Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 06-30-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Today, a reader's question and my reply...

"Suzanne, well, it was a sad day at my house last night. I finished your book, Muffins and Mayhem! I tried to spread it out so it would last longer, but I guess all good things must come to an end. Of course, I loved it. As a reader since 2001, when [your book club] was still called Chapter-a-Day, I thought I knew a lot about you. But I learned quite a bit more from the book. There is still one thing though, that you need to explain. You have mentioned in your book that you were called Susan as a child, and now you are known as Suzanne. I figure there has to be a story in that! I'm sure all your readers would love to know--so tell us--how did you become Suzanne?"
--Debra Lipman

(Suzanne replies:)

Debra, years ago when a reader addressed an email "Dear Susan" she quickly sent another, apologizing for not getting my name right. She also wondered if it bothered me when people called me Susan, instead of Suzanne. And this was my reply...

What's in a name?

When I was born my parents named me Susan, and that's what everyone called me when I was growing up. But when I was twenty-three years old, I made a major change in my life. And thank heavens I did, because up until that point I'd been making a lot of really bad choices. I'm not sure what "woke" me up from the fog, but I felt like a new person.

When things turned around in my life, I also made new friends and one of them suggested, "You know you're really not a 'Susan.' I think the name 'Suzanne' fits you much better."

I tried Suzanne on, and it was a perfect fit--she was right. Granted, Susan to Suzanne was a minor change, but it symbolized something much more meaningful to me.

It's really all quite bizarre when I think about it. How many times in a person's life does someone who's just met you, tell you she really doesn't think your name is a good fit and suggests a new one?

I've always thought it was strange that people, who knew me as Susan, never asked why I changed my name. But then again, maybe they liked the new me and thought, 'She's finally got herself together.' So they decided to leave well enough alone.

What's in a name?

Sometimes a magical, new beginning.

If you're giving a copy of my book for a birthday, or "just because you're my friend" gift, be sure to let me know and I'll send a signed bookplate, bookmark and personal letter. And don't forget to ask for a bookplate for your own copy, too. Go to: http://www.bookclubambassador.com:80/content/special-offers

* Email can sometimes be like the lost sock in the washer. So if you sent me a request for a signed bookplate and haven't received it (I mail them within a couple days), please be sure to let me know.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

 

Dear Reader Column 06-29-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

It was the first time I almost used my kitchen fire extinguisher.

My son's birthday is June 23rd, three days before my husband's, so this past weekend we celebrated both birthdays together. One big dinner and one cake--that should have been bigger--because it was a real challenge to fit all 94 candles on the cake. (Thirty-two for my son and 62 for my husband.)

I was a little worried that lighting 94 candles on a birthday cake might be a problem. My concern was that by the time I got to candle number 50, the wax from candles one through ten would be melting into the frosting. But not too worry, because when you have that many candles, close together on a very small round cake, by the time you're ready to light the 50th candle, like a row of dominos, one candle quickly starts lighting the candle next to it, and suddenly there's a candle bonfire on top of the cake. (Thank heavens I took the plastic decorative balloons off of the cake, before I started lighting the candles.)

People interpret a bonfire on top of a birthday cake differently. "Quick, make a wish, where's the fire extinguisher?" I was doing my best to move this 3-alarm birthday ritual along.

My daughter-in-law on the other hand, apparently did a lot of camping when she was a kid, "Do you have any marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers? We can make s'mores."

The birthday boys managed to blow out the fiery mass, while only sustaining minor heat rash injuries. Safe and sound, my son suggested a repeat performance next year. But since we'll need room for two additional candles, I think I'll bake cupcakes instead: ninety-six wishes, while safely blowing out 96 candles, one-at-a-time.

To see a birthday cake photo and to enter the Muffins and Mayhem cap giveaway (if you entered yesterday, the link wasn't working properly--my apologies) go to: http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/node/363

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

SHOUT OUT! Hungry? Check out Big Appetite by Sam McLeod. Garrison Keillor meets Paula Dean in Sam McLeod's nostalgic and funny memoir Big Appetite: My Southern-Fried Search for the Meaning of Life. Although he sets off to lose weight, Sam learns that it's actually his Southern roots and memories of food that hold the key to discovering his purpose in the world. Learn more about Big Appetite at: http://tinyurl.com/BigAppetite

 

Dear Reader Column 06-28-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to:  http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

What a great day! My email box has been pleasantly filled with bookplate requests--if you've purchased my book Muffins and Mayhem and would like an autographed bookplate and a bookmark, just let me know.

