Holiday Cheer - Unlikable Heroes (Part I)

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HOLIDAY CHEER post

November 25-December 31

By Rebecca Lynn

I have a book coming out this week (1/4/13) with what has been called an "unlikable hero". I finaled in the Genesis contest (ACFW's version of the Golden Heart) after first having written this book and all of my first round judges obviously "got" him. But when I entered the exact same manuscript in an RWA-sponsored chapter, I had all three first-round judges come back to me with various iterations of "I hated the hero from the first sentence." And apparently, three chapters wasn't long enough to like him again. But after this, I entered the book in three other RWA contests and had the same responses as my first two contests. Either I had judges who adored him or hated him. Either I finaled, or I was just about dead last. There was absolutely no middle ground. Everyone reacted so strongly to him, but no one's reactions were the same.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the result of one contest, I received a full request from Harlequin and gladly sent it in. I waited about three months and got a rejection, but the editor loved my hero. Don't change him, was her advice. Change the plot, but don't change the hero. She "got" him. After revisions, I submitted to Pelican, who accepted the book for their White Rose line. This editor also "got" Sean.

But I still had readers (critique partners, as well) who thought he was too harsh. This constant struggle over his character got me thinking about unlikable heroes. And since the book is finally out, I thought it only appropriate to do a series of blogs on the unlikable hero. The first one will be part of the Holiday Bash book blog, where you can win lots of cool prizes for commenting. The second and third parts will happen during my release week, so check my blog (http://romancingthepalate.com) for the conclusion to this series.

So what made my hero unlikable? Well... the very first sentence of the book is him firing a nurse. By throwing shoes at her. He misses intentionally, but still, the guy is throwing shoes at a nurse. Not exactly endearing. Of course, when you understand the context, and how she was pushing him to put on shoes he'd explicitly told her he couldn't wear anymore. You see, Sean lost his ability to walk, and he has a closet full of old climbing and hiking equipment whose only purpose is to taunt him with his old life. The nurse skips over some easier-to-wear shoes and decides to push him into his Mad Rock Sharks instead. After challenging him, taunting him, disobeying him, and then manhandling him, Sean has had enough. We see him at his lowest moments, in the first couple of chapters. Yet we see something in him (perhaps it's only what Jaclyn sees, but it's still something) that is vulnerable and hurt.

 

What made my hero unlikable was the fact that he gave in to his baser instincts. There are several ways you can use the "unlikable hero" trope, and perhaps one of the most dangerous (in my experience) is having him commit actions that are unlikable. Throwing shoes at a nurse is pretty low. And even though the heroine never sees it, we (the readers) do see it, and we know that he has an unguarded heart. Granted, he shows a lot of anger in the first five chapters. None of it is pretty, but it does get more manageable, once Jaclyn starts to have an affect on him.

Writing Sean was a challenge, because there were times that I didn't even like him. In fact, there were times when I wasn't sure that he and Jaclyn deserved to end up together. She has so much pain in her past, and pain in her present. Sean aggravates that, for sure, but he also alleviates it. And that's what eventually won me over about Sean. He makes her want to be a better person.

What about you? Have you ever read a book with an unlikable hero? How did you feel about him? What did he do? Did he end up redeeming himself (or being redeemed) in your eyes?

Please stop by and see me on Twitter (@beck_a_tron) or Facebook (@rl-syme), or my blog (http://romancingthepalate.com) for more on unlikable heroes, and more on my new release, His Wounded Heart that releases on Friday! Don't forget to comment here for chances to win the Holiday Bash prizes. But I'm also giving away a gift bag of His Wounded Heart swag to one commenter on my Unlikable Heroes blog posts. So comment away and win away! Hope you enjoy. Happy Holidays!

Bacon Pinwheels 

Ingredients:

 

6 strips bacon, diced

6 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup mayonnaise

1 can (4 oz) mushrooms, steams and pieces, drained

½ tsp garlic powder

1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls 

Directions:

Heat oven 375⁰.

In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp.  Using slotted spoon, remove to paper towel to drain.  In a small bowl combine cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Add mushrooms, garlic powder and bacon.

Separate crescent dough into four rectangles, seal the perforations.  Spread cream cheese mixture over each rectangle to within ¼-inch of edges.  Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a short side.  Pinch seams to seal.  Cut each roll into six slices.

