Sneak Peek Sunday - T.M. Franklin

Today, we get a sneak peek at the fun upcoming release from T.M. Franklin!

Summary

Seventeen-year-old Oliver Wendell Holmes (Yes, his parents are just that peculiar, but his brother’s name is Sherlock, so it could have been worse) knows that he’s different. He’s quirky, awkward, and he’s okay with that. Oliver also likes making lists—meticulous procedures for achieving his goals, step-by-step. Whether it’s “How to Get an A in Chemistry” or “How to Get Accepted to MIT,” he has a process, and it’s worked for him so far. He doesn’t even care that the popular kids mock him. Oliver’s got his eye on the prize.

So when he decides it’s time to declare his feelings for Ainsley Bishop, the girl of his dreams, it’s only natural for him to make a list—a point-by-point strategy to win her heart. He knows it will take a grand gesture for her to see all he has to offer, and her approaching birthday provides the ideal opportunity for Oliver to put his plan into action.

Finding the perfect gift is a challenge Oliver meets with his usual dogged determination. He’ll need to watch her carefully for clues to pinpoint exactly what he should give her. And along the way, he might just learn that what Ainsley really needs is not quite what he expected.

Excerpt

I hesitated for a moment, scanning the parking lot as I tried to decide whether I should approach her or continue on. On the one hand, it was a chance to interact with Ainsley without interruption. On the other hand, it was a chance to interact with Ainsley without interruption. I gulped, my mouth suddenly dry. After all, it was one thing to have a list, a plan of action. It was often another thing to implement that plan when the object of your affection made you feel like you might throw up at any moment.

I was pretty sure that would not aid my cause.

On the other hand, she was sitting there all alone and looking a little sad, if I wasn’t mistaken. And yes, I realized that was three hands, but I was kind of panicking a bit and unsure what to do and counting hands was a low priority at that moment.

“Oliver?” Ainsley looked up and waved, effectively making the decision for me.

I took a deep breath in a fruitless attempt to calm my racing heartbeat and put on what I hoped was a casual, yet friendly, expression as I made my way to her. She smiled, and I remembered that might be a good idea. To smile. So I did.

“Hi,” I said, my voice cracking. It always chose the most inopportune times to do that.

Ainsley was too nice to point it out, though. “Hi,” she said.

“Are you, uh . . .” I could do this. I could be brave. I could take the bull by the horns or the girl by the . . . whatever. “Do you need a ride or, uh, something?”

Good. That was good. Not too pushy, but helpful. I was a helpful guy. I could be helpful. Of course, then she’d be in the cab of my truck with me. A closed-in area where I’d have to make conversation without making a fool of myself. I felt the panic edging up again.

“Oh, no, that’s okay,” she said, waving a hand toward the football field. “I’m waiting for Ian. He’ll be done soon.”

Oh. I wasn’t sure if I felt disappointed or relieved. Disappointed. A little relieved. But mostly disappointed. “Okay then. I’ll just . . .” I made a vague gesture over my shoulder as I started to back away. I really needed to practice these interactions in front of the mirror or something.

“I was surprised to see you at practice,” she said, stopping me in my tracks. “I mean, no offense, but Drama Club doesn’t really seem like your kind of thing.”

Despite my strongest efforts to keep it down, a flush inched its way up my neck. “Oh . . . no. Yeah. It’s totally. My thing that is. Drama Club. Very Drama-clubby. I am. I mean.” I reached up to tug at my hair. Why couldn’t I form complete sentences? “I like plays,” I said finally, pleased that at least that made some kind of sense.

Want to read more? Well, here's your chance - a signed print ARC of How to Get Ainsley Bishop to Fall in Love with You is up for grabs - so Enter now for a chance to WIN!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

How to Get Ainsley Bishop to Fall in Love with You

by T.M. Franklin

Giveaway ends April 22, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

BLOGGERS: If you'd like to request an ARC of Ainsley for review - or sign up for the blog tour in June - do it here!

Ainsley will be released JUNE 12, 2014!!

Tempting Tuesdays ~ Pineapple Ham Casserole

For a lighter version of an Easter dinner or a delicious spring time meal, this recipe adapted from Taste of Home will do the trick.

Ingredients

2 cups of uncooked noodles (suggest spiral or wide egg noodles)
3 tablespoons of butter (divided)
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese
3/4 cup milk
2 cups of fully cooked ham, cubed
16 ounces of crushed pineapple
2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash of pepper
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes

Cook noodles according to package directions, then drain.

In large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add cream cheese and milk and stir until cheese is melted. Stir in noodles, ham, pineapple, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire.

Transfer to 9x13 baking dish. Melt remaining butter and toss with breadcrumbs or cornflakes then sprinkle over top. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Saturday Snapshots: 4/12/14

Saturday Snapshots is a picture prompt brought to you by Author to Author, meant to inspire the creative genius within you.

