Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 12-31-14

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

Dear Reader,

Happy New Year! This is my annual New Year's Eve column:

My most memorable New Year's Eve was the year my dress fell apart. Well, actually it was shedding. We'd just moved to Florida and some new friends invited us to their New Year's Eve party. We didn't know anyone else at the party, but I made, without a doubt, a big first impression. I was wearing a brand new, black velvet dress--purchased just for the occasion (and it wasn't cheap)--but it started shedding. Everywhere I walked, I left a trail of huge, black fuzz clumps behind. The dress was literally falling apart from the inside out.

I wasn't aware of what was happening until I visited the bathroom. The floor had two huge, white rugs, so it instantly became apparent that I was leaving a trail. I was horrified. I picked up my "droppings" and headed back to the party.

When I walked back into the kitchen, I looked down at the floor and sure enough, there was my dress, all over it. No one else seemed to notice the trail that I'd left around the house. But like a run in your stocking, I was sure they were aware and not saying anything just to be kind.

My first thought was to walk around the kitchen--shuffling my shoe along the floor--so I could sweep up my black fuzz balls. But then I realized that as fast as I was rounding up those little buggers in front of me, I was leaving a new crop behind. My backup plan was to find a dimly lit spot and stay put. And I did, until we left.

I can only imagine what that couple must have thought the next day when they cleaned up from the party! Maybe they thought I'd brought a pet.

* Enter the Book-A-Day Giveaway, win random books from my bookshelf, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/Book-12122011.html

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: A PARIS APARTMENT (Fiction) by Michele Gable

When April's boss tells her about the discoveries in a decrepit Parisian apartment, the Sotheby's furniture expert doesn't hear the words "dust" or "rats" or "shuttered for seventy years." She hears escape. With the help of a salty Parisian solicitor and a deceased courtesan's private documents, April tries to uncover the secrets buried in the apartment, as well as those hidden in her own life.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on A PARIS APARTMENT to read more and to email author Michele Gable, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-30-14

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,

My gift to you this holiday season is the Book-A-Day Giveaway. I'm choosing winners every day, so feel free to enter every day, too. Enter today's drawing to win a random book from my bookshelf, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/Book-12122011.html

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

Warm regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: THE KESTREL WATERS (Fiction) by Randy Thornhorn

The Brothers Brass. Two young grassroots singers raised in Savannah by the sea. Together, these boys' voices chime like heavenly bells. The oldest brother Kestrel falls in love with a girl named Bettilia, a wild child who hides in the treetops from her bad daddy--on a haunted mountain called Riddle Top. An eerie, heroic, and beautiful story of human love, like none you've ever known. An epic fable of an epic family whose hearts are comic, profane, and profoundly true.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on THE KESTREL WATERS to find out more about the book and the author, Randy Thornhorn. Send him an email, he'd love to hear from you.

Dear Reader Column 12-29-14

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,

My gift to you this holiday season is the Book-A-Day Giveaway. I'm choosing winners every day, so feel free to enter every day, too. Enter today's drawing to win a random book from my bookshelf, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/Book-12122011.html

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

Warm regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: BLACK WIDOW (Fiction) by Jennifer Estep

When a cunning enemy starts targeting her friends, Gin Blanco, the assassin known as the Spider, will do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones from a ruthless acid elemental. You can read more about Gin the latest book in my Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on BLACK WIDOW to read more and to email author Jennifer Estep, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-26-14

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'm on holiday today celebrating with family and friends, but that doesn't mean I'm not thinking of you. For the next week or so, I'm offering the Book-A-Day Giveaway. I'm clearing off my bookshelves and giving away books every day for the next week.

To enter today's drawing to win a random book from my bookshelf, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/Book-12122011.html

And Happy Boxing Day to international book club readers around the globe.

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

Warm regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: THE ONE & MORE (Fiction) by Belle Ami

What happens when the one true love crosses the most sacred of lines? Adelia was the one love that he vowed never to abandon. Miles was the one lover who kept her craving more. Can she now recover from the most profound betrayal a woman can endure?