Place side down on greased baking sheets.  Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.  Serve warm.  Refrigerate leftovers.

Holiday Cheer - The Family Gathers Near

Win a 2013 Calendar and a Nook HD....read below for how....

by Linda Carroll-Bradd

Thanks for having me today, Anna. Happy New Year to all.

The major rush and bustle of holiday activities have settled, but many of you are probably still in the “relaxing with the relatives” mode. I’m currently about 400 miles from my mountain home, visiting with my step-daughter’s family that includes my two granddaughters. Plus my son and youngest daughter have traveled from southern California and are under the same roof. I love that feeling of a mixture of families hanging out together.  Memories are made and old times recollected as we share meals, play board games, do puzzles, and read stories.

All these elements ran through my mind as I plotted out my historical Christmas story, The Ring That Binds, released by Prism Book Group. Because of the holiday, I wanted a small child as part of the story, which meant a single parent (this is a romance, after all). Plus I wanted to include a “from the heart” gift because we all treasure those special gifts. My publisher says the story has the “aww” factor and so far, I’ve received three 5-star reviews on Amazon.

RECIPE: (luxury wasn’t part of Celina’s household so this sweet cornbread would have been considered a treat)

Molasses Cornbread

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup cornmeal

4 tsp baking soda
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
1 cup sweet milk
¼ cup vegetable oil

Place dry ingredients in medium bowl, make well in middle. Mix in all wet ingredients and pour into greased 8” square pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 min or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. 

 

BLURB:

Widow Celina Innes, a dress shop owner in the small 1886 mining town of Aspen, Colorado, struggles to run her shop and live down her late husband’s bad choices for the sake of her four-year old daughter, Keena. She made the mistake of following after one man’s dream of striking it rich and has sworn not to do it again. Co-owner of Toussaint’s General Store, Mikel, watches this proud woman run a successful business but wishes he could make her life a little easier. He has to be contented by slipping treats to the child in hopes of pleasing her mama. When illness strikes the child, Celina turns to Mikel for help and they work together all night to get past the crisis, deepening their friendship. But when the crisis is over, Mikel disappears from Aspen and Celina learns he is seeking to increase his stores. How could she have been so wrong about the man? Can a woman sworn to put down roots and a man looking for more riches find happiness?

EXCERPT:

Plastering on a smile for her most cantankerous customer, Celina turned and had to bite back a gasp. Only two weeks had passed since the first fitting, but she could see the side seams would have to be let out so the front could button properly. The banker’s wife did enjoy her cakes and pastries. “Yes, ma’am. The dove gray wool with black collar and cuffs. Such a smart fashion choice.” If only she could afford a new coat half as fine.

She grabbed her box of sewing pins, and slung the measuring tape around her neck. “Go ahead and step up on the platform.” To avoid pointing out the obvious problem, she ran her hand over the fine wool to check the sleeve hem then looked at the back side to see how the pleat folded. “The length at your wrist looks good, don’t you agree?”

Mrs. Peabody held out a pudgy arm, and looked at her reflection in the oval mirror on the wooden stand. “I suppose.” She half turned to get a glimpse of the back and then faced the mirror again.”But these front panels are wrong. Did you deepen the seams?”

“Possibly today’s dress is of a heavier weight, now that we’re further into December.” Oh, the merchant’s dance of choosing the most tactful words. With a quick move, she pulled the measuring tape across the open span of the jacket’s front pieces and noted the gap’s measurement. “Nothing’s permanent. I can taper the side seams.” She held the tape along Mrs. Peabody’s side, as if gauging where to make an adjustment when what she needed to do was let out the seams at least an inch on each side.

The bell over her door tinkled, and a whoosh of cold air swept inside.

“I’ll be right with you.” Celina glanced over her shoulder and spotted Mikel Toussaint, one of the two owners of the general store. Her heartbeat kicked at the sight of one of the town’s most eligible bachelors. “Oh, hello.”

“Mikel!” Keena ran around the counter to greet the tall, dark-haired man. “See what I made.”

“Ah, a necklace fit for a princess.” He scooped up the little girl in his arms then tickled her tummy before turning to acknowledge the women. “Hello, Mrs. Innes, Mrs. Peabody. How are you ladies this fine day?”

