Season’s Readings

I’m thankful for you–my readers who’ve supported me during my writing journey! I hope you enjoy your holiday season and have a chance to read some great books!

In this issue of my newsletter, I’m excited to share some news about my upcoming books and a Southern recipe from fictional character, Nancy Parsons, who serves as the sassy grandmotherly guide to the paranormal.

What are you reading?
Lately, I’ve done some beta reading for author friends, but I’ve mostly been busy writing books two and three in the Isle of Palms Suspense series. As you recall, in the first book, The Haunting on Palm Court, the story follows Blake Nelson and her journey to banish her ex-fiance, Parker’s evil spirit, to the Other Side. The next two books will follow different members of the Mason and Nelson families.

Returning to Palm Court
My alpha readers are reviewing the first draft of book two in the series, Return to Palm Court. This story shares the perspective of Blake’s youngest sister, Brittany, who returns to the cottage to help manage the family bed and breakfast and care for her unruly niece. After a short time, Brittany realizes that the ghosts of their past may not have been laid to rest after all. I can’t wait to see what these early readers have to say and get the book to my beta readers and editor. I’m hoping to release this novel in spring 2021.

Book three–don’t forget the middle child!
While I’ve been waiting to hear back from my alpha readers, I’ve started working on the third book. It’s still early to share very much about this project, but readers will learn more about the middle Nelson sister, Elaina – as well as how her gift differs from the rest of the family. I had to show the middle child some love!

Embracing family connections
All of the Nelson sisters are different, and the books reflect these differences. However, readers will find one constant–sisterhood, love, and strong relationships, especially among the women who kick butt while protecting their family.

Now, let’s talk turkey, leftover turkey, that is! Read the recipe below to learn fictional character Nancy Parsons’ recommendations on what to do with Thanksgiving leftovers.

Nancy’s Turkey and Dumplings
Don’t know what to do with the leftover turkey? Hon, I’ve got the recipe for you.

Good gravy!

After Thanksgiving supper, put your remaining turkey and the pan drippings into a stockpot.
You probably don’t have enough stock, so grab a quart of chicken broth to help supplement the drippings to make a delicious gravy.
Drop in half a stick of real butter. No margarine here, y’all.
Turn stove eye on medium heat.

Hey, dumplin’…
If you haven’t ever made dumplings, don’t fret, sugar! Making my drop dumplings is as easy as pie.

Combine all of these goodies in a bowl, using a fork:

3 cups of self-rising flour
1 cup of heavy cream
3 tbsp. softened butter
2 large eggs
Pepper to taste, I prefer at least 3 tsp.

Set dumpling mixture aside and allow them to rise. Add another tbsp. of flour to the outside of the dumpling mixture ball to help prevent the dough from sticking to your fingers. Repeat this step as needed.

Bring your gravy to a boil, use a large spoon to pull the chunks of turkey aside, and begin dropping in spoons full of dumplings until all of the mixture has been used. Simmer for at least an hour on low before serving to allow the dumplings to soak up the gravy.

Hint: Dumplings are always better the next day. If you can keep your family from devouring them right after you make them, refrigerate them and enjoy your Turkey Day leftovers.