Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 10-30-15

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Dear Reader,

Pumpkin bread with chocolate? I guess I need to add one more ingredient to Tuesday's pumpkin bread recipe. I'll be baking this weekend--with chocolate!

"Hello! I've made pumpkin bread lots of times--you've inspired me to make a batch! But--you've left out my favorite ingredient, chocolate chips! Try it, you'll never go back!"--Chris H.

"Hello Suzanne, your bread sounds yummy and simple. Wanna kick it up a notch? Be well my friend and happy reading."--Lemonz

(Suzanne replies) Thanks for the recipe Lemonz. When I first read through the recipe (below) it looked complicated, but it's not. When the steps in a recipe overwhelm me, I cover the recipe with a piece of paper, revealing line by line, the how-to directions and suddenly, it's no big deal and I'm baking.

Pumpkin Bread With Chocolate Swirl

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for the pan
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped, melted
1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons canola oil
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon fine salt
1 cup sugar
1 cup pure pumpkin puree
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Brush an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pan with butter and dust with flour, tapping out the excess. Combine the chocolate and 2 teaspoons of the oil in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

2. Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

3. Beat the butter, sugar, and the remaining 1/4 cup oil in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the pumpkin puree and mix until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, and vanilla and mix until combined. Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

4. Transfer half the batter into the prepared pan. Top with two-thirds of the chocolate mixture. Repeat with the remaining batter and chocolate mixture. Using a skewer or a knife, swirl the chocolate and batter together to create a marbled pattern.

5. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

KIDSBUZZ: Meet new authors--send an email, ask a question and they will reply. Plus enter to win a free copy of DARK HEART OF MAGIC by Jennifer Estep and NIGHT ON FIRE by Ronald Kidd. For a chance to win, say hello to the authors and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz.

AUTHORBUZZ: DREAM OF YOU: A Wait For You Novella (Fiction) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I started the number one New York Times bestselling Wait for You series in 2013 never expecting that one day I'd be writing about a sexy detective who gets a second chance with the quiet book-loving girl he went to high school with. Here you'll see familiar faces, but also meet Abby and a very important character who will close out the Wait for You series in Fire In You.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on DREAM OF YOU to read more and to email author Jennifer L. Armentrout, you'll get a reply.

 

Dear Reader Column 10-29-15

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Dear Reader,

Email any time. I answer all of my mail. A book club reader, signing off as "DT" wanted to know...

"Do you have a beginners recipe for chicken and dumplings?"

Absolutely! It's easy, tummy-warming and folks will think you slaved over the stove making it, but you won't.

Chicken and Dumpling Stew

1 broiler-fryer (3 pounds) cut-up
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter (you may omit, if you want)
1 medium sized onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can (13.75 ounces) chicken broth
2 cups water

1 large celery rib, sliced (1/2 cup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 package (10 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables

Dumplings:
1 cup buttermilk baking mix
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 1/2 tablespoons rosemary, crumbled
1/3 cup milk

Shake chicken with flour, salt and pepper in a plastic bag until thoroughly coated.

Saute chicken in oil and butter in a large kettle or Dutch oven until lightly browned, about 5 minutes on each side. Add onion and garlic, saute for 3 minutes.

Stir in chicken broth and water, add celery, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, simmer for 15 minutes or until chicken is almost tender.

Meanwhile make dumplings. Combine buttermilk baking mix, parsley, rosemary (you may omit if you don't like rosemary) in a medium-sized bowl. Stir in milk until well blended.

Uncover stew, bring back to a boil. Add mixed vegetables. Drop dumplings about 1 inch in diameter from a wet teaspoon on top of the boiling stew. Dumplings will expand. Cook uncovered, 5 minutes. Cover and cook 5 minutes longer or until dumplings are firm.

Ladle broth, chicken and dumplings into bowls. Enjoy, share with a friend and tell them about the book club.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

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

(Thriller)
THE CARDINAL'S SIN by Robert Lane

(Fiction)
ALL HALLOWS EVE by Heather Graham

(Fiction)
CALM BEFORE THE STORM, Episode 5 (Rising Storm) by Larissa Ione

(Fiction)
DREAM OF YOU: A Wait For You Novella by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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

 

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 10-28-15

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Dear Reader,

My husband and I have worked together for almost 38 years. We love working together, but I think the key to our successful working relationship, is that we're working in the same business, but each of us has our own area of expertise. When people hear that we work together, they shake their heads and the usual comment is, "I couldn't ever imagine working with my husband every day."