“Fine?” Mrs. Peabody sniffed, turning back to preen before her silvery reflection. “A Colorado winter hardly deserves that compliment.”

“A winter day in the mountains without snow is a fine day, my papa always says.” He smiled, white teeth flashing above his green woolen scarf. “Back in the old country, in Espana, on a day like today, people sit on verandas, enjoying wine and pintxo.” He raised Keena to head height and swung her around, causing her to erupt into a fit of high-pitched giggles. In a flash, a peppermint drop appeared in his hand and he presented it to the little girl.

Mikel’s smile softened his dark, slashing eyebrows, and nose with its hawk-like bend, making him almost good looking. Celina had heard ladies whisper about his older brother Danel’s rakish handsome features. But her preference was for a man who knew how to smile.

Celina shook her head at his foreign word that she’d learned meant some type of tasty food from his Basque homeland.

A throat clearing behind her was a not-so-subtle reminder that she was with a customer. Her stomach tightened with a nervous twist.

“What can I do for you, Mr. Toussaint?”

“Oh, my errand. I forget when surrounded by three lovely ladies.” He set Keena down with a pat on her head, and then reached inside his jacket for a flat brown envelope. “I know you look for magazine with eager eyes each month. All the way from Philadelphia.”

Godey’s Lady’s Book. Her link with the latest in the fashion world was the one item of pleasure in her tight budget. When she accepted the mail, she felt the warmth left by his hands on the paper, and her fingers slid to capture it. “Thank you for dropping by with this.”

Where to find the book:

Prism Book Group has a 30% off sale until January 2, 2013—use code Holiday12

http://www.prismbookgroup.com/TheRingThatBinds.html

Amazon:                             

Barnes & Noble:              

Smashwords:                    

Bio:

As a child, Linda was often found lying on her bed reading about characters having exciting adventures in places far away. Upon reaching a landmark birthday, she decided to write one of those romances she loved so much. Easier said than done. Perseverance paid out and twelve years later, she received her first call from a publisher and a confession story was published. Now Linda writes heartwarming contemporary and historical stories with a touch of humor, and many have a tie to her previous home of Texas.

Linda currently lives in the southern California mountains with her husband of 34 years and their two spoiled dogs, Shiba Inu Keiko and terrier mix Phoenix.

Where to find me:

My Website

My Blog

Amazon Author Page

Author Facebook

Twitter @lcarrollbradd

Linda can also be found on LinkedIN, Goodreads, Classic Romance Revival, and Manic Readers.

Leave a comment here (including your email address) and be eligible to win a 2013 calendar, and also be entered in the big giveaway drawing for the Nook HD.

Holiday Cheer - Oatmeal Butterscotch Aftercare Cookies

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Holiday Cheer - Shapeshifters' Pie Crust

Free today on Kindle!

 

Released

By Amber Polo

(The Shapeshifters' Library: Book 1)

 

Both “Released” and Book 2 “Retrieved” are filled with holidays.  

 “Retrieved” has Valentine’s Day, a St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and a magical ending at the Summer Solstice.

“Released” has Halloween, St. Nicholas, and a magical ending on the Winter Solstice Eve. 

 

WINTER SOLSTICE

Excerpt from “Released”

Liberty waltzed with Gregory, reeled with Tara and Teague, syrtosed with Thaddeus, and salsaed with Pacifico. Even Marishka pulled her into a troika with Jean-Paul. She silently thanked her aunts for sending her to dance classes when all she’d wanted was to read books. In the sparkling candlelight, surrounded by library and shifter friends, she felt completely at home. She even was comfortable wearing a golden ball gown identical to the ruined red St. Nicholas dress.

The library reopened in a few days and was now transformed for the Solstice. Furniture, shelving, and circulation desk under the dome had been pushed back to reveal gleaming marble floors. Liberty had never noticed how the pattern in the floor’s intricate mosaic created a circle with twelve evenly spaced stars. An intricate compass rose in gold and glass marked the center.

Liberty passed the gold plaque, polished like new and now back in its rightful place. She followed the scent of vanilla and spices to the Reading Room to sample another solstice cake. Spicier than St. Nicholas gingerkuchen, these white frosted cakes were shaped into sunbursts and decorated with tiny gold balls.

