Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 11-30-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

I write my daily column to share with you, today Mary Ellen wrote a "column" and shared it with me.

"Suzanne, after reading Monday's column, when you spoke about your new tradition of inviting your dinner guests to bring food, I thought about our church potluck dinners.

Most weeks, a group of us make the meal. There are four groups, one for each week of the month. My group has the third week. I usually am in charge of dessert for 100 people. I often make cookies, as they stretch nicely and there are never leftovers to take home. But some months have five Sundays. When that happens, we do an all-out potluck. Everyone is encouraged to contribute. Those meals are the best and the most fun. A little of everything and new tastes for everyone.

My church is a combination of traditional American, and Filipino worshipers. We are all family--in the best sense of that word. The combination brings out the best in both cultures. I have tasted soup with lemon grass and ginger, and dates rolled in olive leaves. Our Filipino worshipers do something to chicken that is amazing. The glaze is sweet and tart all at the same time. And they in return have been treated to chili, Mom's apple cranberry pie and sweet tea. We all have a blast those Sundays and the conversations seem to flow even easier.

Sharing recipes and our lives seems to happen a lot at gatherings, whether it is in the church hall, or on the Internet--at the book club.

I love reading with you here. I've already picked up a book from the AuthorBuzz site. Eddie The Kid by Steve Forman. I have increased my books many times by reading a portion, or seeing a book on that site. Thanks for sharing and for giving us all that opportunity." --Mary Ellen

Congratulations to the winners of DEBBIE MACOMBER'S CHRISTMAS COOKBOOK: Pat Cameron, Pat Headlund, Martha Troxel, Karen Mayers and Kathy Fiscus. The winners of last Tuesday's book giveaway are: Jean Marie Rehanek, Julie Rogers, D K Baxter, Frank Donati and Charlee Hutton.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

* This month's Penguin Classics book is PATHS OF GLORY by Humphrey Cobb. Start reading now and enter to win a Penguin totebag. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/November11Classics

AUTHORBUZZ: Meet author Paul Grossman...

THE SLEEPWALKERS (Mystery)

It's the last days of the Weimar Republic. Beautiful girls are disappearing...sleepwalking through the streets of Berlin. Willi Kraus may be the most famous detective in Germany--but he's a Jew. And the Nazis are on the rise. He's seen some awful things in life. Fought behind enemy lines. Captured serial killers. But his forays into the upper echelons of the Nazi Party lead to discoveries that shock even him.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader Click on THE SLEEPWALKERS to read more. Author Paul Grossman would love to hear from you.

 

Dear Reader Column 11-29-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

My Grandma Hale taught me how to create holiday traditions and it's one of the reasons I love her, and continue to think about her, even though she's been gone for over 35 years. Everyone in our family gathered at Grandma's house for the big holiday feast. Memories of watching my grandmother cook, reaching into the china cabinet where Grandma kept her best dishes--my job was to help set the table--sitting around her oak dining room table covered with a white lace table cloth, it feels like only yesterday.

I've done my best to carry on Grandma's holiday traditions, not out of a sense of duty, but because I'd like to pass on the same life-changing memories to my own grandchildren. Years down the road, when my grandchildren's families get together to eat a holiday dinner, wouldn't it be wonderful if I could still be part of their gathering. "Isn't this Grandma's pie dish? Remember the big holiday dinners she would cook? What a feast."

Grandma Hale did all of the cooking and baking herself. I don't ever recall my mother making something to take to Grandmas house. I expect that even if Mom would have offered, Grandma would have politely turned her down. Over the years, I've followed in Grandma's footsteps, doing all of the cooking and baking myself, but this year I broke tradition. I invited twenty guests and if they asked, "Can I make something to bring?" I politely said, "Yes."