But today's guest author, Kelli Worrall would disagree. Kelli and her husband Peter are writing partners and they've just finished the book, 20 Things We'd Tell Our Twentysomething Selves. It's a collection of essays that communicates some of the life lessons they've learned along the way.

Find out more about Peter and Kelli at http://www.peterandkelli.com/ And they have 10 copies of 20 Things We'd Tell Our Twentysomething Selves, to give away to book club readers. One of the copies could be yours, but in order to win, you need to enter the drawing. Email: kelli.worrall@moody.edu

Welcome to the book club author, Kelli Worrall...

Peter and I didn't know each other very well when we put our heads together for the very first time.

We were dating--sort of. At least I thought we were.

He was 28. I was 29. We met that September over lunch. And one Sunday just a few weeks later, he surprised me by riding the commuter train from his grad school dorm in Chicago to my suburban apartment in Wheaton so we could hang out. I was thrilled, but swamped. I had a mountain of laundry to tackle and a freelance writing project to complete.

So off we went to the laundromat for a romantic afternoon. I stuffed three machines with my whites, darks, and reds. Then I suggested we head to the coffee shop next door to wait and work.

Obliging as he was, Peter settled in across the table from me, his handsome head buried in a thick textbook, while I took out my yellow legal pad (I didn't yet own a laptop) and started to scribble--rather unsuccessfully.

Partly, I'm sure, I was distracted by Peter's presence. But partly, I was fresh out of ideas. I was trying to create a curriculum product for junior high kids, but none of my teaching methods seemed engaging. None of my approaches felt innovative or right.

I knew Peter had an education degree. I knew he had quite a creative streak, and I knew he had taught fifth grade for four years. So after I shifted my laundry to the dryers, I mustered up the courage to ask him for help.

And magic was born. At least I thought it was.

We've worked together on a number of writing projects since then. An article here. A dramatic script there. Then, last year when a publisher suggested that I try my hand at a book, I immediately invited Peter to join me again.

We're partners. And we've established a pattern now. When we begin a piece, Peter quickly generates a constellation of ideas. I offer some of my own, and we cross off the unworkable ones. Peter then drafts the essay or book chapter (he works fast) and submits it to me for crafting (I am slow). Sometimes I gouge out huge sections of Peter's work to make way for my own thoughts. Sometimes I leave his ideas relatively unchanged. But perhaps the best pieces are an amalgamation of our individual perspectives that forms an unforeseen third view.

Plurality and unity and something surprisingly good.

At least we think it is.

--Kelli Worrall

To enter the giveaway for a copy of 20 Things We'd Tell Our Twentysomething Selves, email, kelli.worrall@moody.edu

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

KIDSBUZZ: Meet new authors--send an email, ask a question and they will reply. Plus enter to win a free copy of DARK HEART OF MAGIC by Jennifer Estep and NIGHT ON FIRE by Ronald Kidd. For a chance to win, say hello to the authors and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz.

AUTHORBUZZ: CALM BEFORE THE STORM, Episode 5, Rising Storm (Fiction) by Larissa Ione

I can't begin to tell you how excited I was to be invited into the Rising Storm project. Although I'm known for my sexy, dark paranormal romance novels, I've always loved writing contemporary stories, and with this novel, I was able to write the kind of bad boy I adore while enjoying new challenges and inspiration. (And as a side note, as a meteorologist, I'm loving the weather titles!) Get ready for some Texas heat!

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on CALM BEFORE THE STORM to read more and to email author Larissa Ione, you'll get a reply.

 

 

Dear Reader Column 10-27-15

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Dear Reader,

It's a winner--Pumpkin Bread. My grandson, Paul, has come over to Grandma's house and baked pumpkin bread two weeks in a row. He gives it away to the neighbors and they keep requesting more.

It's an easy recipe and it's delicious, with or without the whipped cream. Rarely do we get around to making the whipped cream topping. The bread doesn't last that long. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Bread with Pumpkin Whipped Cream

3 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 16-ounce can of pumpkin
3 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2/3 cup warm water (105 to 115 F)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter two large loaf pans or 4 small ones.

Beat sugar, oil, eggs, and pumpkin in large bowl. Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg into another large bowl. Stir into pumpkin mixture. Slowly mix in 2/3 cup warm water.

Divide batter equally between pans. Bake until golden brown and toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about one hour for two loaves and 40 minutes for four loaves.

Cool for 10 minutes in pan then run knife around edges of breads. Turn breads out onto racks and cool completely.

