Romance, Black History, and a recipe

Romantic suspense and espionage at it's best. A journalist encounters terrorist activity during Emporer Haille Selassie's last days in office, and also may have just found the love of his life.

 Action Adventure / Suspense / Fiction based on fact.

DORO WAT

(Ethiopian chicken in red pepper paste)

Doro wat is perhaps the best known food from Ethiopia and is often referred to as that country's national dish. This recipe makes a very tasty version with a deep, rich flavor and tender chicken pieces. Making your own homemade berberé is not difficult and is essential to give the dish the proper flavor.

Doro wat is traditionally very spicy, but you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your own liking.

4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

• Chicken legs and thighs, skinless -- 2 pounds
• Lemon, juice only -- 1
• Salt -- 2 teaspoons
• Onions, chopped -- 2
• Garlic, crushed -- 3 cloves
• Gingerroot, peeled and chopped -- 1 tablespoon
• Oil, butter 1/4 cup
• Paprika -- 2 tablespoons
• Berberé paste -- 1/4 to 1/2 cup
• Water or stock -- 3/4 cup
• Red wine -- 1/4 cup
• Cayenne pepper -- from 1 teaspoon
• Salt and pepper -- to taste
• Hard-boiled eggs (optional) -- 4

Method

1. Mix together the chicken pieces, lemon juice and salt and in a large, non-reactive bowl and set aside to marinate for about 30 minutes.
2. While the chicken is marinating, puree the onions, garlic and ginger in a food processor or blender. Add a little water if necessary.
3. Heat the oil, or butter in a large pot over medium flame. Add the paprika and stir in to color the oil and cook the spice through, about 1 minute. Do not burn. Stir in the berberé paste and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the onion-garlic-ginger puree and sauté until most of the moisture evaporates and the onion cooks down and loses its raw aroma, about 5 to 10 minutes. Do not allow the mixture to burn.
5. Pour in the water or stock and wine and stir in the chicken pieces, cayenne to taste, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Add water if necessary to maintain a sauce-like consistency.
6. Add the whole hard boiled eggs and continue to cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
7. Adjust seasoning and serve hot with injera bread or rice.

A Romantic Mystery with a great recipe

   CLUES TO LOVE, by Nancy Madison, Lake District Series, Vol. 1
      Failing to sense the danger that lurks about her, expatriate Kate Stanhope converts her deceased husband's Lake District mansion into an upscale hotel. The first weekend the hotel's open, a Cornish guest is found dead in his room, poisoned by Kate's special recipe*. Investigating the death, Detective Chief Inspector Nick Connor soon concludes Kate was the intended victim, not the Cornishman. But who'd want to kill Kate? While Nick struggles to find the elusive killer, he falls in love with Kate, in spite of his vow to never love again.

Kate Stanhope's Lemon Balm Tea (Non-Poisonous)

2     cups boiling water
3     tbsp lemon balm leaves
    Honey to taste
    Few drops of lemon juice

Wash the lemon balm leaves and put them in a tall drinking glass. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the leaves. Strain. Add Tbsp of honey and 1/4 Tsp of fresh lemon juice. This is good for frazzled nerves, headaches and is an all-around delightful drink.

Contributed by Nancy Madison, author of Clues to Love...Investigating a murder, DCI Nick Connor concludes Kate was the intended victim....While Nick struggles to find the elusive killer, he falls in love with Kate, in spite of his vow to never love again. Can Nick catch the killer before he finds Kate?

Catching UP!

NO Books Went to Press this Week

 Galleys that went out, 

or went out again, this week.

LOST SPIRIT: A Hannah Griswold Mystery, Vol. 2. by Robert Kanehl

   In her second adventure, Hannah Griswold begins to experience ghostly visitations once more. The ones she had back in 8th Grade had nearly destroyed her. Now it’s happening again. 

   Worse, Nathan, her best friend’s boy friend, who had once teased Hannah unmercifully, is also experiencing the ghostly presence. Can Hannah solve the mystery of a missing Civil War Soldier who stands accused of desertion? 

   If she doesn’t, will her best friend ever forgive her for seeming to share more than a casual friendship
with the her steady, Nathan? 

