Stocking Stuffers for the Holidays

There’s still time to shop! Here are just a few of the inexpensive items I’ve purchased for family members and friends.

For the adults on your list:

For Teens:

For Kids:

As an Amazon, Nook, and iTunes Associate, Awesome Romance Blog earns from qualifying purchases. This post may contain paid links.

Unforgettable Christmas Miracles #99cents #Kindle

IT'S THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND CHRISTMAS IS ALL AROUND!

At this time of year, the fortunate rejoice with family and friends, but there are some who will have to rely on fate for their Christmas blessings. Enjoy stories of how these people find romance. Immerse yourself in their happiness as they delight in their newfound joy on that special day.

Celebrate the season with ELEVEN New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Authors as they spin a variety of romances – second-chances, romantic comedies, small-town, paranormal, historical, beach-theme love stories, and more – in this Unforgettable Miracles of Christmas collection.

UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS MIRACLES is available for Kindle readers.

This 11-Book Anthology is also available for Kindle Unlimited Members.

Books in this set -

Mimi Barbour: Christmas Is For Everyone - Blizzards, puppies, and lost people. Ginny rescues an old man from freezing and his handsome son saves her and her son from being evicted. Will these strangers discover the true meaning of sharing at Christmas? A small-town, caring family romance.

Rebecca York: Christmas Captive - His life was in her hands. Was it attempted murder or a boating accident? Psychic nurse Hannah puts her life at risk by investigating the conniving relatives who want to inherit the comatose man’s fortune. A paranormal romance.

Leanne Banks: The Billionaire’s Holiday Proposition – Falling for her had not been in his plans. Would she believe him? A billionaire romance.

Rachelle Ayala: Nick’s Christmas Ride – Nick Jolly's antique convertible turns into a wild ride when his best friend and secret crush, Hayley, chooses three social media starlets for his Christmas-promotional dates. Two irascible Texas Hold’em playing ancestors, three social media narcissists, an old-time fiddler, and a flying car seems kind of normal for Nick Jolly and Hayley Brockman's unexpected Christmas Creek romance. A fun romantic comedy.

Stephanie Queen: Small Town Glamour Girl Christmas – What chance does a poor small-town girl have at a romance with a rich big city boy? Julie and Jack had a special connection a long time ago as kids, but does he remember that time? The magic and charm of the small-town Christmas rekindles their connection, but would her small-town life be enough for the billionaire? A small-town, second-chance romance.

Yes, there's more!
Josie Riviera: Candleglow and Mistletoe – Their unexpected attraction kindles something as warm and sweet as a holiday candle. But the weight of their pasts could turn the promise of their love to ashes. A small town, sweet and wholesome romance.

Susanne Matthews: Forever In My Heart – There's nothing Michael Branscomb won't do for his brother, including marrying the woman his twin wronged, but will Callie give him a chance? A contemporary marriage-of-convenience romance.

Traci Hall: Mistletoe Christmas – West Coast – Fireworks ignite when a retired Navy officer inherits a seaside cottage, accidentally burning down the deck his first day only to be saved by a sexy firewoman and the station’s dog. Set in their ways, can Mistletoe over the holiday be the miracle they both need? A contemporary military romance.

Dani Haviland: Chasing Christmas – Only love could be sweeter than freedom. When Samuel arrived to ask her to join his tribe, rescued slave Annie thought her life couldn’t get any sweeter. But it did. 18th century American Native historical romance.

Taylor Lee: Reckoning – Christmas Finale – Nothing will keep Cal from marrying Scarlett, the beautiful blonde media sensation. But the crooked Attorney General is going to try. Romantic suspense.

Nancy Radke: The Bend In the Canyon – His wedding was scheduled in two weeks. Only a miracle could bring them together. A sweet, western romance.

 

Healthy Greek Yogurt Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

 I’ve been dieting for just over a month. You could say I’m preparing for the upcoming holidays. :::grin::: I’ve taken off over 10 pounds using 2 methods – intermittent fasting and eating in a calorie deficit. This seems to be the formula that works for me, but, of course, everyone is different. However, the point of this blog is to let you know that I’ve come up with a salad dressing that is tasty, fat-free, and low in calories. I hope you’ll try it. Let me know in the comments if you like it.

