Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 06-30-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

I hadn't eaten any since I was a kid and I remember I used to wonder 'just how difficult is it to get that ice cream rolled up inside of the chocolate cake?' Well surprisingly it's easy.

This past weekend I made my first Ice Cream Roll Cake. I was pretty pleased with myself because it tasted divine--just like I remembered. My presentation could have been a little better, but for the first time around, it looked pretty good. To see step-by-step photos of me preparing the cake roll, and the final result, go to: http://www.supportlibrary.com/nl/users/susandemo/mweb/path14-1.html

Ice-Cream Roll

¾ cup all purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

3 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup water
1 overflowing teaspoon vanilla Powdered sugar
1 pint of your favorite ice cream (slightly softened)

Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Line a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and then grease it. (15 ½ x 10 ½ x1 inch) Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl, set aside.

Beat eggs in mixer bowl on high speed until very thick and lemon colored about 3 to 5 minutes. Gradually beat in granulated sugar. Beat in water and vanilla on low speed.

Gradually add flour mixture, beating just until the batter is smooth. Then pour into pan, spreading the batter into the corners. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Loosen cake from edges of pan, invert on towel that's generously sprinkled with powdered sugar. (Invert the cake quickly, no hesitation). Carefully remove the foil, trim stiff edges from cake if necessary. While hot, roll cake and towel from narrow end. Cool.

Unroll cake and remove towel. Quickly spread ice cream over cake. Roll up and place seam side down on piece of aluminum foil. Wrap and freeze at least 4 hours--preferably overnight. About 15 minutes before serving remove from freezer, unwrap and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Garnish with fresh strawberries. Share with your friends and be sure to tell them about the book club. (Thanks!)

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

AUTHORBUZZ: COCKTAILS FOR BOOK LOVERS (NonFiction) by Tessa Smith McGovern

Do you love books about books? From Jane Austen's little-known fondness for wine to Hemingway's beloved mojitos, literature and libations have always gone hand in hand. Perfect for book clubs and bon vivants, this irresistible collection features 50 original and classic cocktail recipes based on works of famous authors from Virginia Woolf to Junot Diaz and popular drinks of their eras, including Salted Caramel and Bourbon Milkshakes and even Zombie Cola. Cheers!

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on COCKTAILS FOR BOOK LOVERS to read more and to email author Tessa Smith McGovern, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 06-27-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

The older you get, the more people complain that it's harder to buy a birthday gift for you. Yes, it's true, and my grandson Paul, and I, have also discovered the older everybody in the family gets, the trickier it is to organize a birthday party activity, too. Even though Paul is only seven years old, he's a party planner like his grandmother, and we've been in party mode for two weeks now. Working on the details for a father and son birthday party this Sunday.

What party theme would we go with? When Paul mentioned the idea of bowling and taking our decorations and birthday cake to the bowling alley, we both lit up--we loved the idea! So we made a detailed list of decoration ideas, prizes, a menu, and what flavor cake we'd bake--even called the bowling alley to reserve some lanes. But when it was time to review the guest list, we realized only three family members would be able to throw a heavy bowling ball down the lane: Paul, his brother James, and Bailey (my 19-year-old granddaughter), who's coming this Saturday for a week-long visit. What's the story with the rest of our family?

Bad backs, pinched nerves, one is too young to bowl, and 96-year-old great-grandpa is too old to bowl. So back to brainstorming. But every idea we thought of fell flat: touring a dairy farm and then having a picnic on the farm (we loved the idea, but we discovered tours are closed during the hot summer months here in Florida), driving to Myaaka State Park and renting boats (but the canoes and the alligators that swim underneath them might be problematic for our age group, too). How about going fishing at the sea wall at the end of our block? But fishing there depends on what time of day high tide will be. So we settled on a fishing/boating decoration theme, but the party's going to be at Grandma's house (my house) and we came up with some fun, silly, crazy yard games that work around bad backs and ages, and we've made our own decorations.

