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Roxanne Rustand

USA Today Best Selling Author

Roxanne Rustand
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FINAL ESCAPE is available now! Plus, some wonderful bargains, too.

Roxanne Rustand Posted on April 20, 2022 by RoxanneApril 20, 2022

 

 

When you’ve run out of places to hide, what are your chances of survival?

Carrie Randall hoped to escape her past and find a fresh start, after divorcing her abusive husband. But this small, remote mountain town is hiding dangerous secrets, and now someone is harassing her. Has her ex-husband tracked her down? Or are the increasing threats related to the troubling rumors about her handsome new landlord? Can she trust this man with her life? 

Her heart says yes, but falling in love led to disaster in the past, and now the clock is ticking.  Does she stay, or must she run?    To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Read on for a simple, wonderful recipe,  and some links for bargain book fairs!

 

 

My dear friend Lyn Cote is offering you something very special!  From April 19 to 23rd, her book, Journey to Respect, will be free on Kindle!  Here’s some information:

East Meets West in a Regency Era Western~ A family’s saga, a young nation’s  story~

An inspirational historical romance from a Carol Award–winning author: Does Rafe belong with his mother’s tribe or on his father’s plantation? As he chooses between two lives, Eve, a daughter of a prominent Washington, DC family, prepares to go west. Both Rafe and Eve embark on a journey, a Journey to Respect. But such journeys are rarely uncomplicated or without pitfalls. And falling in love is the most dangerous of all. PG13
This moving, authentic, uplifting historical novel by a USA Today Bestselling author, is one you won’t want to miss. Though part of a series, this story is complete within itself.

What Readers Say
“I so very seldom write a review but I couldn’t turn the last page without leaving one this time. Characters and emotions in this book seem so stunningly real I felt I was in the midst of them. This is a very beautiful story and I highly recommend it to each and all readers.”

“Another fantastic story in this series. Each one is as good as or better than the previous one. We met Rafe McKuen, the son of an Osage chief’s daughter and a fur trader in book two, but we get to know the man he is now.”

                                                                                          #  #  #

Also, here are some virtual book fairs for you to check out! Click on the links to take a peek.
Note that several of these feature KU (Kindle Unlimited) titles. But if you don’t subscribe to that program to obtain free books, you can choose to buy them as usual…and some are discounted for a great deal!

  1. KINDLE UNLIMITED FOR CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
    https://books.bookfunnel.com/ku4romance-apr22/24bb193l1h

 

  1. SUMMER OF SUSPENSE
    https://books.bookfunnel.com/summerofsuspense/c9gys0k816

 

  1. SWEET ROMANCE IN KU
    https://books.bookfunnel.com/nothingbutsweet/9dqu58bwut

 

  1. HANG ON FOR ONE HECK OF A RIDE
    https://books.bookfunnel.com/hangontight/m5xn9nficw

 

                                                                                            #  #  #

April’s recipe is so easy—SIX ingredients, and it’s a yummy addition to breakfast or brunch!

SPEEDY CARAMEL ROLLS

ROLLS
Two tubes of refrigerator biscuits (I like Pillsbury’s Flaky Layer Grands)
1 heaping cup white sugar
1 TBSP  + 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Cut biscuits in fourths with a scissors. Roll in the cinnamon/sugar mixture (you can also dip in melted butter first for more adhesion.) Drop loosely into a buttered 9×13” pan.

CARAMEL
3/4  cup brown sugar
3/4  cup butter
3/4  cup white sugar
3/4  cup vanilla ice cream

Melt these four ingredients in a microwave for two minutes. Stir.  Microwave another 30-45 seconds.
Pour caramel over the rolls.  Top with chopped pecans if you wish.

Bake 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees.

Cool for five minutes, then invert pan onto a tray or into another pan, and cool

 

                                                                                #  #  #

Please take advantage of Lyn’s free book. You will love it!   And also click on the book fair links to take a look at all of the bargains offered by wonderful authors this month.

WINNERS:    I’ll list last month’s winners (from those who replied to the questions in my March newsletter) in my May newsletter, and also the winners from this April edition as well.

The questions for April:   

Have you clicked on any of the online bookfair links in my monthly newsletters yet?  Have you found some new-to-you authors that you enjoyed?

How do you generally search for new books to read?  Through Amazon, Goodreads, other online sources, or brick-and-mortar stores, or word-of-mouth?

Wishing you all a wonderful spring!
Till May—Roxanne

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Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged #sweetromance, @sweetromancereads, Christian Fiction, inspirational fiction, mystery, romantic suspense, westernromance

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! ….and book bargains galore. Roxanne Rustand

Roxanne Rustand Posted on March 17, 2022 by RoxanneMarch 17, 2022

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

Do you celebrate the day in a way special for your family? Parades, a party, or just trying to remember to wear something green? It’s just the two of us at home now, and we aren’t into any festivities, but I do make corned beef with cabbage, red potatoes, onions, and lots of carrots, plus Irish Soda bread. And if grandkids are here, rolled-out cookies with lots of sparkling sugars (mostly green.) Now, need to find shamrock cookie cutters!

New release!

FINAL PURSUIT, the third inspirational romantic suspense in my MONTANA SECRETS series, is now up for sale. Free to those who use Kindle Unlimited, or on sale for just $3.99. CLICK HERE for more info, or to buy!

A quick blurb: A violent criminal has been terrorizing her small Montana mountain town. Deputy Megan Peters is working hard to identify him and bring him to justice…but now he has turned his sights on her. Could he be Scott Anders, the only newcomer in town? Should she believe her instincts…or follow her heart?

 

And, just in case you’d like a bit of early Christmas spirit (or a story set in Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day) here is AN IRISH CHRISTMAS BLESSING. CLICK HERE to learn more, or to buy for only 99 cents!

A quick blurb: Eve goes to Ireland for the Christmas season to help an old friend run her Shamrocks & Shivers Antiquarian Book Shoppe. She figures the two months will be a dream come true. A quaint little village, with centuries-old buildings made of stone. Narrow winding lanes. Picturesque. What’s not to love?

But then her friend has been called away for an extended family emergency before Eve gets off her plane, and now she has to sort out a stranger screaming upstairs, a crazy dog, a mouthy parrot, AND an utterly handsome man with a broken ankle who has taken up residence on the main floor of the shop….

Welcome to Roxanne’s “Coupled by Christmas” six-novella series (each priced at just 99 cents.) Tied together only by a Christmas theme, they can be read in any order.

#1  The Mistletoe Puppy
#2  A Montana Christmas
#3  An Irish Christmas Blessing
#4  A London Christmas
#5  A Scottish Christmas
#6  Christmas in Paris

 

 

LAST MONTH’S CONTEST?  Ooops!

No, you didn’t miss anything, as I didn’t send out a newsletter in February. But here are the new questions for March!

THE NEW MARCH QUESTIONS:
1. Do you like reading holiday-themed books? Why or why not?

2. Easter is practically around the corner. Do you have Easter dinner menu traditions?

To write a comment or answer, CLICK HERE to reach the blog version of this newsletter at my website, then scroll down that page to the COMMENT SECTION to reply. The winners will receive a free copy of one of FINAL REFUGE, Book #1 in my Montana Secrets, or FINAL CHANCE, book #2 in this series.

**Note: if you send answers to these questions, be sure to check my April newsletter to see if you are a winner!

 

 

HERE’S A SUPER EASY, FAMILY FAVORITE RECIPE!