Strangely, I admit I felt guilty about having people bring a dish to pass, but it turned out to be the best Thanksgiving dinner I've ever hosted. Friends actually thanked me for the opportunity to cook and to share some of their own family's holiday recipes. Pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream, two pumpkin cheesecakes, company carrots, Brussels sprouts with roasted chestnuts (roasting chestnuts turned out to be a task that took much longer than my neighbor John realized) a corn souffle, cherry strudel (still warm in the pan when it arrived at my house), not only did we share a variety of great food, there was a real sense of community about the meal. I think Grandma Hale would have been pleased, and I think she would have given five stars to something new I added to my menu this year. A Poppy Seed, Pear, Apple, Lettuce Delight Salad. My guests asked for the recipe, I hope you get the chance to make it, too.

Poppy Seed, Pear, Apple, Lettuce Delight

1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons diced onion
1 teaspoon Dijon-style prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
4 ounces shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup cashews, broken up
1/4 cup dried cherries
1 apple--peeled, cored and diced
1 pear--peeled, cored and sliced

In a blender or food processor, mix until well blended the sugar, lemon juice, onion, mustard, and salt. With machine still running, add oil in a slow, steady stream until mixture is thick and smooth. Add poppy seeds, and mix just a few seconds more.

Toss together the romaine lettuce, shredded Swiss cheese, cashews, dried cherries, apple, and pear. Pour dressing over salad just before serving, and toss to coat.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/

* This month's Penguin Classics book is PATHS OF GLORY by Humphrey Cobb. Start reading now and enter to win a Penguin totebag. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/November11Classics

AUTHORBUZZ: (Science Fiction) TRITCHEON HASH by Sue Lange

Tritcheon Hash is a test pilot in the year 3011. She's got it all: brains, guts, and a fast jet. But can she survive a mission to the most frightening place in the galaxy, the planet Earth?

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader Click on this book to read more. Author Sue Lange would love to hear from you.

 

Dear Reader Column 11-28-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

Once I buy a gift for someone I can't wait to give it to them. So if I shop early, then the folks on my Christmas list receive their presents in the mail two days after Thanksgiving (if the post office does its job). I'm worse than a little kid when it comes to giving gifts, because I can't wait to hear if someone loved what I picked out for them. But in my defense, I put a lot of thought into what might bring a little-kid-smile to each person on my list, and I have fun shopping with that picture in mind. So when I find the "perfect" gift, the anticipation has built over days of searching and the concept of storing the present until the big day--I can't bear the thought.

So this year, in an attempt to follow gift-giving protocol, I came up with an idea inspired by the "Twelve Days of Christmas." My version: Twelve Days of Christmas Gift Hints. (Same melody as the original tune, but with a new twist.) My plan was to email a gift hint to each of my friends on the twelve days before Christmas. Not only would it be fun, it would satisfy my need to give their gifts early.

But things don't always go like I plan. Did you know that in the "Twelve Days of Christmas," they don't start giving those maids a-milking and geese a-laying until December 25th? Which means those 12 drummers drumming don't show up until January 6th? Who knew? It was news to me and certainly put a real wrench in my idea.

So next year I'm doing what I should have done years ago--hand the problem off to someone else. If I find a great gift for Aunt Alice at the big 4th of July sale, I'm wrapping it up in last year's holiday paper, and sending it to her early--way early. But I'm also pasting a "Do Not Open Until December 25th" sticker in plain view--so now it's her problem, not mine!

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

* This month's Penguin Classics book is PATHS OF GLORY by Humphrey Cobb. Start reading now and enter to win a Penguin totebag. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/November11Classics

AUTHORBUZZ: EDDIE THE KID (Mystery) by Steven M. Forman

This novella and prequel to the adventures of Eddie Perlmutter, is set in 1974 when he was twenty nine years and already Boston's most promoted, demoted, fearless police detective. Eddie pursues The Shotgun Man, a killer on a vendetta; fights organized crime; saves a life the first day of forced busing; get's involved in a fatal domestic abuse case and battles bigotry. Eddie's unique outlook adds irony and humor to the most deadly serious situations.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader Click on EDDIE THE KID to read more. Author Steven M. Forman would love to hear from you.