It seems like my book has inspired readers to cook and maybe even make a love connection?

From my Email Bag:

(My single, brother-in-law, sent me this email.)

"Suzanne, to show my appreciation to a wonderful and caring person, I gave your book to the woman who supervises the meal program, in which I participate at the Senior Citizen Center near my home. I eat lunch there about three times a week. She's already finished reading it and loved it. Last night she invited me over for supper and made two recipes from the book. They were Company Fare Pork Chops and Funeral Cake with Buttercream Frosting. I plan to give the book to another woman who I know will want to cook me something from the recipes, too. I eat better and more often because of Muffins and Mayhem."

"Hi Suzanne, after thirty years of marriage and four kids, I thought I'd made every type of meat loaf tried by humankind, but your (Mrs. Creswick's) recipe with French dressing topped with mayonnaise/mashed potato dressing is tasty! I've made it twice in the last couple of weeks."--Pam Pugh

"Dear Suzanne, it was my son's 9th birthday and when I asked him what kind of cake he wanted he told me 'lava cake!' Now I had just gotten your book and read past that point [where you talk about Lava Cakes] or I wouldn't have even known what the heck he was talking about. When I asked him where he had heard of Lava Cakes, he said some kids at school had been talking about them and how good they were. I told him 'well it just so happens I have a recipe for that so I will try it out.' They were a huge hit with everyone, tasted awesome and my other son wants me to make them again for his birthday in July."--Best Regards, Kari Fenrich

Recipes, videos, bookplates, a chance to win a Muffins and Mayhem cap and see a photo of a previous winner, go to: http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/node/353

Also, congratulations to Irene Holloman winner of the Authorbuzz Giveaway for a $25 bookstore gift certificate. The link for today's Authorbuzz is right after my column.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win: Carla Neggers, The Whisper; Debbie Macomber, Thursdays at Eight; Linda Lael Miller, McKettricks of Texas: Austin; Laura Griffin, Unspeakable, and Vanitha Sankaran, Watermark. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 06-25-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

My three-year old grandson Paul has taken a sudden interest in baking cupcakes. That's all the boy talks about when he comes to visit. Paul walks into the house, heads for the kitchen, takes his apron off the hook, drags the baking steps over to the counter (a step-stool especially designed so kids can reach the kitchen counter) and gives me--the look, "What are you waiting for Grandma? Let's bake cupcakes!"

This sudden desire to bake cupcakes--I'm not sure where it came from--especially since Paul hasn't ever eaten an entire cupcake. He always samples one when we're finished baking, but all he really does is swirl his finger through the frosting, one, two, three, sometimes four tastes, then hands the rest of the cupcake back to me, "All done Grandma." The boy may not be that interested in eating cupcakes, but just like his grandmother, Paul loves to share his baked goods. At the tender age of three, he's already experiencing the joy and satisfaction of baking for others. Last week Paul took two dozen cupcakes, he made from scratch, to his day school to share with his classmates.

Teaching Paul how to bake brings back memories of when I taught a cooking class for homeschooled kids twice a week, (you can read more about it in my book Muffins and Mayhem). The students were 10 to 12 years old, much more advanced than 3-year-old Paul, and sometimes Grandma forgets that. But Paul's one smart "cupcake." If I encourage Paul to do something beyond his ability, he smiles and gently suggests, "Grandma, I think I should be your helper."

I'm exhausted after our baking sessions. But I'm still smiling. Because I realize that this grandma and her grandson are doing so much more than simply baking cupcakes together--we're creating memories that will last longer than my lifetime.

Someone will ask Paul when he's all grown up, maybe even his own children, "Dad, who taught you how to bake?"

"My Grandma Suzanne and I started baking together when I was three years old. Let me tell you about the time we tried to put a filling inside the cupcake..."