Work Began or Continued on the following Books 

WANTED: ROYAL PRINCESS OF CONVENIENCE: Royal Hearts of Mondoverde Series, Vol. 2 by Anna Dynnowsky

  The Crown Prince has gone to press and the second son in a series of Five is on the list, though Anna hasn't quite finished the book, she should have it done soon.

  THEN CAME HEAVEN,  by Gilda Arruda. 
    A novel of love, loss, and faith. The cover above is only a mock-up. We are still working on it. 

THE BOY WHO COULD STOP TIME: The Ancient Magic Book Series, Vol. 1, by Evelyn Frederick Moll.

   After strange feelings surround Josh Sparkins when he hears an old time adage, he figures out he has the ability to stop time. This exciting ability offers Josh opportunities for adventure, fun, and even revenge. However, when he realizes he ages at an accelerated pace when he stops time, he fears he is heading for his final days. 

 LAINEE DELANEY: BATHING BEAUTIES: Lainey Delaney Series, Vol.2, by Frances Langley

   Lainee Delaney is back, off for the summer and lying about the pool, just taking it easy, then, as you might expect, if you read Langley's  first book...A Mystery Happens!!!

 

THE KIDNAPPING OF SEN. ANDY THOMPSON: Adventures on Capital Hill Series, Vol. 2. 

   by Celine Rose Mariotti
  

    Do you ever wonder what it would be like to have U.S. Senators who really did their job, got along well, and stood up for what was right? This is not your typical book about politics.  It’s the perfect U.S. Senate!  Throughout the book, there is an ongoing health care debate.  Senators Andy Thompson and Hunt Wagner lead the way with a resolution to try to stop President Robinson and Secretary von Schumann from sending troops to Botswana.  But a real adventure begins when Senator Thompson is kidnapped and Brian Travors, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State is suspected of being involved.  Senators Hunt Wagner and Darius Clemens head a committee hearing to get to the truth.  President Robinson suffers a heart attack and Vice-President Barry Newman takes over temporarily.  This book is a real page turner!  Read it and you’ll have hope for tomorrow!

IRIS DESTINY, by Joseph Daniel Carr.

   We are promised a new cover and new edition on this on, but haven't seen the artwork yet.

 

Earthquake in Messina Italy, in the early 20th Century

STORYBOOK II, by Elena Dorothy Bowman

      Within the pages of this book are stories that my mother once told me; of certain incidences that she remembered. But mostly it is compiled of the memories that were a part of all our lives.
    There were happy times and there were sad times. It was a time of struggle, of prosperity, of joblessness, of wondering where the next paycheck would come from.  Times when a “breadwinner” didn’t have the money to buy a quart of milk, put bread on the table, or a dime to ride the trolley to work. Even a time when the poor didn’t know they were poor. But always, a family that stood together no matter what problems they were facing.  

 

 BLEEDING HEARTS: Killian Kendall Mystery Series, Vol. 1

   Winner of the Stonewall Society's 2002 Pride in the Arts Literary Award in the Whodunit Category!

REAP THE WHIRLWIND: Killian Kendall Mystery Series, Vol. 2,  by Josh Aterovis.
   Suicide, or murder? That's the question in the second Killian Kendall mystery. Will Smith suspects murder when an old childhood pal drowns, and asks his friend Killian for help in solving the mystery.

TRUTH OF YESTERDAY,  by Josh Aterovis

ALL LOST THINGS, by Josh Aterovis

CHANGE  OF WORLDS, by Josh Aterovis

 

THE MURDER OF SEC. JUDD CANE: Adventures on Capital Hill Series, Vol. 2.     by Celine Rose Mariotti
       Do you ever wonder what it would be like to have U.S. Senators who really did their job, got along well, and stood up for what was right? This is not your typical book about politics.  It’s the perfect U.S. Senate!  Throughout the book, there is an ongoing health care debate.  Senators Andy Thompson and Hunt Wagner lead the way with a resolution to try to stop President Robinson and Secretary von Schumann from sending troops to Botswana.  But a real adventure begins when Senator Thompson is kidnapped and Brian Travors, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State is suspected of being involved.  Senators Hunt Wagner and Darius Clemens head a committee hearing to get to the truth.  President Robinson suffers a heart attack and Vice-President Barry Newman takes over temporarily.  This book is a real page turner!  Read it and you’ll have hope for tomorrow!

REVEREND CASTLE'S CRISIS, Rev. Castle series, Vol. 2 by Celine Rose Mariotti
   Rev. Castle is back in another cozy mystery.
 