The party's a father/son combination, because 36 years ago my son was born three days before my husband's birthday. I spent one day in the hospital, then packed up and headed home with a darling baby boy, and two days later I was mixing up my husband's favorite chocolate cake, and topping it off with birthday candles. (No need to blow out the candles, my husband's wish for that year had already come true.) I have a photo of my husband balancing our new baby boy in one hand, and balancing a homemade chocolate birthday cake in the other hand. It was the happiest I've ever seen him. A new son for his birthday and my luscious two layer chocolate cake. What more could a guy want?

So this Sunday's it's a big birthday party at Grandma's house! Then a week of vacation for me, so I can spend time with my granddaughter who only gets to visit once a year. But tune-in for my columns next week, I'm sharing some favorite summer recipes and the stories behind them.

Party if you can! Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

AUTHORBUZZ: ECHOES OF MY SOUL (NonFiction) by Robert K. Tanenbaum

Don't miss the thrilling and insightful true crime thriller that includes 16 pages of dramatic photos from the New York Times bestselling author. The page-turning real-life thriller about the historic case--from the brutal crime scene to the wrenching conviction--that forever reformed the American justice system.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on ECHOES OF MY SOUL to read more and to email author Robert K. Tanenbaum, you'll get a reply.

KIDSBUZZ: Meet new authors -- send an email, ask a question and they will reply. Plus this week, enter to win a free copy of books for pre-teens and teens: HIGH STAKES by Brandy Schillace; QUEST OF HEROES by Morgan Rice; and THE BOY WHO PLAYED WITH DARK MATTER/ZAMIRA AND THE WORLD OF Z by Holy Ghost Writer. For a chance to win, say hello to the author, and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz.

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 06-26-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

I know I need a writing break when my mind is flooded with ideas, but when I try to finish them, half-way through they fall off a cliff and I can't get the rhythm back. The more I keep trying to finish an idea, the worse it gets.

Walking away and taking a break at that moment, would be the "best" idea, but I was brought up with a strict work ethic. "Finish what you start," my mother was relentless.

So I toss my half-baked ideas into a file so one of these days, maybe tomorrow or next week, some of them might just turn into a finished column.

But for now, here's a list of Half-Baked Writing Ideas that are still cookin'...

1. My life repeats itself. If I was happy with the way I did it the first time, that's okay. But if I wished I would've done things differently, then I sure hope I took notes--because I tend to forget.

2. Life isn't a dress rehearsal, but I do need to rehearse for situations that show up in my life. The time to learn how to use the fire extinguisher in my kitchen, isn't when the kitchen is on fire.

3. It's easy for me to recognize pain and sadness in my life and I know how to respond. But it takes more skill and willingness to recognize joy, and allow myself to feel it.

4. A Little Black Book isn't for hot dates and phone numbers any more, it's a book of logins and passwords.

5. Sharing yourself with someone is one of the greatest gifts you can give, unless you're in a crummy mood.

6. My husband knows how to scratch a cat.

7. Whenever I take more than my share, I wish I hadn't.

8. I want to be brave enough to take a bath at a friend's house and give them fair warning when I'm in the tub, I sing along with the tunes on my Nano. So get ready for a recital.

9. Just because I feel passionate about something doesn't mean that it's easy. It's not. In fact, it's usually the opposite, because I care about so much it.

10. If I knew everything going in, I'd never go in.

11. Sometimes I shouldn't be left to my own self in the morning, because I can talk myself into a bad day.

And finally, my grandson's horrible nightmare. His dad came running into his room. Paul was sobbing and crying, "Daddy, I had a terrible dream, 'Grandma said no to me!'"

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise these titles deserve your attention:

(NonFiction)
FAR OUTSIDE THE ORDINARY by Prissy Elrod

(Fiction)
PERCEVAL'S SECRET by C. C. Yager

(Fiction)
THE DOG YEAR by Ann Garvin

(NonFiction)
ECHOES OF MY SOUL by Robert K. Tanenbaum

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

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 06-25-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

Author Carolyn Haines admits to a dangerous obsession in today's guest column. Don't miss it and be sure to enter her book giveaway. Someone has to win and it might as well be you. She has five copies of Booty Bones for readers. Email: [email protected]

A little bit about Carolyn Haines, the author of the popular Sarah Booth Delaney Mississippi Delta mystery series. Booty Bones, her latest mystery, is the 14th in the series. Carolyn is an animal lover and activist and a dancing fool. When she insisted on performing in a 'beginner' ballet recital (she was 26) her entire family fled town to avoid attending.

