Title: Sweets and Treats with Six Sisters’ Stuff
Author: Six Sisters’ Stuff
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Retail Price: $21.99
ISBN: 978-1629720791

Synopsis

After growing up in a close-knit family in Utah, the sisters scattered across the country when they went off to college, got married, and had kids. To keep in touch, they started the Six Sis­ters’ Stuff blog, which (much to their surprise!) attracted a massive following. Today, SixSis­tersStuff.com is an Internet sensation filled with recipes, meal planners, DIY projects, and more!

At the core of the Six Sisters’ brand are home-grown values: a devotion to family, love, and togetherness. And delicious, lovingly prepared food, of course!

SWEETS & TREATS is a treasure trove of ideas for the fun parent. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a festive after school snack, kids will be dazzled by Homemade Twix Bars, Circus Animal Truffles, Samoa Cupcakes, or Churro Chex Mix! Rock the school bake sales with spins on the classics —from Reese’s Brownies to Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies. And the recipes are so easy that kids can even bake along!

For party time, after dinner, or even just some well-deserved self-indulgence , SWEETS & TREATS is filled to the brim with cakes, pies, and other swoon-worthy delights like Brownie Caramel Cheesecake, Mini Pumpkin Pies, Berries and Cream Trifle, or perfect raspberry sorbet. This book features classic recipes derived from the Six Sisters’ family heritage (like their Fresh Peach Pie!) alongside innovative creations (Peanut Butter Brownie Buckeye Cupcakes, any­one?), that will give you options for easy entertaining.

Also included are these magnificent delights:

Hot Fudge Sundae Ice Cream Cake
Microwave Caramels
Frozen Grasshopper Cookie Pie
Rocky Road Fudge
Brownie Caramel Cheesecake

Every recipe is accompanied by a colorful photo and there are lots of whimsical sidebars throughout the book that offer great family activities, tricks for parties, crafts, and even ideas for cute, easy date nights. The Sisters know first-hand what it’s like to juggle a hectic life, and they’ve designed everything so that you can concentrate on putting a smile on your family’s faces.

The proof is in the pudding (and also the cakes, brownies, and cookies!): With the Six Sisters you can put dessert first!

Review

I have another cookbook by Six Sisters and I have to say that this cookbook does not disappoint!  All of the recipes are simple and do not call for ingredients that are hard to find.  I made the S’more cookies for my book club as part of our cookie exchange and they were VERY tasty!  My husband has looked at a few recipes that he wants me to make in the near future.

There is a great combination of sweet treats – from cookies to cupcakes to cakes.

I have a feeling this will be a go-to cookbook much like their other one.  I love cooking and don’t mind tackling harder recipes but sometimes simple is best!

We give this 5 paws up and I don’t think you can go wrong with any of their cookbooks.

About the Authors

The Six Sisters—Camille, Kristen, Elyse, Stephanie, Lauren, and Kendra—grew up in Utah, but a few of them have lived in other parts of the country since moving out of the house. Between them there are five nieces and three nephews, and all of the sisters love playing “aunt.” The sisters started the blog in February 2011 to keep in touch while they were apart, but it has since gained popularity, garnering more than 9 million viewers per month and more than 307,000 followers on Pinterest.

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Synopsis

When the five Trask brothers and their wives gather together for Christmas, they’re all looking forward to relaxing and celebrating the holidays.

But when the Trask brothers decide to cook the Christmas dinner, it’s one disaster after another, until they realize that love and family is what Christmas is all about.

This is a short holiday story of approximately 7,500 words and can be read as a stand-alone.

SNIPPET 1:

“This is going to be a great Christmas,” Garrett said. He unzipped a suitcase and rummaged through it. “I’m going to be Santa.” He held up a new red Santa suit.

“You mean I’m going to be Santa.” Alex raked a hand through his hair. “I thought it would be fun to pretend to be him. Dad usually does it for the kids when we spend Christmas there, so I thought I’d take over this year. I brought my own suit.”

Cole, Logan and Mitch looked at each other in dismay.

“I was going to be Santa.” Mitch frowned.

“Hell, I was too,” Cole growled.

“So was I.” Logan crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“What are we going to do?” Alex quirked an eyebrow. “We can’t all be Santa, can we?”

SNIPPET 2:

Sophie slipped into her silk and lace nightgown, trying to hide a smile at her husband’s disgruntled tone.

“And we all brought Santa costumes,” Mitch grumbled.

“So who’s going to be Santa?” she inquired, tugging him toward the bed.

“All of us.”

“That will be fun.” She kissed him softly on the lips. “Next year you can be Santa for him or her.” She placed his hand on her stomach.

“I can’t believe we’re going to be parents.” Wonder, passion and tenderness gleamed in his eyes. “You know I’ll be the best dad I can possibly be.” His tone was fierce.

“I know.” She cupped his cheek. “And I’ll be the best mother I can be.”

“I know.” He kissed her deeply, his love for her shining through the touch of his lips on hers, his tender caresses, and the soft murmur of his voice as he made love to her.

About the Author

Jenn Roseton believes in love, romance, and gourmet chocolate.