 

Jack's News!

  by your bookstore cat, 
and gossip columnist!

 

Author Andy Nunez wrote to say he plans to be at the National Outdoor Show in Golden Hill and hopes to have Advance Copies of the recently published PIRATES with him. We ordered them and I sure hope they get to him in time. This book has been in the works for a long time and still may not be the last of his series...

 

From what I hear the National Outdoor Show is always fun. They have lots of good fun. Hunting dog trials, shooting and trapping contests and even Muskrat recipes, though I'm sure I wouldn't care for those. I only eat crunchy things, you know. Nothing soft. I'm a Tom. Soft food is for pussycats!

Arline is better this morning  and Roger gave her Chocolates for Valentine's day. Chcolate always picks her up. We are getting ready for another birthday celebration, too. Sid's birthday was yesterday, but we will celebrate on Sunday when the whole family will be here.

Don't forget to let me know what you are all up to! 
Just send me an e-mail with "News for Jack" in the subject line, and I'll make sure it shows up right here. 
Thanks!

Not catching UP

I know it's tomorrow, but

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY FOLKS!

LOVE EVERYBODY!

Anyway, that's my Philosophy. 

Arline's sick again. Humans are sooooo fragile! I had to head butt her five times to get treats this morning and I didn't get them until 8!  I'm supposed to have treats by 6 and real food by 8! She got them for me, though, so she IS moving. Not too fast, but moving.

She says, "Bears are right about winter," whatever that means. Anyway, she said to tell you she'd do Catching UP tomorrow and probably she'll feel better by then.

Romantic Reads with a Recipe

A Coverton Mills Romance, Vol. 2

Seth Armstrong felt obligated to marry his collage when she became pregnant. The marriage is never a happy one and they both want out, but when Eve learns he’s fallen in love with someone else, she threatens to run to her home in England and never let him see his children again. Julia Halsey loves Seth, but knows he could never abandon his children. She decides the best thing she can do for him is disappear.

Oven Roasted Chicken

Ingredients

• 6 boneless, skin-on chicken-breast halves
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 pound(s) pancetta or slab bacon, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
• 15 clove(s) garlic
• Canola oil
• 1 tablespoon(s) fresh rosemary, chopped, plus sprigs for garnish

---

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Rinse chicken, and pat dry. Salt and pepper each piece. Set aside.
   
2. In a medium ovenproof skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta until crispy, about 6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, and set aside. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat. Add the olive oil and garlic. Cook until the cloves are golden, then bake in the oven until the cloves are soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Carefully remove the pan from the oven, and set aside.
   
3. Meanwhile, in a large ovenproof skillet, heat 1 inch of canola oil over high heat until very hot but not smoking. Carefully place the chicken skin-side down in the hot oil. Let cook 3 to 4 minutes to start crisping the skin. Do not turn. Carefully transfer the pan to the oven, and bake until the chicken is cooked through, 7 to 8 minutes.
    
4. Remove the pan from the oven, and plate.

A Valentine Read and Recipe

Widowed ad exec Courtney Ellison has her hands full, a job loaded with responsibility, two kids to raise alone. When she meets a man who is interested in her, Courtney tells herself she's not ready--she doesn't have time for a relationship, and no one could take her late husband's place.

Courtney is on the fast track to success, and nothing is going to slow her down--except maybe a heart condition. Then she learns the true meaning of the words, "in sickness and in health."

Valentine Meatball Recipe

Original recipe makes 8 servings Change Servings

• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 (1 ounce) envelopes dry onion soup mix
•  

Check All Add to Shopping List

• PREP
  10 mins
• COOK
  40 mins
• READY IN
  50 mins

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
   
2.  In a medium bowl, toss together the cheese and mushrooms. In a separate bowl. mix together the ground beef and onion soup mix. Divide the beef into 12 to 16 balls, then form them into small, thin heart-shaped patties. Press an indention into the center of half of the hearts, and fill with the cheese and mushrooms. Place another patty on top, and press to seal the hearts around the filling. Place in a shallow baking dish.
   
3. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until beef is well done, and filling is hot.

Catching UP!