Behind every recipe there's a memory, and a story to share.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

* The cupcake pan was drizzled with batter and the kitchen was a mess, but Paul's cupcakes were a hit at his school. To see a photo, and to find out how to create your own Cookbook of Memories to share with your family, go to: http://www.MuffinsandMayhem.com/node/343

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

KIDSBUZZ: This week, books for tweens and teens about humor and magic, being stuck in the wrong place, moving and fitting in from Rhonda Hayter, The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams; Susan Carlton, Lobsterland, and Kate Kingsley, Pretty on the Outside. For a chance to win free books and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz

 

Dear Reader Column 06-24-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

There are a lot of opportunities to win at AuthorBuzz today! Check out the link, it's right after my column. Visit AuthorBuzz, sign up for one of the authors' free giveaways, then send an email to me at [email protected] letting me know which author's giveaway you signed up for, and your email will automatically enter your name in a drawing for a $25.00 bookstore gift certificate.

If you purchased my book Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life for yourself or as a gift for someone, let me know and I'll send an autographed bookplate, bookmark and personal letter. For more information on this special offer, go to: http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/content/special-offers

From my Email Bag:

"Suzanne, I must make your day. I purchased two of your books. One for my mama and one book for myself. My 85-year-old mother has not been able to put your book down. SHE LOVES IT! You sent some autographed bookplates at my request, and mama thinks it is so special to have that in her book. Please know you have made an 85-year-old avid reader stay glued to a book. I, on the other hand, have only had moments to read your book and as you say, 'It's so good to read with old friends.' Your book puts me right at home with a good friend. Thanks again and congratulations, Suzanne, you are a hit."--Beverly Ferro, Sam Rayburn, Texas and June Landry (aka mama), Baton Rouge, LA (my hometown) Bon jour!

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise these are five that deserve your attention: Dana Hayes, Crashers; Gayle Brandeis, Delta Girls; Julie Kramer, Silencing Sam; Denise Hildreth, Hurricanes in Paradise; and Cathy Holton, Beach Trip, A Novel. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 06-23-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Who doesn't love a good recipe, especially when there's an interesting story behind it? Thumbing through my own recipe box was part of the inspiration for writing Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life because almost every recipe reminded me of when...

You can create your own "Cookbook of Memories" when you visit my website: www.MuffinsandMayhem.com Collect your favorite recipes, enter them at your own pace, then jot down the story behind them. Create an entire book, print it out, and have it inexpensively bound at an office supply store. Or type in just one recipe and story to share with other readers.

The theme for this year's annual Write a Dear Reader Contest (details released July 12th) is recipes and the stories behind them. There's no need to have writing aspirations, simply look through your recipe box, share one of your favorites, and write down the story behind it.

Just the other day my husband's friend, Jerry, sent an email that included a family-favorite recipe for orange cookies. His mother used to make them for him and they were his absolute favorites.

When I asked Jerry for the rest of the story, he referred me to his sister, and she sent this reply:

"Many years ago our mother made these orange cookies. My brother, Jerry, took a real liking to them and Mom even sent them to him when he was in the Navy in Adak, Alaska. I know, because I wrapped each one individually. Then Mom got older and wasn't baking anymore. I didn't think anymore about the cookies as I had my own family. But about three years ago a family member was clearing things from Mom's home, and sent me the hand written recipe for her orange cookies. There is a grease stain on some of it, but I'm so happy to have the recipe, and especially in Mom's handwriting. There is a part in the recipe that Mom referred to as shortening, and in parenthesis (oleo). But I have since substituted butter. I have also added grated orange rind to the batter, as well as to the frosting. For the last three years, I have sent about two dozen, individually wrapped cookies to Jerry for his birthday in mid-March."--Joan Merrill-Teo

Since Jerry only receives two boxes from his sister, he says he rations the cookies and stores them in the freezer. "Three seconds in the micro oven, and they taste better than, I don't know what--but they are great!"

