Showing posts with label Sweet Tea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sweet Tea. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Murder and Sweet Tea #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #cozy mystery #Maine Coon cat #Robespierre

 

Join the authors at MFRWHooks Here  http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com  for some great excerpts. Mine is fount at eclecticwriter.blogspot.com from Murder and Sweet Tea

BLURB:

Lars is her new husband. He loves Katherine but doesn’t understand why she’s always trying to protect her near and dear. Even though she saved his life while visiting him in Santa Fe, he often questions her involvement in other people’ lives.

Into their lives arrives a new neighbor, Sabrina Gates. Sabrina bought the house next door. She has had a phenomenal success as a new author but moes from her past and present threaten her peace and ability to write. There is the blogger who posts snide and not so nice posts about other authors. Sabrina’s former agent wants a share of the huge amount of money Sabrina has received for a trilogy. And there is her ex-husband, a needy greedy coward who wants money.

Above all there is Robespierre who makes his presence known.



EXCERPT:

I waved to Maria and Sarah and started along the sidewalk. The July sun shone in a cloudless sky. For a moment, I halted and studied the “Painted Lady” across the street. Several vans filled the driveway and men carrying sheetrock and wood strode to the house.

The Victorian had been mine for many years and until I’d converted both floors to apartments, the house had been a single family residence. The new owners, Jenna and Richard, had begun a second conversion to return the house to its original purpose. A smile curved my lips. This pair had married in June and had begun making the house into a home.

I turned the corner onto my street. Sun glinted on the dark waters of the Hudson River and revealed the construction of the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

My thoughts drifted to my husband. Our first anniversary would occur next month and I had visited with two of my friends to plan a barbeque. My kind of party. Lars would have made reservations at the Cedar Inn where our second reception had been held. I had missed the affair and so had Lars. An out of state friend had needed my help and I speeded to her side. Lars and I had our differences but love and friendship allowed us to compromise. Our marriage is based on a long friendship, first as two couples and then as two who had lost their mates.

Robespierre ambled up the street toward me. When he reached my side, the Maine Coon cat butted my leg with his head. Was this a welcome home or a bid for more food? At twenty pounds, he was large. His black, brown and white long hair made him seem larger.

As we passed the vacant “Dutch Colonial” next door to my new abode, I noticed a For Sale sign on the front lawn. The news brought curiosity. Who would buy? The elderly couple who owned the house had moved to a senior complex last year.

Moments later I reached home, a sprawling ranch house situated at the river’s edge well above the shore. The cat dashed to the kitchen. Lars sat at the table cradling a steaming mug of coffee. I sprinkled a few bits of dry food into Robespierre’s dish and filled a glass with spearmint iced tea. I joined my husband.

Lars glanced away from the newspaper. “Don’t leaving Megan with us for the day. He’s heading to the city.”

“He’ll swelter.”

“Possibly but he has an appointment with some publisher for a freelance bit designing book covers.”

“Sounds interesting. We’ll have fun entertaining the child. You know, she’s my fourth grandchild.”

He groaned. “You only have one. Megan is your step-grandchild the same as ----- is mine.”

“By blood, you’re right. Robby adopted me and so did Jenna after her grandmother was murdered.” I met his gaze. “The house next door is for sale. The sign went up this morning.”

Lars shook his head. “Are you worried about the Dunns?”

I glared. “Why would I worry? I know where they are. I’m hoping we acquire good neighbors.”

“And no bodies for you to find.”

I tapped his hand. “Bodies find me. I don’t seek them.”

“Is that a promise?”

The twinkle in his blue eyes dissolved my anger. “I’ll leave the next one for you.”

“Thanks a lot. You’re the one who collects corpses like a berry picker fills their basket.”