Even the left-overs are good, whether hot or cold. I’ve been making this for over ten years and I don’t remember the source, but do know that I made a number of adjustments to the original. Now that I’m thinking about it, this will be our supper for tonight!

PECAN CHICKEN

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts moderately flattened to uniform thickness (not too thin)
Peanut oil for the electric skillet

Coating:
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan (not the dry kind in a shaker can)
1/2 cup flour

For dipping:
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk

1. Combine dry ingredients in a shallow dish
2. Combine eggs and milk in a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip chicken thoroughly in the egg mixture.
4. Roll pieces in the dry mixture.
5. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
6. Gently lay pieces on a rack for 10 minutes, for the coating to “set.”
7. Heat peanut oil to moderate high temp in an electric frying pan, cook until chicken is golden on both sides, and an instant-read thermometer reads 165 degrees.

 

 

CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINKS TO FIND BARGAIN (AND EVEN SOME FREE!) BOOK PROMOS:

SWEET SUMMER DAYS
https://books.bookfunnel.com/sweetsummerdays/otyn3xo5md

CRAVING CHRISTMAS
https://books.bookfunnel.com/cravingchristmas/kuy4ysdc26

LUCK OF THE IRISH—SUPER MARCH MYSTERY SALE
https://books.bookfunnel.com/luckoftheirishmystery/jkqpq6nv49

 

All my best to you,

Roxanne Rustand

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Posted in Uncategorized

FINAL CHANCE, book bargains & a chance for prizes

Roxanne Rustand Posted on January 16, 2022 by RoxanneJanuary 16, 2022

Greetings from the snowy Midwest!

During our hot summer I found myself longing for winter.  Now, I’m not sure which is better! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and will have a happy and healthy year ahead.

cover: FINAL CHANCE

FINAL CHANCE was out last fall, and is the second of five novels in my new Montana Secrets  romantic mystery series.  All of them will be released by early spring, and can be read in any order.

CLICK HERE for the Amazon link for FINAL CHANCE. 

Here’s a quick blurb:

Arson. Attempted murder. And Kris Donaldson is the prime suspect. Why won’t anyone believe she’s innocent?

After years on the run from an abusive ex, Kris receives an unexpected inheritance, an acreage in the Rockies near a small, quaint mountain town. It’s her dream come true–a chance to establish an animal rescue and finally lead a peaceful life. Perhaps there’s even a chance of forever-after with the intriguing rancher next door.

But her dreams might just prove fatal.

The next title, FINAL PURSUIT, will be released January 27th .

 

Did you answer any of the questions in the December newsletter or blog post?

The questions were what are your favorite foods at Christmas, and do you have a favorite memory from Christmases past?  Here are the contest winners.

Winners, use the Contact Me button here on my website so you can choose one of my Christmas novellas as your prize.

1. Malgorzata
My favorite Christmas food is Poppyseed cake rolade with honey poppy seed filling and raisins, and sugared glaze!

2. Sara T.
My favorite Christmas food is the Glazed Ham and Mashed Potatoes and Gravy! Plus my daughter’s Homemade Peanut Butter Fudge! Congratulations on your New GrandBaby And Merry Christmas!

3. Cindy M.
We always traveled to my paternal grandparents for Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day.  We lived three hours away. Because of this my grandparents  would come up to our house to stay a weekend before Christmas. This happened the weekend my grandparents were visiting. 

When I was young around 4 or 5, my Dad tried to get me to go outside and get a bike that was left out by the road.  I would not go.  All of the adults tried to get me to go and nope, I would not. It was dark and I was scared to go out by myself. My middle sister said she would go get it and they said okay. When she opened the door Santa had came early.  All of our gifts were laid out on the porch.

Santa always brought my cousins’ gifts to my grandparents’ house. But Santa always knew we would not be home, so he made a special trip and delivered our gifts early.  This way my parents wouldn’t have to bring all the gifts home. 
This is one of many memories I have. 

 

THE NEW QUESTIONS IN THIS JANUARY, 2022 NEWSLETTER:

To write a comment or answer,  scroll down to the Comment section to reply. The winners will receive a free copy of one of FINAL REFUGE, Book #1 in my current series.

**Note: if you send answers to my questions of the month, be sure to check the next month’s newsletter to see if you are a winner!

 

Look below for my gift to you—links to ONLINE BOOK FAIRS!

I love sharing these opportunities with you every month. 

Click on each link to find free and bargain books—some by me, and perhaps some by your favorite authors. Who knows? You might also find a new-to-you, all-time favorite author by clicking on these links!

Wishing you all a wonderful New Year!

Roxanne Rustand

 

1.  CLEAN ROMANCE READS

2.  CHRISTIAN ROMANCE IN KU

3.  CLEAN & WHOLESOME COWBOY ROMANCE

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Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged #sweetromance, Christian Fiction, Golden retriever, romantic suspense

Christmas novellas, prizes, and maybe a baby! Roxanne Rustand

Roxanne Rustand Posted on December 20, 2021 by RoxanneDecember 20, 2021

Happy holidays!

In whatever way you celebrate your faith’s traditions at this time of year, I wish you my very best for peace, good health, and happiness.

A white Christmas seems a bit doubtful this year here in the Midwest, but dusk is already falling at 4:30 pm and a cold wind is blowing today. It’s a perfect time of year to curl up with a quilt, a wonderful cup of hot chocolate (look below for a great recipe), and a good book. At the end of this message you’ll find lots of bargains for those! 

Do you enjoy Christmas fiction? I had a great time writing my six-title Coupled by Christmas series, and they are just $.99 each! Here are the titles, with links to check them out. They can be read in any order.

To see all of the covers at once, scroll down my homepage at www.roxannerustand.com.

The Mistletoe Puppy
A London Christmas
A Montana Christmas
A Scottish Christmas
An Irish Christmas Blessing
Christmas in Paris

 

 

 

 

 

I’d also like to share a link to the book I released in November.
FINAL CHANCE is the second of five novels in my Montana Secrets series, which will all be released by early spring. They can be read in any order. CLICK HERE for the Amazon link. Here’s a quick blurb:

Arson. Attempted murder. And Kris Donaldson is the prime suspect. Why won’t anyone believe she’s innocent?

After years on the run from an abusive ex, Kris receives an unexpected inheritance, an acreage in the Rockies near a small, quaint mountain town. It’s her dream come true–a chance to establish an animal rescue and finally lead a peaceful life. Perhaps there’s even a chance of forever-after with the intriguing rancher next door.

But her dreams might just prove fatal.

 

 

Here are the contest winners from my late November newsletter & blog post:
The questions were about Thanksgiving foods and memories. Here are the winners. To claim your prize, an e-copy of ONE MORE KISS, click Contact Me at my website: www.roxannerustand.com.

1. Sunnymay
My favorite food at Thanksgiving is leftovers. I like to make a turkey sandwich using bread, turkey, a thin layer of mayo and lettuce on one side, on the other side is jellied cranberry sauce. Growing up, Mom always dropped the turkey trying to get it out of the oven and out of the pan, so it pretty started carving itself. The dog and cat were very interested.

2. Madie
While I enjoy several of the foods, Thanksgiving is often the only time of the year we have stuffing, so I pretty much eat as much as I can. My favorite Thanksgiving memory is our first one after we adopted 2 cats. We figured out quickly how to keep our cat who couldn’t jump from getting on the table, but we all spent the entire meal keeping our athletic cat from getting at the dinner.