That's Jerry's story. Tell me yours. Visit my website to start creating your own Cookbook of Memories and see the original Orange Cookie recipe. Go to: http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com:80/node/334

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

KIDSBUZZ: This week, books for tweens and teens about humor and magic, being stuck in the wrong place, moving and fitting in from Rhonda Hayter, The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams; Susan Carlton, Lobsterland, and Kate Kingsley, Pretty on the Outside. For a chance to win free books and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz

Dear Reader Column 06-22-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to:  http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I need to lose a couple of extra mid-life pounds, (all attached to the middle of me) before I go in for my annual physical next week. So this week, I'm reading Sam McLeod's new book, Big Appetite: My Southern-Fried Search for the Meaning of Life. Author Sam McLeod had always been a "big boned" man, but when a friend suddenly had a heart attack, Sam really looked at the number on the scale for the first time. He knew that he needed to slim down, but his doctor told him that diets don't work. "You've got to find meaning in your life that will motivate you to take care of your body," the doctor said. "Only you can figure that out."

In Sam's new book, Big Appetite: My Southern-Fried Search for the Meaning of Life he sets off on a journey back to his childhood home, searching for the motivation he needs to lose weight. Childhood memories come flooding back: of his mother who cooked hot meals for him and his four brothers every single day, the hideout in the cave, his mother's meatloaf, the creek where the huge snake was rumored to live, mom's deviled eggs and pickled shrimp, the Christmas he got the chemistry set, mom's country ham and biscuits...

Do you see the problem? It reminds me of the last time I went back to Madison, Wisconsin for a visit. On my "be-sure-to-do" list were 12 favorite places to eat, but it was only a three-day holiday.

I can't report if author Sam McLeod finds his motivation to lose the extra pounds, because I'm not finished reading the book yet. But I do know I've been reading his book on my daily walk, and laughing, and walking, and feeling lighter. So thank you, Mr. Sam McLeod, for a delightful read--your doctor is wrong. A diet of reading and walking does work--my mid-section is looking better!

If your mid-section needs a trim, enter this week's giveaway for a pedometer. Mine keeps me honest about how many steps I'm actually walking each day. To enter and to find out more about Big Appetite: My Southern-Fried Search for the Meaning of Life go to: http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/content/big-appetite

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

Dear Reader Column 06-21-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Bloggers and book reviewers have been asking a lot of questions lately, when they're promoting my book, Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life. Many of their questions are typical, and repeats of other interviews, but these three questions brought back memories, and reaffirmed what's really important in my life.

Q: Where would be your dream vacation?

My dream vacation would be a repeat of the first time my husband and I rented a cabin in the Smoky Mountains. The brochure called it a cabin, but really it was a huge, luxurious home high up on the hill. Looking down into the valley below; circular bales of hay in neat and tidy rows, with a sprinkle of wild flowers--it was picture perfect. The "cabin" had three levels; the backside was completely covered with windows and sliding glass doors. No need for curtains so high up in the mountains; no neighbors. A spacious game room filled the lower level: billiards, ping-pong, a flat screen TV with all of the extras, and a foosball table. The main floor: cathedral ceilings, a fireplace, high tech electronics; TV, stereo, wireless internet, a view to "die-for" through the sliding glass doors that led out to a surround-the-house deck, a full kitchen, three bathrooms, a Jacuzzi tub bathroom looking out over the mountains, and three spacious bedrooms. Even the wildlife was picture-perfect. Every morning wild turkeys would come and sit on the split-wood fence near the kitchen entrance to sun themselves for hours.

When my husband and I first walked into the house, we looked at each other and in unison announced, "Call the travel agent and book this place for the entire week!" We lived in a dreamland for the week, but we've never returned for another visit. How could anything possibly live up to the memories we have of that vacation?

Q. Last meal on earth?

Macaroni and cheese with my grandchildren. I hope I'm giving them the kind of memories my Grandma and Grandpa Hale gave to me.

Q. Words of inspiration/advice for our readers?

Most of my joy comes from the little things in life. I was grateful for a long red light the other day; otherwise I would never have noticed a man pushing a baby carriage. I could see, as he walked in front of my car, there was a little baby girl inside of the carriage. After the man crossed over to the other side of the street, and was safely on the curb, daddy bent over to check on his little bundle of joy. And the smile on his face told me he must have been reassuring his daughter that he loved her, and would always be there to watch over her.

