#handbag Monday w Historical #author Gerri Brousseau who's going Bohemian #MFRWorg #RssosSisters #fashion

Handbag Monday welcomes

...Gerri Brousseau

Autumn is my favorite time of year and this fun little handbag is one I use to knock around in. Featuring rows of glittery cord, polished shells, and burnt orange beads, it has a real Bohemian flavor. I love this little bag because it goes with everything I wear in the fall.  

Lovely, Gerri! This bag would be perfect on so many occasions!

A Scottish Laird captured the heart of a titled Englishwoman from the first moment she laid eyes on him, but would his clan and her family ever approve of their forbidden love?

Excerpt from Enticed by a Laird:
         Later that evening the Dowager sat across the table from Angus McClellen. The room was lit by only a few candles and once the meal was set before them, the servants scurried away. 

        Angus reached across the table and took Esther’s hand in his. Her heart raced at his touch. 

        “I’ve missed ye, Esther,” he said. His gaze met and held hers. 

        “I’ve missed you as well, Angus.” Her stomach fluttered. 

         “I’ve a bit of a surprise for you,” a smile slipped across his lips. 

         “The plaid was quite a bit of a surprise.” 

         “I’m no talkin’ o’ the plaid.” He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb.

         “No? What then?” 

        “Would ye accompany me tomorrow? I wish to take ye for a short ride.” 

        “Doctor Hanover said absolutely no travel, but I suppose what he doesn’t know couldn’t hurt.” 

        “You’ll no be disobeyin’ yer healer’s orders now. We’ll wait one more day. It will keep.” 

         “Will you at least tell me what it is?” 

         “No, if I tell ye then it wonna be a surprise now would it?” 

         “I suppose not.” 

        “Dinna ye say there was a gathering tomorrow evenin’ so Robert could present his beloved to the family?” 

         “Yes. You will be joining us, won’t you?”

         “I wonna miss it.” 

        Esther smiled. 

        “Ye fail te understand,” he said with a tilt of his head. 

        “Fail to understand?” 

        “Aye, I’m not goin’ anywhere, not without ye.”

         “Moving to London are you?” She smiled. 

         “Let’s eat a’fore our food grows cold.” 

         “I know you, Angus McClellen. You’re up to something.” 

         “Aye, my lady love, ye should know me well enough to know I’m always up to something.” 

Find Season of Surprises at: Amazon

Find Season of Surprises on : Facebook

My love affair with Handsome all began with James Bond, Spectre #MFRWorg #RssosSisters #spyfilms #Ilovemovies

Movie Mom

I love movies and most weeks, Handsome and I go see one. In a pinch, we watch them on television. I like old films too. 

When we met, I was supposed to go to the movies with my friend, Charlie, who lived around the corner from my roommate and I. He and his roomie worked for Arthur Andersen. Earlier in the day, I asked Charlie if he had any plans for the evening and he said no. I asked if he wanted to go see the new Bond film with me. And he said yes. 

But Charlie had had a little too much fun in the sun. Around 4 o'clock, I went to check on him. Yup, he was sunburned and a little hungover. As I was about to leave, his doorbell rang. Charlie answered and found a co-worker, a good-looking guy wearing a flannel shirt--Memorial weekend is hot where I live. 

Charlie's friend kept thinking he was interrupting something and I remarked several times he had not. I explained how we were supposed to go to see the new Bond film and behind my hand, I leaned his way and said softly, "But he's a little wasted and can't go."

Charlie said, "You take her." 

My insides went what??? And his friend looked just as stunned. I said, "It's okay. You don't have to go." And yet, he said, "No, I want to go." 

I had just got together with a stranger. I gave him a wan grin and said, "Pick me up around the corner at..." I can't remember the exact time. 

As you know, the opening credits of any Bond film feature a lot of naked girls dancing around and this one did as well with Sheena Easton singing. Yikes. 

I can say, I did most of the talking. LOL

And Charlie's friend kept calling. So every Bond film is a little anniversary party for us. 

Recently, we saw Spectre. The filming was awesome. The story moved fast. I was never bored. Christoph Waltz is the best bad guy. I really liked Moneypenny, Q, and M having more to do. 

But then, I'm a huge Bond fan. <VBG> FMI: Wikipedia

What is the first 007 film you ever saw?

Thanksgiving Greetings! #MFRWauthors #RssosSisters #holidaycheer

For each of you and your family, I wish

Vicki

#Handbag Monday: guest author Stacy Juba & a utilitarian bag w Fooling Around With Cinderella #accessories #RssosSisters #MFRWorg #shoes

Handbag Monday welcomes..