Maybe you'll be moved to write flash fiction for it, perhaps it will kick start an old idea for a novel, or it may inspire a new short story. Whatever it does, we hope you'll enjoy these images around the web.

If inspiration does hit, we hope you'll post a snippet in the comments.

Today's image: Ferris Wheel

Photo Credit: http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5304180/il_fullxfull.279553922.jpg?ref=l2

The Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

April 9, 2014

The Sweet Romantic Hero – A Myth in Contemporary Romance?

Admittedly, I’m new to the publishing game. My love stories are sweet, contemporary romances with happy-ever-afters featuring male characters who adore their women. My men are patient, kind, sweet, and devoted.

According to some reviewers, my guys are also a little too perfect.

I had no idea this type of man was such a myth in contemporary romance, but according to some, these qualities in a man are unrealistic. As a new author, it makes it difficult to find a home in the writing world.

As a woman, it makes me sad.

In my latest novel, Mountain Charm, Dylan Thomas is a Nashville reporter who has been sent to the Smoky Mountains to write a story about Appalachian witchcraft. He falls hard for Angelina Clark, an Appalachian witch who had cast a love spell when she was a young girl. Dylan is stubborn and bitter—thanks to his father leaving when he was a toddler. Dylan also has quite a temper, especially where Angelina is concerned. He tends to act before he thinks, and he ends up in jail twice during the course of the book because of his short fuse. To me, Dylan is incredibly flawed, despite the fact he is very much in love with Angelina and treats her well.

Are fictional guys only realistic when they treat their women like crap? Or, do they have to be tattooed “alpha males” with rock-hard abs (not that there’s anything wrong with that) to keep the attention of today’s reader?

Maybe nice guys really do finish last, which is a shame, because women deserve nothing less than to be adored—in fiction and in real life.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

 By A2A Member and Contributor, Sydney Logan. http://www.sydneylogan.com  

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

It's Release Week for April Emerson

Check out the latest release news, blog tour, and Rafflecopter giveaway for The Righteous & The Wicked! http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/

Join Sandi Layne for a Christian Romance Discussion

Sandi Layne will be discussing Christian Romances on the Hummingbird Place on blogtalk radio on Monday, 4/24 at 7:45pm Eastern. www.blogtalkradio.com/hummingbirdplace Up for discussion will be Life, Books, and other Romance Industry issues. Their website is: http://www.thehummingbirdplace.com

Join A2A Authors for Some Viking Excitement!

Lissa Bryan and Sandi Layne are watching VIKINGS on History Channel. Not only do they live-tweet the episodes (@LissaBryan & @sandyquill), they do a day-after recap/discussion. Here's the latest from episode four: http://sandyquill.com/.../eye-for-an-eye-vikings-episode-4/

 

Join Lindsey Gray's Blog Hop and Giveaway

 A2A Author Lindsey Gray is participating in the Celebrate Romance Blog Hop! There is a great list of Romance Novels and their beautiful covers plus eBooks and soaps from The Soap BARista to giveaway! Giveaway ends 4/11. http://lindsey-gray.blogspot.com/.../talking-book-covers...

Enter a Book Trailer Contest!

Join Sherri Hayes and enter to win a signed copy of The Finding Anna series! All entries must be submitted by 04/15/2014! http://sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/2014/04/win-signed-copy-of-finding-anna-series.html?zx=7d7e0b13d1c32b72

Wednesday's Weird Word

Cynosure

A person who is the center of attention.

Oddly enough this word originates from astronomy, referring to the dog's tail in Greek, kunosoura. This term was used by Greek sailors to describe the handle of the Little Dipper. Like most sailors of the time, they greatly depended on astronomy for navigation. Hence the 'center of attention' meaning!

Thank you for reading this edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again in two weeks for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful day!

Tempting Tuesdays ~ Carrot Cake Cheesecake Cake

When Easter time rolls around, all I can think of are chocolate eggs and anything to do with carrots. I like to do things with a twist. Twisting this recipe from Food, Forks, and Fun became a delicacy of which I've never tasted before. My simplified carrot cake recipe with their cheesecake recipe and directions is what I'm giving you today. 

Ingredients

Carrot Cake

1 box yellow cake mix (make according to box directions)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla

1 cup finely shredded carrots (2 medium)

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Cheesecake Layer

2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature

2/3 cup sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1/3 cup sour cream

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

3 teaspoons vanilla

Cream Cheese Icing

2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups ground walnuts (optional)

Cheesecake Layer

Arrange oven racks by placing one at the lowest position and the other at the second-lowest position. Fill a 9x13-inch metal pan half full with water and place on the lowest oven rack and preheat to 325 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray and set aside.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese on medium speed until creamy. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese on medium speed until creamy

and no more lumps, about 1 minute. With the mixer still running add the sugar in slowly and beat until fully incorporated. Add the eggs and beat until blended. Add the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla; mixing until fully incorporated and smooth. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Pour batter into the prepared pan smooth into an even layer. Place on the second-lowest rack and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the middle jiggles slightly.

