Shannon here: Suzanne J. Bratcher shares her inspiration for her Jerome Mysteries Romantic Suspense trilogy plus a recipe for yummy pumpkin pie bars. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for a kindle copy of book 3, The Gold Doubloons. Deadline: Nov 12th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Suzanne:
The Twists and Turns of Happily-Ever-After
The path to true love is rarely straight. In fact, it’s the unique twists and turns in individual romances that create unique novels. Most romance novels stop with I do, promising or at least implying a straight path to happily-ever-after. But what happens to a romance when the path after I do starts to twist and turn? That question is beyond the scope of most standalone romance novels. My romantic suspense Jerome Mysteries trilogy offers the opportunity to follow a romance not only to I do, but also beyond.
The Copper Box (Book 1) introduces Marty Greenlaw, a woman (28) reeling from the abrupt end to an engagement, and Paul Russell, a widower (38) struggling with his wife’s death in a car crash that occurred when he was driving. The two fall in love as they try to discover how and why Marty’s grandmother fell to her death in her own home. Both are Christians, and Philippians 3:13b-14 helps them forget what is behind as they move into the future.
The Silver Lode (Book 2) follows the twists and turns of the mismatched couple’s romance. As Paul and Marty cope with the complications Paul’s teenagers present to their romance, they must unmask a killer and a kidnapper. The story ends with I do and a new family. The Old Testament potter’s ability to shape a new vessel from a spoiled one (Jeremiah 18:1-4) helps them both as they re-imagine family.
The Gold Doubloons (Book 3) finds Paul and Marty Russell on the happily-ever-after stretch of their romance road. Then Paul’s first wife’s best friend enters the story, and the Russells face unexpected challenges in their happily-ever-after romance. Even as they cope with challenges at home, they must unmask a murderer and rescue their teenage sons. Faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13) help them strengthen their romance when it’s tested.
LOOKING FOR AN EASY HOLIDAY RECIPE? These pumpkin pie bars are a hit with all ages. And they’re easy enough for kids to make (with supervision, of course).
EASY Pumpkin Pie Bars with Oatmeal Crust
Ingredients
Crust
1 c all-purpose flour
½ c quick oats
½ c packed brown sugar
½ c butter or margarine
Filling
1 can pumpkin pie filling
1 egg
½ t. vanilla
Directions
Preheat oven to 350
Grease or spray 9x 13 pan
Mix together crust ingredients. Press into pan.
Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from oven.
While crust is cooling, add egg and vanilla to pie filling. Whisk until smooth.
Pour filling into crust. Bake for another 20-30 minutes or until firm.
Remove from oven. Cool.
Cut into squares. Top with whipped topping if desired.
Question for Readers: How did a Bible verse (or passage) help you on the path to happily-ever-after?
About Suzanne: Suzanne J. Bratcher, Ph.D., delights in writing contemporary mysteries woven with romance and sprinkled with history. Her award-winning novels are set in the very real ghost town of Jerome, Arizona as well as the four corners states: New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. Bratcher lives in Prescott Valley, Arizona. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading with her granddaughter, laughing at her rescue cat, and piecing colorful quilt scraps. Learn more, connect, & sign up for her monthly newsletter:
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About the book – The Gold Doubloons:
When Coronado marched through the Verde Valley in 1542 looking for the Seven Cities of Gold, Yavapai scouts took him to a mine near present-day Jerome. Coronado didn’t find what he was looking for, but a persistent legend says he left behind a bag of gold doubloons. Now, almost five hundred years later, Reed Harper, Paul and Marty Russell’s foster son, needs those precious coins to finance the future he dreams of.
But Reed isn’t the only one determined to find the gold doubloons. As the search intensifies in the caves around Jerome and extends to the ancient cliff dwelling called Montezuma Castle, a young Yavapai woman dies. Was Mina Tewa’s fall from a cliff that borders Montezuma Well an accident—or was it murder?
When a second fall from the same cliff puts Reed in a coma, the sheriff arrests him for Mina‘s murder. But Scott Russell knows his foster brother is innocent. Convinced a ruthless killer is after Reed, Scott rushes to protect him. Will Paul and Marty find the teens in time to rescue them, or will the murderer claim another victim?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Suzanne’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now! The Gold Doubloons
The Gold Doubloons is on pre-order until 11/15 when it goes on sale.
GET ALL THREE BOOKS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE + 99 CENTS
But what if you haven’t read The Copper Box or The Silver Lode? Get The Copper Box for 99 cents 11/24-28 when Scrivenings Press (my publisher) is having an amazing pre-Christmas sale:
Download The Silver Lode for free two Fridays 11/11 and 11/25. Get it free—those download days only: The Silver Lode
Come back Nov 8th for Hope Bolinger!
Suzanne, it sounds like you have really stepped up the excitement in this one! I can’t wait to read it! I am also excited to read about complications arise after I Do for Marty and Paul. Fiction is much better when realistic!
Love all of your books.
Thanks, Jenny! It was a challenge to combine realism with hope. The story was a fun one to writeI hope you enjoy it.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psm 46:1 KJV
I have a winner! Terresa Mountain won the drawing. I appreciate Suzanne for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.