My Places

   https://twitter.com/JanetL717

 https://www.facebook.com/janet.l.walters.3?v=wall&story_f

bid=113639528680724

 http://bookswelove.net/

 http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com

https://www.pinterest.com/shadyl717/

 

Buy Mark

https://bookswelove.net/walters-janet-lane/

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Murder and Sweet Tea is featured today with Thursday's Opening Scene #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Mystery #cozy #Sweet Tea

 

MyI waved to Maria and Sarah and started along the sidewalk. The July sun shone in a cloudless sky. For a moment, I halted and studied the “Painted Lady” across the street. Several vans filled the driveway and men carrying sheetrock and wood strode to the house.

The Victorian had been mine for many years and until I’d converted both floors to apartments, the house had been a single family residence. The new owners, Jenna and Richard, had begun a second conversion to return the house to its original purpose. A smile curved my lips. This pair had married in June and had begun making the house into a home.

I turned the corner onto my street. Sun glinted on the dark waters of the Hudson River and revealed the construction of the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

My thoughts drifted to my husband. Our first anniversary would occur next month and I had visited with two of my friends to plan a barbeque. My kind of party. Lars would have made reservations at the Cedar Inn where our second reception had been held. I had missed the affair and so had Lars. An out of state friend had needed my help and I speeded to her side. Lars and I had our differences but love and friendship allowed us to compromise. Our marriage is based on a long friendship, first as two couples and then as two who had lost their mates.

Robespierre ambled up the street toward me. When he reached my side, the Maine Coon cat butted my leg with his head. Was this a welcome home or a bid for more food? At twenty pounds, he was large. His black, brown and white long hair made him seem larger.

As we passed the vacant “Dutch Colonial” next door to my new abode, I noticed a For Sale sign on the front lawn. The news brought curiosity. Who would buy? The elderly couple who owned the house had moved to a senior complex last year.

Moments later I reached home, a sprawling ranch house situated at the river’s edge well above the shore. The cat dashed to the kitchen. Lars sat at the table cradling a steaming mug of coffee. I sprinkled a few bits of dry food into Robespierre’s dish and filled a glass with spearmint iced tea. I joined my husband.

Lars glanced away from the newspaper. “Don’t leaving Megan with us for the day. He’s heading to the city.”

“He’ll swelter.”

“Possibly but he has an appointment with some publisher for a freelance bit designing book covers.”

“Sounds interesting. We’ll have fun entertaining the child. You know, she’s my fourth grandchild.” Places

   https://twitter.com/JanetL717

 https://www.facebook.com/janet.l.walters.3?v=wall&story_f

bid=113639528680724

 http://bookswelove.net/

 http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com

https://www.pinterest.com/shadyl717/

 

Buy Mark

https://bookswelove.net/walters-janet-lane/

 

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Murder and Sweet Tea is featured as Sunday's Book #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #cozy mystery, #Robespierre, Sweet Tea

 

Lars is her new husband. He loves Katherine but doesn’t understand why she’s always trying to protect her near and dear. Even though she saved his life while visiting him in Santa Fe, he often questions her involvement in other people’ lives.

Into their lives arrives a new neighbor, Sabrina Gates. Sabrina bought the house next door. She has had a phenomenal success as a new author but moes from her past and present threaten her peace and ability to write. There is the blogger who posts snide and not so nice posts about other authors. Sabrina’s former agent wants a share of the huge amount of money Sabrina has received for a trilogy. And there is her ex-husband, a needy greedy coward who wants money.

Above all there is Robespierre who makes his presence known.

My Places

   https://twitter.com/JanetL717

 https://www.facebook.com/janet.l.walters.3?v=wall&story_f

bid=113639528680724

 http://bookswelove.net/

 http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com

https://www.pinterest.com/shadyl717/

 

Buy Mark

https://bookswelove.net/walters-janet-lane/

 

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Wednesday Murder and Sweet Tea #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #cozy mystery #sweet tea #Maine cook cat

 

Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here  http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com  Have some great excerpts/ Mine is found @https://wwweclecticwriter.blogspt.com  Murder and Sweet Tea is the sixth book in the series

Blurb:
Lars is her new husband. He loves Katherine but doesn’t understand why she’s always trying to protect her near and dear. Even though she saved his life while visiting him in Santa Fe, he often questions her involvement in other people’ lives.