3. Michelle
My favorite Thanksgiving foods are my Auntie Marg’s Cranberry Relish, Baba’s Kolache and Grandma’s Pink Delight Desert. My favorite memory is when we would gather at Grandpa and Grandma’s house with aunts, uncles and cousins galore. (Mom had 4 brothers and a sister). There would be tables set up in the living room even.

 

THE NEW QUESTIONS IN THIS DECEMBER, 2021 NEWSLETTER:

What are your favorite foods at Christmas, and do you have a favorite memory from Christmases past?

To write a comment or answer,  scroll down  to the Comment section.

The winners will receive a free copy of one of my Christmas novellas, winner’s choice. See the titles and links above for more information on them.

**Note: if you send answers to my questions of the month, be sure to check the next month’s newsletter to see if you are a winner!

 

HERE IS AN EASY HOLIDAY RECIPE – FRENCH HOT CHOCOLATE!

In May of 2018, I took our daughter to Paris for two weeks. She’d been married six years, and though I’ve always taken her with me to author conferences, I thought this could be our last big adventure before she and her husband might want to start having a family. I told her that I would pay for the trip, but she needed to search for bargain flights, a bargain hotel, and come up with a detailed plan for how we could see and savor as much as possible during our stay.

She and I both love, love, love museums and all things related to history, so she came up with a wonderful day planner on an Excel spreadsheet including bargain museum passes that helped us avoid long lines. It was an incredible trip, and I would go back in a flash if I could!

One of our stops for a special treat was at Angelina’s, a completely charming café where we had yummy French pastries and small cups of le chocolat chaud (French hot chocolate.)

Oh, my, goodness. Thick and rich—it was nothing like the thin, milky hot chocolate we’d always had back in the USA. Since then, we’ve searched for a similar recipe and finally found several recipes that, when combined, tested, and tweaked, fit the bill. I think this nails it, and it is so simple! Enjoy!

Oh—and by the way, Emily’s dream of starting a family will be born any day. Gramma is excited!

 

FRENCH HOT CHOCOLATE

1 cup milk (1%, 2% or whole)

1 cup unwhipped whipping cream     (+ 1 cup more for whipped topping)

2 tsp. Splenda, other artificial sweetener, or sugar

8 oz. bittersweet chocolate bar chopped, or choc chips**

** Use the best quality bittersweet chocolate you can find, approximately 70%,for the most authentic flavor
Semi-sweet chocolate can be used (best quality =  best result)
Bar chocolate melts smoother and more easily than chips, though both will work.

Directions:

  1. Over medium heat, blend the milk and cream in the tallest stainless steel saucepan until it just starts to simmer (not the short one or it goes over.) Do not let it boil.
  2. Take pan off the stove and stir in the chocolate and sweetener until mixture is completely smooth, then return to stove over very low heat until it becomes a very silky, thickened consistency. 
  3. Serve hot in small cups, as it is very rich, topped with mounds of sweetened whipped cream.


Cold, it firms up to a silky pot du crème that can be eaten with a spoon, but one made without the egg yolks. Yum!
Or, reheat for hot chocolate.  Keeps for days covered in the refrigerator.

Optional ingredients for the hot chocolate: ½ tsp of either mint flavoring, vanilla, or even expresso powder—which intensifies chocolate taste.

Optional toppings on the whipped cream: crushed candy canes, chocolate sprinkles

My experiment with almond milk for a lower carb version resulted in a thinner result, like American hot chocolate, that did not thicken and had an off-taste.

Look below for my gift to you—links to SIX ONLINE BOOK FAIRS!

I love sharing these opportunities with you every month.

Click on each link to find free and bargain books—some by me, and perhaps some by your favorite authors. Who knows? You might also find a new, all-time favorite author by clicking on these links!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!
Roxanne Rustand

 

1. SWEET CHRISTMAS ROMANCE BOOKS

2. CLEAN CHRISTMAS SMALL-TOWN ROMANCES

3. DECEMBER CHRISTMAS ROMANCES

4. 99c FIRST IN CHRISTMAS SERIES – SQUEAKY CLEAN

5. CLEAN ROMANCE SALES PROMOTION

6. CUDDLE UP WITH A COWBOY: SWEET, CLEAN COWBOY ROMANCE READS

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 Final Chance, a new inspirational romantic suspense! Plus, book bargains & a chance for prizes!

Roxanne Rustand Posted on November 18, 2021 by RoxanneNovember 18, 2021

Hi, everyone!

I usually send just one newsletter monthly, but this is an extra because I want to share some links for two “online book sales” offering great bargains from many authors. Some might already be your favorites, but some might be new to you. Who knows—you might find some new favorite authors! Just click the links at the end of this newsletter to take a look. There are also a number of other bargains that follow.

Also, read to the end of the post to find a very special family recipe. Not fancy, but we have it every holiday because it was my mother’s favorite. Such sweet memories.

I’d also like to share news of my newest release, out on November 18th.

FINAL CHANCE is the second of five novels in my Montana Secrets series, which will all be released by early spring.
CLICK HERE for the Amazon link. Here’s a quick blurb:

Arson. Attempted murder. And Kris Donaldson is the prime suspect. Why won’t anyone believe she’s innocent?

After years on the run from an abusive ex, Kris receives an unexpected inheritance, an acreage in the Rockies near a small, quaint mountain town. It’s her dream come true–a chance to establish an animal rescue and finally lead a peaceful life. Perhaps there’s even a chance of forever-after with the intriguing rancher next door.

But her dreams might just prove fatal.

A stalker will stop at nothing to destroy her new life. The threats are mounting. She’s being framed for heinous crimes. Her reputation, happiness, and in the end, her life is on the line. As always, she could cut her losses and run. But this time, there’s too much at stake.

This time, she’s going to stay.

 

* * * *

Here are the winners from my early November newsletter & blog post: 

The questions were:
* What are your favorite types of books? Romance, romantic suspense, romance with a mystery—or something else?
*  Do you prefer sweet (Clean & Wholesome, or PG-13 within the pages of an adult novel), inspirational, or more graphic, secular fiction?

And here are the winners. To claim your prize, an e-copy of ONE MORE KISS, click Contact Me at my website:   www.roxannerustand.com.

  1. Linda S: Good Morning, you are a new author to me so thank you for the newsletter. I enjoy a combo of things in my reading. I do enjoy Sweet Romance at times, the anticipation can be the best part. I also enjoy the Romantic Suspense with PG-13 plus some heat. All in all I love Romance no matter what. Looking forward to getting to know your writing.

 

  1. Lynette A: I prefer inspirational romantic suspense and inspirational romance with a mystery. I also read clean romance and women’s fiction.

 

  1. Lena B: My favorite types of books are romantic suspense. I prefer PG-13 within the pages of an adult novel or even R, but not X.

 

THE NEW QUESTIONS IN THIS NEWSLETTER:  Winners will be listed in my December 14th newsletter and this blog, so be sure to check back!  Whether you are reading this in my newsletter or here on the blog at my website, this is the place to provide your answers, in the Comments section below.

Thanksgiving is nearly here.  What are some of your favorite foods at Thanksgiving?  Do you have a special memory of this holiday? 

  • * * * 

Here is a simple holiday recipe that is very special to us, as my dear, late mom made it for every holiday. Our kids and their kids love it as much as I do. The recipe is from the early 1980s…or maybe earlier.