Run a paring knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the sides of the pan. Place the cheesecake on the wire rack and cool completely, about 90 minutes. Once the cheesecake is cool, wrap in foil and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Carrot Cake

Place oven rack in the center position of the oven and preheat to 325-degrees F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray. 

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix cake batter according to directions with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla on low speed until combined. Add the carrots and walnuts and mix until evenly distributed. Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared 9-inch pans and smooth into even layers.

Bake both pans on the center rack for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool the cakes in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edges of the pans to loosen the cakes. Invert the pans and place the cakes in the wire rack to cool completely, about 90 minutes.

Cream Cheese Icing

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on low speed until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add the butter and beat until just incorporated and smooth, about 15-30 seconds (DO not over-mix!). Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and mix just until blended and smooth (again, don't over-mix).

To Assemble

Remove the cheesecake from the freezer, remove the foil, and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Place one of the carrot cake layers on a cake pedestal lined with parchment squares.

Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan (running a paring knife along the bottom edge of the pan as needed to loosen the cheesecake) and place on a cutting board. Using a paring knife, trim the cheesecake to fit between the layers of carrot cake.

Place the cheesecake on top of the carrot cake and top with the remaining carrot cake layer. Frost with a thin crumb coat

and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

To Finish

Ice the cake with the remaining icing and gently press the walnuts onto the sides of the cake. Remove the parchment squares, cover the cake and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did!

Cheesec

Jennifer Garcia's Review of Dog Gone, Back Soon by Nick Trout

Dog Gone, Back Soon by Nick Trout

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cyrus is a wonderful character and this was a great story. A romance that was very different than what I had expected. This was so much fun, as Dr. Mills diagnosed animals. I found it interesting and exciting, especially since I'm a huge dog fan.

Cyrus Mills was a reclusive, curious, analytical, nosy man, and movie buff that solved incredible health mysteries. I loved the way his mind worked and being inside it made for a great read. Most of the time, his thoughts were inappropriate but hilarious. And Cyrus was not the only awesome character, there were so many more.

There was a bit of romance in the book, which was a nice surprise. However, I honestly believe the story would have been just fine without it.

Trout told an amazing story and I recommend it to anyone that loves a great cast of characters, dogs, interesting veterinarian cases, solving medical mysteries, and an amazing hero.

Summary:

When Dr. Cyrus Mills returned home after inheriting his estranged father's veterinary practice, The Bedside Manor for Sick Animals, the last thing he wanted was to stay in Eden Falls, Vermont, a moment longer than absolutely necessary. However, the previously reclusive veterinarian pathologist quickly found that he actually enjoyed treating animals and getting to know the eccentric residents of the tiny provincial town-especially an alluring waitress named Amy.
So Cyrus is now determined to make Bedside Manor thrive. Not an easy goal, given that Healthy Paws, the national veterinary chain across town, will stop at nothing to crush its mom-and-pop competitor. And the rival vet practice isn't Cyrus's only competition; a handsome stranger shows up out of nowhere who clearly has a mysterious past with Amy. To top it off, Cyrus finds himself both the guardian of a very unique orphaned dog and smack in the middle of serious small town drama.
This charming sequel to The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs is a wild and delightful ride through one jam- packed week, where Cyrus must figure out how to outsmart the evil veterinary conglomerate, win back Amy's heart, solve several tricky veterinary cases, find a home for an orphaned dog, and detangle himself from an absurd case of mistaken identity. DOG GONE, BACK SOON brims with Nick Trout's trademark humor, charm, and captivating animal stories, and is proof that all dogs, lost or not, on four feet or two, deserve a second chance.
View all my reviews

Tempting Tuesdays ~ Apple Pie Cake

Sometimes you just need a dash of an American favorite, Apple Pie. Oh, but all the work! This recipe from good old Betty Crocker takes the hassle out of making a pie crust by substituting your favorite yellow cake mix. Grabbing a peeler and going to town on a half a dozen apples is the hardest part of the recipe. What a great reward you'll have when you're done!

Ingredients

Topping
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, cut into small pieces

Apple Mixture
6 apples, peeled and thinly sliced
3 Tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Cake
1 box yellow cake mix (follow instructions on box to make your batter)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 13x9-inch pan with baking spray.

For topping, mix together brown sugar, flour, and salt. With a fork, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Set aside.

In another bowl, gently stir apple mixture ingredients together then set aside.

In a large bowl, mix your cake mix according to box instructions. Pour batter into pan.

Layer apple mixture evenly over the cake batter.

Sprinkle topping evenly over the top.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely before cutting, approximately 30 minutes.

Sprinkle with a little powdered sugar if you wish.

Best served warm for breakfast, dessert, or even a midnight snack.

Enjoy!