Pumpkin Whipped Cream

1 cup chilled whipping cream
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup pumpkin

Beat cream and sugar to stiff peaks. Fold in 1/2 cup pumpkin. Store in refrigerator.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: ALL HALLOWS EVE (Fiction) by Heather Graham

Halloween has always been a favorite holiday for me--despite the fact that I'm the world's worst coward! Costumes, ghosts, ghouls, vampires, witches and more--and, of course, these days, very sexy costumes for those who choose! Jenna Duffy and Sam Hall are favorite characters from "The Evil Inside." They wind up hanging out in one of my favorite places, Salem, Massachusetts. Hope you have a wickedly haunting good time with them!

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on ALL HALLOWS EVE to find out more about the book and the author, Heather Graham. Send her an email, she'd love to hear from you.

Dear Reader Column 10-26-15

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Dear Reader,

They looked like such a cute couple, probably on an early morning date at the Saturday Farmers' Market. Standing right next to me, I couldn't help but overhear their amusing conversation. When the young woman picked up a small pumpkin, and suggested they carve it for Halloween, the young man told her, "No, let's pick a different one. That's a pie pumpkin."

Confused, the young woman looked at the pumpkin, then back at her friend, "This is a pumpkin pie?"

"No, it's a pie pumpkin," he told her.

Back and forth they went, the young man desperately repeating, "It's a pie pumpkin!" But it was obvious the woman actually thought he was trying to say the small pumpkin was some sort of pie.

Finally, short of starting a rousing game of charades, the young man looked over at me for help and asked, "I bet you know what this is, don't you?" he asked.

"Yes, I do." I told him. I assumed he must have recognized what a great baker I was, but on second thought, maybe he recognized my age and assumed I'd been around awhile. Around long enough to know a pie pumpkin--an old fashioned kind of "girl."

I explained to the 20-some-year-old woman the difference between a pie pumpkin, a pumpkin pie, and carving pumpkins. They ended up buying the pie pumpkin and a carving pumpkin, too.

My 8-year-old grandson has been baking with me since he was three, so he knows a pie pumpkin from a carving pumpkin. Paul is coming over this weekend because he wants to make pumpkin bread. We'll be using canned pumpkin to make the bread, but years down the road, I can picture my grandson having a pumpkin conversation at the Farmers' Market with an unsuspecting young woman--a woman whose Grandmother Suzanne never explained to her about pie pumpkins.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: THE CARDINAL'S SIN (Thriller) by Robert Lane

"I killed a man in London who did not die." So opens the third stand-alone Jake Travis novel. Jake has mistakenly killed a popular and progressive cardinal instead of an international assassin and he must find the real killer before he strikes again. His next target might possibly be Jake's girlfriend, Kathleen, who has recoiled from their relationship. Jake is desperate to discover why the cardinal used Jake to end his life, and win back Kathleen.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on THE CARDINAL'S SIN to read more and to email author Robert Lane, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 10-23-15

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Dear Reader,

The questions I'm afraid to ask, are the ones I need to ask.

But what if they say, "No?" What if they're upset? I'm afraid to ask the questions, because I'm afraid of the answers. Don't want to deal with the negativity. Don't know if I can survive the problems that asking questions might stir up. "Stir the pot and the soup might not be tasty," as my grandmother used to warn.

But is it really easier for me to pretend everything's okay, when I know in my heart, and the other person knows too, that things aren't?

Some folks like to ignore the "feeling in the air" and figure in time, things will work themselves out. And it's true, sometimes that approach works. But for me, when I let things stew in their own juices, in the midst of the stewing process, I lose part of myself. When I'm afraid to speak up because I'm worried I might not be able to deal with the outcome, then I'm living in fear. And that's no good. It changes who I am. It steals my joy, sucks it right out of my heart and consumes my life.

Yes, the questions I'm afraid to ask, are the ones I need to ask today.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: FOREVERMORE (Mystery) by Jim Musgrave

As a recovered alcoholic, I wanted to play devil's advocate and try to show how Edgar Allan Poe may have been sober (and murdered) when he died in 1849 at Baltimore, Maryland. The result--the first mystery in the popular Detective Pat O'Malley Historical and Steampunk Mystery Series.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on FOREVERMORE to read more and to email author Jim Musgrave, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 10-22-15

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Dear Reader,

What's in a name?

I've been doing an experiment that's brought me a lot of unexpected joy. It's a simple little thing. When I'm in a store, any kind of store, as I'm checking out, or interacting with a clerk, if they have a name tag on I use their name in a sentence.

"Is your shift almost over for the day, Alice?"

"Any special plans tonight, Nancy?"