CRIMSON HOLIDAY SALAD

1 pkg (3 oz) raspberry Jell-O (we use sugar-free)
1 pkg (3 oz) lemon       Jell-O (we use sugar-free)
2 cups boiling water
10 oz pkg frozen raspberries
14 oz prepared cranberry-orange relish (or 1 1/3  cups if you make your own)
8 oz Sprite (we use sugar-free)

  1. Pour boiling water over Jell-O, stir until dissolved
  2. Stir in frozen raspberries, break up into large pieces with a fork
  3. Stir in cranberry orange relish
  4. Chill until cold but not set
  5. Slowly stir in the Sprite along side of bowl. Mix with up and down motion.
  6. Chill until partially set, then pour into a six-cup ring mold.
  7. Chill for about four hours. Serve with whipped cream.

 

* * *

 

TWO ONLINE BOOKFAIRS ARE RUNNING NOW. Find lots of bargains!
I love sharing these opportunities with you every month. I have books in each of them, but you’ll find lots of books by other authors—all at discounted prices, and some are free. Who knows? You might find your all-time favorite author by clicking on these links!

 

Cuddle Up With a Cowboy:  sweet, clean cowboy romance reads:  https://books.bookfunnel.com/cuddleupwithacowboy/vkbwbjz9u1

Contemporary Romance –Kindle Unlimited Books   https://books.bookfunnel.com/contemporarykunov/lj2d0ivsi7

 

AND HERE ARE SOME HOLIDAY BOOKS FOR JUST $.99, SO CHECK THESE OUT TOO!    The following novellas (on sale for just $.99 each—some with limited times—are  from the authors in the Sweet Romance Reads  group, just in time to help you build your Christmas spirits!  

If you’d like to check out The Sweet Romance Reads blog,  CLICK HERE

Josie Riviera’s new sweet contemporary holiday release 1-800-NEW YEAR is now on preorder, for only 99¢. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HQ55NWB/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3R3DZGG3TBFXEJ78SJP4

 

MERRILLEE WHREN      PUPPY LOVE AND MISTLETOE
99 cents November through December
Can a little girl and a fluffy black dog bring Amelia and Scott together in a Christmas miracle?

B&N: http://bit.ly/2B7WISs Puppy Love and Mistletoe
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2B9RxRL
Apple: http://apple.co/2A4gQHB
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2i1knQr

 

VICKIE MCDONOUGH     THE FRUITCAKE SCANDAL
 99 cents November through December
Pastor Clay Parsons waited a year to bring his fiancée, Karen Briggs, to his new church post. They plan a Christmas wedding, but in the meantime, Karen helps the church ladies with various projects, including a bake sale. But revealing her fruitcake recipe could spell disaster for her future with Clay and his congregation.

For Amazon:  CLICK HERE   

 

ROXANNE RUSTAND     A MONTANA CHRISTMAS
99 cents November through DecembeR
What do you risk if you step back into your past?
Kristen Jones goes to Montana to get her late grandmother’s house ready to sell, but finds much more than she bargained for: an enemy she doesn’t expect, a house she can’t let go, a charming mountain town, and a handsome veterinarian who just might steal her heart.

For Amazon and all other major retailers.  CLICK HERE 

 

LYN COTE         BENEATH NORTHERN LIGHTS
99 cents Nov 17-30th
Two wounded souls, a puppy, Christmas coming, someone out to destroy a man’s dream~
After a life-altering event, Nick’s one goal–to race his beloved husky, Maddie, in the Apostle Islands Dog Sled Race. Megan adopts Maddie’s pup, the runt, and soon helps “grumpy” Nick care for his dogs. Nasty pranks start–who’s out to rob him of the joy of the race?

https://booksbylyncote.com/SWBS/books-by-lyn/beneath-northern-lights-a-holiday-story

 

DONNA FASANO        GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST
99 cents Nov 1 – Dec 31
Running for her life, Dina Griffin wants only one thing this Christmas–to feel safe. Officer Gav Thomas is ready to protect and serve, but he never imagined he’d fall chin over toes in love.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NBAFRYB 

 

KIMBERLY ROSE JOHNSON      UNTIL I MET YOU: BRIDES OF  SEATTLE SERIES
A driven graphic designer has her world rocked when she meets a software engineer who has captured her attention and possibly her heart. She’s promised the Lord she would focus on Him until Christmas, but will Ian wait?

 https://www.amazon.com/Until-Met-You-Seattle-Prequel-ebook/dp/B07MB87ZR6/ref=sr_1_43

 

MAGDALENA SCOTT  SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS – SERENDIPITY, INDIANA (BOOK ONE )
Melissa and her son need a new start. Jim wants a second chance. The past can ruin their future…or make it magical.
Melissa is back in Serendipity, Indiana to raise her young son and run her new business. Her best friends still live here, but so does the man who broke her heart years ago. Serendipity is full of surprises, and second chances. And this year, there’s an undeniable touch of Christmas magic.

Apple: http://apple.co/1fXJADS
Kindle: http://amzn.to/2eVVxux
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2jbY20Y
Nook: http://bit.ly/1qoHpzo

 

LAURA SCOTT   CAITLYN’S CHRISTMAS
$0.99 November 2nd-December 15th
After witnessing a crime, can Devon keep Caitlyn safe long enough to celebrate Christmas?

Find it here by clicking these links:
Amazon  B&N   Apple   GooglePlay   Kobo

 

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Roxanne Rustand

 

 

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An October post…but in November. Whoops!

Roxanne Rustand Posted on November 3, 2021 by RoxanneNovember 18, 2021

Happy November!

This was supposed to be my October blog post, but here we are in November already. How did the past month slip by so quickly?  I’m so happy to announce the October release of my romantic suspense:  FINAL REFUGE!

Here’s a quick preview:

Has the past caught up with her again?

Erin thought she’d found peace at last in this remote mountain town…until an intruder breaks in, but takes nothing.  Is this yet another warning?

Her high school friend’s killer taunted her for five long years with anonymous, untraceable threats on that terrible anniversary. DON’T TELL.  But then the messages stopped.  If he has found her again will he try to finally finish what he started so long ago?

And what’s with the handsome guy who moved into the cabin next door? He seems so kind to the young boy with him, but he’s also clearly edgy.  Is he the very threat she fears?

To find out more about FINAL REFUGE or to buy,  CLICK HERE.

FINAL REFUGE is the first in a five-novel inspirational romantic suspense series titled Montana Secrets.   The second book, FINAL CHANCE,  will be released through Amazon on November 18th, 2021

The rest, FINAL PURSUIT, FINAL ESCAPE, and FINAL WITNESS, will all be released by mid-spring of 2022. Each can be read as a stand-alone novel.

To receive brief notices announcing my future releases, follow me at Bookbub by clicking  HERE.

                                                                     * * *

 

Thank you to everyone who answered the September questions.  There were so many wonderful answers!

HERE ARE THE WINNERS of the drawings from those who responded to September’s question.  Winners, please click “Contact Me” (upper right corner of this page) to give me the proper email address for sending your prize. Please put “WINNER” in the subject line. Thanks!

  1. Mary P: I can still clearly remember learning to ride a bicycle. It was a woman’s bike and I was about seven. I had to stand so that I could use the pedals. I hugged a fence and held on to the fence to steady myself. Surprisingly it did not take too long before I was in full flight. I did eventually grow into the bike. I love landscapes on covers and portraits. Paintings are a great favorite.