Books that Went to Press this Week

 

 

PIRATES OF THE EASTERN SHORE, by Andy Nunez

    Another in Andy Nunez's popular Eastern Shore Series. This one explores Pirates treasure buried along the Atlantic seaboard, visits to the Delmarva Penninsula by Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, to the Oyster Wars of the 20th Century.

8x10. illus.

NO Galleys that went out, 

or went out again, this week, but...

Work Began or Continued on the following Books 

WANTED: ROYAL PRINCESS OF CONVENIENCE: Royal Hearts of Mondoverde Series, Vol. 2 by Anna Dynnowsky

  The Crown Prince has gone to press and the second son in a series of Five is on the list, though Anna hasn't quite finished the book, she should have it done soon.

 

LOST SOUL: A Hannah Griswold Mystery Vol. 2, by Robert Kanehl

  We don't have a new cover yet, but Hannah Griswold is back and solving another ghostly mystery.

  THEN CAME HEAVEN,  by Gilda Arruda. 
    A novel of love, loss, and faith. The cover above is only a mock-up. We are still working on it. 

THE BOY WHO COULD STOP TIME: The Ancient Magic Book Series, Vol. 1, by Evelyn Frederick Moll.

   After strange feelings surround Josh Sparkins when he hears an old time adage, he figures out he has the ability to stop time. This exciting ability offers Josh opportunities for adventure, fun, and even revenge. However, when he realizes he ages at an accelerated pace when he stops time, he fears he is heading for his final days. 

 LAINEE DELANEY: BATHING BEAUTIES: Lainey Delaney Series, Vol.2, by Frances Langley

   Lainee Delaney is back, off for the summer and lying about the pool, just taking it easy, then, as you might expect, if you read Langley's  first book...A Mystery Happens!!!

IRIS DESTINY, by Joseph Daniel Carr.

   We are promised a new cover and new edition on this on, but haven't seen the artwork yet.

 

Earthquake in Messina Italy, in the early 20th Century

STORYBOOK II, by Elena Dorothy Bowman

      Within the pages of this book are stories that my mother once told me; of certain incidences that she remembered. But mostly it is compiled of the memories that were a part of all our lives.
    There were happy times and there were sad times. It was a time of struggle, of prosperity, of joblessness, of wondering where the next paycheck would come from.  Times when a “breadwinner” didn’t have the money to buy a quart of milk, put bread on the table, or a dime to ride the trolley to work. Even a time when the poor didn’t know they were poor. But always, a family that stood together no matter what problems they were facing.  

 

 BLEEDING HEARTS: Killian Kendall Mystery Series, Vol. 1

   Winner of the Stonewall Society's 2002 Pride in the Arts Literary Award in the Whodunit Category!

REAP THE WHIRLWIND: Killian Kendall Mystery Series, Vol. 2,  by Josh Aterovis.
   Suicide, or murder? That's the question in the second Killian Kendall mystery. Will Smith suspects murder when an old childhood pal drowns, and asks his friend Killian for help in solving the mystery.

TRUTH OF YESTERDAY,  by Josh Aterovis

ALL LOST THINGS, by Josh Aterovis

CHANGE  OF WORLDS, by Josh Aterovis
 

Jack's News!

  by your bookstore cat, 
and gossip columnist!

Hey, Elena Bowman. How are you doing? I heard you were sick and was wondering about STORYBOOK II. Sure hope you are feeling better and that we will get the stuff we need to finish your book soon.

 

FINALLY! PIRATES has gone to press.  Andy Nunez is setting up a speaking tour, and personal appearances even before he has a copy in his hand. Promotion is the name of the game for him, by golly! Always has been.

 

He's not only a super writer, but an artist as well. I think he did a great picture of Blackbeard and the others on this cover. Don't you? Arline is sure relieved. Lots of illustrations in this one and she had almost forgotten how to do them.

 

Roger had a birthday yesterday! He said it was "the big 8-0!" Whatever that means. I'll be nine in June. 

 

Boy was he grumpy when he got home from the drug store. One prescription was "three hundred smackers." He said it was "highway robbery." I wonder what a smacker is. Maybe some kind of fish? I like fish. 

 

Anyway keep thinking of me and send me an e-mail if you have any kind of promotions or public appearances going one  and I'll let folks know about it here.

Don't forget to let me know what you are all up to! 
Just send me an e-mail with "News for Jack" in the subject line, and I'll make sure it shows up right here. 
Thanks!