Stacy Jubagot engaged at Epcot Theme Park and spent part of her honeymoon at Disneyland Paris, where she ate a burger, went on fast rides, and threw up on the train ride to the hotel. In addition to working on her new Storybook Valley chick lit/sweet romance series, set at a theme park, Stacy has written books about ice hockey, teen psychics, U.S. flag etiquette for kids, and determined women sleuths. When she’s not visiting theme parks with her family, (avoiding rides that spin and exotic hamburgers) Stacy helps writers to strengthen their manuscripts through her Crossroads Editing Service. 

When one of my children was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I needed to find the perfect bag to hold supplies and treatments for low blood sugar. My ideal bag would fit glucose tablets; a juice box or two; a small water bottle; finger pricker, meter and test strips; backup pricker, meter and test strips; blood ketone meter and test strips; a plastic bag of spare infusion sets and extra batteries for the insulin pump; a bottle of spare insulin; a calculator and carb counting book; a plastic baggie of Starbursts; and a glucagon shot for emergencies. I also needed extra room to toss in my wallet, sunglasses, keys, and cell phone in case I wanted to leave my regular purse in the car.

 First I tried diabetes supply bags, but found them way too small. Then I used a diaper bag for a couple months. Way too big, and not very discreet! I browsed handbags and tote bags at the store, but they were all too feminine, which was fine for me, but not for my husband when he was in charge of the bag. Then one magical day, I stumbled across the Piazza Day Bag on eBags.com. Someone had recommended it on a diabetes blog, even though it’s just a regular handbag. I can’t even tell you how many zippers and compartments this thing has! It looks small on the outside, but appearances are quite deceiving. I ordered a neutral brown for my husband’s benefit, but they also make it in brighter colors.

 It may not be my fanciest handbag, but it’s by far the most useful bag I’ve ever owned. 

Sometimes, a utilitarian bag is the best choice, Stacy!

When Jaine Andersen proposes a new marketing role to the local amusement park, general manager Dylan Callahan charms her into filling Cinderella’s glass slippers for the summer.

Find Fooling Around With Cinderella at: Amazon


Find Stacy at: Blogsite


Oh, Stacy, did you know I once worked at an amusement park? LOL

A #handbag that resembles a coat! and a story tease #MFRWauthor #RssosSisters #accessories #shoes

*Handbag Monday*

Isn't this one adorable? I found it in a beauty shop (that's right!) when traveling for a girlfriend trip. Every year, we go to a specific town to tour the historic homes and do some shopping, mostly vintage. 

When I saw this bag, I had to have it. Doesn't it resemble a coat? 

It doesn't hold a ton of extras, but is perfect for the Sunday outfit. 
The body is like a wool felt, an acrylic collar around the edge. Two buttons to resemble the double-breasted look. And it does zip completely shut. 

I wonder if my sissie still has the pink one I bought her??? Hmmm. Must ask.

Some of you may have read I wrote "Holiday Handbag Extravaganza" specifically to feature a handbag. It's true. I love all things Enid Collins. So I crafted my story with hers in mind--a box bag with a stenciled holly sprig.

Here's a tease: 

"Hi." He leaned in. "My sister had set aside a special handbag for my mother for Christmas."

     "I remember, ah, Jillian--"

     "Jillian Treadaway Foster."

     "That's right." I selected a pencil from the pencil can and wrote down the name on a sticky note to help me remember even though I didn't need to. "She selected a vintage Rebecca Martin holiday box bag decorated with a sprig of holly."

     He whipped out his wallet and removed a credit card. "Great. I'll buy it now."

     I shook my head. " 'fraid not, sir."

     His eyes narrowed. "I'm not following..."

     "I sold it, just yesterday."

Find Season of Surprises at: Amazon B&N Kobo  iTunes

Why write about Christmas? Five reasons I do!! #holidaystories #anthology #MFRWorg #RssosSisters

'tis the season...

Thanksgiving is almost under wraps and Christmas is fast approaching. I love to write holiday stories and so far, I've had six published. 

Why write holiday stories? 


1. The time of year is filled with excitement. We're rushing around to find the perfect gift. There are so many fun events to attend. How will we get everything done?

2. Bringing two people together romantically at Christmas is magical. What could be more romantic than bringing people into a relationship during the holidays? Don't we want all the best for everyone? I do!

3. The decorations are gorgeous!! I love setting out my vintage treasures, the smell of a Fraser Fir, the colorfully wrapped gifts. All add an ambiance that is unmatched and adds to the setting in the stories. 