Dear Reader Column 11-25-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

If you're looking for a real good holiday gift filled with heartwarming stories and recipes that I've personally used for years, I sure would appreciate you considering giving my book Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life to your friends and family.

It's available in both hardcover and paperback, and to make your gift really stand out, be sure to send me an email and request an autographed bookplate. Tell me who you're giving the book to and I will write a personal note to the recipient, and include a bookmark and two recipes. It's an easy and free way to make your gift special.

To request a personalized bookplate, visit my website: http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/content/special-offers

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

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

KIDSBUZZ: Meet new authors--send an email, ask a question and they will reply. Plus enter to win a free (signed!) copy of the featured book. You'll enjoy Steve Light's THE CHRISTMAS GIANT, a delightful picture book about a Giant and an Elf making wrapping paper for Santa! For a chance to win a free copy, say hello to the author, and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz

* This month's Penguin Classics book is PATHS OF GLORY by Humphrey Cobb. Start reading now and enter to win a Penguin totebag. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/November11Classics

AUTHORBUZZ: (Nonfiction) TRUST YOUR LIFE: FORGIVE YOURSELF AND GO AFTER YOUR DREAMS

Author Noelle Sterne wants to know...

Have you given up on a secret dream? Do you know you have something to contribute but can't name it?

In TRUST YOUR LIFE, I help you let go of regrets and reach lifelong yearnings, whatever your age, circumstances, or the size of your waistline. You'll learn to use three universal principles: There are no mistakes. You can reframe your past. The outer reflects the inner. You can reach your God-planted dreams!

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader Click on my book to read more and please send an email. I'd love to hear from you.--Author Noelle Sterne

Dear Reader Column 11-24-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who live in the United States. Family, friends and neighbors are feasting on a big turkey dinner at my house today. Remember when you used to draw around your small hand and turn your fingers into feathers? My grandsons, Paul and James, have made a turkey place card for each dinner guest.

Get out the turkey china plates, decorate the tables, turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, yams, gravy, cole slaw, company carrots, green beans jazzed with tomatoes, shrimp salad, skunk beans, deviled eggs, freshly made cranberry sauce, pumpkin, cherry and blueberry pies, with a dollop of whipped cream--and a loaf of pumpkin bread for each guest to take home. I am so thankful for the opportunity to share such a memorable feast with family and friends. And it is truly a blessing for me to be able to read with friends like you every day.

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

Happy Thanksgiving.

Warm regards,
Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

*Meet authors, sample their books and enter for a free giveaway.
It's fun and it's at AuthorBuzz.*

(Fiction) TO WED A WILD LORD by Sabrina Jeffries

(Fiction) CURIOSITY by Joan Thomas

(Nonfiction) YOU CAN CREATE AN EXCEPTIONAL LIFE by Louise L. Hay and Cheryl Richardson

(Nonfiction) TRUST YOUR LIFE: FORGIVE YOURSELF AND GO AFTER YOUR DREAMS by Noelle Sterne

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

* This month's Penguin Classics book is PATHS OF GLORY by Humphrey Cobb. Start reading now and enter to win a Penguin totebag. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/November11Classics

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 11-23-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

Turkey, turkey, gobble, gobble--if your Thanksgiving dinner guests don't gobble down all of your turkey tomorrow, I have the perfect recipe for your leftovers. It's become a tradition, the Friday after Thanksgiving is my day to make turkey pies.

My quick and easy recipe for Leftover Turkey Pies.

(Taken from my book, Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy [if disorderly] Life.)

"One of the reasons my husband and I like to buy a big 23-pound bird is so we'll have plenty of leftovers to make turkey pies. They're easy to assemble.