Godiva, festive in a bronze-colored English governess silk, poured a cup of potent solstice wassail for Liberty.

Liberty took a sip. “This wassail is so powerful. I’m getting a bit dizzy.”

“Don’t worry, our wassail only brings good effects.”

Bliss, dressed in her white princess outfit, nibbled a cake. “I think Gregory has set you atwirl.” The children’s librarian’s tone turned serious. “Here, with so many shifters, it’s clear the Solstice is more than a symbol of the duality of light and dark. Some say the sun represents our human side and the moon our animal nature.”

Liberty giggled. “Perhaps we all have our wild sides.”

As midnight approached, the lights dimmed and the music faded. Academy staff, teachers, and guests walked solemnly to stand around the edges of the central room. Gregory conferred with Cynerik. The two, dressed as English courtiers, were clearly the most strikingly handsome men in the room. Gregory with his classic good looks and Cyn, who tonight more than ever resembled a romance cover model with long curls and bulging muscles.

Gregory took Liberty’s hand and whispered, “Come,” and led her to the center. Liberty had expected a festive midnight celebration, but this was somber, without silly hats or streamers.

All present watched Gregory turn in the four directions, making eye contact with each guest. “Friends, colleagues, students, and,” he looked down at Liberty, “loved ones. Tonight we celebrate our liberation. I am confident we who have been imprisoned will be set free. We owe this to our new friends. From the moment the librarians moved in, change began for us and our power grew.”

“On St. Nicholas Eve, guests from the town and distant Families entered the Academy for the first time in over twenty-five years. Since then the keys to our freedom have been revealed in ancient texts. We have regained our vitality. And the lost Families have been reclaimed. Now Shifters! Come to the stars and represent your families!”

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

Tired of cookies, candy and cake? Here’s a pie crust recipe that’s so easy you don’t need a rolling pin. It’s especially yummy with fruit pie fillings.

MÜrbe Teig Pie Crust

1 cup sifted flour

1 T. sugar

1 egg yolk, slightly beaten

1/8 t. salt

1/4 cup butter

1 T. lemon juice

Combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter with two knives or a pastry blender. Add egg yolk and mix thoroughly until crumbly. Cool in refrigerator. Press into pie pan or backing dish to ¼ inch thickness. Fill with tart fruit pie filling. Bake in 425 degree oven for 10 minutes, reduce temperature to 350 degrees and bake until fruit is cooked. Makes 9 inch pie shell. My favorite filling for this crust  is strawberry rhubarb. 

Amber Polo has had a lifelong love of libraries. A fascination with ancient libraries and curiosity about why werewolves outnumbered dog-shifters in literature inspired her new cozy urban fantasy series The Shapeshifters' Library filled with librarian dog-shifters. She’s not sure she loves all holidays, but she loves writing about them.

If you love dogs and books and shifter romance, “Released” and “Retrieved” will warm your reader’s heart.

Find Amber online at:

Amazon “Released” is free today on Kindle

Website

Wordshaping Blog

Holiday Cheer - 911 RECIPE FIXES

Win a NOOK HD!
Just leave a comment to be eligible

by Skhye Moncrief

 

 

So why don't I feel JOLLY when I go to cook each holiday season? Because I'm out of something crucial for a recipe, discovering this in the thick of my cooking frenzy. And there's nothing worse than having 4 ingredients (OMG eggs) in a bowl when this happens. So, what do you do? Here are some substitutions:

SKHYE'S 911 RECIPE FIXES (found in various places, including online)

 

SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK

1/2 c hot water

1 c powdered milk

1 c sugar

(Blend thoroughly in blender. ***Can be stored in refrigerator or freezer)

 

BUTTERMILK

1 c water & 1/3 c powdered milk or 1 c milk

 

1 T vinegar or lemon juice

 

BAKING CHOCOLATE

1 oz = 3 T cocoa & 1 T fat

CHOCOLATE, SEMISWEET

1 oz = 1/2 oz. baking chocolate & 1 T sugar

COCOA

1/4 cup = 1 oz unsweetened chocolate

HEAVY CREAM

1 c liquid or 2.5 cups whipped = 3/4 c milk & 1/3 c melted butter

HALF & HALF

1 c = 7/8 c milk & 1.5 T butter

or

1 c = 1 c evaporated milk (undiluted)