4. The food (see fruitcake. LOL) is awesome. Some of us double dip with a second turkey. Some of us bake goodies galore. And some of us love fruitcake. We eat, we cook, we give and so do our characters. 

5. The F's: Family and friends. Nothing is more special than being with the ones we love. We laugh and share, hug and care. And each time we do, a glorious memory is created which sustains our soul. Our stories want this too.

Here's a sampling from four special stories:

“Holiday Handbag Extravaganza” - Christmas Countdown is on! Hunk-a-licious customer, Jack Treadaway, pesters boutique owner, Callie Woods, to locate a vintage handbag for his mother. Too bad the wedge between them is his sister, the meanest girl in town.

Available: Amazon and others

“Holiday Disaster” - The week before Christmas and all is in disarray when a librarian experiences horrible plumbing issues and a Mr. Maintenance Man who isn’t nearly as jolly as Santa Claus. This Christmas is a disaster.

Available: Amazon  and others

"The Great Fruitcake Bake-off" - When a five-time champ teams up with her new neighbor for The Great Fruitcake Bake-off, they discover baking a prize-winning entry is complicated, bad guys are plotting to take the crown, and first prize isn't just about a ribbon.

Available: Amazon  and others

"Twinkle Lights" - A do-gooder and a reformed high school delinquent-turned-lawyer embrace the holiday spirit by running a Christmas tree stand; however, when the revenue goes missing, fingers are pointed.

Available: Amazon and others

Do you have a particular holiday story or show you adore? My movie list is enormous! 

Bringing your family together for dinner - N N Light & Fresh Bread & a snippet #MFRWauthors #RssosSisters #familydinner #homemade

Easy Peasy Recipes

with N. N. Light

Want to reconnect with your roots and bring your family together for dinner? Make homemade bread.

My first year of marriage was a year of discovery and changes. My husband was a chef and worked over eighteen hours a day. Needless to say, I was home alone a lot. One late night, I was watching Food Network and Mario Batali’s show came on. He talked about baking bread and how it brought families together. I decided to give it a try. 

I’d love to tell you it was the most delicious loaf we’d ever tasted but it wasn’t. *laughs* It was compact, flavorless and salty. But my husband loved the smell of fresh bread when he came home from work. So, I started experimenting with different recipes, tweaking things here and there, until I came up with my own recipe (see below). 

There’s something beautiful about taking a few ingredients and creating a loaf of homemade bread. I can close my eyes and imagine my ancestors kneading bread dough with me. Using my hands along with flour, yeast and water to create a mouth-watering loaf of bread that rivals the great bakers around the world is a great stress reducer and you’ll never go back to processed bread again.

Don’t think you have enough time? Think again. You can make the dough in less than 15 minutes and let it rise all day (or even overnight). The smell of fresh bread baking will bring your family together and even your neighbours will want a taste.

 

Just be prepared for your family to ask you to make it all the time. My husband does and so does my family, friends and neighbours. 

 

MRS N’s Fresh Bread Recipe

 

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cup warm water (110-115 degrees F)

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 envelope)

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon butter, melted or olive oil (I use olive oil)

1 ½ teaspoon salt

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Directions: Pour warm water into a large bowl (I use a candy thermometer to measure the temperature) and sprinkle yeast over the water.  Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to activate the yeast.  Set aside and let proof for about 20 minutes.  

Pour yeast mixture into a large bowl and add sugar, butter and salt.  Add flour, one cup at a time, until mixture forms a soft dough.  Knead until smooth like a baby bum, about 10-15 minutes.  Grease your bowl with some cooking spray or butter and place

dough back in the bowl.  Leave covered in a warm place for about 90-120 minutes or until more than doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Meanwhile grease a loaf pan and set aside.  Punch down dough to release all the gas and air bubbles.  Form into a loaf and place in the loaf pan.  Do NOT cover and allow to rise 60-90 minutes (depending on how high you want your bread to be). 

 

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.  Bread will make a hollow sound when tapped.  Allow to cool in pan for 5-10 minutes, take the bread out of the pan and allow to cool fully on a wire rack.  Slice and serve. It will usually stay fresh in a plastic bread bag for about a week. 

So, why am I talking about bread when I’m here to talk about my latest romance? My romance takes place on a farm and my family comes from a long line of farmers. Farmers make the wheat that goes into my flour and without them, I couldn’t bake all the loaves of bread I do.

Torn between two men, Sally must follow her heart and decide if love will lead her to the city or the countryside.

 

     Jack's eyes roamed the length of her body and Sally could feel a slight warmth heat her cheeks. She looked down at her disheveled robe and pulled her robe tighter. Dammit, what's he staring at? She lifted her gaze and her stomach did a flip. Jack's shirt wasn't buttoned and she caught a glimpse of his tanned ripped stomach muscles. Oh my!