Line a pie pan with ready-made crust and fill it two-thirds of the way with cut-up leftover turkey. Dice a fresh onion, add vegetables (a package of frozen, or leftover fresh veggies from the relish tray). Pour any leftover gravy on top. If Uncle Fred polished off the gravy, open a can of turkey or chicken gravy. I prefer chicken because it has more flavor. Season with pepper. Add top crust.

Bake in a 400 degree oven until golden brown. You've got the perfect leftover turkey pie. It's as simple as that."

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

KIDSBUZZ: Meet new authors--send an email, ask a question and they will reply. Plus enter to win a free (signed!) copy of the featured book. You'll enjoy Steve Light's THE CHRISTMAS GIANT, a delightful picture book about a Giant and an Elf making wrapping paper for Santa! For a chance to win a free copy, say hello to the author, and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz

* This month's Penguin Classics book is PATHS OF GLORY by Humphrey Cobb. Start reading now and enter to win a Penguin totebag. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/November11Classics

AUTHORBUZZ: YOU CAN CREATE AN EXCEPTIONAL LIFE (Nonfiction)

Meet authors Louise L. Hay and Cheryl Richardson...

All of us can improve the quality of our lives if we practice the art of self-care and train our minds to think thoughts that make us feel good. When we do, we attract delightful experiences that enrich our lives. Louise and Cheryl present these methods in the easiest possible way so that you can, step-by-step, learn how to have peace of mind--to live worry free in a healthy body, with a comfortable income, while enjoying your relationships.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader Click on YOU CAN CREATE AN EXCEPTIONAL LIFE to read more. Authors Louise L. Hay and Cheryl Richardson would love to hear from you.

 

Dear Reader Column 11-22-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

It's a busy holiday week, so let's get right to it. I have books on my shelf waiting to give away to readers. Some are books that I've featured at the book clubs, others are great books, but there just aren't enough weeks in the year to feature them all.

To enter the book giveaway, simply send an email to: [email protected] and put Book Giveaway on the subject line. Include your name and address in the body of the email, in case you are a winner.

Last week, guest columnist Keith Cronin entertained readers with his Thanksgiving Lobster column. (If you missed the column be sure to read it at: http://tinyurl.com/lobstercolumn ). The winners of Keith's book giveaway are: Pat Golding, Anne Pardee, Linda Hitchcock, Leslie Byrne, Aleta Anderson, Carol Robinson, Kristin Fields, Linda Guerrini, Kathy Fannon and Tami Kietzmann. Enjoy!

* Congratulations to the November Chocolate Chip Cookie winners, Bethany Hulan, Stacey Crowhurst and Kim Scott. And congratulations to the winners of the Hot Water Bottle Giveaway, Beth Befort and Heather Kinney.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

* This month's Penguin Classics book is PATHS OF GLORY by Humphrey Cobb. Start reading now and enter to win a Penguin totebag. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/November11Classics

AUTHORBUZZ: (Fiction) CURIOSITY by Joan Thomas

Mary Anning was a poor girl in 19th century England when she dug the skeleton of a dragon out of a cliff. Her fossil changed the way people saw the world, and it threw Mary into a treacherous circle of middle-class scientists. In CURIOSITY, she meets Henry de la Beche, a slave-owner's son looking for a new life. Mary and Henry are divided by class but drawn together by their curiosity about the world and each other.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader Click on my book to read more and please send an email. I'd love to hear from you.--Author Joan Thomas

Dear Reader Column 11-21-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

Today I've invited best selling author Debbie Macomber to write a guest column, and in the spirit of the season, she is giving away five copies of her new book DEBBIE MACOMBER'S CHRISTMAS COOKBOOK. Enjoy Debbie's column (below) and to enter her giveaway send an email to: [email protected] You can visit her website at: www.DebbieMacomber.com

Take it away, Debbie...

COOKBOOKS GONE WILD

There are those of us who read a cookbook with the same fascination as we do great works of fiction. I happen to be one of them. My kitchen shelves are filled with cookbooks.