A DANGEROUS OBSESSION
By Carolyn Haines

My name is Carolyn, and I'm a book addict. There, it's out in the open. Somehow, I suspect I am not alone. Funny how book lovers find each other.

My obsession took an unusual twist several years ago. I was deeply under the sway of James Lee Burke. I was (and still am) captivated by Burke's masterful descriptions of Iberia Parish, Louisiana. The unique culture of the Acadians, who populated the watery lands of South Louisiana, drew me like a bee to honey. I wanted to see and experience the real Cajun culture for myself before it was gone. To that end, I convinced my childhood friend, Diana, to go for the weekend with me.

My goal was to dine on authentic Cajun food and to learn some of the wonderful, fun dances. Keep in mind that I am board stiff and not graceful, but I love to dance.

We stayed at a B&B in Jeanerette, LA, and our wonderful hostess, Dawn, gave us a list of places to eat and dance. At Mulate's we dined on delicious fare and watched families dancing--infants, grannies, nuns--everyone danced. Diana and I were primed and ready. We went to the dance hall Dawn recommended. And we danced. For five hours, we danced without stopping. I even learned some of the steps because the gentlemen I danced with were so patient and willing to re-school me.

Everyone there spoke a type of French/English language specific to that region, and neither Diana nor I could understand a word anyone said. Who cared! We were dancing! I'd never danced so much or had such a good time. I was living the culture brought so vividly to life in Burke's books.

The next evening we went to another dance hall and ran into one of the women who had been helping us with the steps. She was very sweet and complimented us on our "kindness." When I asked her what kindness she referred to, she laughed and said, "Oh, you don't know, do you?"

"Know what?" I asked.

"That table full of men you danced with all last night..."

"What about them?" I asked.

"They were out on weekend pass from the mental institution," she said. "It was so kind of you to dance with them."

"Do you know where they are tonight?" I asked. Perhaps they had another night of freedom and I another night of dance.

Reading has given me great adventure, in real places and in my imagination. Bring me another book, please! Something about...horses and Ireland.

--Carolyn Haines

Email Carolyn and enter her book giveaway: [email protected]

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

AUTHORBUZZ: THE DOG YEAR (Fiction) by Ann Garvin

When Lucy Peterman loses everything dear to her, she is caught red-handed in a senseless act that kept her grief at bay. Now, Lucy must share her deepest secrets with a group of misfits each with something to offer, if only she can get out of her own way. Funny and sad characters you won't soon forget.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on THE DOG YEAR to read more and to email author Ann Garvin, you'll get a reply.

KIDSBUZZ: Meet new authors--send an email, ask a question and they will reply. Plus this week, enter to win a free copy of books for pre-teens and teens: HIGH STAKES by Brandy Schillace; QUEST OF HEROES by Morgan Rice; and THE BOY WHO PLAYED WITH DARK MATTER/ZAMIRA AND THE WORLD OF Z by Holy Ghost Writer. For a chance to win, say hello to the author, and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz.

 

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 06-24-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

Sometimes it's way too easy to hit the SEND key.

SEND is a four-letter word that's caused me a lot of worry, embarrassment, and on some nights lack of sleep. It's just way too easy for me to rattle off a few words in an email, not read what I've written, and then hit SEND.

Especially after midnight--that's when I really need a retrieve button, or at least the offer of a "do-over." After midnight my SEND key should be barricaded with barbed wire and a flashing warning label, because almost every email I send out after midnight makes me look stupid in the morning.

WARNING: "Suzanne, do you really want to SEND this email? You haven't double-dosed on your cold medicine again, have you?"

Last week, oh how I wished for a do-over. I wrote one of those scathing, therapeutic letters, the kind of letter you write so you'll feel better but then you toss it out. But in the heat of the moment, I forgot to take out the SEND TO email address, my cat jumped on the keyboard, his paw hit the SEND key and I was horrified when the email disappeared from my screen.

