystery.

SHADES OF WRATH on Amazon

SHADES OF WRATH 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. This award-winning and bestselling author will have her 100th novel released in 2018.  At present she is working on two mystery series for Kensington Books--Caprice De Luca Home Staging cozies and Daisy's Tea Garden mysteries. From time to time, she also writes romance for Harlequin Special Edition.

Karen and Paddy

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks and does watercolor paintings 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. 

*****************

Sign Up for Karen's newsletter!

******************

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen on Twitter

©2017 Karen Rose Smith

I've Got Your #Feline Back--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith

Cats can assume some pretty contorted positions when sleeping. Most felines sleep on their sides, often on guard with their eyes slightly open. Some of my favorite cat photos are my furry babies sleeping on their backs. There are several theories as to why they choose to sleep in what seems an unnatural position for cats. The simplest reason is that they are comfortable. A cat in this position has also been referred to as "a cool cat" because they are simply cooling themselves. Another more medical explanation is that sleeping on the back helps a cat breathe better. That theory could hold some truth because both Halo and Zoie Joy have some respiratory/asthmatic issues and they are the two who most often sleep that way. I like to believe a cat in this position is exhibiting total trust and it is a comforting signal that I am the person to whom they are showing this special display of affection.

I looked back over my most recent feline snapshots and found some of my favorite "I've Got Your Back" photos.      

Having observed how skittish and mistrusting Bonnie and Clyde, our outside feline visitors, can be and how long it has taken to develop even the slightest bit of trust to allow us to touch them, I can certainly appreciate the special bond I share with my inside furry family--Halo, Paddington, Zoie and London. And I feel that sleeping on their back is their way of showing me that they appreciate all my patience and care.  

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Click on the link below to read an additional blog entry by Karen  
every Thursday on the Cozy Chicks blog

Cozy Chicks Blog

*****************

NOW AVAILABLE

Wendy Newcomb, director of the Kismet women's shelter Sunrise Tomorrow, is thrilled when the shelter receives a legacy.  She hires Caprice to decorate the mansion to serve women who need more than an overnight port in a storm. But in her drive against domestic violence, Wendy has made enemies and is murdered. Caprice finds herself in danger once more as she asks questions and even calls on St. Anthony for inspiration to solve this murder mystery.

SHADES OF WRATH on Amazon

SHADES OF WRATH 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. This award-winning and bestselling author will have her 100th novel released in 2018.  At present she is working on two mystery series for Kensington Books--Caprice De Luca Home Staging cozies and Daisy's Tea Garden mysteries. From time to time, she also writes romance for Harlequin Special Edition.

Karen and Paddy

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks and does watercolor paintings 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. 

*****************

Sign Up for Karen's newsletter!

******************

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen on Twitter

©2017 Karen Rose Smith