My fascination with reading cookbooks started at an early age. Every holiday my mother would take out, with great ceremony, a brown cardboard box filled with recipes handed down to her from her mother. I would help mom cook, and if I was especially good she would let me read her recipe cards. Eventually I believe we cooked or baked every dish in her file together. My favorite memories of my mother and me all center around the kitchen.

Later, while in high school, I started my own recipe file, a green tin box that I still own along with my mother's brown cardboard version. My first official cookbook came from Betty Crocker, a wedding shower gift, and that was just the start. I lined my kitchen countertops with books by the Galloping Gourmet, the Frugal Gourmet and Julia Child, plus many more, until my husband suggested I might leave space for a few helpful appliances so I could put those cookbooks to good use!

After I started selling my novels, I compiled my favorite recipes to give as a bonus gift to booksellers and my faithful readers. It seems those of us who enjoy reading, enjoy cooking, too, because my recipe sharing became immensely popular.

The Cedar Cove series led me to the tipping point when it came to my recipe sharing. One mention of Peggy Beldon's blueberry muffins in one of the books, and my office was swamped with mail. Literally hundreds of my readers asked for the recipe. But that paled in comparison to Teri Polgar's amazing macaroni and cheese. That was when I knew that while I enjoy my fiction career, I had more to share...and that was my love of creating delectable meals for my family and friends.

I decided it was time to create my own cookbook. Okay, I admit I've never been to culinary school, but I forged ahead undeterred. The result was DEBBIE MACOMBER'S CEDAR COVE COOKBOOK, which proved to be so popular that this year I've created a second, this one titled DEBBIE MACOMBER'S CHRISTMAS COOKBOOK. It would make a terrific gift to those who enjoy reading...fiction or cookbooks. And Suzanne's cookbook MUFFINS AND MAYHEM would make a dandy gift as well!

Debbie Macomber

About Debbie

Whether Debbie is in her home in Port Orchard, Washington, or enjoying some time in her winter home in Florida, if she isn't at her computer you'll most likely find her in the kitchen. A #1 New York Times bestseller of women's fiction, Debbie writes about characters who ultimately wind up doing what she does--welcoming friends and family alike into her kitchens. This holiday season Debbie's new books include the finale in her Cedar Cove series, 1225 CHRISTMAS TREE LANE, and DEBBIE MACOMBER'S CHRISTMAS COOKBOOK. On the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, Hallmark Channel will premiere her third movie for them, TRADING CHRISTMAS, which is based on an early book titled WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES.

* This month's Penguin Classics book is PATHS OF GLORY by Humphrey Cobb. Start reading now and enter to win a Penguin totebag. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/November11Classics

AUTHORBUZZ: Meet author Sabrina Jeffries...

(Fiction) TO WED A WILD LORD, the fourth novel in my The Hellions of Halstead Hall series. Since losing his parents as a child, Lord Gabriel Sharpe has courted danger, especially perilous horse races. Did he cause his best friend Roger's death on a treacherous course years earlier? Roger's sister, Virginia, convinced Gabe essentially killed her brother, challenges the wild lord to their own death-defying race--which he accepts on the grounds that winning will grant him the right to court her.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader Click on my book to read more and please send an email. I'd love to hear from you.--Author Sabrina Jeffries

 

Dear Reader Column 11-18-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

If you have a question about writing or publishing, email it to: [email protected] You'll find previous questions and answers at: http://tinyurl.com/WritingQ-A

"Dear Suzanne, how do you pick yourself up again after rejection? How do you keep from falling into, 'oh no, I can't do this' and stick with 'This wasn't the right market, I will try again'? I bet I am not the only person who deals with this. Thanks again for answering. I do enjoy your columns."--Molly S.

(Suzanne replies:)

Dear Molly,

Before we talk about how to pick yourself up after rejection, I'd like to stay with the feelings of rejection for a little bit. Disappointment, sadness and even a little anger about something not going my way, these are real feelings, as deep and deserving of my attention as when I succeed. I've earned the right to feel whatever I want. So I don't deny myself a good cry when I'm feeling like a loser.