 

Greek Yogurt Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Makes about 3/4 cup of dressing (6 servings)    

Serving size: 2 tablespoons

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Greek Fat-Free Yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Buttermilk Powder
• 1 teaspoon Granulated Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Granulated Onion Powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Fresh Lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Zest

• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Dill Weed
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• Pinch of White Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Water (to thin)
• 1/2 teaspoon Honey (optional)

Directions:

1.    Add all ingredients to a glass jar and shake to combine. Store in the refrigerator. For best flavor, allow to sit for at least 4 hours. Shake before serving. Keeps for up to 1 week in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

 

At just 20 calories for a generous 2 tablespoon serving, this dressing is good on green salads or grain salads. It’s also good drizzled on fresh vegetables (carrots, celery, zucchini, etc.). I also use this to make egg salad.

 

The Summer of Sorrow and Dance by Liz Flaherty

Book 3 in the Second Chances Series is here! 

In the midst of a summer of change, they’re both searching for an anchor.

Dinah is a mom, a giver, and a doer, so she’s used to change, but this summer is kind of overdoing that. The diner where she’s worked for half her life is closing, her college-age kids aren’t coming home for the summer, and a property on nearby Cooper Lake is calling her name, bringing long-held dreams of owning a B & B to the fore. Newcomer Zach Applegate is entering into her dreams, too.

Divorced dad, contractor, and recovering alcoholic Zach is in Fallen Soldier, Pennsylvania, to visit his brother and to decide what’s coming next in his life. He doesn’t like change much, yet it seems to be everywhere. But he finds an affinity for remodeling and restoration, is overjoyed when his teenage sons join him for the summer, and he likes Dinah Tyler, too. A lot.

Dinah and Zach each experience sorrow and tumult, but go on to dance in the kitchen. Together, they have something, but is it enough?

What readers are saying:

“A beautiful story told in Flaherty's unmistakable style…”

“This story has it all, a family secret, victory over addiction, and grabbing onto a sweet, second chapter of life that comes unexpectedly.”

Find this New Release:

Kindle

This book is available for Kindle Unlimited Members.

Look for other titles in the Second Chances Series:

A Year of Firsts, Book 1

Reinventing Riley, Book 2

As an Amazon, Nook, and iTunes Associate, Awesome Romance Blog earns from qualifying purchases. This post may contain paid links.

  

The Fireman's Christmas Wish by Nan Reinhardt

Book 3 of the Lange Brothers Series

Her heart is wide open, but he’s nailed his shut.

Preschool teacher Harley Cole has always viewed life through rose-colored glasses. With a career she loves, friends she enjoys, and a home that is her haven, there’s only one thing missing—finding her soul mate. As the holidays approach, Harley is inspired to help her former high school crush rediscover his holiday joy. It’s just a good deed...until the feelings she thought were gone come rushing back.

Fire Chief Becker Lange returns home to River’s Edge with a heavy heart. His divorce has emotionally ravaged him, leaving him more confused than ever about what women want. So to protect himself from another failure, he closes his heart. And then Harley Cole makes him a flirty dare that she can help him overcome the holiday blues. Beck’s not sure he wants to, but Harley’s a hard woman to tell no.

Can the magic of Christmas and a sweet stray kitten bring these two lonely souls together?

What readers are saying:

“A story of opposites attract … A delightful Christmas romance.”

“This story is going to stay with me a long time. I was so involved in it and didn’t want to see it end.”

Find this New Release:

Kindle 

Nook 

Kobo 

Apple iBooks 

Also available in Paperback 

Look for the other books in the Lange Brothers Series:

The Valentine Wager, Bk 1

Falling for the Doctor, Bk 2

As an Amazon, Nook, and iTunes Associate, Awesome Romance Blog earns from qualifying purchases. This post may contain paid links.

Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread #Recipe

This chocolate zucchini bread is dense, moist, and has a decadently rich chocolate flavor. I started out with this recipe and did a little fiddling. I scrapped the honey and increased the brown sugar. I used butter where they called for oil. And I doubled the amount of vanilla and espresso powder. If you don’t have espresso powder or instant coffee, leave it out, but the coffee really enhances the chocolate flavor. The loaf doesn’t taste a bit like coffee, I promise. 