CORN SYRUP

1 c = 1 c sugar and 1/4 c liquid

DARK CORN SYRUP

1 c = 3/4 c light corn syrup (see last recipe) & 1/4 c molasses

LEMON (raw)

1 = 1-3 T lemon juice & 1-2 t grated rind/peel

PUMPKIN PIE SPICE

1 t = 1/2 t cinnamon, 1/4 t ginger, 1/8 t allspice, & 1/8 t nutmeg

ALLSPICE

1 t = 1/2 t cinnamon & 1/2 t ground cloves

 

APPLE PIE SPICE

1 t = 1/2 t cinnamon, 1/4 t nutmeg, & 1/8 t cardamom

 

EGG

2 tbsp corn starch = 1 egg
2 tbsp arrowroot flour = 1 egg
2 tbsp potato starch = 1 egg
1 heaping tbsp soy powder + 2 tbsp water = 1 egg
1 tbsp soy milk powder + 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water = 1 egg
1 banana = 1 egg in cakes

SKHYE ONLINE http://skhyemoncrief.com

 

 

Skhye's time-travel romance book bundle (5 books for $4) Buy Now

Holiday Cheer - Twas the Night Before Christmas

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By Callie Hutton

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!. Slogging through the first round of edits for my Regency, The Elusive Wife, I came up with this little ditty to put some humor into the job.

‘Twas the night before Christmas,

And the author said ‘damn’

I need to get this book

Into my publisher’s hands 

Her children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While she got two aspirins for the pain in her head,

 

Mama in her kerchief and papa in his cap,

She hoped this last revision would be but a snap

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

She hopped from her laptop to see what the hell happened now!

 

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,

Gave a luster of midday to objects below,

When what to her wondering eyes should appear

But her hero dressed as Santa without any beard−or shirt

 His eyes, how they twinkled! His dimples how cool!

His cheeks were like roses, his chest made her drool

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

Fixing the scene where she’d made him a jerk,

And laying his finger under her chin,

He gave her a kiss as wicked as sin, 

He sprang to his horse, to his horse gave a whistle,

And left her alone with nothing but sizzle.

But she heard him exclaim, ere he rode out of sight

Get your ass back to work, it will be a long night!

 

I hope it gave you a chuckle. Here is the blurb from my Civil War novella, Daniel’s Desire: 

When Confederate soldier, Lt. Daniel McCoy makes his escape from a Union prison toward the end of the Civil War, his only thought is to get as far away from enemy territory as possible. But he doesn’t count on saving young widow Rosemarie Wilson’s life from an infected leg wound.  

Rosemarie has no use for Rebels soldiers, having lost everything, including her husband, the last time they came to her home. However, Daniel has not only saved her life, but is sticking around to help with the farm and her three children until she recovers. 

With Union soldiers searching for him, every day Daniel remains puts him in danger. Or is the beautiful widow who has captured his heart the greater risk? 

And a short snippet: 

Daniel groaned as he sat up, his muscles sore from a night on the barn floor. He rubbed his eyes and stretched to relieve his cramped muscles. After using a bucket of well water to take care of his morning ablutions, he hurried to the house and crept quietly down the hallway. The children were all asleep, Chandler and Jace snuggled up against each other. He pulled a blanket over Amelia and smoothed back the hair tickling her face.  

Mrs. Wilson’s “enter” greeted him after a light tap on her closed door. She lay on one side, watching him with wary eyes. 

“G’morning, how are you feeling today?” 

“Fine. You can leave now.” 

Daniel laughed softly and approached her bed. “I doubt you’re fine, and I don’t think I should leave just yet.” 

She shifted so she could look him in the eye. “I would think you’d be worried about the army finding you and dragging you back to prison.” 

“I am worried. But you need help.” At her raised eyebrows, he continued, “Mrs.Wilson, you have three young children to care for.” 

“I know that, Reb.” 

“Until you’re on your feet again, I’ll just have to lay low.” 

Her face screwed up in pain as she settled on her back, crossing her hands over her stomach. “Just don’t get comfortable.” 

“Tell you what. I won’t get comfortable, if you stop trying to run me off the place.”

