From Anne, who is delighted to be included among the “Whip Cracking Book Club Wenches”:“EVERYONE LOVES A HERO” -- AND SO DO I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In fact, there wasn’t one tennsy-tiny thing I didn’t love about Marie’s latest book! “ELaH” was a first class flight from that first “jolt” to the final “pinky swear” deal.
Cole and Olivia are “steal-your-heart” characters and their “almost-fairy-tale-esque” love story runs the full gamut of emotions. A wonderful secondary cast of characters fuels the strong quality to this storyline as well. The skillful writing flows naturally and the dialogue is delightfully realistic. High Fives for the choice of marvelous localities ranging from our nation’s capital to Chicago to San Francisco—and even a quick glimpse of Houston! Also, there was a welcomed surprise peek at a kinship between Olivia and Juliana, who found her HEA in “Love at First Flight.”
From way-too-many exes to dysfunctional family issues, “ELaH” will capture your attention and you’ll soon be cheering Cole and Olivia as they strive to overcome the stumbling blocks in their developing relationship. Their story is captivating, engaging, charming and, of course, generously threaded with sizzling hot romance (my favorite kind!). This book will flat-out appeal and satisfy romance readers. Once again, Marie has gifted us with a “keeper-shelf” addition.
Because I don’t want to spoil the book for any readers who haven’t read “ELaH”, here’s just a few highlights that made this latest gem special for me!
1. The to-die-for-work-of-art-hero, Cole (WOW, YUMMY, I WANT ONE FOR MYSELF!)
2. The alluring, talented Olivia, who is beautiful , quiet, shy, and reserved—who simply awakens, spreads her wings and takes flight
3. The powerful romance and the range of emotions shown and felt by both Cole and Olivia. Cole’s determination to support and aid Olivia in her artistic career was outstandingly portrayed.
4. Olivia’s “insistence” to drive that black Mustang GT (loved watching Cole squirm!)
5. The “pinky-swear” proposal
6. Did I mention the sizzle and heat?????
Share some of your favorites!
**Additional comments on “All Things Marie Force”:
In 2008, I discovered Marie’s marvelous writing! While searching Amazon.com for something new to read, I came upon a book entitled “LINE OF SCRIMMAGE” and was hooked. (The cover was an added incentive!) I devoured LOS (many times in the years since) and couldn’t wait for the next book by this new-to-me-author. I went to Marie’s website and read each and every word. I was caught up in the information there and captivated by Marie’s “The House that Jack Built” – a collection of 3 books, which are yet to be published. The first, “ Treading Water” is Jack’s story. Jack stole my heart from only the tidbits posted by Marie. I will never be satisfied until Jack gets his book, along with the other two, published. They are a must for my keeper-shelf. I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed and am praying that a smart publisher will wake up and get it done in the near future.
“Love At First Flight” came next and my addiction grew stronger. Marie’s “Fatal” romantic suspense e-book series intensified my love for this genre. Nick and Sam are among my very favorite characters and their books are just plain fun to read! I can’t wait for their September wedding. I’m eagerly awaiting the entire series in hard copy to be added to the dearly beloved keeper-shelf treasures. The “fixes” to my addiction continued in the form of more e-books entitled “True North” and “The Fall” – both of which are fantastic reads that I wouldn’t mind adding to that “shelf” as well!! I’m all about the “Real Thing” when it comes to my favorite books and colas!
Some time down the line, I’m fervently hoping for another peek and update on Ryan and Susannah, along with their little daughter, Hope – and maybe even some additional little Sandersons. Can you tell I’m a major fan of “LINE OF SCRIMMAGE?”
Last, but certainly, not least – For your wonderfully addictive stories, your unending generosities, your kindness and friendship, THANK YOU MARIE!!!
Keep’em coming – please!!!
APPLE SAUSAGE QUICHE
(An easy and delicious recipe that has become a standard for our family’s Christmas morning brunch, along with at least once a month, as well – fantastic reheated in the microwave, too!)
½ lb. sausage , cooked and drained well
15 oz. can sliced apples (frozen apples can be used)
1 tsp. cinnamon
4 eggs
1-1/4 cups milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheese
1 tsp. salt
1 unbaked pie shell
Mix first three ingredients together. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Mix eggs, milk and salt together and pour over the apple-sausage mixture.
Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Top with cheese and bake an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted well.
CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE
(Just because I love the combination of chocolate and raspberries, here’s a quick and easy but nonetheless tasty treat!)
1-Chocolate Pie Crust (6 oz.)
6 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz.) Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (not evaporate milk)
1 egg
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups fresh or frozen raspberries (reserve a few for garnishment)
Chocolate Glaze
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. With mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy; gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add egg, lemon juice and vanilla; mix well.
Arrange raspberries on bottom of crust. Slowly pour cheese mixture over fruit. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool.
Top and spread evenly over cheesecake with Chocolate Glaze; chill. Garnish with raspberries. Refrigerate leftovers (if you have any!)
Chocolate Glaze: In small saucepan, over low heat, melt two (1 oz. each) squares semi-chocolate baking chocolate with ¼ cup whipping cream. Cook and stir until thickened and smooth. Remove from heat.