 

  1. Kari B I have lots of great memories from my childhood, but I think one special one was when my sister and I rode in the back of a pickup truck (with a topper on) from Michigan to Texas to visit relatives. There may have been a lot of bickering, but there was also a lot of bonding and memories made during that long ride. My parents vowed never to take that long of a ride with kids ever again.

 

  1. Jackie W: As a budding artist I won many art awards in school A special one was the Freshman Art award in high school…special because there were so many other students who qualified for the award. I prefer book covers with scenery and animals on them. Especially horses and dogs. My friends know I will read ANY book that has a horse on the cover. It does influence whether I read the back cover blurb.

 

                                                * * * 

THE QUESTIONS FOR THIS MONTH:  I’ve been writing sweet romance for quite a while, but with my October release I’m starting a five-book inspirational romantic suspense series. Choose at least one question to answer (to write your answer look below for the “Comments” section.)  Winners will receive a free copy of m September sweet romantic suspense “ONE MORE KISS.”

If you want to leave an answer for the questions in my Writerspace newsletter, you can do so here as well. Just preface it with “Newsletter.”

  1. What are your favorite types of books? Romance, romantic suspense, romance with a mystery—or something else?

 

  1. Do you prefer sweet (Clean & Wholesome, or PG-13 within the pages of an adult novel), inspirational, or more graphic, secular fiction?

 

 Drawing winners will receive a free e-copy of ONE MORE KISS, my September release.

 

* * *

 

Here’s a family favorite recipe, in celebration of the arrival of the fall colors here in our part of the Midwest. My mom made it often while I was growing up.

 

ARLINE’S AUTUMN SOUP

1 ½  pounds lean ground beef, browned and drained

1 large onion chopped and lightly browned with the ground beef

1 quart water

4 large carrots, sliced

3 stalks celery, sliced

1 cup cubed red potatoes

2 tsp salt (or to taste)

½ tsp pepper (or to taste)

1 or 2 tsp browning sauce

1 whole bay leaf

¼ to ½ tsp dried basil

28 oz can stewed tomatoes, broken up

Combine ingredients and bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 – 30 minutes

 

 

 

I hope you are enjoying beautiful weather wherever you are!

 

All the best,

Roxanne

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Foggy mornings, pumpkin spice, flank steak and horses on the loose

Roxanne Rustand Posted on September 5, 2021 by RoxanneSeptember 6, 2021

First of all, I have a new release on September 10!  

I loved writing this one with its romance, suspense, and touches of humor.  And the animals too, as they’ve all factored into my own life at one time or another! Did I mention that I’ve been an animal lover since I was a toddler?   🙂

The hero’s elderly aunt has a very soft heart and an endlessly growing menagerie that she shelters.  Until she abruptly takes off for an extended, rambling European tour, that is–leaving him to deal with an unexpected house guest with a troubled past, her young daughter, and one very recalcitrant miniature goat.

Interesting in finding out more?  CLICK HERE! 

It’s FREE on Kindle Unlimited, and also for sale. I would so love to hear your feedback on this book. If you read it, please leave a few words of feedback on Amazon. It would mean a lot.


How are you enjoying September so far?  At the very end of August, we had our first foggy morning of autumn. Now that we are in September, the beautiful early morning fog appears briefly almost every day. Sometimes it’s just wisps of low-lying mist, but this morning I can barely make out the horse barn as I look out our kitchen windows. Can you find the barn and the horse in the photo?

These foggy mornings bring back memories of my elementary school days in September. I loved being in a brightly lit classroom on foggy or rainy days, looking out the windows and imagining that anything could be outside, hidden within that veil. Dragons. Adventures. Lots of horses roaming by. Or maybe even my own horse,  because we didn’t live far from school and Cherry had a penchant for adventure, too.

Cherry was tall–a seventeen hand part-Clydesdale –yet he could lay flat as a pancake, wiggle under the fence, and be off to visit the neighbors or wander far beyond until someone reported him. A deputy would occasionally show up at school to take me to wherever Cherry was. Small town life, back in the day!

Dad and I could always find the place where he’d escaped because the lower strands of wire were stretched and sagging.  But horses on the loose in our area weren’t just mine. Our county had the second-highest horse population in the entire country at the time–many big stable and farms, but lots and lots of backyard horses as well. 

My dad endlessly patched our fence. Cherry continued to outsmart him. One night, some folks heard noises outside their bedroom window, turned on the lights and peered out into the darkness only to see what appeared to be an amorphous white blob with glittering eyes peering right back at them.  Terrified, they called the cops, claiming there was an alien outside.  But it was just Cherry, with his wide, white Clydesdale blaze, standing on their roses to have a look inside.

And then there was Rebel. This aptly named little gelding was Cherry’s predecessor, and he was crafty as well about making his escapes.  When I was ten, I noticed an advertisement in the back of a magazine for return address labels. Entranced, I convinced my mom to order a set for me and then thought up names for my “stable”– actually just a one-horse addition to the one-stall garage in our backyard.  I decided on “Bittersweet Stable” because the plant grew along the side of  the garage. 

When they arrived I was so excited!  I plastered them on every brush, pail,  pitchfork, and bridle…and then I eyed the horse and merrily plastered him with labels from head to tail as well.  The next morning an unfamiliar deputy pulled into our drive. Rebel had escaped during the night and turned up miles away. The deputy just laughed, saying this was the first time he’d ever identified a loose horse by the return address labels on its rear.

Do you remember any amusing stories about your own childhood pets? I’d love to hear them!

AUGUST NEWSLETTER WINNERS: 

Thanks to all of you who replied to my questions in my August newsletter. All of the replies were wonderful, and many of you came up with excellent ideas for the title of my October book, too.  Each winner will receive an e-copy of The Mistletoe Puppy, the first of my six-novella Christmas series, plus one will also receive  $10.00 Amazon gift card.

To arrange delivery of your prize(s), these winners need to contact me via the “Contact” button at the top right of this website. 

  1. GALE C: I have two special memories from this summer. First, we were introduced to a beautiful serene local Arboretum through friends that we haven’t been able to spend time with during the pandemic. We walked for hours in total peace then enjoyed a light lunch in the on-site mansion all while enjoying the company of our good friends. Then we paid it forward by inviting and introducing another couple to join us for a wonderful morning and lunch. They were as thrilled as we were to find a safe environment to put all our troubles aside and enjoy nature. The other more special memory was celebrating, with our daughter’s family, our son’s birthday who sadly passed away 2 years ago. We were able to all be together for a bittersweet day while sharing a meal, fond memories that made us smile, cry and laugh and to make sure our son is never, ever forgotten. And of course his favorite ice cream birthday cake!

 

  1. MARIA S:  I will have a special memory of celebrating my grandfather’s 99th birthday this summer. He still lives on his own and is just amazing! We celebrated with all his neighbors. It’s inspiring how they look out for each other!

 

  1. TRACEY B:  My special memories of the summer will be of the time spent with my family on our staycation, playing miniature golf, visiting the beach, going to the movies, attending independent league baseball games, and outlet shopping.

 

TWO NEW QUESTIONS TO ANSWER FOR SEPTEMBER   (and a chance to win prizes):

In August, one question was about a good memory from this past summer. This month’s questions:

  1. Do you have a special memory from childhood—one that still makes you smile?
  2. Do you prefer covers with just pretty objects or scenery? Or a cover with a couple? Or either a woman OR a man? Does this make a difference as to whether or not you will go on to read the back cover?