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on THE ONE & MORE to read more and to email author Belle Ami, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-25-14

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,

Merry Christmas from everyone at the book clubs!

Suzanne, Bob, Amber, Bryan, Jean, Mary, Nancy, Patrick, Susan, Tiffany, Tina and Valerie.
_________________________________________________________________

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

(Fiction)
ACCIDENTS OF MARRIAGE by Randy Susan Meyers

(Mystery)
SCORCHED EGGS by Laura Childs

(Horror)
THE AFTER HOUSE by Michael Phillip Cash

(Fiction)
THE ONE & MORE by Belle Ami

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

Dear Reader Column 12-24-14

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,

A few years ago, I tried my hand at writing some poetry--an amusing version of "'Twas The Night Before Christmas," and now it's become a tradition at the book clubs.

Okay, I admit it's a bit hokey, but it's really kind of a catchy little number once you start reading it. It's got a syncopated beat, and if you throw in a little sing-song rhythm, you'll be smiling by the end.

"'Twas The Night Before Christmas at the Book Clubs"

'Twas the night before Christmas and in every house
all good book club readers were clicking their mouse.

They'd hung all their stockings, decorated their trees
And now it was time to sit down and see
What their email had brought them on this Christmas Eve.

A five-minute break to read a good book
Was just what they needed, but oh my--look...

When they opened their email, no read could be found.
"Oh no, we're afraid Suzanne went out of town.
Could she have forgotten to send us our read?
How could she do this in our time of need?"

The readers all panicked, they shivered in fright,
They pined for their emails and settled in for the night.

"Could we have misplaced them? Did we hit the wrong key?
Did it go in our deleted files?" Oh such misery.
And then in a flash, with a stroke of a key,
One by one, they discovered their Christmas Eve reads.

Their eyes how they twinkled, they laughed and they smiled
And they settled into their chairs to read for awhile.

Their hearts were delighted, they felt just like kids,
But it's still such a mystery where that email had hid.
Was it there all the time and they just didn't see?
Or did Santa step in and do a good deed?

Good boys and girls are on Santa's list
And good book club readers he vows never to miss.

It's been a long night, time to climb into bed,
So they shut down their computers and laid down their heads.

But in the quiet of night, before things came to an end,
They heard, "Thanks for reading with me,
It's so good to read with friends."

I wish you peace and joy,

Warm Holidays Wishes,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: THE AFTER HOUSE (Horror) by Michael Phillip Cash

Remy Galway and her daughter Olivia are rebuilding their life after a failed marriage in a 300 year old cottage in historic Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island. Little do they know, another occupant is lurking in the haven of their own home. Will the After House be their shelter or their tomb? A delightful mix of suspense, romance, with a dash of humor, a perfect companion for a snowy afternoon during this holiday season.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on THE AFTER HOUSE to read more and to email author Michael Phillip Cash, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-23-14

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,

"What's your favorite Christmas memory?" When Debbie, a book club reader asked, I had to sit a spell and think about my answer.

The same thing happens when someone asks me to name my favorite book. Even after thinking about it for awhile, I almost always end up giving them the title of whatever book I happen to be reading. Because I don't bother finishing books that I don't like, so I'm always reading a "favorite."

My favorite Christmas memory? I guess I'd have to say that it was eight years ago because my grandson was born on December 22nd. I think it will probably will be one of my favorites for a while, because it was such an insane time.

No way, no how, did it resemble an old fashioned Christmas. It was chaotic, indeed. Actually chaotic is much too gentle of a word, it was bedlam and turmoil all the way. But in the end, the chaos is what I want to remember. It reminds me that even on holidays, even on special occasions, life goes on as it always does and usually it's not all wrapped up in a neat and pretty package.