You'd think some folks would tell me it's none of my business, and find it weird that I even asked. But I think people hold back too much nowadays. We're afraid of saying the wrong thing, or sounding like a stalker, so instead we say nothing--but I've been taking the risk.

Sometimes in a grocery store, it's a simple, "Thanks John, you have a great day," at the end of my transaction after my items have been bagged. But sometimes there's a quiet opening that leads to a longer conversation, like when I was in a fabric store the other day standing at the cutting table.

"Hello Deborah. I need two yards of orange, one of the blue, and three-fourths yard of yellow. Thanks. And how's your day going?"

"It's been quiet today," she said, "but that's good, because we're able to catch up on things in the store we need to do. But then again," she continued, "we do need customers, or I wouldn't have a job!" Our conversation wandered on, and by the time Deborah finished cutting my material, she was smiling and so was I.

"Good bye," Deborah said when she finished. "Thanks for coming in today. Really--I'm so glad you came in. I hope I see you again soon."

What's in a name? A smile, a story, or just a good old conversation, and a new friend the next time I come into the store.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

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

(Fiction)
DANCE IN THE WIND, Episode 4 (Rising Storm) by Jennifer Probst

(NonFiction)
DARING TO DATE AGAIN: a memoir by Ann Anderson Evans

(Mystery)
THE SECRETS OF LAKE ROAD by Karen Katchur

(Mystery)
FOREVERMORE by Jim Musgrave

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

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 10-21-15

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Dear Reader,

I am busy reading Write a Dear Reader Contest entries. What a delightful task. The entries this year are amazing. Winners will be announced the week of November 9th.

I'm too busy reading to write, so today enjoy one of my old favorites...

Living a life less ordinary suits me just fine. It takes courage to stray from normal and I try to stray every chance I get. Doing things differently keeps life exciting, and more importantly keeps me true to myself.

The bright, pink-haired teenager I walked by the other day--it's a-okay with me. People with pink hair give the world a little unexpected color, but it's not a good look for me. I know, because on one trip to the salon, when I was getting my roots touched up the stylist miss-measured the formula and I had pink roots--at least for a couple of hours.

Living a life less ordinary--It doesn't always have to be something monumental: don't eat lunch just because it's noon, I might have a hamburger with pickles and onions for breakfast if that's what my body seems to be craving. Sometimes I do my work in the middle of the night and nap during the day. I can work from an office in my home and if I didn't want to get dressed all day long, well who's to know, but me. Reporters have interviewed me while I was still in my pajamas and the story turned out just fine.

Someone once said to me that I always seem comfortable in my own skin and it's true. Most of the time, I am. I realize I don't always see things the way other people do, and that someone else's path in life might look a lot different than mine, but that's okay, because I appreciate their diversity. I can only hope they appreciate mine.

* Congratulations to the winners of Promise to Cherish by Guest Author Elizabeth Byler Younts: Donna S., Laura B., Karen B., Robyn B., Angie G., Anne R., Pam B., Lenore B., Bonnie M., Pat H. and Kristal B.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: THE SECRETS OF LAKE ROAD (Mystery) by Karen Katchur

Long hidden secrets disrupt the rhythms of a lakeside town when a seven-year-old girl goes missing from the community beach. As they search the lake, rescue workers dredge up bones from the past. Can its secrets be far behind? A mystery within a mystery, this haunting debut is about first love, lost innocence and the sometimes fragile, often turbulent, relationship between mothers and daughters.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on THE SECRETS OF LAKE ROAD to read more and to email author Karen Katchur, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 10-20-15

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Dear Reader,

Jody Hedlund, today's guest columnist, is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances for both adults and teens. Her work illuminates female figures that have, for far too long, remained unknown and hidden in the shadows of history.

A prolific writer and lover of history, Hedlund's formula for success includes detailed narratives and breath-taking romances, played out against the backdrop of well-researched historical traditions, cultures and landscapes. Her latest novel, Luther and Katharina chronicles the true love story between former nun, Katharina von Bora and the great reformer of the Faith, Martin Luther.

Jody has five copies of Luther and Katharina to give to readers. Simply email: jodyhedlundbooks@gmail.com to enter the drawing. Oh, yes, and be sure to give her a big welcome to the book club!

When You See a Writer, Chances Are...
By Jody Hedlund

Writers aren't always what they seem. They may appear rather ordinary and unobtrusive on the outside. But if you were to actually get inside the mind of a writer, you'd be surprised at what you'd find!

When you see a writer jogging down the street with headphones on and lips moving, you might assume that she's singing along to her playlist. Chances are she's role-playing the next scene in her novel.