 

THREE WAYS TO FIND THE PLACE TO LEAVE COMMENTS:  I’ve heard from some folks who couldn’t see how to leave their comments, so this should help!

1  There should be a “Leave a Reply” live link at the very bottom of this post.
2  If others have left comments, then there be a live link showing the number of replies, at the bottom of this post.  Just click it to open up Comments
3  Or, you can click the little “Comment” bubble symbol up at the top of this post, to the right of the title of the post.

                                                                      ~~~~~~~~

 

HERE ARE TWO ONLINE BOOKFAIRS OFFERING FREE AND BARGAIN BOOKS!  (just click these live links.)
Why not check them out and save money?

https://books.bookfunnel.com/christian-fiction-romance/h7xb6ztgd4

https://books.bookfunnel.com/fall_sweet_romance/h54d771kqj


AND HERE’S  A CHANCE AT A BIG GIVEAWAY!

STUFF YOUR TBR LIST GIVEAWAY
Could you use a Kindle Fire, or maybe an Amazon Gift Card? Or are you looking for the next series to feed your book addiction? How about yes to both! One lucky reader will get a Kindle Fire HD 8 and three others will get Amazon gift cards!  Click the link  below to check out some amazing books and to ENTER for your chances to WIN.

https://www.litring.com/stuff-your-tbr-list

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 AND FINALLY, HERE IS A FAMILY FAVORITE RECIPE!

Some years back I shared this recipe on my old website.  My kids were aghast. “You shared this with EVERYBODY??”  Granted, they were in high school at the time.  But they thought it should be a secret because it was sooo good.  They still hope I’ll make it when they are home. I must have been just ten or twelve when I got the recipe from an elderly and very debonair friend of my parents. Though the kids at that dinner were supposed to be eating hotdogs, I snuck a sample of the steak and fell in love.

You need fast (very hot)  coals for this. Super hot. You want it to grill this fast, so the edges of your diamond cuts in the meat become very dark and caramelized, but the inside is still rare.  If overdone, flank can be pretty tough.

I use an overflowing coal chimney to start the coals. Wait until the top coals are all a dusty grayish white, about an hour. I dump the coals onto the lower grate of our  Weber grill, then add the top grate. I toss maybe  1/4  or 1/3  cup vegetable oil  over the coals t make them flame, then put on the steak while the flames are just  starting to lower. Be careful to not burn yourself!  It may only take three minutes on one side and a scant two to three on the other side. Many thanks to our SIL Matt for helping me upgrade my charcoal grilling techniques!

Final note: Follow this recipe exactly—no substitution for the bourbon ever tastes as good.  I’ve tried other cuts of meat, but none ever approached the flavor and texture of a flank steak. And if you are concerned about the bourbon,  don’t worry—most of the marinade is left in the bag when you remove the steak, or drips off on the grill, and of what is left on the meat, I’ve read studies showing that approximately 65% of the remaining bourbon burns away during grilling.

 

FLANK STEAK  — Rustand

1/2  cup regular soy sauce

1 tsp  dry mustard

3-4 Tbsp bourbon

Fresh ground pepper—lots

3-4 finely chopped garlic cloves

2  Tbsp honey

Add enough water so you have one cup of marinade. Mix in two cup glass measuring cup and heat gently to blend in the honey.

Score both sides of a flank steak in a diamond pattern  (criss-cross angles— NOT cuts that are parallel to the longitudinal grain of the flank). Make the cuts approximately 1/4th   to  1/3rd  of the way into the meat.

Put the meat into a gallon ziplock storage bag and pour in the marinade.  Slosh it around, then lay the bag in a pan close to the size of the meat and marinate all day, turning the bag over every two hours (or so.)

Grill over HOT coals or in a hot gas grill so the outside is well seared but inside is rare.  It wouldn’t be the same at all if done in a cast-iron skillet etc.

AFTER GRILLING:   Lay the grilled steak on a cutting board and slice thinly across the grain at approx. a 45 degree SLANT. This gives you thin, wider slices that will also much more tender this way.

Don’t be tempted to pour any of the very flavorful used marinade over the grilled steak—it would be a food safety hazard.  If you are tempted, you could instead double the recipe and save the unused half in the refrigerator for drizzling over the meat before serving.

If there are kids at the meal, we do grilled cheeseburgers for them.

Have a wonderful September!
Roxanne

 

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Posted in animals pets horses dogs cats family birds reptiles, clean and wholesome fiction, Clean and Wholesome romance, Clean romance mystery | Tagged clean and wholesome, flank steak recipe, horses, mystery, ONE MORE KISS, romantic suspense

New books, an online bargain book fair, prize winners (maybe you?!) and an amazing scone recipe

Roxanne Rustand Posted on August 26, 2021 by RoxanneAugust 26, 2021

Wow—this summer has passed so quickly. I hope you had some good times, stayed safe and healthy, and were able to make some happy memories along the way. My own favorite memory of this summer will be the excitement of having two grandbabies coming soon: one due on Christmas Day and one around  New Year’s Day—a boy and a girl. What a blessing!

Be sure to page all the way down to see if you are a winner in July’s drawing,  find a link for an online bookfair (free and discounted books from many authors), for my favorite blueberry scones recipe.

As for upcoming books, I have a few! ONE MORE KISS, the third book in my Northern Pines series, will be out September 10th. If you like small-town romance with humor and mystery, and love animals, this might be a good one to try! ?

It’s FREE with Kindle Unlimited, or just  $3.99 to buy. Available for pre-order. CLICK HERE.

Here’s a quick blurb for One More Kiss…

In One More Kiss, a disillusioned lawyer searching for a quiet life in a small resort town inadvertently ends up sharing a house with a woman who has a troubled past, a young daughter, and a menagerie of epic proportions.

The situation is challenging enough, but add a miniature goat with a penchant for roses and adventure, and an unknown enemy who will stop at nothing to achieve his own goals, and life becomes even more…interesting.

And after that release, my new, clean romantic suspense series Montana Secrets will be starting. For those of you who hate cliffhangers from one series book to the next, I promise that won’t happen in the Montana Secrets novels. Each book can stand alone (each story is complete within its pages). One of the questions I’m asking in this August newsletter is about titles for those books. Help!

Here are last month’s “Questions of the Month” and the prize winners!

The July questions were about whether or not you like to read book series, and if you enjoy seeing the family recipes I add to these newsletters. Thanks to everyone who responded. You’ve all given me great ideas on what I could add to the newsletters and also, your feedback on book series (yay or nay) was invaluable!

Here are the three July drawing winners plus two responses I just had to add, so they are winners as well. I wish I could make every one of you winners! Thanks to all for taking the time to respond. Winners, click “Contact me” at the upper right corner of my website: www.roxannerustand.com so I can arrange to send your prizes.

Lori S: I so love series. Sometimes I love short series and sometimes I love longer series. A lot depends on the author and the subject. I do love a series where I can follow along with the characters and watch them grow and learn. I also love series where each book is stand alone.
I do love to see recipes on a newsletter. I have to be careful now that I do mostly gluten free. Oh the joys of getting older. LOL. I do enjoy your newsletters. Thank you.

Robin S: I love a series that follows a family, but they should be stand-alone in case someone picks one up in the middle. For example, I love The Beach House series by Mary Alice Monroe. I like that you include family recipes! Keep up what you’re doing. I enjoy your newsletters.