Things didn't go like I planned, people didn't behave like I'd expected, a baby came six weeks early, a cat got injured and had to have emergency surgery on the same day my grandson was born. My oven went on the blink--it was hit-or-miss if dinner would even get cooked. And when I finally served dinner, half of it was served to people sitting around my dining room table, and three other plates were packed in Grandma Hale's picnic basket so I could take Christmas dinner to my daughter-in-law, her grandmother and my son, who were at the hospital with the new baby.

It was a one-of-a-kind Christmas filled with the true spirit of the holiday season. It took a lot of love, patience, forgiveness and laughter to get through that Christmas and it's a reminder for me that it takes a lot of love, patience, forgiveness and laughter to get through life, too.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: SCORCHED EGGS (Mystery) by Laura Childs

Suzanne, Toni, and Petra preside over the Cackleberry Club cafe in the small town of Kindred. But when a fire engulfs the downtown area, the ladies go on high alert--a dear friend has been killed and all signs point to arson! Could it be a vengeful husband, ex-fireman, or expert in explosives? The ladies try to track down the killer and still keep all their plates in the air (horse show, vintage wedding, county fair, tea parties, and a dinner theatre, oh my!) You'll love Laura Childs' sassy dialogue and the recipes for Sour Cream Coffee Cake, Cheese Popovers, and Scorched Eggs.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on SCORCHED EGGS to find out more about the book and the author, Laura Childs. Send her an email, she'd love to hear from you.

Dear Reader Column 12-22-14

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,

Take a 5-minute break from the holiday rush. Relax, and spend some time with Nancy Thayer, this week's guest author. Nancy has written 27 novels, including,Nantucket Sisters, Island Girls, and The Guest Cottage, coming out in May 2015. An Island Christmas, her newest novel, involves a happy but dysfunctional family at Christmas and their new trouble-making cat.

To say hello to Nancy and and comment on her column, email:
nancy@nancythayer.com

Nancy has gifts for us. She's giving away 10 copies of Island Christmas. To enter, click on the link below:
http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/Book-12122011.html

Welcome to the book club, Nancy Thayer...

Do you ever feel stressed at the holidays? I certainly do, for one particular reason--I have to cook.

I've managed to raise a family, enjoy my friends, and remain reasonably sane over the past thirty-five years, and I did all that while writing. My family never starved, and people married our children even after eating my "cuisine."

The truth is, however, I'm not a natural cook. Now our children have grown up and started their own lives, so my husband and I have changed the way we eat.

For one thing, we eat out a lot, because when I'm working on a book, and I'm usually working on a book, I don't want to cook at the end of the day--I want someone to bring me a delicious meal that 'he/she' cooked. (The fabulous 'he/she' can also do the dishes.) On the nights my husband and I go to a movie, our dinner might be a bucket of popcorn.

But during the holidays, our children, their spouses, and their adorable children come home, and really, I can't serve them each a bucket of popcorn for dinner. (At least not every night.) So I reread recipes, especially my old familiar ones, and learn about new foods, which is fun--I mean reading about them.

When we're actually seated around the dinner table, I don't worry about the food because we're all having a wonderful time talking. Being together is the delicious part.

Still, before the holidays, I stress about what to cook. I make lasagna and freeze it. I stock up on organic mac-and-cheese and vegetable soups. I prepare a Baked Alaska, the easiest dessert I know, and the most exciting--everyone loves it when I carry a flaming mountain of meringue to the table.

But really? We had dinner this fall at the home of a busy working couple who effortlessly served eight people a gourmet meal. "How do you do this and work, too?" we asked. The answer: They buy the prepared food at a local shop, put it in their own serving dishes, and pretend they've made it themselves.

Maybe I'll try that when my children come for the holidays this year. After all, I'm pretty sure they've kept some secrets from me.