I spend a lot of time working on trying to keep myself feeling grounded. Yet, some days worrying about the future consumes too much of my thoughts. Being privileged to share this father/daughter moment reminded me that if I want to ease my spirit and find peace, instead of worrying about what's down the road, maybe what I'm looking for is right in front of me.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
Visit the website for my book, www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise these are five that deserve your attention: Dana Hayes, Crashers; Gayle Brandeis, Delta Girls; Julie Kramer, Silencing Sam; Denise Hildreth, Hurricanes in Paradise; and Cathy Holton, Beach Trip, A Novel. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

Dear Reader Column 06-18-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

What fun to be one of the featured authors this week in our Nonfiction Book Club. If you're signed up in another genre, today's the last day to read a lengthy HTML sample from my book, Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life. http://www.supportlibrary.com/bc/v.cfm?L=%%list.name%%&V=N1FE39FF2171

And today's the last day to enter this month's Chocolate Chip Cookie Giveaway. To see last month's smiling cookie winners and to enter, go to: http://muffinsandmayhem.com:80/node/319

These days when an author walks into a bookstore it can be overwhelming and scary. With so many books being published, it's extremely difficult to even get your book into the bookstores, and if you do, 'How will people find it?'

Thankfully, this first-time author is blessed to have dedicated and supportive readers like you, who will go the distance--if necessary...

"Dear Suzanne, I finally was able to find your book at Borders near my house. It took two trips, though. Last week I was told they had two copies but couldn't find them. I was so disappointed! This week I decided to try again and the clerk found them 10 feet up on the top shelf. Of course I wanted one, and asked the clerk to please move the other one down lower so some other fan of yours would be able to find it. I suggested she place it on an end cap, but that didn't happen. However she did move it down to eye level in alphabetical order.

I started reading [your book] last evening and haven't been able to put it down. It is a delightful, inspiring story; you should be very proud of your accomplishments and enjoy doing what ever makes you happy."--Your friend, and fellow reader, Jackie O'Donnell

Thanks Jackie. Even I couldn't find my own book in a bookstore the other day. It was there, but instead of being in Memoirs, it was in Science Fiction. (Yes, I'm a weird one all right, but Science Fiction seems a little extreme, even for me!) If you're looking for a copy of Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life call the bookstore and have them place a copy on hold, or they can order a copy for you. You'll spend less time looking and have more time for reading.

Have a wonderful weekend. I'm taking my grandchildren to the Tampa Zoo.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

 

Dear Reader Column 06-17-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

"Did somebody bring the cookies?" is Chapter 19 in my book, Muffins And Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life. And today, I'm bringing the cookies. Two dozen. If your name is drawn in this month's Chocolate Chip Cookie Giveaway, I'll overnight two dozen homemade cookies to your front door.

You need to enter to win. So do it right now. No strings attached--except one tiny photo request. If you're a cookie winner, would you please send a photo of yourself happily munching and dunking my tasty chocolate chip cookies after they arrive? I love to see photos and so do other readers.

The cookies are baking in my oven, as you're reading this, and I'm ready to pack them up with your name on them--but you need to enter if you want to win.

To see smiling faces of past cookie winners and to enter this month's Chocolate Chip Cookie Giveaway, go to: http://muffinsandmayhem.com:80/node/319

BOOKREPORT for Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life:

"Suzanne, I purchased your book for my mom and she hasn't received a signed bookplate. She saw mine on the table and said, 'Oh, that's really neat. How did you get one of those?' When you have time would you send her one? She will be thrilled! I absolutely love your book so far. I'm on Chapter 12 and it has made me laugh out loud. My girls even asked if they could read it (ages 12 & 9). You can bet we'll be trying some new recipes soon. My girls think it is very cool that I have a handwritten note from an actual author. You've made me cool in their eyes and that's priceless! Thanks so much!"--Tracy

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win: Dan Walsh, The Homecoming; Claire Avery, Hidden Wives; Michele Scott, El Patron; Jessica Shattuck, Perfect Life: A Novel; and Lauren Belfer, A Fierce Radiance. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader