Life's Adventures: Trips and Trauma

This summer has been a real mixed bag of highs and lows. 

On the high side, one of my books was chosen for a BookBub Featured Deal. Now that was a trip. I've tried numerous times, but they only let 20% of the submission pay the outrageous price for the one day ad. The thing is, that one day equals lots of exposure. This is the book: The Art of Love and Murder, Wild Horse Peaks book 1 

On the low side, our granddaughter is preteen and not inclined to spend a week with us on her summer break. 

On the high side, she loves spending time with us in general so we snatched her for a day of fun in Phoenix. 

And another high side, is she and I had a girl day of shopping and laziing around a hotel that night. 

We talked and laughed so much.

On the low side, FDW had to schedule numerous medical appointments for an upcoming surgery.

On the high side, we managed a trip for a hotel stay and dinner at a very fun place in Scottsdale. This interactive dinner show has locations all over the U.S. I recommend them. Kind of pricy, the food is good, and the
show is fun. 

You get to cheer for your knight in armor too! Ours won.

On the high side, got my trip to Prescott for a chocolate martini with my sister to celebrate her birthday.

On the low side, FDW's shoulder replacement surgery was a miserable day. We were the first ones in at 6 a.m. and the last ones out at 4:00 p.m. Little things like the bloc didn't take so the pain was off the charts when he woke up. They shot him up with opioids which he has reactions to. They finally gave him a second bloc which took. But about the time he was relaxing with less pain, the opioid reactions set in and he was sick. 

On the high side, the reactions passed. The surgeon said the new shoulder looks great. All went well. So...all will be great in a few months.

On the low side, since his right arm is out of commission, I am doing all those things he normally does around here. Wow! Do I need this guy.

On the high side, my exhaustion and grumpiness is temporary. We're heading into the last day of summer. If you haven't heard...I HATE SUMMER. But yes, it is on the way out.

And...the 4th book in the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery books is up for preorder (eBook) and print is available now. We're told it's the best one yet!  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FK3P31T5

In the Book: New Release and Giveaway

Blogging about life's adventures and books...

Adventures past, present, or future. And my books--then and now. 

Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder is the third book in the cozy mystery adventures of sisters Nicole Earp and Emma Banefiled, Nic and Em. The book released to the world yesterday, April 30th. This story was great fun to write and promises even more enjoyment to read. We're on tour with the book, and you can catch all the excitement as well as a chance at a $20 giveaway. Hope to see you there! 

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE 

May 1 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading – REVIEW

May 2 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

May 2 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

May 3 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 4 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

May 5 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

May 5 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

May 6 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST

May 7 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 7 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 8 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

May 9 – Brooke Blogs – RECIPE POST

May 10 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 11 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

May 12 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHTWITH EXCERPT

May 13 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 14 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

In the Book

Blogging about life's adventures and books...

Adventures past, present, or future. And my books--then and now. 

I'm excited to announce the third book in the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mysteries, Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder, is up for preorder. The eBook will release on April 30...but you can preorder now for it to magically appear on your reader April 30.

ORDER YOU COPY BY CLICKING HERE

If you're a print book lover, you'll be able to order your copy on April 23rd.

Joyce and I feel Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder is going to delight you! The third book in this amateur sleuths, cozy mystery series will have you chuckling and on the edge of your seat as the sisters solve the murder.

It’s a rib cookoff…with a recipe for murder. 

Nicole Earp and Emma Banefield are celebrating another birthday at the Dulce Inn with the added fun of a rib cookoff in the park. Not only are chocolate martinis in their plans, Nic has her heart set on winning the cornbread contest. But as the excitement bakes, someone is stirring up trouble for the inn and its employees. 

Strange occurrences at the Dulce are on the rise. Slashed tires, menacing phone calls, and unsavory characters add a vibe that threatens the sisters’ anticipated fun-filled stay. When the hot-headed hotel owner is caught wielding a bloody letter opener over a dead coworker, the sisters are embroiled in a caper to help the one person who finds their sleuthing as welcomed as a rattlesnake in her bed. But is she innocent? 

The Chocolate Martini Sisters are primed to find out. First, they’ll have to eliminate a host of suspects that includes a dishonest restaurant owner, a jilted girlfriend, an ex-wife, the barkeeper, and a masseuse with a crush. If they can stay off the radar of the surly chief homicide detective long enough, they can put out the fire…unless the killer burns them first.