--Nancy Thayer

Email: nancy@nancythayer.com to say hi and comment about her column

Click the link to enter the book giveaway for Island Christmas.
http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/Book-12122011.html

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

Warm holiday greetings from my family to yours,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: ACCIDENTS OF MARRIAGE (Fiction) by Randy Susan Meyers

What is the toll of emotional abuse? Maddy's husband is her greatest blessing and biggest curse. Brilliant and charming when he chooses, Ben turns into a raging bull when crossed--and Maddy never knew what would cross him. Accidents of Marriage examines the effect of a tragic accident on a family, exploring unintended consequences, traumatic injury and children lost in the shuffle.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on ACCIDENTS OF MARRIAGE to read more and to email author Randy Susan Meyers, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-19-14

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,

Suzanne is up to her ears in gift wrap today, so we are running this holiday "Best of." It's one of our favorites.

Dear Reader,

I've always thought my gift-wrapping abilities were unique. I use scraps of this and that and if I do say so myself, I come up with some pretty unusual presentations. But this past holiday season, I had to relinquish my gift-wrapping title when I opened up the Christmas present I received from my friend Bill in Oregon.

I admit it, I told him it was a first for me. I'd never before received a Christmas gift in a box that said on the outside, "Contents: 1 rectal thermometer, 1 breast pump, petroleum jelly, 1 tape measure, and 2 isolation masks," among other intriguing items.

Yeah, boy, Happy Holidays! How did he know what I wanted!

My curiosity was definitely piqued, so I cautiously opened up the box, and much to my relief I found the usual homemade jellies and pancake syrup that I look forward to getting from him every year.

Of course, I had to ask, "Where, why, and how did he get a hold of that box--and why did he send it to me?"

Apparently, an entrepreneur in his area had developed an Infant Care Kit for new mothers, but the company went bankrupt. The bankruptcy court awarded the entire inventory of boxes and kits to a local charity where my friend volunteers. After 15 years of giving baby kits out to every new mother in the area, there were still stacks of boxes, but no more baby kits to put inside them. The boxes were going to be thrown out, but being the good Scotsman that he is, my friend couldn't stand to see them go to waste.

So he saves them for special occasions and friends like me.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: ROPED IN (Fiction) by Lorelei James

Injured bulldogger Sutton Grant needs help with his high-strung horse and the one woman who can give it to him--ain't exactly his biggest fan. But when horse trainer London Gradsky sees the hot, sexy cowboy, she knows he's just the man she needs to get over being dumped. When Sutton realizes the attraction between them is as real and red-hot as the feisty cowgirl's temper, he pulls out every rope trick he knows to tie her to him forever.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on ROPED IN to read more and to email author Lorelei James, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-18-14

 

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,

Thirty-seven years ago today, my husband and I said, "I do." And we've kept right on saying "I do."

I do love my husband dearly. My heart still lights up when he walks into a room, especially when he's wearing a navy blue shirt. (Such a handsome man.) I do love it when we take a drive together to nowhere special. Just being in the car together is entertainment for us. I do love it when my husband says that every time he opens the car door for me, he feels like we're on a date.

Yes, "I do" and he does, too. I'm one lucky woman.

Celebrating 37 years called for a special gift, so the other day I surprised my husband with an early anniversary present. The two of us had been talking about putting a hot tub outside on the back patio, and with our son's help, "Surprise!" When my husband and I came home after doing some errands, the hot tub was set up and ready to go--well almost. We had to wait overnight for the water to reach 104 degrees.

Surrounded by bamboo, big-leafed tropical plants, and a low hanging string of pearl lights, the ambiance on our back patio is the perfect place to relax in our new hot tub. It's very secluded. The foliage is so dense, that even though there are houses on either side of our back patio, it's very private. So late the other night my husband and I headed out to the hot tub with only towels wrapped around us.

After our quiet, long soak in the hot water, while my husband was busy snapping on the hot tub cover, I wrapped my towel around me, secretly grabbed his towel and hurried into the house.

"Hey, you took my towel!"

"Yes I did!"

"We do," still have romance and fun even after 37 years.

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

My warmest holiday wishes for you,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

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

(Fiction)
BLACK WIDOW by Jennifer Estep

(Fiction)
CARESS OF DARKNESS by Julie Kenner

(Fiction)
SHOW ME, BABY by Cherise Sinclair

(Fiction)
ROPED IN by Lorelei James

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