Into their lives arrives a new neighbor, Sabrina Gates. Sabrina bought the house next door. She has had a phenomenal success as a new author but moes from her past and present threaten her peace and ability to write. There is the blogger who posts snide and not so nice posts about other authors. Sabrina’s former agent wants a share of the huge amount of money Sabrina has received for a trilogy. And there is her ex-husband, a needy greedy coward who wants money.

Above all there is Robespierre who makes his presence known.



Excerpt:

As the woman stomped closer, I saw the thin like of her lips. “Sabrina Gates, you will not get away with cheating me out of what I’m due.”

Sabrina took several steps toward the woman. “You’re receiving your cut of the royalties for the two books you represented plus fees for services you haven’t justified.”

“You’re wrong. I’ve spoken to your editor. I recognized plots we had discussed.”

“Never. I fired you before I sketched the idea my new agent pitches for the trilogy.”

“Liar.”

“Will the editor risk losing me? Will she testify for you?”

I joined Sabrina, not to speak but to provide a witness for anything this woman might say.

Brenda’s mouth twisted. “Bitch, you’ll learn who is in the right when this goes before a judge.”

“Go ahead and sue,” Sabrina said. “I have…”

I caught her arm. “Don’t tell her what you know.”

She nodded.

“You had better leave,”” I said.

“You have no right to tell me what to do. I don’t even know who you are.” Brenda rushed forward. She slapped Sabrina’s face.

I held up my cell phone. “I’ve called the police and heard the operator.

“911, what is your emergency?”

“This is Katherine Miller. There’s a disturbance on River’s Edge Road.”

“Someone will be with you soon.”

A siren sounded. Brenda released her hold on Sabrina’s arm and dashed to her car. She sped out of the driveway nearly colliding with the patrol car.

One officer approached. “Are you all right?” He studied Sabrina’s face. “Do you want to swear a complaint?”

Sabrina shook her head. “I have an appointment in ten minutes.”

After the car sped away, I grasped her arm. “You need to take action. Ask Richard’s advice.”

“I will. That’s who my appointment is with.” Her shoulders slumped. “I hate that this is happening now. The edits are back and I have a deadline.”

“You’ll do great.”

My Places

   https://twitter.com/JanetL717

 https://www.facebook.com/janet.l.walters.3?v=wall&story_f

bid=113639528680724

 http://bookswelove.net/

 http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com

https://www.pinterest.com/shadyl717/

 

Buy Mark

https://bookswelove.net/walters-janet-lane/

 

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Thursday's Characters from Murder and Sweet Tea #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Cozy mystery #murder #author

 Katherine is now married to Lars and they are living in a house at the edge of the Hudson River.

Robespierre is there and often is accompanied by a small version of himself Rose Prarie belonging to Lars granddaughter, Megan, a delightful five year old.

Don is Lars' son. He's a freelance artist and preparing for a one man show. He also does book covers for a publisher.

Sabrina Gates is Katherine's new neighbor. She is a writer and a successful one writing romantic suspense.

Brenda is Sabrina's former agent and wants commissions she isn't entitle to since she never sold the books.

Beverly Good - a blogger who writes about authors and manages to subtly put them down. She is after Sabrina to be a guest again.

Brian - Sabrina's former husband.

My Places

   https://twitter.com/JanetL717

 https://www.facebook.com/janet.l.walters.3?v=wall&story_f

bid=113639528680724

 http://bookswelove.net/

 http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com

https://www.pinterest.com/shadyl717/

 

Buy Mark

https://bookswelove.net/walters-janet-lane/

Sunday, January 30, 2022

Sunday's Book features Murder and Sweet Tea #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #cozy mystery #Robespierre #Katherine Miller

 

Lars is her new husband. He loves Katherine but doesn’t understand why she’s always trying to protect her near and dear. Even though she saved his life while visiting him in Santa Fe, he often questions her involvement in other people’ lives.