Would you like to read the first chapter? You can on my website: https://brendawhiteside.com/cornbred%2Crib%26murd-chp-one

The Mysterious Waukau #recipe

Back by popular demand! My cozy mystery writing partner for The Chocolate Martini Sisters Mysteries has a terrific recipe that appeared during our blog tour for the first book, Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder. I've been asked to share it again, so here it is. Thanks, Joyce!

Years ago, a sibling was kind enough to share with me his recipe for a raspberry pancake called a Waukau. I was intrigued with the unfamiliar name. Waukau? Was the word European or Native American? Curious, I prepared the batter following the simple directions. Once in the oven, a golden pancake arose, its edges crusty and slightly browned and filled the kitchen with a delicious aroma. Spread across the top like scarlet jewels, the berries glistened in their syrupy juices. What an impressive sight. My husband and I sat at the kitchen table, eager to have a bite. How yummy. We loved it. The sweet yet slightly tart berries against the spongy texture of egg gave a bright taste to breakfast. The best part, according to my husband, is the buttery edge. Soon the Waukau pancake became our Sunday morning go-to item.

So where did the name come from? I did a Wikipedia search. Outside the town of Rushford, WI is an unincorporated area called Waukau. According to the census taken in 2000, 178 people live there. Perhaps this is where the pancake evolved.  

At any rate, I’m certain The Chocolate Martini Sisters would have delighted in the unusual dish. Emma, one of the sisters and known for her sweet tooth, would savor the mix of sugary and tart berries. Too bad it wasn’t on the menu at the Dulce Inn where they stayed in Candy, Cigarettes and Murder.

The following recipe is one that I’ve adapted over time in response to my particular taste. It takes only minutes to prepare. Eaten alone or paired with bacon or sausage, it feeds about three or four adults. Give it a chance. You won’t be disappointed.

 Waukau (Berry Pancake)                                   

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup milk

2 eggs

½ tsp vanilla

3 T butter

Pint of raspberries

1/3 cup sugar

Oven heat: 375 degrees. Heat pan with butter in oven. (I use a heavy 10” stainless steel fry pan suitable for the oven)

Whisk flour and salt in medium bowl. Whisk milk, eggs and vanilla in small bowl.

Make a well in center of the flour mixture and add the milk mixture to the well. Whisk until combined. (A fork works well)

When pan is at oven temperature, pour batter into the oan. Scatter the berries over the batter, leaving one inch border around the edges. Sprinkle sugar over the berries, again avoiding the outer 1-inch border. Bake until the edges are puffed and deep golden brown, 40 – 45 minutes. 

Be careful not to burn your fingers when you take it from the oven.

Enjoy!

Joyce 

When Sisters Emma and Nic check in at the storied Dulce Inn for a relaxing, birthday weekend, they don’t expect a madhouse of temperamental artists or getting entangled in two murders. Using their love of all-things mystery, and despite a surly detective who stands in their way, can the Chocolate Martini Sisters tackle the caper, unsnarl the web of secrets, lies, and vengeance to catch the killer?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BQ9T7ZBX

 

Toast with a Chocolate Martini and Murder

MUSE MONDAY

Last week, my sister and I had our first chocolate martini of the year. We have one twice a year, once in the spring for her birthday and again in the fall for my birthday. We've been doing this for a few years now. We always go to the Hasayampa Inn in Prescott, Arizona and sit in the saloon called the Peacock Room. This tradition is what led to the cozy mystery series I am writing with co-author Joyce Proell. Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder released in March. Book two, Reading, Writing, and Murder is set to release in September.

Our fictional Chocolate Martini Sisters are Emma (Em) Banefield and Nicole (Nic) Earp. They find a lot more murder and mayhem at the Dulce Inn in our fictional town of Wyatt, Arizona than my sister and I find in the Peacock Room!

Over the next few weeks, I'll share some never before seen excerpts and photos of the inspiration behind this really fun to read series.

It’s a birthday weekend with the gift of murder.

The Inspiration Photos (could that be Em on the patio?) and new excerpt:

“Hakata and Guthrie must be in one of the event rooms is my take. They’re located down the hallway.” Thanks, she mouthed and gave the clerk a little wave. “If Guthrie’s there, I’m going to head outside and chill in a patio lounge chair. Care to join me?” 

“Hmmm.” Nic acted as though the proposition required deep contemplation, but her quick answer, as in instantaneous, suggested she’d already made other plans. “I’m going to mosey about for a bit.” 

She lifted one brow, amused. “Oh?” 

“Thought I’d wander to the dining room and maybe catch Dan Lee. Lunch hour isn’t in full swing yet. 