     "Jack, what are you doing? Do you know it's five-thirty in the morning?"

     He shook his head, as if that was an answer. She tore her eyes away from his abs to his face. She inhaled sharply. His hooded eyes looked ready to devour her. I must be seeing things. Maybe he's just hungry.

     The two other men set down their chainsaws. "Listen Jack, we'll be over at your farm eating some breakfast. Come get us when you're ready."

     Jack snapped his head around to the men. "Sure. I'll see you guys in few minutes." He ran his fingers through his hair. "I have to clear things up with Miss Rayton." Jack watched the men walk away and whipped his head back to Sally.

     Sally rolled her eyes and said aloud, "Yeah, you just have to talk to the womanfolk." She spoke in a sweet Southern drawl. "Remember to speak nice and slow so she understands ya'll."

Available at Amazon Worldwide exclusively: Amazon

 

Find N N Light at:  Blogsite

 

 

I'm so jealous you make bread. I'd eat the whole loaf!!! Have any of you baked bread?

#Handbag Monday is all about being fancy with guest Kristin Drew #Mfrworg #RssosSisters #fashion #accessories

Handbag Monday welcomes

...Kristin Drew

This beautiful bag was gifted to me by writer friend, Madison West, who knows how much I love vintage items. I admire the way this bag has a story all its own. This purse is the perfect size for an evening out, when I just need to bring a few choice items, and the jeweled top adds flair to any outfit. I love it.

I love this handbag! It is so classy.

"Holiday on the Home Front"

WWII:

Betty’s been on the move for as long as she can remember. Van’s a small-town boy turned soldier just days shy of deployment. A chance encounter brings them together for a few spark-filled days before Uncle Sam calls him to battle. Can a new love survive distance? Will her soldier survive the war? 

        She felt so strangely vulnerable, and knew her face must be betraying it, because when he reached across the table to touch her scar, a jolt of electricity zipped through her body. 

        “Betty,” he said, his voice brimming with concern. “Are you alright?”

        She nodded and forced a smile as the thump in her heart grew heavier.

        He was going there. Over there.

       Betty suddenly felt a strong urge to know his last name so that she could scan the newspaper and pray each time not to see it printed there. She imagined herself sitting at the counter of a diner, as she had watched so many others do at The Peach, scanning the Honor Roll for the listed names of the dead. She took a deep breath, her eyes out of focus.

        “What is it?” He pushed back his chair and walked over to the tap, filling a glass with water. He placed it in front of her.

        “I…” Betty shook her head. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” She lifted her eyes, meeting his—blue, kind.

        He’d be okay, right? He had to be okay.      

Find Season of Surprises at:  Amazon

Find Kristin Drew at: Twitter

Find out more about Season of Surprises at: Facebook

Kristin brought a gorgeous handbag. Is that something you carry when you go out for a fancy evening?

My thoughts on Bridge of Spies #MFRWauthor #RssosSisters #coldwar #U2incident

Movie Mom

Plot: A historical fiction drama starring  Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan, and Alan Alda based on the  U-2 incident involving Francis Gary Powers whose plane was shot down over the Soviet Union and his release negotiated by James B. Donovan, an insurance lawyer, for Rudolf Abel, a KBG spy.

My thoughts: I was pretty young when this happened and probably a lot of the information was not released to the press. The acting was super and I was involved in the story. Coincidentally, there was mention of the chess tournament between Spasky and Fischer (Pawn Sacrifice). I recommend seeing this one.

FMI: Wikipedia

#Easy Peasy #Recipes : w #author Jacquie Biggar & Danish Apple Squares #RssosSisters #MFRWorg #holidaycooking #contemporary romance

Easy Peasy Recipes with

...Jacquie Biggar

I love autumn. The crispness in the air, the crunch of leaves under foot, and best of all, the selection of apples. Here on Vancouver Island we're blessed with a long growing season and many locally made products.

One of our favorite places to shop is called, The Root Cellar. It's like a giant fruit market, bakery, and butcher shop all rolled into one. This time of year the bins are overflowing with autumn's harvest of corn, carrots, potatoes, pumpkins, and about ten different varieties of apples.

