Tag: Romance

Karen Rose Smith Is Helping Send Books to the Military for the Holidays

Posted: November 17, 2014 at 7:00 am by Geri Krotow · View all 2 comments

Please join me in welcoming USA Today Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith! Karen and I are in the same RWA local chapter and she generously agreed to share some of her holiday treats with us.

What do you like to make, bake or create (or purchase!) for the holidays, Karen?

I come from an Italian tradition of cooking and baking, so it was only natural that after I got married and we had our son that I kept up these traditions for Thanksgiving and Christmas. From cookies to pies to filling for cannoli, I enjoy feeding loved ones over the holidays. When we attended a friend’s Thanksgiving dinner last year, I took along two of our favorites—peanut butter pie and pecan pie.

My sleuth in my mystery series creates her own recipes, as does her sister, mom and Nana. My heroines in my romances usually like to cook too. Inventing recipes is something like putting a plot together and I enjoy coming up with original recipes as well as plots for each book. This is one of the recipes I developed just for my readers’ holiday enjoyment. I hope you enjoy it too.

CAPRICE’S CHOCO CHUNKS AND CHIPS COOKIES

1/2 cup salted butter softened
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
3 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups flour
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 oz milk chocolate (I use two 3 oz DOVE bars broken into small pieces or chunks. These bars break or cut up easily.)

Preheat oven to 375F

In a mixer, cream softened butter and peanut butter. Mix in brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamed. Add eggs and mix well. Add cinnamon and vanilla. Add baking powder and baking soda. Blend well. Add 2 cups of flour, a quarter cup at a time with mixer on low speed, constantly scrapping bowl. Stir in the other cup of flour, a quarter cup at a time, by hand until completely blended. Stir in chocolate chips and chunks.

Roll into 1 1/2″ balls, place on cookie sheet 2 inches apart and press down slightly with palm of hand. (I usually put 12 on one cookie sheet.)

Bake 11 – 12 minutes until golden brown and set. (The type of cookie sheet you use can affect the baking time. Darker cookie sheets bake faster.)

Remove from the oven and let the cookies sit a minute on a cool surface. Remove from pan.

Recipe makes about 30-36 cookies. Let cool until the chocolate hardens. Unless you eat all of them gooey warm!

Karen’s latest is A Match Made by Baby from Harlequin Special Editon. Check it out here.

Thanks for stopping by today, Karen! Find Karen in the usual places:

Website: http://www.karenrosesmith.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenRoseSmithBooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenrosesmith

Please help me send books to the military! All you need do is sign up for my newsletter here. That’s it, really. Harlequin is sending 1 book for every 20 new subscriptions. Thank you!

Robin Covington is Helping Send Books to the Military for the Holidays

Posted: November 16, 2014 at 7:00 am by Geri Krotow · Comments Off

Today we welcome sizzling contemporary author Robin Covington! Robin and I met at the Baltimore Book Festival in 2013 and bonded over our mutual love of the US Navy and our dogs (of course!). In case you don’t already know it, Robin is renown for her generous sharing of man candy on Facebook. She’s also generous with her time and talents, as you’ll soon read.

What do you like to make, bake or create (or purchase!) for the holidays, Robin?

I make caramel popcorn balls, peanut brittle and divinity candy every Christmas. They are my Granny’s recipe and my family counts down the days until I make them – we all have a sweet tooth.

I also wrap gifts in a marathon Lifetime Movie Channel or Hallmark Channel holiday movie event. My husband actually flees the residence because he cannot all those Christmas movies – he takes the kids and I get the house to myself!

And . . . I have four Christmas trees in my house. I love this holiday and I decorate every room and cover every flat surface with greenery and white twinkle lights. My family just moves out of my way and lets me go nuts. They humor me around the holidays.

Do you have a special military connection, Robin?

My husband served in the U.S. Navy and my late father-in-law retired from the Navy after 31 years of service. And for the last 20 years both my husband and I have served the Navy and Marine Corps as civilian counsel. There is no doubt who we are rooting for at the Army/Navy football game!

Thanks for joining us today, Robin!

Robin’s latest is Temptation. Read an excerpt here.

Find Robin at the usual places:

Website: http://robincovingtonromance.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RobinCovingtonAuthor

Twitter: @RobinCovington

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/robincovington1/

Remember, you can do your part in supporting the military for the holidays. Harlequin will send one book for every 20 new subscribers the Geri Krotow Newsletter gets. Sign up here.