Kristen C: I’m pretty indifferent about the series vs. stand-alones debate. I see the pros and cons about both sides of the argument. If I’m invested in a storyline/character(s), then reading a series is awesome. If I want to bounce around and try different authors or different storylines, I’m not able to do so if it’s a series because I will have missed important things, jumping into the middle of one or if I read just the first book, they usually end on a cliffhanger. Personally speaking, I enjoy reading a series that isn’t necessarily connected to the others in the series or doesn’t have to be read in a certain order. But having said that, if I’m invested in the characters/setting/storyline, then I’m totally there for the entire series.

I love the family recipes that you include in your newsletters and I do try some of them for myself or my family! You should definitely keep them coming!! What I love most about authors’ newsletters, the ones that actually engage with us readers, is getting to know you, your life, your motivations for writing and your workspace. Where do you prefer to write or even read? Is there a certain process you use, for example, do you physically write it first or do you old-school type it out?

Nina T: I don’t mind if the characters of one book show up as side characters in the next but I do like my books being standalones. That way I can read the story of how couples meet from the beginning not having to worry I need to read the previous books first. I feel like with trilogies there’s always unnecessary drama. And cliffhangers are a huge no-no for me. It also sucks if you accidentally buy a book that is second in the trilogy. That way you have to buy the first and there’s a chance it’s not available anymore for purchase.
I don’t mind the recipes I like recipes for lunch ideas because I never know what to cook.

Glenda M: I love recipes! Cliffhangers are evil and authors who use them without plenty of warning have earned an eternity stuck in Chuck E Cheeses birthday party with children suffering from a stomach bug – oh and no adult beverages around. Yess I have strong feelings of hatred towards cliffys. That said, I love series that are interconnected. HOWEVER, each story has to be able to work as a standalone.

AUGUST’S QUESTIONS & PRIZES YOU COULD WIN:

Three winners of a drawing from those who leave comments will receive an e-copy of The Mistletoe Puppy, the first of my six-novella Christmas series  (all just $.99 each!)  plus a fourth person will receive a $10.00 Amazon gift card. Don’t forget to check the next month’s newsletter to find out if you are one of the winners in August, and then contact me about receiving your prize!

1. Will you have a special memory of something you did this summer?

2. My upcoming five-book romantic suspense series, Montana Secrets, takes place in the Rockies. The books are written and ready, but I’m still working on the titles. I find titles so difficult! I’m thinking about using the word “Danger” in the title of each book, preceded or followed by a single word—or maybe two—that convey these one-sentence descriptions below. But if you think of a better word than “Danger” then I’d love to hear that idea as well. Our last baby didn’t have a name for four days because I have such a time with naming!

Book #1 – A man takes in his young orphaned nephew, now a killer is after them both.
Book #2 – Involves an arsonist and a woman who owns an animal shelter.
Book #3 – Involves a female deputy and a violent criminal hiding in the mountains.
Book #4 – Involves a white water raft guide and a woman on the run.
Book #5 – Involves a woman in a witness protection program and a rancher.

TO LEAVE AN ANSWER: CLICK HERE to leave your comment at the bottom of my August blog post (the content echoes this newsletter.) Be sure to check the September newsletter to see if you are a winner!

ONLINE BOOKFAIRS!

I love sharing these opportunities with you every month. I always have a book in each of them, but you’ll find lots of books by other authors—all at discounted prices, and some are free. Who knows? You might find your new, all-time favorite author! There’s just one link today, but there will be more in my September issue.

August-September – Christian Fiction | Christian Romance | Clean Romance Full eBooks – $4.99 or less – some are even free!
https://books.bookfunnel.com/christian-fiction-romance/h7xb6ztgd4

 

And finally, here is a family recipe I love to make when the mornings grow cooler.

photo: scones

BLUEBERRY SCONES

Blend and set aside:
1 large egg
1/2 cup buttermilk

Mix in a separate large bowl:
3 cups AP flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar

Next step:
1/2 cup COLD regular (salted) butter–not margarine!
1 1/2 cups blueberries… fresh or slightly thawed blueberries.

Add the butter to the flour mixture, and using a fork, cut into flour until you have large crumbles. Don’t use your fingers as that will warm the dough and alter the texture (a trick I learned at a one-day cooking class in Paris.)

Next, gently work the egg & buttermilk mixture in with a fork. Gently add the blueberries and toss.

The mixture will seem very dry and crumbly. It is not going to be a smooth cohesive dough. If it is, you have overworked it.

Pat into the scone pan (you might not believe it at first, but yes–it will all fit!) or into appox. 9.5″ circle, approx one inch high on a baking sheet, or into a 9 inch round cake pan. The crumbly dough will result in a nice bumpy top.

Sprinkle heavily with sparkling sugar if you have it (coarse, large grain sugar, which stays glittery after baking) is so pretty!) and bake 375 degrees for 20-25 min, let cool in pan. You can find scone pans on Amazon…which will give you perfect slices.

Blessings,
Roxanne

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Posted in Clean romance mystery | Tagged humor, pets, single parent, suspense

WInners, prizes and COMEBACK COWBOY, a romance mystery!

Roxanne Rustand Posted on July 19, 2021 by RoxanneJuly 19, 2021

I hope you’ve been having a good summer. Can you believe we’re approaching the end of July already?

Just a quick heads-up: COMEBACK COWBOY, a full-length clean & wholesome novel is now FREE if you use Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited, or just $3.99 to buy.  A quick summary:

Can bullrider Jake Landers undo the biggest mistake of his life?

Rodeo cowboys and clowns are often close—cheering each other on, helping each other throughout the rodeo circuit. But Jake was badly injured last year and forced to retire, and now he’ll lose touch with the folks who’ve become his second family.

Buying a faltering rodeo company is his ticket back into the life he loves. The one person who can help him succeed is the woman he stood up at the altar ten years before. If she’ll agree…and if dark secrets from the past don’t tear them apart once more. Will they ever have a second chance at love?

To learn more about Comeback Cowboy, CLICK HERE!

 

JUNE WINNERS: Thanks to all of you who replied to my question in the June newsletter, which was “What are some of your favorite summer memories?” All of the replies were wonderful! The winners:

Mary S: My favorite memories involve my birthday. I was born on July 3, so we usually celebrated on July 4th with a family cookout. It was always so much fun. I have a rather small family, so it wasn’t all that big, but it was small. And a few years ago I visited my daughter and her husband on my birthday and that year the town they live near had fireworks on July 3. My daughter said she planned it just for me. Summer is just fun times.

Janine: Some of my favorite summer memories include hanging out with my friends. Summers in Texas are very hot, so we used to enjoy doing things after the sun set. One thing I looked forward to was swimming in the creek to cool down. Now that I am older, I know it wasn’t very smart with snakes in the water. Luckily, we never encountered any when we were out for a swim.

Debra J.P.: Some of my favorite childhood memories were going to West Virginia every summer. The home place where my Mom was born and raised still stands. We would go down the last two weeks of August every year along with most of my Mom’s family. We would all be together. There would be campers as well as some would stay in hotel rooms in a nearby town. We would play in the creek across the road as well as visit family we only get to see once a year. I learned to fish as a child in West Virginia. Thank you for the opportunity.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The current winners can select any title from my 2020 clean & wholesome Coupled by Christmas novella series. To read about the six titles CLICK HERE to decide on your choice, then let me know via the Contact Button on my website (www.roxannerustand.com) so I can arrange to send your prize!