Yes, sometimes it's way too easy to hit the SEND key.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

AUTHORBUZZ: PERCEVAL'S SECRET (Fiction) by C. C. Yager

As I sat in a concert hall one evening listening to orchestral music, Evan Quinn, protagonist of "Perceval's Secret," whispered to me. June 2048. Vienna, Austria. Evan defects to leave dystopian America with a dangerous secret. Will he stay ahead of the police and the CIA?

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on PERCEVAL'S SECRET to find out more about the book and the author, C. C. Yager. Send her an email, she'd love to hear from you.

Dear Reader Column 06-23-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

I'm looking for the "funny" in 2014. Ani, a reader at the book club, was inspired by my column last Thursday about move-in day for some neighborly birds. Enjoy Ani's delightful story. It will make you smile, and you can enter my birdhouse giveaway. (How to enter is at the end of today's column).

"Dear Suzanne, reading your post today about the new 'neighbours,' I thought I'd share my tale of our new neighbours.

We have a decorative wreath next to our front door. The bottom of the wreath leans against the siding on our house. The other day, we noticed a bird fly away from it. Curious, we checked and in the small space between the wreath and the house, there is a nest with four tiny brown-speckled eggs!

The kicker? The wreath is decorated with birdhouses and a banner that reads, 'Home is Where You Build Your Nest.' I guess our neighbours decided to take us at our word!

Thanks for your column,"

Ani K.

To enter today's birdhouse giveaway, send an email to: [email protected]

Watch for the details about our annual Write a Dear Reader Contest. For the past 10 years book club readers have had the opportunity to win prizes (cash prizes again this year) and the three top columns will be featured in the daily book club read, where my column normally appears. All the details will be announced on July 7th!

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

AUTHORBUZZ: FAR OUTSIDE THE ORDINARY (NonFiction) by Prissy Elrod

Steel Magnolias meets The Help! A poignant message on love, friendship, strength and hope that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Like a phoenix from the ashes, one can come through the hardest of times with grace, hope and humor, and perhaps, embrace a more beautiful form of one's self.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on FAR OUTSIDE THE ORDINARY to read more and to email author Prissy Elrod, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 06-20-14

 

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


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

Dear Reader,

I noticed a sign in a store window on Main Street the other day, advertising: "Christmas in June--Specials throughout the Store!" (Didn't it used to be Christmas in July?)

I know, I know it's true; shopping holidays creep up on us earlier and earlier every year. But does A Christmas in June Sale mean Santa and his reindeer are astutely waving red, white and blue flags, and twirling 4th of July sparklers in the air? The store was closed so I couldn't go in to investigate.

It's all a bit disconcerting. Christmas sales use to start the day after Thanksgiving, but now as soon as the Thanksgiving dinner dishes have been cleared, and possibly a 30 minute nap, folks head to the mall--or get up early and shop the pre-Black Friday sales, before they even serve their Thanksgiving turkey.

But as with everything in life that irritates me, if I look real hard, there's usually a good idea hiding inside.

So this year I'm following the store's Christmas in June lead. I've pulled the jingle bells out of my Xmas storage box and I've been calling family members. "Jingle, jingle, jingle! How about coming to Florida for Christmas this year? Wouldn't it be nice for the family to get together?"

No one seems to mind my talking about Christmas in June. In fact, my daughter complimented me on planning ahead, "This is great Mom, because this gives everyone time to adjust their schedules."

So now, all I need to do is get the airlines on board to offer a "Christmas in June Ticket Price Sale," and my son, daughter, two of our grand-kids, and two of my husband's brothers will be spending Christmas in Florida this year.

* Congratulations to the winners of The Appetites of Girls by Pam Moses: Dorie F., Marilyn M., Wendy K., Tess and Margaret S.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

AUTHORBUZZ: CAPTURED IN SURRENDER (Fiction) by Liliana Hart

Bounty hunter, Naya Blade, and Deputy Lane Greyson have more in common than they realize. But just like in real life, sometimes communication between two people isn't what it should be. One thing is for sure though--the sparks fly and their bodies sizzle, even a year after Naya walked out of Lane's life without looking back.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on CAPTURED IN SURRENDER to read more and to email author Liliana Hart, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 06-19-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

Drum roll, please.... Today's email is from Adna, a teen who reads at the book club and who marches in her high school's band.