WWII Wednesday: More on the Home Front

Posted: November 6, 2013 at 10:53 am by Geri Krotow · Comments Off

When I hear “Home Front” and “World War II” together I think of the U.S. and how American women rallied to fill in for the men who were sent overseas to the Pacific and Europe to fight. The home front existed in every nation at war.

My Grandmother at Westinghouse Decades After WWII

Esmee, my heroine in A Rendezvous to Remember worked with Belgian Resistance, but most home front jobs weren’t so glamorous. My hometown of Buffalo, New York, strengthened the war effort with many factories to include Curtiss Wright as I mentioned in last week’s blog. Regular, everyday Americans fought the good fight.

The photo was taken decades later, in the Westinghouse Factory in Buffalo. My grandmother was fashionable while being a great worker! I’m so proud of her, my family, and my hometown. We’ve all made a difference.

A Purr-fect Book Signing

Posted: July 30, 2013 at 1:43 pm by Geri Krotow · View all 2 comments

It wasn't just me signing on Saturday — It wasn’t just me signing on Saturday

Before I ever sold one book I dreamt of how it “would be” once I’d published. I’d make the NYT bestseller list within a few months, be on Oprah (dating myself, I know), be interviewed by Charlie Rose as I’d seen him interview Robert McKee about his book STORY. And the book signings…I’d walk into independent bookstore after independent bookstore, booksellers so pleased to see me and my avid readers lined up around all of the quirky bookshelves. I’d be dressed like Meg Ryan in “You’ve Got Mail,” a tweed skirt with cute tights.

cupboardmakerrhonda — Me with Ronda–Michelle is Camera-Shy

Enter reality–it took far longer to sell and publish than I ever thought it would. The Information Age bloomed into the Digital Revolution. Print runs are down, there are too few books and too short a time for bookseller to order my novels. That’s if said bookseller will even consider hosting a genre author. You don’t want to know the mental revenge one-liners I’ve practiced after being told “we don’t carry your kind of book.” My kind? Oops, that’s another post, or better, an op-ed like Eloisa James did.

Then enter Michelle Mioff-Haring, owner of Cupboard Maker Books in Enola, PA. A dedicated professional who is passionate about books and the romance genre, she garnered the Romantic Times (RT) bookseller of the year award in Kansas City this past May. This is where Michelle and I met. I know, I had to travel far away to find the treasure right in my own backyard. Kind of cool, though, that I met her in the Land of Oz…

Ronda, Michelle’s assistant, contacted me and we set up a date for me to sign my latest, NAVY ORDERS. Could I please bring copies of NAVY RULES with me, as they were only able to get NAVY ORDERS? I tingled with glee–they had done their homework and knew what I wrote. Then, when I arrived, Michelle told me she’d read my book and enjoyed it. If you’re a writer you know how rare this is. In our age of information and entertainment inundation, it’s totally understood that a bookseller doesn’t have time to read all of the authors she hosts for signings. But Michelle makes the time, as does Ronda.

I don't care if the author is allergic, I want to come out! — I don’t care if the author is allergic, I want to come out!

But wait–the best part of all of this is the bookstore! As soon as you open the door, the serenity-infused aroma of paperback and hardback books assaults you and leaves you in a warm state of reader bliss. Row upon row of neatly arranged books, by genre and author, await. Clean, neat, organized, welcoming. The shelving goes up to the ceiling…well, almost. The shelves actually go up to where there are wooden plank walk-ways for the rescue cats that reside at Cupboard Maker Books. Safe, sterile cages house the newly rescued, who graduate to wandering the tomes at will, serving sentry over centuries of story.

Back to the signing–I confess, I brought me knitting with me. But it never left the car–I was talking and selling books for the entire two hours, all to new readers who loved romance and many who had an affinity or bona fide connection to the U.S. Military. I spoke with a US Marine Corp vet who’d taken photos of the USS Pueblo (no link–if you don’t know, it’s worth looking up, like when your teacher told you to look up the word in the dictionary yourself). I spoke at length with an Army spouse whose husband was now retired from the military, like mine. I talked with a high school senior who is a writer and had the best questions of all–when did I know I was a writer? What keeps me going?

Back home I have rolled my writing sleeves back up so that I’ll have two Whidbey Island books for you in 2014. True confession: hoping to sign at Cupboard Maker Books again is a big incentive.