NOW, FOR TWO NEW QUESTIONS TO ANSWER IN JULY:

1. Series books: Do you like reading series of connected books? Do you want them all to be very closely connected, or do you prefer that the books can also be read as “stand alone” titles without needing to read the previous book first? Do you have any pet peeves regarding books published in a series?

2. So far, I have included a family favorite recipe in each newsletter, but is this something you like? Or should I skip it? What do you enjoy most when you read author newsletters?

Just click  below to leave answers in the comment space.  July winners will receive a free copy of ONE MORE DANCE, or ONE MORE WISH, the first two books in my Northern Pines series. Three more books in the series will be out this fall!.

**Note: if you send answers to my questions of the month, be sure to check the next month’s newsletter to see if you are a winner!

 

 

 

HERE IS A FAMILY FAVORITE RECIPE:

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE
Adapted from an old New Orleans’ cookbookphoto: strawberry shortcake

SHORTCAKES (makes twelve)
2 cups AP flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 cup butter (regular. Not unsalted)
2/3 cup milk

Mix dry ingredients. Cut in butter until it resembles corn meal.
Stir in milk just until dough holds together. Bake at 400 degrees until browned.
***NOTE: Instead of rolling out, I drop the biscuits to achieve a nice crunchy texture on top, and before baking I sprinkle heavily with sparkling or sanding (coarse) sugar for a nice glittery top.

STRAWBERRY MIXTURE
4 cups hulled, washed strawberries 6 Tbsp Splenda (could sub sugar) 2 Tbsp Grand Marnier

Puree 1/3 cup of the strawberries with the Grand Marnier and sugar or Splenda. Mix into remaining strawberries. Let sit at least 30 minutes.

WHIPPED CREAM
2 cups heavy cream
6 Tbsp white corn syrup (for more stability)
2 tsp vanilla extract
Extra sweetener to taste, if needed

ASSEMBLY
Split biscuits in half. Dust top half with powdered sugar.
Put bottom half on a plate and top with strawberries plus a big mound of whipped cream. A scattering of a few blueberries can add another pop of color. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

 

 

THREE ONLINE BOOKFAIRS RUNNING NOW –find lots of bargains!

I love sharing these opportunities with you every month. I have books in each of them, but you’ll find lots of books by other authors—all at discounted prices, and some are free. Who knows? You might find your all-time favorite author by clicking on these links!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY
https://books.bookfunnel.com/christmas_in_july/spk2umtdn7

SUMMER LOVE
https://books.bookfunnel.com/jmsummerlove/3p02jdrurq

LOVE IS IN THE AIR AT KINDLE UNLIMITED
https://books.bookfunnel.com/amazon-kindle-unlimited/o2imhux3o7

Blessings,
Roxanne

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Posted in cowboy, romance mystery | Tagged #sweetromance, Clean & wholesome, cowboys, Kindle Unlimited, prizes, rodeos

Free books, prizes & a fabulous summer recipe!

Roxanne Rustand Posted on June 29, 2021 by RoxanneJune 28, 2021

 

Love bargains, and enjoy winning prizes?  Read on!

A Montana Legacy, a full-length clean & wholesome novel is now available * FREE *  if you use Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited. For the first time ever!    Otherwise, it’s only  $3.99.    To find A Montana Legacy on Amazon, CLICK HERE!

In A Montana Legacy, a burned-out Minneapolis cop must deal with a stubborn Montana rancher. All she wants is to claim her unexpected inheritance, but will he claim her heart?  Maybe not, because someone is lurking in the shadows, planning to ensure that she’ll find no happy endings.  Ever.

*****

YOUR COMMENTS LAST MONTH:   There were such nice responses to the questions in my May newsletter  Over twenty-five of you, and it’s always so lovely to hear from everyone. All of the replies were wonderful but here are four winners selected via a drawing. The fourth one was by R. Shelley—about a surprise she is planning for a family member–but I haven’t included it here, in case it might give the surprise away.   🙂

The winners can select any title from my clean & wholesome Coupled by Christmas novella series.  To read about the six titles CLICK HERE to decide on your choice, then let me know via the Contact Button on my website  (www.roxannerustand.com ) so I can arrange to send your prize!

Conrad: My husband surprised me one year with a Honda Accord for Valentine’s day since I needed a car to drive back and forth to work. Needless to say I helped pay for it but it was so sweet that he wanted to do that. As for me surprising someone else…our last name is Conrad and he found a used Conrad guitar that needed to be completely redone one year, but did not feel that we could afford it. I bought it for him for Christmas and the look on his face was priceless.Thoughts on new puppies is to just give them plenty of love and lots of exercise and good luck. There is nothing sweeter than a new puppy.

Hager My fond memory of a gift is when I surprised my granddaughters with a 5 day stay at Rocking Horse Ranch in New York. They had so much fun!

McDonald I surprised my mom with a blanket with a poem on it that was a part of me. I did the same for my dad, but made his into a glass etched piece for Christmas last year. I have never had a dog so can’t give any advice, but I know to keep puppy pads down, and provide lots of chewing toys so they don’t chew on your belongings!

*****

THE NEW QUESTION FOR  JUNE:   What are some of your favorite summer memories?  Those who answer will be in a drawing for a free copy of ONE MORE WISH, a clean and wholesome, full-length romance mystery!  Just leave a comment below.

My favorite summer memories are of riding my horse bareback, in shorts and with barefeet,  all day long throughout the surrounding countryside. Remembering some of the misadventures I had with friends who also had horses, I was never as lenient and carefree with our kids as my parents were with me!  But oh, what a Tom Sawyer childhood that was…starting when I got my first horse at the age of six! I am so grateful to have had that opportunity.

*****

Here is a family favorite recipe:   BECKY’S PARMESAN BACON SALAD
Becky, my best friend in high school (and a lifelong friend since) gave me this recipe many years ago. It is my all-time favorite salad for family gatherings!

Salad:
1 head lettuce, shredded
1 head cauliflower
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 lb bacon fried crisp and crumbled
1 cup carrots sliced thinly

3 cups seasoned croutons (add only at the last minute)

Dressing:
¼  cup sugar
½ cup parmesan (the kind the comes in a cylindrical container)
2 cup Hellman’s regular mayo (not fat-free, not less fat, not the olive oil kind

Break cauliflower into big chunky flowerets and slice thin (a food processor works great)
Place first five ingredients into a large container with a lid.
Mix dressing ingredients and spread over the carrots.
Refrigerate until serving time, then add croutons and toss all ingredients until well mixed with the dressing.
This is a wonderful salad for company!

*****

 

HERE ARE THREE NEW ONLINE BOOKFAIRS….. FOR FREE AND DISCOUNTED BOOKS

I love sharing these opportunities with you every month. I have books in each of them, but you’ll find lots of books by other authors—all at discounted prices, and some are free. Who knows? You might find your all-time favorite author by clicking on these links!

SWEET ROMANCE SUMMER

https://books.bookfunnel.com/sweet_romance_summer/9skbf2x96fSWE

                                 *****

START A NEW SWEET ROMANCE SERIES FOR $.99 OR LESS

https://books.bookfunnel.com/sweetromanceseriesstarter/r90gh88cc3

*****

SUMMER LOVE

https://books.bookfunnel.com/jmsummerlove/3p02jdrurq

 

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Posted in Clean and Wholesome romance, Uncategorized | Tagged #sweetromance, @roxannerustand, cowboy, ranch, romantic suspense

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