Reviews & Buy links:

“I just returned from the Civil War days of "Daniel's Desire,"…& I wasn't ready to come back!” 5*review:  http://amzn.to/SaBkjL

 “Daniel's Desire is a page-turner filled with energy, excitement, and passion that transcends generations.”5* review: http://amzn.to/SaBkjL  

 

Indian Tacos

Here in Oklahoma, a very popular dish is Indian Tacos. Thanks to my friend, and fellow OK RWA member, Calisa Rhose, I can offer this recipe for a yummy delicious supper: 

Indian fry bread is two-to-one recipe. These proportions will make about eight to ten taco ‘shells.’

Two cup of self rising flour

One cup buttermilk 

In floured hands, pinch off two inch balls and flatten into a round disc. Heat deep fryer and place the discs in one at a time. Use a metal ladle to indent the center as it swells so it has a dent in the middle to hold the meat juice. Fry to a golden brown (or when dough is cooked through). Drain on a paper lined plate.

For the meat and beans: Fry hamburger and mix into pot with UNDRAINED one can of ranch style beans, one can of black beans and one can of pinto beans. Let cook until well heated. You want the juice to soak into the bread. 

Then just add regular taco sides and eat. 

At every community event, the line in front of the Indian Taco stand is always the longest. Hope you enjoy this wonderful treat. 

Callie has been making up stories since elementary school, and writing gave her a way to turn off the voices in her head.  She’s had a number of articles and interviews published over the years, and finally decided to put her writing skills to the test and write novels.

            Oklahoma is where she hangs her hat with her husband of thirty-six years, two young adult children, and three dogs.

You can catch her hanging out at Facebook, Twitter- @CallieHutton, and her home base, www.calliehutton.com. Stop by sometime and say hello.

Books by Callie Hutton:

Oklahoma Lovers series, #1, #2, #3

            A Run For Love (Tori & Jesse)

            A Wife By Christmas (Ellie & Max)

            A Prescription For Love (Michael & Heidi)

An Angel in the Mail

Tessa’s Treasures

Miss Merry’s Christmas

Daniel’s Desire

All of Callie Hutton’s books can be found at www.Amazon.com and www.BarnesandNoble.com.

Holiday Cheer - Overcoming Bah Humbug

By W. Lynn Chantale

It doesn’t happen too often, but I’ve been some what of a bah humbug mood. One theory is that there’s no snow on the ground. I live in Michigan and well, in December we are at least ankle deep in snow. There have been other personal changes and though everyone is happy, healthy and looking forward to celebrating Christmas, I’m ready for January or at least the day after Christmas. 

In the meantime I’ll have to stare at old photos of snow or rather the snow fort my son built a few years ago and make brownies. Brownies are always good on a cold winter’s day. And you can enjoy them with an ice cold glass of milk or a warm cup of cocoa. That may be chocolate overload for some, but chocolate will be the only thing getting me through this snowless holiday.

 

Brownie Fudge 

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate

1 cup butter or margarine

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup chopped nuts

2 teaspoons vanilla

Fudge Topping (recipe follows)

Directions

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Butter a 13x9 inch pan. Melt chocolate and butter in a small heavy sauce pan over low heat. Stirring until completely melted, cool. Beat sugar and eggs in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually whisk chocolate mixture into egg mixture. Stir in flour. nuts and vanilla. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Bake 25 to 35 minutes or just until set. Do not overbake. Meanwhile prepare Fudge Topping. Immediately pour over brownies. Spread evenly. Cool in pan on wire rack. Place in freezer until firm. Cut into 1-inch squares.

Makes about 9 dozen brownies

Fudge Topping

4 1/2 cups sugar

1/3 cup butter or margarine

1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme

1 package (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips

1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups walnuts, coarsely chopped

Directions 

Combine sugar, butter and milk in large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; add remaining ingredients except nuts. Beat until smooth. Stir in nuts.

 

 

STEALING CHRISTMAS Blurb:

Secrets abound in Benson's Bakery. A crazed Santa wants something valuable hidden inside the building, and only two things stand in his way...Jake and Sara. 