Into their lives arrives a new neighbor, Sabrina Gates. Sabrina bought the house next door. She has had a phenomenal success as a new author but moes from her past and present threaten her peace and ability to write. There is the blogger who posts snide and not so nice posts about other authors. Sabrina’s former agent wants a share of the huge amount of money Sabrina has received for a trilogy. And there is her ex-husband, a needy greedy coward who wants money.

Above all there is Robespierre who makes his presence known

My Places

   https://twitter.com/JanetL717

 https://www.facebook.com/janet.l.walters.3?v=wall&story_f

bid=113639528680724

 http://bookswelove.net/

 http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com

https://www.pinterest.com/shadyl717/

 

Buy Mark

https://bookswelove.net/walters-janet-lane/

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Murder and Sweet Tea #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #cozy mystery #Robespierre #author

 

Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com  for some intriguing excerpts. Mine is from Murder and Sweet Tea Katherine's last murder

Lars is her new husband. He loves Katherine but doesn’t understand why she’s always trying to protect her near and dear. Even though she saved his life while visiting him in Santa Fe, he often questions her involvement in other people’ lives.

Into their lives arrives a new neighbor, Sabrina Gates. Sabrina bought the house next door. She has had a phenomenal success as a new author but moes from her past and present threaten her peace and ability to write. There is the blogger who posts snide and not so nice posts about other authors. Sabrina’s former agent wants a share of the huge amount of money Sabrina has received for a trilogy. And there is her ex-husband, a needy greedy coward who wants money.

Above all there is Robespierre who makes his presence known.



EXCERPT:

I had taken a basket from the pantry and placed it on the counter. “Making a welcome basket for our new neighbor.”

“Can I come, too?”

“Yes.” I pulled a frozen loaf of banana bread from the freezer and filled a tin with an assortment of cookies. A half dozen small jars featuring a variety of mint teas finished filling the area. Each of the jars had a ribbon with an attached card telling about the tea.

I joined Megan for lunch. Mine was slices of tomato and the rest of the crab salad. After delivering the basket, Megan and I would drive to a local farm to replenish my stock of fresh vegetables.

The moment we finished lunch, Megan wiped away her chocolate moustache. She ran to the door. “We go now.”

“Not so fast.” I checked to see if she had spilled anything on her clothes. I looked for the cats and found the pair shared Robespierre’s bed.

“Rose Prairie com?”

“Not today. We don’t know our new neighbor. Cats might make her cough and sneeze.”

“Oh.”

I lifted the basket. Megan opened the door and walked beside me to the gate in the privet hedge between the yards. We reached the porch of the Dutch Colonial and I rang the bell.

My new neighbor opened the door. She was beautiful. Instead of blue eyes, hers were green. “Hello. I’m Katherine Claybourne from next door. This is Megan. We would like to welcome you to the neighborhood.”

“Thank you. I’m Sabrina Gates. What a wonderful thing to do. Reminds me of home. Would you like to come in? I’m ready for a break.”

Megan followed us inside. “Grandma Kate make some really good cookies and tea with mint.’

Sabrina clasped the child’s hand. “Would you like some of those really good cookies?”

Megan looked at me and I nodded. “Yes, thank you. I’m four going on five. How old are you? Do you have any children?”

“I don’t but I do like children.”

“My daddy like them, tool”

I hid a grin. Was the child match-making?

Sabrina led us to the kitchen and placed the basket on the table. “Would you like some milk to go with your cookie?’

Megan shook her head. “Tea.”

Sabrina’s Southern accent enchanted me. I’m a sucker for accents.

We entered the kitchen where Sabrina set the basket on a table and unpacked the contents. She read each label on the jars of dried tea. “Let me brew a pot of this one.” She selected the pekoe and wintergreen. “I just made sugar syrup for sweet tea.”

“Sweet tea?” I asked.

My Places

https://twitter.com/JanetL717

 https://www.facebook.com/janet.l.walters.3?v=wall&story_f

bid=113639528680724

 http://bookswelove.net/

 http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com

https://www.pinterest.com/shadyl717/

 

Buy Mark

https://bookswelove.net/walters-janet-lane/

 

 

 


Thursday, April 22, 2021

Thursday's Opening Scene from Murder and Sweet Tea #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Cozy mystery #Hudson Valley #Robespierre

 

 

I waved to Maria and Sarah and started along the sidewalk. The July sun shone in a cloudless sky. For a moment, I halted and studied the “Painted Lady” across the street. Several vans filled the driveway and men carrying sheetrock and wood strode to the house.

