Be Mine, Book Club Valentine

Hi book club friends,
My first publication is out! FOREVER IN MY HEART, is one of twelve short stories in the Valentine's Day anthology, BE MINE, VALENTINE. I've got a couple Valentine's Day events planned and this is becoming a favorite holiday all over again. As fun as when I was in the second grade and nervous to give out my very first valentine's day cards, and as sweet as the time I got not only a dozen roses for me--but a dozen rawhides for my dog for Valentine's Day. What are your fondest memories?

Back to business...Book club planning.
Fun for this month's book club gathering doesn't require much planning.
What you'll need:

• Conversation Hearts
• Box of kids Valentine's Day trading cards

Open the box of Valentine's Day cards and spread them out on the table.
Have each book club member pick out a card that they will address to their favorite character of one of the novels they've read. Then couple that with the appropriate Conversation Heart to match. Be ready to share why!?!?!

You might just be surprised at how many extra details we add to the romantic hunks in the books we read that are never on the written page. Funny how many of the guys in the books I read look like Kevin Costner.

I'd love to hear from you with ideas or comments.
Have fun!

Sensational September

The air is just beginning to chill in the evenings and I've had the opportunity to sleep with the windows open and even tug up the quilt a night or two. Don't you just love this time of year.

We haven't had much rain so the trees are letting go of their leaves early, but on the bright side -- the best foliage years are those that have dry, sunny day summers. We should have a splendid Fall Foliage frenzy here in Virginia. Hope you enjoy one, too.

Thinking of cool nights, and beautiful nature ... here's a great idea for your next book club meeting.

This week I was treated by a co-worker to JASMINE BLOOM tea. Oh my goodness. This tea smelled so good I almost didn't want to drink it, but when I took a sip, there was no way I was going to stop. It was wonderful. You drop this hand woven pod into your mug and in a few minutes of steeping .. it opens up into a glorious flower right in your cup.

A box of ten blooms (individually wrapped) is just $10 at www.adagio.com
Trust me, this will be an experience your book club friends won't soon forget!

Enjoy your September meetings and don't forget OCTOBER is National Reading Group Month http://bit.ly/aHAoUK

Until then ... wishing you great reads and new memories each day that leave you snuggling that pillow with a smile at the end of each one.
Hugs~
Nancy

Keep your book club alive!

We're all about at the end of our dreary winter weathered ropes. I know this for certain because on the news night before last they were covering the snow ... yes again, and use to NEVER get snow ... and they were interviewing a mother who said, "I wish someone woulda' shot that darn groundhog!" I bet more than a few of us are feeling that way about now.

I had to laugh. Nothing like a live interview in the south the catch you off guard.

So, if your friends are making excuses to not get together for book club, reel them back in. If they didn't read the book, they can still be part of the girls night out and she can catch up on the next read. Sometimes all we need is a little nudge to get us off the couch and out the door on a cold, wet night --- do your friend a favor -- NUDGE!

Have a wonderful book club meeting. I'd love to hear what you're doing at yours.
Next month I'll talk about a new little something I just heard about that some book clubs and authors are doing. Stay tuned!

Fa-la-la-lala Bon-Bons

For any holiday party, gift, or next book club meeting that you want to have a melt-in-your-mouth to-die-for chocolate treat . . .

This easy Chocolate Truffle will make you the star of the day.

You will need:
One Box Cake Mix (Dark Chocolate/Milk Chocolate - whatever your pleasure!)
oil and eggs as indicated on the box mix

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup apricot preserves (I promise you this is fab -- use it!)
1 tsp vanilla
2 pkg (8oz) semi sweet chocolate chips/squares

Step by Step:
Step One: Bake a chocolate cake following the directions on the box. Set aside and let cool.
Step Two: In a large pot slowly melt the butter.
Step Three: Add cocoa and sugar. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step Four: Crumble the baked/cooled cake into the mixture.
Step Five: Add the apricot preserves, confectioners sugar and vanilla to the pot.
Step Six: Mix well blended and moist.
Step Seven: Roll the mixture into one inch balls or form small cubes. (You could use small ice trays or candy forms if you are feeling adventurous.
Step Eight: Place in refrigerator to chill. This makes dipping the treat into chocolate easier!)

DIPPING and DECORATING:
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate over low heat and stir until smooth.
Dip truffles into melted chocolate and place on wax paper. Let stand for an hour.

*Decorating:
You can drop sprinkles across the top of the truffles, or I like to get white chocolate and drizzle or draw a swirly circle on top. A wreath or holly leaf with berries using different colored decorating gels is a cute holiday theme as well.
If you are feeling especially adventurous, roll the still moist truffle in coconut or chopped nuts. The possibilities are endless!

Place them on a plate and wrap with cellophane and a bow, use a tin, or a little chinese take out box.

Pass along and share the delight!
~Hugs and Happy Holidays
Nancy

Book Club Summer Swap

Looking for a little something new to stir things up at your next book club meeting? I've got a fun idea.

Aside from the book of the month that you've all read and loved or hated --- bring a favorite summer read from your dusty bookshelf. Throw them all in a pile and either blindly take turns drawing or do a swap with them. That game where you pick a gift, and someone can steal your book or pick a new one is always a fun way to swap. If they steal yours your stuck with theirs.

Fun-fun-fun and a great way to add a new author to your list. Some of my favorite authors have come out of happy accidents just like this.

Swappin' Summer Fun!
Nancy