My mom used to make a delicious square that's a different take on the traditional apple pie. I'd like to share the recipe with you today :)

Danish Apple Squares

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shortening
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 cup milk
• 10 apples - peeled, cored and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 egg white 
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  
• In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat egg yolk in measuring cup and add enough milk to make 2/3 cup total liquid. Stir into flour mixture until all flour is damp. Divide the dough in half. On floured surface, roll half the dough into a rectangle and fit into a 9x13 inch pan. 
• In large bowl, combine apples, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Put apple mixture in pan. Roll out remaining dough and place over apples. Seal edges and cut slits in top dough. Beat egg white till frothy and brush on crust.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until golden brown.

When a jaded sheriff is drawn to an exasperating woman in trouble, 

anything can happen.

           Jack hesitated with his hand fisted to knock on Laurel’s pumpkin-colored door. His aunt had this thing about brightly painted doors being good luck, or some such hogwash. The murmur of a voice from within told him Laurel had company. Male company. He tapped the file in his other hand against his thigh and glared a hole through the door.
        “Guess it can wait ’til morning,” he grumbled, turning to step gingerly down the snow-covered stairs. Whoever-the-asshat-was, he could have at least shoveled them off for her. Just as he reached the sidewalk an angry shout coming from inside the house startled him. Jack grabbed for his service revolver and jumped for the door. He missed the stairs entirely and dropped the file, allowing it to fall unheeded into the snowbank. The papers from within tobogganed down the slope.
        He rammed a fist against the wood. “Sheriff’s department, open the door.” His heart thundered in his chest and there was a ringing in his ears. Was he having a frigging heart attack for crying out loud? He’d never reacted like this before, not even when he’d chased after a murderer a few months ago. But the thought of someone hurting…
        “Laur…el,” he shouted, panic clawing the back of his throat. Jack tried the knob but it was locked. He took a step back, angled himself sideways, and prepared to slam his shoulder into the wood. He started forward, slipping a little on the icy deck boards. Good thing, because it slowed him down just enough to narrowly avoid ploughing Laurel over when she pulled the door open.
        “Hello?”
        When she saw him barrelling toward her with a gun in hand her beautiful eyes took over her face. “Yee…ahh,” she cried, tumbling backward and smacking her head against the now swinging door.
        Fuuuck.
        Jack tried backpedalling, but the slippery footing beneath his cowboy boots—dumb choice of footwear—had him sailing right into her already off-balanced body.
        “Laurel, holy shit.” His hand reached out to grip her shoulder, conscious of the soft womanly feel of her plastered against his rapidly hardening body. Great. “I’m sorry, honey. Are you okay?”

Find Jacquie at: Website
Find The Sherrif Meets His Match at: Book Link

Handbag Monday & green! Cara Marsi with #handbag & new story from Season of Surprises #MFRWorg #RssosSisters #accessories #fashion

Handbag Monday welcomes...

Cara Marsi

I bought this Kate Spade bag from Gilt Group, an online shop that sells designer goods at deep discount. I love green and I love this bag. I get many compliments on it. Soon after I bought it, I saw the same bag at Nordstroms for double what I paid. I love a bargain, and this bargain made me feel very good.

Hi, Cara! I love a good bargain as well; however, that green is positively gorgeous. You lucky girl!!!

The gift of a magical snow globe from a mysterious stranger paints the scene for romance between a Manhattan art gallery manager and a sexy man

who isn’t what he seems.

At a Halloween party, uptight gallery manager Bella Cassani lets her friends goad her into kissing a handsome stranger. Yes, a girl has to kiss a lot of frogs to find her prince, but Bella prefers “frogs.” They’re safer than the sexy-but-unfaithful kind. When fate brings the knock-her-hat-off-with-a-kiss guy back into her life, things get complicated.

Excerpt:

His lips softened over Bella’s—teasing, cajoling, seductive. He tasted of wine and passion. Lost in his heat, wanting more, she curled her arms around his neck. Tiny sounds of pleasure she barely recognized escaped her lips. A slow ache began to build inside her, and she forgot everything but the feel of his lips and his body, hot and demanding. He cradled the back of her head, burying his fingers in her hair. Her cone-shaped witch’s hat slipped off her head, brushing her shoulders on its way to the floor. She’d never been kissed like this before, with an urgency and expertise that turned her insides to liquid. He did more than kiss her. He possessed her.

The thunderous sounds of clapping and shouts of “more, more,” rose around them, releasing Bella from her delicious haze and bringing her back to Earth like a witch who’d fallen off her broom. Embarrassment swirled through her and she jumped back.

Her breathing harsh, she stared at the man in front of her. His ragged breathing matched hers. The intensity in his blue eyes behind the black half-mask made her shift uncomfortably. With his black cowboy hat pulled low over his head, she had a glimpse of dark hair brushing the collar of his western shirt.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

Find Cara Marsi at: Website

Find Season of Surprises at: Facebook

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