The Victorian had been mine for many years and until I’d converted both floors to apartments, the house had been a single family residence. The new owners, Jenna and Richard, had begun a second conversion to return the house to its original purpose. A smile curved my lips. This pair had married in June and had begun making the house into a home.

I turned the corner onto my street. Sun glinted on the dark waters of the Hudson River and revealed the construction of the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

My thoughts drifted to my husband. Our first anniversary would occur next month and I had visited with two of my friends to plan a barbeque. My kind of party. Lars would have made reservations at the Cedar Inn where our second reception had been held. I had missed the affair and so had Lars. An out of state friend had needed my help and I speeded to her side. Lars and I had our differences but love and friendship allowed us to compromise. Our marriage is based on a long friendship, first as two couples and then as two who had lost their mates.

Robespierre ambled up the street toward me. When he reached my side, the Maine Coon cat butted my leg with his head. Was this a welcome home or a bid for more food? At twenty pounds, he was large. His black, brown and white long hair made him seem larger.

As we passed the vacant “Dutch Colonial” next door to my new abode, I noticed a For Sale sign on the front lawn. The news brought curiosity. Who would buy? The elderly couple who owned the house had moved to a senior complex last year.

Moments later I reached home, a sprawling ranch house situated at the river’s edge well above the shore. The cat dashed to the kitchen. Lars sat at the table cradling a steaming mug of coffee. I sprinkled a few bits of dry food into Robespierre’s dish and filled a glass with spearmint iced tea. I joined my husband.

Lars glanced away from the newspaper. “Don’t leaving Megan with us for the day. He’s heading to the city.”

“He’ll swelter.”

“Possibly but he has an appointment with some publisher for a freelance bit designing book covers.”

“Sounds interesting. We’ll have fun entertaining the child. You know, she’s my fourth grandchild.”

He groaned. “You only have one. Megan is your step-grandchild the same as ----- is mine.”

“By blood, you’re right. Robby adopted me and so did Jenna after her grandmother was murdered.” I met his gaze. “The house next door is for sale. The sign went up this morning.”

Lars shook his head. “Are you worried about the Dunns?”

I glared. “Why would I worry? I know where they are. I’m hoping we acquire good neighbors.”

“And no bodies for you to find.”

I tapped his hand. “Bodies find me. I don’t seek them.”

“Is that a promise?”

The twinkle in his blue eyes dissolved my anger. “I’ll leave the next one for you.”

“Thanks a lot. You’re the one who collects corpses like a berry picker fills their basket.”

My Places

https://twitter.com/JanetL717

 https://www.facebook.com/janet.l.walters.3?v=wall&story_f

bid=113639528680724

 http://bookswelove.net/

 http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com

https://www.pinterest.com/shadyl717/

 

Buy Mark

https://bookswelove.net/walters-janet-lane/


Sunday, April 18, 2021

Sunday's Book - Murder and Sweet Tea #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Cozy mystery, Robespierre #Hudson Valley

 


6
Lars is her new husband. He loves Katherine but doesn’t understand why she’s always trying to protect her near and dear. Even though she saved his life while visiting him in Santa Fe, he often questions her involvement in other people’ lives.

Into their lives arrives a new neighbor, Sabrina Gates. Sabrina bought the house next door. She has had a phenomenal success as a new author but moes from her past and present threaten her peace and ability to write. There is the blogger who posts snide and not so nice posts about other authors. Sabrina’s former agent wants a share of the huge amount of money Sabrina has received for a trilogy. And there is her ex-husband, a needy greedy coward who wants money.

Above all there is Robespierre who makes his presence known.