 

Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (also called black cocoa)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder or instant coffee granules
• 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
• 1 cup dark chocolate chunks

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F degrees and grease a 9” x 5” loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Mix together the melted butter and the brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs and vanilla. Stir until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and espresso powder. Add to the butter mixture and stir well. Batter will be very thick.
4. Using a sturdy spoon, mix the zucchini and chocolate chunks. Batter will be thick and stiff (think of the muscles you're developing!) 
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread batter into all corners of the pan. Use a silicone (or rubber) spatula to get every bit of batter from the bowl. Smooth the top, evenly. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool for 15 minutes before turning out onto a cooling rack. 

Enjoy! And Happy Autumn! 

1.

Christmas in July AND Cherry Clafoutis #Recipe

 Dictionary.com pronounces “clafoutis” as Klah-foo-tee and defines the dessert as “a tart made of fruit, especially cherries, baked in a thick, sweet batter.” I define is as absolutely decadent and delicious, and a perfect way to use the beautiful cherries that are now in season. I believe home-cook-turned-TV-icon Julia Child first introduced this dessert to Americans after she had spent years living in France.

 

I’ve seen recipes for this custardy fruit tart call for all different measurements of flour and sugar. Some recipes call for melted butter, others do not. I wasn’t sure which recipe was best. That’s why I decided to nail down this recipe for myself. The end result of the recipe below is a delicious, fruit-filled, custardy delight that will have your friends and family screaming for another slice.

Easy Fresh Cherry Clafoutis 

• 1 tablespoon butter for greasing the dish
• 1 lb. stemmed and pitted fresh cherries
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Confectioners Sugar for dusting (optional)

 

1.    Preheat oven to 350° F. Use the 1 tablespoon of butter to grease the bottom and sides of a 10-inch quiche pan. Set the pan aside.

2.    Wash, dry, stem and pit the fresh cherries. For a tart filled with fruit, there should be 1 pound of pitted fruit for the tart so start out with over 1 pound. Add the cherries to the tart pan and spread into an even layer.

3.    Crack the 3 eggs into a bowl and beat until well combined. Add the sugar and beat for 1 minute.

4.    Add the 1/4 cup melted butter, heavy cream, milk, salt, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and beat until all ingredients are combined.

5.    Pour the batter over the cherries. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is puffed and golden. The Clafoutis will deflate after it cools. 

Feel free to substitute other fruit for the cherries—blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, sliced peaches, strawberries—any fruit that is in season. I have made this with frozen berries. The result tastes just as delicious. However, it isn’t as pretty as when using fresh fruit because frozen fruit tends to bleed its juices into the custard.

 

This month, I’m celebrating Christmas in July by pricing my 3 holiday romances at just 99¢. I hope the books will help you ho-ho-ho your way through the rest of the month.

 

Her Mr. Miracle

An Almost Perfect Christmas

Grown-Up Christmas List

I am an Amazon Associate and I earn a few pennies when you click on a link and make a purchase. 

 

Carrot Loaf Cake #Recipe for #Foodies

I decided to do something nice for myself this weekend, so I baked a Carrot Loaf Cake. I’m the only one who eats dessert in my house, so didn’t want a huge cake. This loaf cake is the perfect size for a small get together. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try.

Carrot Loaf Cake 

For the Loaf Cake:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, sunflower)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups carrot, peeled and grated (3 to 4 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup walnut pieces
• 1/2 cup coconut chips
• Optional add-in: 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries 

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1.    Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9-inch x 5-inch loaf pan with baking spray. Set aside.

2.    Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until thoroughly combined. Set aside.

3.    In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, brown sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Fold in the grated carrot, nuts, coconut chips, and any optional add-ins.

4.    Spread the batter evenly in the loaf pan and tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. About half way through baking, take a look at the loaf. If it looks brown on the top, lay a piece of aluminum foil loosely over top to prevent over-browning. Ovens vary, so watch your loaf carefully. The cake is done when a wooden toothpick is inserted near the center of the loaf and comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool in the pan.

5.    While the loaf is cooling, make the frosting. The easiest method is to use an electric mixer. Beat together the cream cheese and the butter until combined and creamy. Add the sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat on low setting until smooth, creamy, and spreadable.