When you see a writer staring at the sunset, you might think she's admiring nature. Chances are she's trying to figure out how to describe the sky and the sun and the colors so that she can use it in a book.

When you see a writer trip and fall down a set of stairs or accidentally cut herself, you'll probably assume she's embarrassed or hurt. Chances are she's thinking about how the pain feels so that she can write about it more realistically.

When you see a writer engrossed in reading a novel, you might guess she's swept away by the story (and many times that's true!). Chances are that sometimes her internal editor is wrecking havoc with a mental red pen and she's counting how many times the author has over-used the word "smirk."

When you see a writer smiling and nodding at her child after being interrupted during writing time, you'll likely assume as a good mother she welcomes the break. Chances are she has no clue what the child is saying and is instead still lost in story-land.

When you see a writer's husband at the library carrying out stacks of books with titles such Women's Hairstyles in the Middle Ages or The History of Undergarments, you might assume he's an odd duck. Chances are he's picking up books his writer wife has put on hold.

When you see a writer sitting at her desk sipping coffee and munching on German chocolate, you'd naturally assume she's taking a rare break to garner fuel for an intense bout of writing. Chances are she's already taken a dozen trips to the coffee pot and only written half of what she needs to.

When you view a writer's internet history and see articles like "How to Poison Wine" or "What Herbs Are Lethal" you might assume she's a psychotic killer. Chances are that she's researching how her villain can kill off another character.

There you have it! Not that I've personally experienced any or all of the above. Next time you see a writer, be forewarned, not all is as it appears to be!

--Jody Hedlund

Email jodyhedlundbooks@gmail.com to say hello and enter her drawing. And as always, please be sure to include your mailing address, in case your name is drawn.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: DARING TO DATE AGAIN: a memoir (NonFiction) by Ann Anderson Evans

Ann is happy living alone, but a reawakening libido is making her peculiar. So, at 60, she scraps her assumptions and re-enters the dating world. Her daring, frank, slightly nutty story stretches from Montclair to Zimbabwe and takes on some meaty moral questions.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on DARING TO DATE AGAIN to find out more about the book and the author, Ann Anderson Evans. Send her an email, she'd love to hear from you.

Dear Reader Column 10-19-15

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Dear Reader,

I think it's a conspiracy, but when I told my daughter about it the other day, she insisted I was way over-thinking things. In fact she hinted some concern about my mental stability. But I don't think it's just a coincidence that when my two-year cell phone contract ended, and I turned down the phone company's offer to extend it, now my cell phone doesn't work right any more.

Coincidence--I think not! It's a conspiracy. Because the exact same thing happened the last time I refused to renew my contract.

"Why sign a contract when I can simply go month-to-month?" I told the man at the cell phone company. And that's when the salesman threw in a free brand-new phone, extra minutes, a tutor to explain how to use all those buttons on my phone that I haven't known how to use for the last two years, a lesson in text-messaging (my daughter would be thrilled) and he even offered to send someone over to give me a foot rub to sweeten the deal. Believe me, it was tempting, but nevertheless I still said no, because as we all know "free" stuff is never really free when the monthly bill shows up.

And thirty minutes later my phone started acting up. Coincidence or conspiracy?

No question in my mind, my cell number has been put on "the list." The bring-her-to-her-knees list, so they mess with her service. Dead air in the middle of my conversations, 'Service Unavailable' flashing on my screen, and somehow they even loosened a screw inside of my phone, so now whenever I'm talking I have to keep my hand real still, or the rattling screw noise competes with my conversation. They know exactly what they're doing, 'Give that Beecher woman crummy service, force her to come in and buy a new phone, and then we'll get her--she'll have to renew her contract.'

Coincidence or conspiracy? It's not a question any longer, I finally have proof. So the next time my daughter calls I'm giving her an update on her mother's "imaginary" phone problems. Line-by-line, I'll read her my list of the strange things that have suddenly gone wrong with my phone, and my sanity will be vindicated. That'll show her!

On second thought, in reviewing my list, maybe I'd better leave out the part about how the phone company somehow got inside of my phone and loosened that screw, because my daughter might think it's not the phone that has a...

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: DANCE IN THE WIND, Episode 4, Rising Storm (Fiction) by Jennifer Probst

I'm a huge fan of soap operas. I remember rushing home from school while my grandmother and I watched the drama unfold on our television screens, and every Friday, the cliffhanger left us breathless. Episode 4, revolves around Ginny and Logan's struggle to find their love story, and of course, the secrets that may tear them apart. Get ready...the storm is coming!

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on DANCE IN THE WIND to read more and to email author Jennifer Probst, you'll get a reply.