Saturday, November 30, 2013

Stacy Juba's TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO TODAY now on #Audiobook



I invited Stacy Juba here today to talk about TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO TODAY, a suspense filled novel now available in audiobook.  Stacy told me how the idea for this best-selling e-book was born!

"I wrote TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO TODAY because just like my protagonist Kris Langley, I once worked as an obit writer and editorial assistant for a daily newspaper.  One of my tasks was researching the 25 and 50 Years Ago Today column.  A couple of times per week, I would sit down at the microfilm machine and hunt through the old issues for tidbits to compile into the column.  The news items needed to be both noteworthy and positive so they would give readers a feeling of nostalgia.  Although it was interesting to read through the back issues, it was one of my least favorite tasks as the scrolling of the microfilm was hard on the eyes.  I was also a big mystery reader and one day, I got an idea for a novel.  What if an editorial assistant stumbled across a 25 year old cold case while researching her 25Years Ago Today column?  What if she became obsessed with the case and started getting involved with the victim's family?  What if she fell in love with the victim's nephew?  Because of my own experience with the microfilm and working in a newsroom, I knew I could make the details authentic.  And that was how TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO TODAY was born.  I never imagined that it would one day be an audiobook, and hearing Erin Moon bring the characters to life was a special treat."

More about Stacy's book TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO TODAY!

For twenty-five years, Diana Ferguson's killer has gotten away with murder.  When rookie obit writer and newsroom editorial assistant Kris Langley investigates the cold case of the artistic young cocktail waitress who was obsessed with Greek and Roman mythology, not only does she fall in love with Diana's sexy nephew, but she must also fight to stay off the obituary page herself.  The book edition has made GalleyCat's Mystery and Thriller Bestseller List and GalleyCat's Barnes and Noble Bestsellers.  The audiobook is narrated by Erin Moon and produced by Brick Shop Audio.


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Monday, November 25, 2013

Coffee With A #Canine? by Karen Rose Smith--The dogs in my life

When I was asked to do a blog--COFFEE WITH A CANINE, I wasn't sure what to expect!  But this was a fun project.  Blogger Marshal Zeringue asked for photos of the dogs in my life.  Usually I don't post candid shots--they can end up all over the internet--but for this blog I supplied a few.  Including one of me at four with my dad and our Cocker Spaniel, Buffer.  When I look at that picture, childhood memories return because I lived there with my parents, aunt and grandfather until I was five.  And a little known fact--my childhood home is my sleuth's childhood home in my December release STAGED TO DEATH.  From the floor plan to the red tiled roof.

I hope you enjoy this different look at me and the dogs in my life!

COFFEE WITH A CANINE


Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Best,
Karen

©2013 Karen Rose Smith





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Sunday, November 24, 2013

A #Wolf Love Story by Karen Rose Smith, Speedwell Forge Wolf #Sanctuary




When I took a private tour of the Speedwell Forge Wolf Sanctuary with my husband, I could soak in a better sense of day to day life there without all the humans around.  I'm an open spaces and nature kind of girl and have to admit I sometimes prefer animal company to human company.  Chuck Rineer, a volunteer at the wolf sanctuary for about seven years and a wildlife photographer, was our guide.  It was easy to see that he understands these animals. 

One of the packs we visited consisted of two wolves--Destiny and Chipper.  Their story tugged at my heart.
Chipper
Destiny is a beautiful wolf (in my opinion).  She lived in a retirement community with two wolves who passed on.  She was sad and depressed there so she was brought to Speedwell and introduced to another orphan, a hybrid (part dog, part wolf) named Chipper.  When they became friends, Destiny, who had let herself go--her hair was matted and she had no verve for life--perked up!  Not only did she perk up, but she and Chipper became friends...and then mates.

Destiny

Chipper, mourning his losses, was lonely too.  But once he and Destiny were together, he became full of life and wolf energy again.

The day we were there, however, Chipper's belly was full and he was napping!  Chuck told us that Chipper likes the human activity around and it was easy to see we didn't bother him in the least!  Our being there didn't interrupt his nap at all.  And...Destiny was close by, relaxing herself.

In the wolf kingdom, this is romance.  Mates for life.

Karen's Adopt A Wolf blog

 Karen's Visiting Speedwell Wolf Sanctuary Blog










©2013 Karen Rose Smith


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Friday, November 22, 2013

#Goodreads #Giveaway for The Bracelet by Karen Rose Smith

Good news for readers!

I'm having a Goodreads Giveaway from November 23 to November 25 for a new edition of THE BRACELET.  This is a rare Direct To Consumer edition and I'm giving away two of them.  This book is one that's closest to my heart.  My hero, Brady is a Vietnam war veteran.  My heroine, Laura, was a flower child.  They fell in love, were torn apart and many year later still must to figure out how the past is impacting their present, including Brady's relationship with his son.  This is a novel about family, loyalty and finding happily-ever after when it seems lost.

I do giveaways regularly for my Readers Group on Facebook.  I'm always glad to add new members.  "Like" my author page and let me know you'd like to join.

 Karen's Facebook Author page

Good luck in the giveaway!

Goodreads Giveaway THE BRACELET by KAREN ROSE SMITH



Search For Love Boxed Set 1 on Amazon                        Search For Love Boxed Set 2 on Amazon



©2013 Karen Rose Smith



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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Visiting Speedwell #Wolf Sanctuary in #Pennsylvania by Karen Rose Smith




My first visit to the Speedwell Forge Wolf Sanctuary in Lititz, Pennsylvania included the full moon tour.  There was a bonfire burning bright that couldn't be drowned by splurts of rain.  We were able to visit several packs of wolves with a guide stationed at each pack.  I became fascinated with these magnificent creatures and definitely wanted to return in daylight to spend more time in their presence.  I also had a lot of questions about the wolves.