6.    Remove cake from pan and top with frosting. The sides should remain bare. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

This month, I am offering ROMANCE BEACH BUNDLE 2 for just 99¢. You save $7 off the regular price for while month of May.

What’s better than a day at the beach? That would be a day at the beach with a bundle of romance novels!

This offer is available for Kindle readers. Simply click here. Or click the image below.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a few pennies from links that lead to the Amazon Store.

 

Heroes Fighting for a Cause ~ Help #Ukraine

Help the People of Ukraine

All proceeds from this anthology – 100% – will go to Ukrainian refugee relief.

Read romance stories about heroes fighting to protect and serve, heroes fighting for a cause. Enjoy novels by TEN Award-Winning, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Authors, PLUS two bonus stories.

This anthology will be available for a limited time only.

We are romance authors and like everyone, we are heartsick about the plight of Ukrainian refugees, so we decided to do what we do in and put together this anthology in support of the cause. We hope you, as romance readers, will do what you do, and read our books in support of the cause.

Thank you and enjoy.

Click here to order this Boxed Set.

3 Ocean City Boardwalk Books on Sale for #99cents

On Sale for 99¢ Each ~ Save $9

The first three books of the OCEAN CITY BOARDWALK SERIES feature 3 best friends who live and work in the seaside town of Ocean City, Maryland, where life for three enterprising women, Sara, Heather, and Cathy, isn’t just fun in the sun—love is waiting on those sandy shores!

FOLLOWING HIS HEART, Book 1

Sara Carson is a 30-something widow with a busy life. Two fun-loving best friends, a caring mom who needs her, and a thriving sweet shop. What more could a woman want? But when the ancient plumbing in her shop springs a leak and a gorgeous, dark-eyed stranger rushes to her rescue, hilarity unfolds—and Sara quickly sees exactly what she’s been missing.

Something most peculiar draws Landon Richards to Ocean City, Maryland—and to the lovely Sara. This woman touches his heart like no other, and the two of them explore the heady attraction that pulses between them. But haunting dreams have a way of encroaching on reality, and the strange phenomenon that brings these two together will also threaten to tear them apart.

 

TWO HEARTS IN WINTER, Book 2

Loss and betrayal have caused Heather Phillips to give up on love. She’s thrown herself into running The Lonely Loon, her Bed and Breakfast located on the boardwalk of Ocean City, Maryland. The “off season” in this tourist town is usually a time of rest and reflection for her; however, DB Atwell, a famous author, arrives at The Loon for the winter to finish his long-overdue novel. Daniel, too, has faced grief, and tragedy continues to haunt him. Once Heather and Daniel meet, their lives will never be the same.

Reminiscent of Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks and culminating in a happily-ever-after similar to the great Nora Roberts, Two Hearts in Winter is a story about learning to let go of the past, about realizing that, though hardship affects us, it need not define us, and about coming to understand and truly believe that beauty is sometimes covered in scars. The human heart has an amazing ability to forgive, to heal, and to hope, especially when touched by love.

WILD HEARTS OF SUMMER, Book 3

Cathy Whitley’s two best friends, Sara and Heather, may have found the men of their dreams… and that’s all well and good for them. But that’s not going to happen to Cathy. She allowed love to catch her off-guard once and it drained her, body and soul. She’ll never let it happen again.

Brad Henderson has been chasing Cathy for years. He’s settled for their on-again-off-again, “friends with bennies” relationship for far longer than he expected. Attempting to navigate the rip currents surrounding her heart has left him swimming in circles.

Then Brad inherits a business that changes everything overnight. He is stunned and wonders if his new life will draw Cathy closer—or push her further out of reach.

One way or the other, it’s time to draw a line in the sand…

Other titles in the OCEAN CITY BOARDWALK SERIES:

An Almost Perfect Christmas, Book 4

Grown Up Christmas List, Book 5

The Wedding Planner’s Son, Book 6

Second Chance Valentine, Book 7

Her Mr. Miracle, Book 8

As an Amazon, Nook, and iTunes Associate, Awesome Romance Blog earns from qualifying purchases. This post may contain paid links.