Shannon here: Carole Brown shares an excerpt from her latest romantic mystery, Sabotaged Christmas. Comment or answer the question at the end of the post to enter the drawing for winner’s choice of a print or kindle copy. Deadline: Dec 12th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Carole:
Apple Pie scene in Sabotaged Christmas:
The ride went way too fast for her, and with a suggestion that reminded her of her impulsive friend, Caro Gibson, she said, “You can come in for a piece of apple pie, can’t you?”
The two didn’t speak for a second or two, and Toni caught her breath. She shouldn’t have asked. Perrin wasn’t a friend. A business acquaintance at best. A foe, at worst. What was she thinking? Of course, he had moved way down on her suspects list, not that she had many to consider. So what had been the reason for her harebrained invitation?
Who was she trying to fool? She didn’t want the evening to end.
Toni DeLuca’s Yummy Apple Pie
Crust:
2 cups all purpose flour
½ cup Crisco
6-7 tbsp of water
Cut shortening into flour until it resembles corn meal. Add water, one tbsp at a time. Add more if needed, but be careful not to over soak it. Divide into half, then roll each half into an even circle and place in pie plate.
Filling:
Apples (I like to heap my filling, but use however many that suits your taste). Peel and slice into first pie crust liner.
Sugar to taste
Slabs (tsps) of butter (I use about 4-6) placed over the apples
Cinnamon to taste
Sprinkle (LIGHTLY) a touch of vanilla over the filling
Place the second half of the pie crust on top of the filling. Pinch the sides together in whatever simple or elaborate decoration you want. Add top decoration with carved letter, added crust pieces, etc. I usually keep mine simple. Add a sprinkle of sugar on top of crust if desired.
Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes, then turn down oven to 350 degrees and bake until apple pieces are done. Normally about 30 – 40 minutes, and crust is golden brown.
I’m an adjuster when it comes to cooking. Once I’ve learned how a new recipe goes, I will adjust to suit my (or family’s) taste. I might substitute ingredients or change them according to our likes and dislikes.
About Carole: Brown not only has her award winning (2015 Winner of the USA Best Books Award, 2015 Small Publishers Book Award, RWA International Digital Award finalist, Clash of the Titles Laurel Awards finalist, Selah finalist; Genesis semi-finalist) debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, available for purchase now.
A companion book called West Virginia Scrapbook: From the Life of Caralynne Hayman, filled with tidbits of information about West Virginia, quotes, recipes from West Virginia and from Caralynne’s life, pictures and discussion questions for the novel is also available.
The first book in her Denton & Alex Davies mystery series, Hog Insane and Bat Crazy, the second book are fun, lighthearted novels that not only deal with the mysteries the Davies land in, but relationships too.
The first book in a new WWII Spies Romantic Suspense series, With Music In Their Hearts are nostalgic, warm-hearted books that place readers firmly in that era. Three red-headed sisters. Three spies. Three stories.
This month, Brown is releasing the first book in a new series, The Appleton, WV Romantic Mysteries: Sabotaged Christmas.
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? Learn more and connect:
Carole’s Blog Carole’s Facebook Carole’s Twitter Carole’s Pinterest Carole’s Goodreads
Carole’s Linked In Carole’s Google + Stitches Thru Time Blog Barn Door Book Loft Blog
About the book – Sabotaged Christmas:
Toni DeLuca, the Italian owner of DeLuca Construction, finds herself confronted with doubts about her father and his possible deceptions–all because of the mysterious pink notes she’s receiving.
Relations with Perrin Douglas who has a troubled history—but the first man in years who’s interested her–is building to a peak. Yet Perrin‘s own personal problems and his doubts about women and God, keep getting in the way.
Gossip, a Spanish proposal, an inheritance, and a sabotaged construction business all converge to play a part in ruining Christmas for Toni’s employees. Will the mysterious person behind it all succeed in pulling off the biggest scam Appleton, West Virginia has ever seen?
Will this culprit destroy Toni’s last chance at happiness with the man of her dreams?
Question for readers: What are you most thankful for this year?
Come back Dec 2nd for Valerie Comer!
angela says
My friends and family who have been praying for me snice I got cancer and keep on praying.till I am cancer free.
KayM says
Thanks for offering a copy of Carole’s Christmas book. I’m looking forward to reading it. I thought her book, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, was very good. Today, I am very thankful for the wonderful family week-end that I had with my family over Thanksgiving.
Shelia Hall says
Christ for salvation and my daughter Emily!
Kathy Anderson says
I am thankful for technology. Since my daughter’s husband was transferred to Japan last year I have been missing visiting with my grandson. Through the magic of Skype I am able to view my grandson playing with his toys and be carried around the house while he plays hide and seek with his Mom. My favorite memory. Oh the giggles and whispering we did while hiding.
Wendy Newcomb says
Mainly thankful for waking up each morning and being given another day to be here with/for my family.
wfnren at aol dot com
Carole says
All good answers for thankfulness, ladies. Wendy, that’s always a good one I appreciate. Kathy, I can feel your heartache in missing the grandson. That technology comes in handy for important things, righ!! Thank you, Kay. So glad you enjoyed TRofCH. Sabotaged Christmas is a much lighter book, but hopefully enjoyable for you too. And family is one of my most important blessings. What would we do w/out Christ, Sheila? That’s a good one, and I’m sure your daughter is a great blessing, too. Angela, how precious. Friends who stand w/you and are there for you in prayer. God bless you!
Thanks for the responses!
Ann Ellison says
I have so much to be thankful for but I am especially thankful for my health and my daughters and my wonderful sons-in-law and my grandchildren. I have read Sabotaged Christmas in e-book form and loved it. I would like to win a paperback copy for my library.
Carole says
Ann, so glad you stopped by and appreciate you reading Sabotaged Christmas and reviewing it! It’s always good to hear from you. Those are all super good blessings. How blest we are when we have a family to be thankful for. God bless you, dear Ann!
Katie says
I’m thankful for freedom in America and freedom in Christ!
Dolores Lance says
I am thankful that I am an American Christian.
Cathy Miller says
I am so thankful this year that God has brought my husband through a long journey of cancer treatment and surgery. It was very hard at times, but good doctors and most of all, our faith, has brought him through. Also so very thankful for family that has been there all the way for us.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter says
Very good answers everyone. I’m thankful for salvation, my family, & health.
Jo says
Thanks for the offer of Carole’s book. It sounds like a great read. I am so thankful for the wonderful family that I have. My hubby has health challenges and right now I am going through several and he is really here for me helping me.
Blessings,
Jo
Anne Payne says
I’m really thankful for Skype this year. It allowed us to ‘see’ our Airman on Thanksgiving. 🙂
Carole says
Katie, we all need to be thankful for our freedoms! Thanks for stopping by!
Cathy, you’re especially blest with a good husband and God’s touch upon him. Bless you this Christmas!
Oh, yes, Dolores, that is a real blessing in spite of all the troubles in our land! Glad you stopped by.
And, Jo, so glad you dropped in! Isn’t it good when God helps us in the midst of our trials and physical needs? So glad we have him to depend upon.
Anne, my heart feels for you. So glad there’s a way to stay in touch w/our brave boys and women!
stvannatter says
I have a winner! Kathy Anderson won the drawing. I appreciate Carole for being my guest and everyone else fro stopping by!