Do You Know What a Romvet is?

Posted: July 27, 2013 at 11:26 am by Geri Krotow · View all 3 comments

A Romance Veteran–a woman who had served her nation in uniform and also writes romance. Founded by our fearless leaders Merline Lovelace and Lindsay McKenna in the last century, Romvets is a unique group of talented women that I know have my six! Joyce Adams Counts and I caught up at RWA in Atlanta this month.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Thirteen

Posted: July 3, 2013 at 9:37 am by Geri Krotow · Comments Off

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Chapter Thirteen

When Val’s fingers touched his lips, Lucas’s brain did its best to shut off all reasoning. Getting Val into his bed was suddenly necessary, vital, the most important mission of his life.

“Lucas?”

Her eyes reflected the desire that overwhelmed him—along with a measure of real concern.

“Shit.” He pulled back. The simultaneous rejection and mistrust that crossed her face cut him to the quick.

You’ve done it again. Way to go, Einstein.

“I’m sorry, Val. I shouldn’t have kissed you.”

“And I shouldn’t have kissed you back.”

They stared at each other for a long moment before they both looked away.

Lucas focused on the shadow of British Columbia, where Val had pointed out Victoria.

“I’ve done this before,” he admitted. “Gotten involved with my boss. It doesn’t work out in the end.”

“I agree that this isn’t a good idea, Lucas, not with the two of us working together.”

She rubbed her gloved hands. “Yes, I’m tempted, and it’s not like this is a government organization. It’s for military families, but it’s a completely civilian operation. Still—”

“So was the hospital I worked in when I…had a relationship with my Chief Resident.

“Oh.”

“Oh is right.” He wanted to swear a blue streak.

“What happened?” Val had told him about Bob. Now it was his turn to spill.

“Betsy and I lasted for more than a year after my program ended. We didn’t talk about a serious commitment until I’d completed my residency. But she wanted more and ultimately decided I was too young for her.”

“How much older was she?”

“Ten years.”

“Wow. Impressive.”

“For me or her?”

“Both of you.” Val’s mouth tilted in the lopsided smile he was getting to like, too much.

He grabbed her hand. “Despite what I said, I’m not sorry I kissed you, Val. I am sorry if I’ve made you uncomfortable.”

“Are you kidding me? I’m wondering if I should fire you just so we can kiss again.”

She shrugged as she pulled her hand from his.

He didn’t respond, didn’t know quite what to say.

“But you’re right, Lucas,” she went on. “It’s not possible for us to be more than colleagues—professionals—just now. It’s not fair to either of us. Let’s be adults and just call it a draw for now, okay?”

“Can’t blame a guy for trying, Val.”

“I don’t.” She paused. “I have to ask. Why did you leave so abruptly fifteen years ago?”

Her expression was earnest but he saw the shadow flicker across her eyes. He could tell that she thought it was her fault.

“My mother had a nervous breakdown,” he said bluntly. “My father had been an alcoholic his entire life, and when she was institutionalized it practically killed him. He did die about two years later, after I graduated from Temple.” He looked at her.

“My little sister needed me. She had high school to get through, and I’d be damned if I was going to see her suffer any more because of our screwed up family.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me this? You knew about my family.”

“Precisely. And I knew you’d been through your own hell. You didn’t need to hear about mine. I was also ashamed, Val. I was young and I thought the family problems were mine, that they somehow reflected on me. But by the time I grew up enough to realize none of it was my fault, it was too late. I figured you’d already moved on. Was I right?”

NAVY HOPE Begins Today!

Posted: June 17, 2013March 30, 2017 at 9:20 am by Geri Krotow · Comments Off

Welcome to my June online read at Harlequin’s website, NAVY HOPE! Each day I’ll post a chapter, for 12 total chapters. If you want to read this on the Harlequin website, too, or comment on their community pages, you can start here.

I hope you enjoy this glimpse into my Whidbey Island Series!

Peace,

Geri

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow
Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

When Val DiPaola founded Beyond the Stars, a therapeutic resort for families of fallen soldiers, she never imagined she’d be hiring her ex. Although Val’s moved on since Lucas Derringer walked out of her life fifteen years ago, she’s never forgotten him. She can’t deny that his experience treating vets with PTSD and his background as a Navy SEAL make him perfect for the job. But the minute Lucas steps onto San Juan Island in Puget Sound, Val knows she’s in trouble. Because she wants him to be part of her life again—professionally and personally.