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Thursday's Fifth Scene - Murder and Sweet Tea #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Cozy mystery #Katherine Miller #Hudson River

 

When I reached the house, I found a note from Lars. “Gone golfing. See you at dinner time.”

Being released from the need to socialize with my husband, I filled a large glass with iced peppermint tea and settled in the dark green plush recliner to begin the book. By the second page, the characters and developing plot pulled me into the story.

When I reached the halfway point of the book, Lars returned. He waved his hand in front of my face. “Earth to Kate. Must be an intriguing story.”

“A riveting one.” I placed the novel on the table between our chairs. “Though not my usual reading material, I can’t put it down. The author will be our new neighbor.”

He lifted the book. “So you’ve solved the mystery of the house buyer.” He read aloud the material on the back cover.

“Death follows Nanette Gordon as she fights for control of her father’s import-export company. One of her opponents has marked her for death. Who? Enter Andrew Miliken, Is he friend or foe?”

“Sabrina Gates has penned an exciting and tightly woven story. Touches of her Southern home are woven into the narrative with a deft hand.”

He opened the book. “This sounds good.”

I met his gaze. “You can read the book when I’m done.”

He laughed. “Keep reading. This is a better way to experience murder than finding corpses.”

My laughter echoed his. “Just think we’ll soon meet the author whose imagination created this story.”

“Let’s hope her imagination is all she brings to town.”

My sigh turned into a groan. Finding the dead wasn’t my idea of fun. I rose. “No more murders for me unless they’re in the pages of a book.”

“Good. I won’t have to play Watson to your Sherlock.”

I nodded. “Go take your shower. Then we’ll have dinner.”

“Here or should we go out?”

“I’ll make crab salad. There’s lettuce and tomatoes and there’s a loaf of that dark rye you like.”

“Sounds great.”

As Lars walked away, I went to the kitchen and took the ingredients for dinner from the fridge and placed them on the counter. Once I finished making the salad, I wiped the granite counter. I stared out the window and studied the house on the other side of the privet hedge. When would the new owner arrive? Would I like Sabrina Gates as much as I liked her book?

 My Places

https://twitter.com/JanetL717

 https://www.facebook.com/janet.l.walters.3?v=wall&story_f

bid=113639528680724

 http://bookswelove.net/

 http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com

https://www.pinterest.com/shadyl717/

 

Buy Mark

http://bookswelove.net/walters-janet-lane/

 

* * *

 

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Sunday's Book Murder and Sweet Tea #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Cozy mystery #Hudson River #New York

 



Lars is her new husband. He loves Katherine but doesn’t understand why she’s always trying to protect her near and dear. Even though she saved his life while visiting him in Santa Fe, he often questions her involvement in other people’ lives.

Into their lives arrives a new neighbor, Sabrina Gates. Sabrina bought the house next door. She has had a phenomenal success as a new author but moes from her past and present threaten her peace and ability to write. There is the blogger who posts snide and not so nice posts about other authors. Sabrina’s former agent wants a share of the huge amount of money Sabrina has received for a trilogy. And there is her ex-husband, a needy greedy coward who wants money.

Above all there is Robespierre who makes his presence known.


Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Wednesday Murder and Sweet Tea #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #Cozy mystery #Hudson Valley

Murder and Sweet Tea (Mrs Miller Mysteries Book 6)
Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com  for some great excerpts. Murder and Sweet tea is my offering.

Blurb:

Lars is her new husband. He loves Katherine but doesn’t understand why she’s always trying to protect her near and dear. Even though she saved his life while visiting him in Santa Fe, he often questions her involvement in other people’ lives.

Into their lives arrives a new neighbor, Sabrina Gates. Sabrina bought the house next door. She has had a phenomenal success as a new author but moes from her past and present threaten her peace and ability to write. There is the blogger who posts snide and not so nice posts about other authors. Sabrina’s former agent wants a share of the huge amount of money Sabrina has received for a trilogy. And there is her ex-husband, a needy greedy coward who wants money.

Above all there is Robespierre who makes his presence known.