Reading a rejection letter from an editor, not getting the job, falling short of winning someone's heart, these are the easier burdens to bear when it comes to rejection. I know, it sounds insane, but for me the real hard part, the challenge that I eventually have to face, is finding a way to move on. It's crucial. Some people never move on, the anger and sadness stay with them. I've seen it. They give up, "Well, if they don't like me, I don't care." But you and I know we do care. I do want my dream to come true but that won't happen unless...I try again.

It might take a few days, or weeks, or maybe I need a few months, but eventually I turn to a place deep inside my heart and if I'm quiet and listen, I gently hear the words that encourage me to try again. My strength in life comes from my insecurities. When I feel the sting of rejection, and I can barely breathe because I'm so afraid to try again, that's when I know I must. That's when I know I'm doing something that's very important in my life.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

* This month's Penguin Classics book is PATHS OF GLORY by Humphrey Cobb. Start reading now and enter to win a Penguin totebag. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/November11Classics

AUTHORBUZZ: Meet author Dominic Smith...

(Fiction) BRIGHT AND DISTANT SHORES

Two orphans, on opposite sides of the Pacific, are set on a collision course at the end of the 19th century. Owen Graves, an itinerant trader from Chicago's South Side, joins a collecting voyage commissioned to bring back thousands of tribal artifacts but also a number of natives for an ethnographic exhibition. Argus Niu, a mission houseboy in Melanesia, wanders into the path of the voyage and his life is changed irrevocably.

Click to read more at: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader and let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from you.--Author Dominic Smith

Dear Reader Column 11-17-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

Thanks for taking the time to write. Reading your emails is the highlight of my day. I love it!

From my Email Bag:

"Hi Suzanne, I have a suggestion. In the AUTHORBUZZ section, maybe you could tell what type of book it is, like fiction, non-fiction, mystery, business, etc? I think I would be more apt to take a look at the sample if I had that information." Thanks, Roxanne

(Suzanne replies:) Great suggestion Roxanne, we've added the genre beginning this week. Check it out. AuthorBuzz is featured right before my column, or click on the AuthorBuzz link if you read in our HTML version.

"Dear Suzanne, I have been following your non fiction book club for several years. I started out just reading the excerpts. Today I read your column about miserable thinking and I wanted to come through the internet and hug you. I wanted to hug you for two reasons: one, because if you are having a miserable thinking day, you need it. And two, because I needed your words to help me remember how to get through my miserable thinking day. Your images are mine too, I just loved the reminder. I am a little weepy right now, loving you, thankful I read your column!"--Love and joy, Jane

"Hi Suzanne, I have used your crock pot dressing recipe for years and I have to tell you, my family would rebel if I decided to switch to something different at this point. Even those family members who don't usually like dressing do like that recipe! One thing I do differently, just to make it a little more healthy, is that I used one cup of chicken broth to saute the onion and celery instead of butter. It doesn't alter the taste of the dressing at all and is a healthy alternative.

I wish you and your family a healthy and happy Thanksgiving. I appreciate getting your email in my inbox each morning--it's one of the MANY things I'm thankful for this year!"--Kim Vander Wyst

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

*Meet authors, sample their books and enter for a free giveaway. It's fun and it's at AuthorBuzz.*

(Nonfiction) SO FAR AWAY: A DAUGHTER'S MEMOIR OF LIFE, LOSS, AND LOVE by Christine W. Hartmann

(Fiction) MODERN SORCERY by Gary Jonas

(Fiction) ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE by James V. O'Connor

(Fiction) BRIGHT AND DISTANT SHORES by Dominic Smith

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

* This month's Penguin Classics book is PATHS OF GLORY by Humphrey Cobb. Start reading now and enter to win a Penguin totebag. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/November11Classics