Only, a lot has happened to both of them since college. At Beyond the Stars, Val and Lucas teach their patients that hope and love can grow from heartbreak. Can they convince each other of the same thing?

Navy Hope is part of the Whidbey Island series, published in Superromance. Find more books in the series here!

Chapter One

January

Lucas Derringer felt as though he was on a clandestine SEAL mission. He wasn’t in a hot dirt bowl ready to take down Taliban fighters, nor was he in a sweaty swamp waiting for the right moment to rescue yet another operative who’d been captured by a tyrannical drug lord. He hadn’t done any of those things in over a decade. Now he treated the men and women who did, as a psychiatrist with post-combat mental trauma expertise.

Who knew that taking a break from his usual routine would trigger such a storm of anxiety?

Instead of fighting for his country in some godforsaken place, Lucas was on a Puget Sound ferry in the middle of what his new job description called “God’s Country.” The wind blew cold as it cleared the morning fog and revealed the majesty of fir-topped mountains that spilled down to the rocky shore. Gulls and eagles soared above him. He’d never seen a more beautiful sight.

He’d never felt more nauseous.

Being away from the sea and airplanes for so long had robbed him of his immunity to motion sickness. He suspected that not being the one piloting the ferry was part of the reason he’d been seasick—and thrown up over the side rail. If only he could’ve simply crossed a bridge after his grueling drive from D.C. But San Juan Island was too far from the mainland and a ferry was his one option.

He’d turned into a landlubber.

Focus on the beauty. This is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen. You’re getting everything you’ve ever dreamed of.

Except for the one woman he’d expected to settle down with. Betsy.

He fought the urge to pull out his cell phone and start scrolling through his Facebook newsfeed, to see if any of his friends had posted photos of her wedding. He understood the importance of facing his feelings, not running away. Hell, his whole career was based on that concept.

Betsy had made her choice and it hadn’t been Lucas. When she’d left she’d said she didn’t want to settle down, but he knew better. They weren’t a good fit; for one thing, they were too much alike.

But he’d loved her.

That was three years ago. Before he’d had a chance to get used to being a doctor.

Yesterday she’d married a man she’d met right after their break-up. Another doctor.

He was over her but his pride still stung.

“Son of a bitch,” he muttered into the wind as he grasped the ferry’s railing and willed his stomach to stop heaving. Puget Sound during a winter squall was no match for his out-of-practice traveling skills.

His job in D.C. was three thousand miles away. He could start relaxing—as soon as this blasted ship docked.

Think about something else.

The new job.

The new boss.

Ironically, the most important woman in his life at the moment was a woman he hadn’t seen since they were just kids, sophomores in college. Did she remember him?

You know she does. You’ve never forgotten her.

Peace, Joy, and Total Spring Madness

Posted: April 26, 2012 at 4:40 pm by Geri Krotow · View all 3 comments

We’ve been back home in the States for 10 months. I’ve settled my office (um, er, well, you know–it’s functional), planted flowers and now vegetables, and both kids have made it through most of a full school-year. I’ve had more writing success than ever–I’m launching my Whidbey Island series in June with the first book (and my fourth published novel) NAVY RULES, and I’m in the midst of contract negotiations for a 3-book deal with Harlequin Superromance. There will be more Whidbey Island books–yeah!!

The work-up for June promo, as well as getting ready to speak at RWA in July with my Romvets sisters, is exciting and exhausting. I’m so excited about all of the new changes and opportunities that I often find myself awake at 4 am, pondering the universe (or what subplot I should write next). I’ve found that when I’m getting too full of “me” stuff, it’s good to get grounded by reaching out and helping others. So this year I’m again happy and humbled to be a part of Brenda Novak’s Auction for a Cure for Juvenile Diabetes. Whether you’re a writer or a reader, there’s something here for you, including a book club basket from me and an Amish gift basket from the Three Glindas–me, Ann DeFee and Linda Cardillo. Check it out–there are so many wonderful items to bid on, and each bid takes us another dollar closer to a cure for this devastating disease. http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/.

I’m also getting geared up to meet my readers and re-connect with so many writing colleagues at many different events this spring and summer. Please peruse my bio page and scroll down to the Events list. If you can come out and meet me, please do! I’d love to meet you and talk about books, writing, knitting, military family life–you pick!

I don’t know about you but I’m going to brew a cup of tea now. Plain green. Peace.