My husband and I arranged for a private tour recently.  The entrance and gate let you know that this isn't an ordinary place.  We drove on a gravel road.  A volunteer let us through the gate.  We passed the bed and breakfast, and took a winding road to a spot where we could park.  A general tour was just finishing.  After letting the volunteers know we were there, we discovered our guide would be wildlife photographer Chuck Rineer.  Who better to tell us about these mysterious animals!  We began with the timber wolves, a subspecies of the gray wolf.  Wolves live in families with a pair and offspring.  Their group is called a pack.  In Speedwell, there are some packs made up of a genetic family, but other packs where lone wolves have formed bonds to create a pack.  This first pack was a family--Merlin, Tioga and Keisha.  All of the packs have a history and I hope to go into that in future blogs.

Merlin, Keisha, Tioga
Tioga


















There are about 30 wolves on the property.  Tioga is the only one Chuck can hand feed and "pet."  He does enter the fenced-in areas to feed the wolves.  I asked if he's ever afraid that they'll harm him.  He answered that he's not, because humans are the wolves only predators, so they're not likely to attack.  On the other hand, they are still wild animals and only tolerate humans because they feed them.  Speedwell Forge is a non-profit sanctuary kept going by donations and dedicated volunteers.  Chuck has been working with and photographing the wolves for about seven years.

Merlin, Tioga and Keisha are a family.  Merlin is the dad, Tioga is the son. Keisha and Tioga's mom were sisters.  There is a rivalry for attention between the alpha wolf Merlin and his son Tioga.  Being the alpha means first stab at the food which can range from deer that hunters donate to chicken legs to ground meat.

Chuck told us story about how Keisha had dug a deep den when she went into heat (the males are neutered but the females are not spayed).  Tioga decided to inspect it and rearrange it a bit.  Keisha was not happy.  Tioga had gone to a pool of water to cool off, but she managed to pull at his tail to register her disapproval.  While watching these timber wolves, I forgot to snap many pictures because I was so caught up in their body language and antics, as well as the information Chuck gave us.

We learned wolves, in appropriately good weather conditions, can smell up to 1.75 miles.  They can hear about six miles away in the forest and up to ten in open country.  They can see some color and about as well as humans...85 to 100 yards.  All of their senses are acute to aid in their survival. They are fascinating to watch in their packs.

Watch for my next blog about another pack that consists of Destiny and Chipper.


Destiny




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Monday, November 18, 2013

#Pies for Thanksgiving, Pecan and Peanut Butter! by Karen Rose Smith


Instead of pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving, I'll be baking a pecan pie and stirring up a peanut butter cream pie.  We'll be visiting friends and joining in their family celebration of the holiday. We love tradition. But there will be kids who are picky about their flavors.  Peanut butter is always a hit.  And who can resist the candylike taste of a pecan pie?

So here are the recipes I use for these easy pies that are good any time of the year.

Pecan Pie 
(I use the Karo recipe.)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1 cup Karo syrup (light or dark)
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups pecans
1 unbaked deep-dish pie shell

Mix corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter and vanilla, using a spoon.  Stir in pecans.  Pour the filling into the unbaked crust.  I cover the edges with aluminum foil strips to prevent them from browning too much.  Bake for 60-70 minutes at 360.  I use a candy thermometer to test the temperature.  When it hits 200 degrees, the pie is done.  The top should spring back when carefully touched.












Peanut Butter Cream Pie
(I use Mr. Food's Peanut Butter Cream Pie)

A baked 9 inch pie shell. 

4 tablespoons butter
2 cups milk (I use whole milk for a firmer texture.)
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup water
4 egg yolks
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (I use Jiff!)
Whipped topping
You can also sprinkle mini chocolate chips on the top after it is cooled.

In a large saucepan, combine the butter, milk, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.  Meanwhile, in a medium-sized bowl, whisk cornstarch and water until smooth, then whisk in the egg yolks.  Whisk egg mixture into the boiling milk mixture and stir until thick over medium heat.  Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter.  Pour into baked pie shell,  Chill and then top with whipped cream and mini chocolate chips.

The perfect end to a Thanksgiving Day feast!


My new mystery STAGED TO DEATH includes original recipes!





On Sale December 3




Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen Rose Smith's SEARCH FOR LOVE SERIES website 

IN TOUCH WITH KAREN ROSE SMITH ezine




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Sunday, November 17, 2013

Four #Christmas #Romances by Karen Rose Smith


What novel is better to read this time of year than a holiday romance?

Writing novels set around the sentiments of Thanksgiving and Christmas evoke emotion in the characters.  They remember past Christmases, childhood ornaments, wreaths on the door.  The holidays bring with them a yearning for belonging.  That's where romance and family come in.

If you enjoy books that employ the meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas in their storylines, here are five of my books you might enjoy.


 

A doctor and a Wyoming cowgirl fall in love around the holidays.  Lucy's gift to Zack -- the real meaning of Christmas.






Love is just a jingle bell away when a sexy toy store owner and a pretty job counselor travel the rocky road to love.





A former stunt man turned lodge owner and a trauma make-up artist meet in Colorado to help an actress who has become a recluse.  When their scars are bared, they all learn the power of love.






Can a marriage of convenience become a true marriage?  Jake and Sara find the meaning of Christmas in forgiveness.




 
 

 Tessa and Max are reunited when Max's son needs them both.  Thanksgiving could be a holiday they celebrate for a lifetime.

FREE




















©2013 Karen Rose Smith


Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen Rose Smith's SEARCH FOR LOVE SERIES website 

IN TOUCH WITH KAREN ROSE SMITH ezine




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