2019 Book Hooks

Excerpt:


Three days later, the For Sale sign vanished from the yard of the house next-door. My curiosity spiked like the humidity before a storm. What kind of neighbors would we have? A family, newly-weds or people escaping the city? I wanted to know. The realtor where a friend worked had been the name on the sign.         Tracey Stanton would know. I tapped her phone number.

     When she answered, I waited until we finished the usual chit-chat about our families and the church.         We finally exhausted those subjects. “Who bought the house next-door to mine?”
     “Kate, neither… I forgot you sold the Victorian. Why do you want to know?”
     “Mainly curiosity. Tell me it’s not a family with a herd of children.” I settled back in my recliner and stared through the picture window at the river.
     “No children. No husband. Why she wants a four bedroom with a finished attic is beyond me. Was the quickest sale I ever made.” She lowered her voice. “She’s an author who had a spectacular success. Her first two books hit the New York Times list and have stayed there. She’ll soon release a third novel.”
     “What’s her name? Maybe I’ve read her books.”
     “She writes suspense with a bit of romance. Don’t you prefer non-fiction biographies?”
     “Usually, but a neighbor should be supported. Her name?”
     “Sabrina Gates.”
     “I’ll visit the library tomorrow.”
     “Guess you don’t have an electronic reader.”
     “Not yet. Thanks for the information. I’ll see you at church on Sunday.” I hung up and went to tell Lars what I had learned about our new neighbor.

My Places


Buy Mark
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Thursday, October 17, 2019

Thursday - Murder and Sweet Tea - a look at Robespierre #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Cozy mystery #Maine Coon Cat


I turned into River Edge Road. Robespierre ambled up the street toward me. When he reached my side, the Maine Coon cat butted my legs with his head. Was this a welcome or a bid for more food? At twenty-two pounds, he was huge and his fluffy black, brown and white coat added to his bulk.



The cat dashed inside and did a little dance in front of his bowl. Lars sat at the table cradling a steaming mug of coffee. I sprinkled a few bits of dry food in Robespierre’s dish and filled a glass with iced spearmint tea. I sat across from my husband.
Lars looked up from the newspaper. “Did you and the coven solve the problems of the world?”

The next day, I spent time in the garden tending the mint beds in front of the bedroom area of the house. Their aromas filtered into the rooms and helped me sleep. Megan and Rose Prairie played with a ball on a string. Robespierre sat in his Sphinx position on the stone walk leading from the front door to the street. I wonder if he thought he was too old to play.


While watching the move, I gathered basil and mints for our evening meal. I pulled weeds from the beds.
“Hungry, Grandma Kate.” The small girl planted herself in front of me.
“Is it lunchtime already?”
“My tummy says yes.”
I clasped her hand and we walked to the house. A parade of cats followed. The pair scampered over the slate foyer and turned toward the kitchen. Robespierre and Rose Prairie dashed to sit beside their bowls in expectation of being fed. I chuckled. Megan’s pet had learned the drill.
She giggled. “They are so silly.” She shook a few nuggets into each bowl.



Sunday, October 13, 2019

Sunday's Book Murder and Sweet Tea #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Cozy mystery #Hudson River Valley


Murder and Sweet Tea (Mrs Miller Mysteries Book 6) by [Lane Walters, Janet]


This is the last book in the series and maybe in the future, Katherine will find anothe rmurder to become involved with. One never knows. Saying goodbye to Robespierre was sad years ago but I'm glad he now lives in memory and on the pages of these books.

Blurb
Lars is her new husband. He loves Katherine but doesn’t understand why she’s always trying to protect her near and dear. Even though she saved his life while visiting him in Santa Fe, he often questions her involvement in other people’ lives.

Into their lives arrives a new neighbor, Sabrina Gates. Sabrina bought the house next door. She has had a phenomenal success as a new author but moes from her past and present threaten her peace and ability to write. There is the blogger who posts snide and not so nice posts about other authors. Sabrina’s former agent wants a share of the huge amount of money Sabrina has received for a trilogy. And there is her ex-husband, a needy greedy coward who wants money.

Above all there is Robespierre who makes his presence known.