“On the prowl, eh? Are you thinking to provoke his temper again?” 

Nic glanced at her toes with a sheepish smile. “If Chef Payne hasn’t arrived yet, he might have time to talk. I want another go at him. Maybe he’ll reveal something more about Payne’s reaction to Shaw.” 

“Well…” She glanced at her phone for any messages. There weren’t any. “When you get hungry for lunch, partner, you know where to find me—in the great outdoors.” 

It didn’t surprise Emma to find the patio deserted at this time of morning, not on the first day of the art
fair. People didn’t hang around inside a hotel when they could be outside playing and shopping in perfect weather. The patio, constructed of dull red bricks, was located on the opposite side of the building from the Azul. Around its border, a row of trees strung with lights gave it a semi-secluded look. She took advantage of the shade of a decorative Japanese maple and stretched out in a lounge chair, wiggling her toes, and closed her eyes. A moment couldn’t get much better than this.  

For the first time since she’d set off with Nic earlier in the morning, she found herself alone. With no pleasant social distractions at hand, images of the murder scene flooded her mind. She winced at the sheer ugliness of murder. What a way to go, bludgeoned to death. Sometimes winding up dead was a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If this morning’s murder had been a random event, she could have easily been the victim. The alarming notion sent a cold shiver rippling over her body. 

BOOK LINKS

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon Canada 

Goodreads 

Bookbub

The Mysterious Waukau by Joyce Proell #recipe #cozymystery

 My Cozy Mystery partner, Joyce Proell has a great recipe I'd like to share. I just know my favorite beverage, a hot latte, would go perfect with this. So heat up that oven and give it a try!

Years ago, a sibling was kind enough to share with me his recipe for a raspberry pancake called a Waukau. I was intrigued with the unfamiliar name. Waukau? Was the word European or Native American? Curious, I prepared the batter following the simple directions. Once in the oven, a golden pancake arose, its edges crusty and slightly browned and filled the kitchen with a delicious aroma. Spread across the top like scarlet jewels, the berries glistened in their syrupy juices. What an impressive sight. My husband and I sat at the kitchen table, eager to have a bite. How yummy. We loved it. The sweet yet slightly tart berries against the spongy texture of egg gave a bright taste to breakfast. The best part, according to my husband, is the buttery edge. Soon the Waukau pancake became our Sunday morning go-to item.

So where did the name come from? I did a Wikipedia search. Outside the town of Rushford, WI is an unincorporated area called Waukau. According to the census taken in 2000, 178 people live there. Perhaps this is where the pancake evolved.  

At any rate, I’m certain The Chocolate Martini Sisters would have delighted in the unusual dish. Emma, one of the sisters and known for her sweet tooth, would savor the mix of sugary and tart berries. Too bad it wasn’t on the menu at the Dulce Inn where they stayed in Candy, Cigarettes and Murder.

CHOCOLATE MARTINI SISTERS MYSTERY

Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN96RS4G/

The following recipe is one that I’ve adapted over time in response to my particular taste. It takes only minutes to prepare. Eaten alone or paired with bacon or sausage, it feeds about three or four adults. Give it a chance. You won’t be disappointed.

 Waukau (Berry Pancake)                                   

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup milk

2 eggs

½ tsp vanilla

3 T butter

Pint of raspberries

1/3 cup sugar

Oven heat: 375 degrees. Heat pan with butter in oven. (I use a heavy 10” stainless steel fry pan suitable for the oven)

Whisk flour and salt in medium bowl. Whisk milk, eggs and vanilla in small bowl.

Make a well in center of the flour mixture and add the milk mixture to the well. Whisk until combined. (A fork works well)

When pan is at oven temperature, pour batter into the oan. Scatter the berries over the batter, leaving one inch border around the edges. Sprinkle sugar over the berries, again avoiding the outer 1-inch border. Bake until the edges are puffed and deep golden brown, 40 – 45 minutes. 

Be careful not to burn your fingers when you take it from the oven.

Enjoy!

Joyce 

 

Journey to a Cozy Mystery by Joyce Proell

I'm happy to introduce you today to my writing partner, Joyce Proell, for the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mysteries. We've been friends since I lived in Minnesota. She's the perfect co-author. Tell us a little about yourself, Joyce.

My interest in mysteries took flight in third grade. At one of my favorite places, the children’s section of the public library, I spotted an eerie cover and was immediately intrigued. I couldn’t wait to get home and devour The Mystery of the Whispering Mummy. Suspenseful, I’ll admit, yet after many years, I can’t recall a thing about the raggedy mummy or the plucky kids who solved the crime. What the book did do is encourage me to read more books of a similar type. Thank goodness for the Trixie Beldon series. Her neighborhood crime solving escapades delightfully fed my curiosity.