When Sara Henderson receives threatening letters just days before Christmas, she asks sexy bread baker Jake Benson for help. Jake is more than happy to provide the muscle to keep the beautiful cake decorator from harm, but he has an ulterior motive--to steal a kiss under the mistletoe. Sara wants that kiss as much as he does, but first they have a mystery to solve. 

Will they find out who is stalking Sara, or will Santa succeed in stealing Christmas?

Excerpt: 

Once Tori arrived, Sara returned to the office.  Jake stood in the prep area, still up to his elbows in dough.  He glanced up as she walked by.  “I’m going with you to the bank.”

“You’re behind on the breads. I can take Tori with me or wait until Seth gets back.”

“I won’t be that long, Sara.”

She faced him.  “Neither will I.”

He plopped a portion of dough on a scale, checking the weight before rounding it in a ball.  “I’ll be done by the time you’re finished with the deposit.”

She groaned.  He wouldn’t leave her alone until she agreed to his company.  “Fine, I’ll even start the car to give you extra time.”

Jake inclined his head and continued his task.  Sara studied the way he manipulated the dough, used the heels of his hands to push the bread away and his strong fingers to fold it over and bring it back.  Over and over, he tugged and pulled, kneading and twisting.  For a moment, Sara envisioned him doing the same thing to her, even when he occasionally pinched the dough to see if it was ready.

“You’re staring,” he said.

She swallowed.  “I wasn’t.  How long will the dough take to rise?”

“Depends on how much heat and moisture it gets.”

“What happens if there’s too much heat and moisture?”  She met and held his gaze.

“The dough gets too sticky and it won’t rise as much.”  He never stopped moving his hands. 

She wondered what would get a rise out of him.  “I-I’ll be in the office.”

He rounded the dough.  “I’ll be here.”

She spun on her heel and bumped into the door, her face burned when he laughed behind her. Head held high she entered the office and closed the door.  What was she doing thinking about Jake like that?  Could he really want to pursue something with her now? She put her hands to her flaming cheeks, glancing through the door window. He still had his eyes on her. She spun away, and leaned against the door, a hand over her racing heart. A faint smile brushed the corners of her mouth as she went to the safe and pulled out the deposit.

Ten minutes later Sara had the money bundled, her change order ready, and her coat on.  She stepped out of the office, digging in her purse for her keys.  “I’m starting the car.  It’s snowing again.”

“Wait for me. I just have to wash my hands.”  Jake placed the last of the dough in loaf pans.

“My car is three feet from the door.”  She shook her head.  “I’m just warming up the car!”

He chuckled.  “I still have to wash my hands.”

With a huff, Sara stepped into the back alley and slammed the door.  She paused, thumbing through the jumble of keys for the right one and peered around the drab gray world.  Her car wasn’t exactly three feet from the door, more like thirty.  She pulled her hood over her ebony hair and started forward.

She was perfectly capable of going to the bank by herself, but now that she was in a winter wonderland alone, her bravado failed.  Sara crunched across the snow, bare asphalt peeking through in spots.  The keys jangled as her foot slid on an icy patch. She stuttered stepped and came to a bone-jarring halt. That could’ve been bad, she’d have to throw down more salt. Drawing in a deep breath, she moved forward again.

Rough hands seized her jacket.

Sara struggled for purchase while jerking away from her assailant.  How could she have been so stupid? Panic turned her limbs to jelly, her breath came in stuttered gasps. She had to get away. His strong grip held her purse and jacket.  She pried at his hands, but he refused to release her.  Twisting in his grasp, she stared into his cold eyes, his thin lips curling into a sneer.

“Let go!” she shouted.

“Give me what I want!”

Sara wrenched away from him, ripping her coat.  He struggled to retain his grip, yanking the purse tangled around her arm. If she could get enough room to maneuver she could get away. His fingers slipped. She raised her foot and kicked, her boot connecting with his shin.  He howled, but didn’t release her.

He seized her arms, lifting her. Sucking in a breath, she squirmed this way and that to break his hold. Santa’s sleeve fell back. Her eyes fastened on the bit of ink ringing his wrist. She struggled harder. A shriek left her lips and disappeared into the snow. She kicked her legs, hoping to connect with a body part. Nothing but air. He swung her around. She should’ve waited. The door scraped open. He gave her one final, violent shake, dropped her and fled.

 

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