"Dear Suzanne, Hello! My name is Adna and I'm in [our] high school marching band. I have included pictures so you can see us. I remember one of your emails saying that you were in a high school marching band, and that's why I've emailed you today. We have this fundraiser called March-a-Thon, and it's purpose is for our parents to not have to spend so much money paying for fees. I'm supposed to write letters to people to try to get them to donate. What a pain. But any amount received would be greatly appreciated for the support of my marching band. We are on Facebook and this year we will be marching in the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Parade in December. There is a battle of the bands, and my director really wants us to win this to get extra TV time.

I love your book club, by the way. I love your little stories and life anecdotes. Keep on doing what you're doing. I wish I could see your bubble machine.

Thank you so much!! (I've included information about how to donate.)"--Adna

(Suzanne replies:)

Dear Adna, I did go to the link you provided and your band looks amazing. I fondly remember when our Cuba City High School Band competed in parades. For a small town of 2,000, we were outstanding and we won trophies, thanks to Mr. Svoboda our band director. I'm impressed that you remember the column about my high school marching days.

"What a pain!" having to ask for donations. I agree, it's a little uncomfortable having to ask folks for money. But my dear Adna, there's an old adage, "Ask and you shall receive," or did that come from the Bible? At any rate, when you ask, most of the time you do indeed receive. I would be happy to donate to your band fund. I'm so glad you asked. Seeing the pictures of your band brings back wonderful memories. I may even have to buy a baton and see if I can still do one of the marching routines. (I doubt it!)

I will send a check to the address you gave me, and include a note that it was your letter that inspired me.

Best of luck. I hope your band is a winner! And thank you for such a nice email and such a heart-felt compliment.

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

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise these titles deserve your attention:

(Fiction)
TERMINAL CITY by Linda Fairstein

(Fiction)
RECKLESS DISREGARD: A Parker Stern Novel by Robert Rotstein

(Thriller)
HOLY WAR by Mike Bond

(Fiction)
CAPTURED IN SURRENDER by Liliana Hart

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

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 06-18-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

It's move in day. I'm watching a husband and wife and a single gal move into their new homes. The young gal seems to be moving into a ready-to-go, buyer takes all home. It's the latest thing, I read about it in the Wall Street Journal. You buy a home and everything in it. I mean everything: furniture, dishes, pots and pans, towels, even the soap in the soap dish. No need for the seller to pack and hire a moving van, simply hand over the house keys to the new owner.

The husband and wife that are moving in today, from what I can see, I think they bought a fixer upper. The house needs a little work, but from the looks of things, they seem to know what they're doing. The man of the house has made several trips to the "store." Board by board, or rather twig by twig, he's carried the materials he and his wife need to repair the leaky floor in their new home. Their beaks move in harmony, it's like watching my Grandma Hale when I was a kid. If Grandma was sitting in a chair, she was crocheting. In and out, over and under, Grandma's fingers moved gracefully without thinking. I still have some of the pillowcases Grandma added pink and green flowers to for a decorative border trim. I've been watching the husband and wife all morning. I hope they don't think I'm a peeping Suzanne. It's just that they've cast a spell over me--it's so peaceful to watch them.

"Honey, can you fix a little lunch, all this work is making me hungry?" 'Honey,' heads for the kitchen, her hubby following close behind and soon they're out of sight.

But the other new homeowner is busy carrying in boxes. Even though her house came complete with furniture and pictures hanging on the wall, there are still a lot of personal items to carry inside.

Though I wonder if she should be doing all that heavy lifting? She looks like she's expecting, and since I haven't seen a man of the house, she must be a single mom. Thank heavens we don't judge these days, not like when I was sixteen and pregnant. But then again, maybe her husband is out fishing, hoping to catch something for dinner tonight to celebrate moving into their new home. (See, that's how rumors get started.)