As I got older, I drifted to Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers’ stories featuring the clever Lord Peter Wimsey. Robert B. Parker’s Spenser and Tony Hillerman had my interest. For a time, I focused on British mystery authors like P.D. James, Anne Perry, Elly Griffiths, Anne Cleves and Martha Grimes, reading each book upon publication. I read American authors who set their series in England. Even Nordic Noir received its share of attention, as did historical mysteries and the lighter stories of M.C. Beaton and Elizabeth Peters. If you’ve not read her Amelia Peabody series, you’re missing out. Her stories, usually set at an archeological dig in Egypt are bright and funny. Deborah Crombie, Elizabeth George, Charles Todd, Jacqueline Winspear, C.S. Harris, Victoria Thompson, Kate Morton, Charlaine Harris, Rhys Bowen are just a few of my favorite mystery writers. A practical person might wonder where I found all the time to read.

I wonder, too. Maybe I’m a fast reader. In truth, I love mystery—dark or light, historical or contemporary, serious or funny. The sub-genre doesn’t really matter. Finding the killer does. Once the crime puzzle is set, I race to the end. And if by chance, I figure out who did it before the principal character does, I feel a great sense of satisfaction.  

So it wasn’t a big jump that after writing two romances, I glided into romantic suspense with my Cady Delafield series. When my dear friend and fellow writer, Brenda Whiteside approached me with a series proposal about two sister sleuths, I got excited. The premise is fashioned after Brenda and her sister’s respective birthday dinners and always includes a Chocolate Martini. Thus, it made sense to title the series The Chocolate Martini Sisters. In the stories, the bond between the sisters, Emma and Nic, is as important as the murder. They are as diverse as they are similar. Nic is creative, intuitive and impulsive. Emma is analytical, fact-driven and careful. They are each other’s best friend and equally enjoy solving a caper. They are all about solving a mystery.

Candy, Cigarettes and Murder is the first in this series. I hope you are intrigued and excited to read about the lively sisters and their perplexing capers. I certainly had a blast writing about them.  

It’s a birthday weekend with the gift of murder.

When Sisters Emma and Nic check in at the storied Dulce Inn for a relaxing, birthday weekend, they don’t expect a madhouse of temperamental artists or getting entangled in two murders. Using their love of all-things mystery, and despite a surly detective who stands in their way, can the Chocolate Martini Sisters tackle the caper, unsnarl the web of secrets, lies, and vengeance to catch the killer? 

BOOK LINKS:

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN96RS4G/ 

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71969141-candy-cigarettes-and-murder 

BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/books/candy-cigarettes-and-murder-a-chocolate-martini-sisters-mystery-book-1-by-brenda-whiteside-and-joyce-proell

Joyce Proell is the award-winning author of Amaryllis, Eliza and the Cady Delafield mysteries: A Deadly Truth, A Burning Truth and A Wicked Truth. Along with her husband and little dog, Nellie, she lives in Minnesota in her very own little house on the prairie. She loves to hear from readers. 

Visit her website at www.joyceproell.com orhttps://www.facebook.com/JoyceProellAuthor.

 

Chocolate Martini Sisters Hit the Road #BookTour #CozyMystery #GiftCard

Book tours are crazy fun. We’ve kicked off another tour with Great Escapes for Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder (Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery, book 1). You’ll learn lots about this Cozy Mystery that is already getting great reviews AND at the same time be entered in a drawing for a $20 gift card to Amazon. Hit every stop and get yourself entered and in on the fun!

March 15 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 16 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read  – REVIEW

March 16 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 17 – I’m Into Books – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 18 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 18 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

March 19 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

March 20 – Novels Alive – REVIEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 20 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

March 21 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

March 21 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 22 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 22 – Literary Gold – REVIEW

March 23 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 23 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

March 24 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

March 25 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 26 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

March 27 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

March 28 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

It’s a birthday weekend with the gift of murder.

When Sisters Emma and Nic check-in at the storied Dulce Inn for a relaxing, birthday weekend, they don’t expect a madhouse of temperamental artists or getting entangled in two murders. Using their love of all-things mystery, and despite a surly detective who stands in their way, can the Chocolate Martini Sisters tackle the caper, unsnarl the web of secrets, lies, and vengeance to catch the killer?