The sun is going down and it's quiet up in those treetops right now, but the branches are littered with "For Sale" signs, and two of them have "Sale Pending" hanging down below. So soon there will be other new neighbors moving in, and from what I've seen today, it will be a lovely neighborhood, indeed.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

AUTHORBUZZ: HOLY WAR (Thriller) by Mike Bond

The Battle of Beirut is a maelstrom of deadly hatreds and frantic love affairs, of explosions, snipers and ambushes. Neill, a British spy, is seeking Mohammed, a Hezbollah terrorist. Andre, a French commando, is also hunting him, to revenge his brother and 300 other French and US Marines blown up by Hezbollah. For Rosa, a guerrilla, Mohammed is her people's greatest hope and she will die to protect him. Based on the author's own experiences in Lebanon and Syria.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on HOLY WAR to read more and to email author Mike Bond, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 06-17-14

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


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

Dear Reader,

Absolutely, be sure to read today's guest column, written by Yankee in Atlanta author, Jocelyn Green. Tending to seven huge flower gardens in my yard, I agree with Jocelyn...

Not Everything Blooms at Once
By Jocelyn Green

The more time I spend working in the gardens, the more I reflect on life just based on lessons learned from gardening. We've all heard "Stop and smell the roses" and "Bloom where you're planted," but even beyond those, the analogies between gardening and our own lives are obvious:

* Being uprooted and transplanted is harder for some than others.
* We have to take root below the surface before we can branch out and really bloom.
* When we cut away what's dead, new life can take it's place.
* Margin is a beautiful thing.
* Not everything blooms at once.

When we dug out the dead Spirea that had been tucked between our spreading yews, I thought it would look empty to have more space. Instead, it looks orderly and calm, like a breath of fresh air. Being on a book deadline, I currently have no margin. Neither does my husband, since he just started grad school on top of his full-time job. And we can both testify to this truth: Margin is a beautiful thing.

The truth that has given me the most comfort, however, is so simple, it's easy to miss: Not everything blooms at once. Isn't this true in our lives as well? Anyone who says we can "have it all" should remember that even if that were true, we cannot have it all at once. As my grandmother has reminded me, "Life is long, and has many parts." Not everything blooms at once.

Right now, with no margin, I am grinding away toward a deadline. This means I have to say no to almost everything else. As much as I love writing, and love the finished product, my process is exhausting, lonely, and fraught with self-doubt. When I look at my garden and see the irises, salvia, and hardy geraniums in bloom, and nothing else, I remember, though, that this is what's blooming in my life right now. (Or maybe I'm planting it now, and the blooming part comes during the editorial stage--work with me.)

Generally, at least in the Midwest, blooms don't last long. Already, the white flowers on my crab tree and pear trees have blown away like snow. So the fact that not everything blooms at once gives us more of a chance to anticipate them, and enjoy them as they come. This, too, applies to life. Our seasons are temporary. We would do well to enjoy them as much as we can before they slip away.

--Jocelyn Green

Enter Jocelyn's book giveaway. She has 10 copies of Yankee in Atlanta to give away to readers. Send her an email, say hello and you're entered in the drawing: [email protected]

More about Jocelyn Green:

Award-winning author Jocelyn Green inspires her readers through both fiction and nonfiction. A former military wife, she offers encouragement and hope to military wives worldwide. Her novels, inspired by real heroines on America's home front, are marked by their historical integrity and gritty inspiration. Her latest releases include The 5 Love Languages, Military Edition (with Dr. Gary Chapman) and Yankee in Atlanta, the third novel in her Heroines Behind the Lines Civil War series.

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

Suzanne Beecher
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AUTHORBUZZ: RECKLESS DISREGARD: A Parker Stern Novel (Fiction) by Robert Rotstein

Attorney Parker Stern, who suffers from crippling courtroom stage fright, takes on a libel case for an elusive video game designer known only as "Poniard." Poniard's blockbuster game, Abduction!, charges a real-life movie mogul with murdering a beautiful actress. As the body count rises, Parker begins to feel he's merely a character in a video game, fighting malevolent Level Bosses who appear out of nowhere and threaten to destroy him.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on RECKLESS DISREGARD to find out more about the book and the author, Robert Rotstein. Send him an email, he'd love to hear from you.