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How to Seduce a Scot by Christy English
First in her new Broadswords and Ballrooms series
ISBN: 9781492612872
Release date: December 1, 2015
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Synopsis

He’s the terror of the ton…

The plan is simple:

1. Descend from the Highlands to face the aggravation of a London Season;
2. Foist his wild sister off on some gullible English lord;
3. Retreat before the ladies of the scandalized ton can get any ideas.

Determined to see his hellion of a sister wed, Highlander Alexander Waters is willing to face anything—even the English. He just didn’t expect his own rough manners to cause such a riot…or for a blooming English rose to catch his eye.

Gently bred Catherine Middlebrook must find a respectable man to marry or her family will be ruined. She won’t allow herself to be distracted by Highland barbarians…no matter how her body may thrill whenever Alex is near.

Catherine wasn’t part of the plan, but as their battle of wills escalates, Alex comes to realize this “proper” English girl is as wild as the Highlands themselves…and nothing will stop him from having her.

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What Kind of Historical Romance Heroine Are You?

Exclusive Snippet

“I am reminding myself that I am a gentleman.”

Catherine opened her mouth to argue with him, but, save for kissing her twice, he had behaved like a gentleman in all their dealings. He had always been kind, always proper, except for occasionally teasing her. What on Earth they were doing together in a closed carriage in the dead of night, if he was going to invoke honor in the dark?

She found herself disgruntled. It was an inconvenient time for a surge of conscience…

She sighed, and at last, pushed Alexander Waters away.

About the Author

Ever since Christy English picked up a fake sword in stage combat class at the age of fourteen, she has lived vicariously through the sword-wielding women of her imagination. A banker by day and a writer by night, she loves to eat chocolate, drink too many soft drinks, and walk the mountain trails of her home in North Carolina.

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Giveaway

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Paint the Town Dead (An Aurora Anderson Mystery)
2nd in Series
Cozy Mystery
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Henery Press (December 8, 2015)

Synopsis

“Johnson paints characters with a folksy charm that makes them feel like family…Color me a fan!” – Diane Vallere, Author of the Material Witness, Style & Error, and Madison Night Mystery Series

“Rory is definitely a quirky character; she has the ability to draw the readers in so that they want to follow her through her adventures.” – Suspense Magazine

The Ocean Painting Society invites you to join the painting wave…

It’s June in the quiet Los Angeles County city of Vista Beach, the place computer programmer and tole-painting enthusiast Aurora (Rory) Anderson calls home. Decorative painters are flocking to the newly built Akaw hotel to attend the Ocean Painting Society’s inaugural convention.

During the week-long event, Rory plans on shopping the trade show floor, working in her mother’s booth, taking classes and connecting with other decorative painting fans. She doesn’t expect to witness her childhood friend collapse in class and die. When the police find no evidence of foul play, Rory embarks on her own investigation. Can she brush aside the lies to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice?

Related subjects include: cozy mysteries, women sleuths, murder mystery series, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), amateur sleuth books, book club recommendations, craft and hobby mysteries.

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About The Author

Sybil Johnson’s love affair with reading began in kindergarten with “The Three Little Pigs.” Visits to the library introduced her to Encyclopedia Brown, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and a host of other characters. Fast forward to college where she continued reading while studying Computer Science. After a rewarding career in the computer industry, Sybil decided to try her hand at writing mysteries. Her short fiction has appeared in Mysterical-E and Spinetingler Magazine, among others. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in Southern California where she enjoys tole painting, studying ancient languages and spending time with friends and family.

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Giveaway

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MONTANA HEARTS: SWEET TALKIN’ COWBOY
By Darlene Panzera
Avon Books, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Fiction; Western Romance
December 15, 2015
E-book ISBN: 9780062394705; $.99

Synopsis

Darlene Panzera continues her heartwarming Western series with a roughed-up cowboy, the feisty girl next door, and the deal that brings them together

If it wasn’t for an injury to his leg, Luke Collins would be riding rodeo broncos all day, every day. Until he heals, he’s determined to help his family’s guest ranch bring in money any way he can. But when a cranky neighbor gets in the way of his goal, Luke turns to the only person he knows can help: the gorgeous, rodeo-barrel-racing spitfire next door.

It’s no secret: Sammy Jo’s father is a pain in the neck. But if anyone can persuade him, it’s her. So when Luke asks for help, Sammy Jo is more than willing to make a deal with the handsome cowboy. The cost? He’s gotta get back up on that horse—with Sammy Jo’s help, of course.

As teamwork reveals a deeper connection, Luke finds himself falling for the beautiful girl next door. But to win her heart? He’ll just have to do whatever it takes.

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About the Author

DARLENE PANZERA writes sweet, fun-loving romance and is a member of the Romance Writers of America’s Greater Seattle chapter. Her career launched when her novella “The Bet” was picked by Avon Books and New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber to be published within Debbie’s own novel, Family Affair. Darlene says, “I love writing stories that help inspire people to laugh, value relationships, and pursue their dreams.”

Born and raised in New Jersey, Darlene is now a resident of the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband and three children. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her family and her two horses, and loves camping, hiking, photography, and lazy days at the lake.

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Synopsis

A dead man on the floor of his office in Minneapolis wont lead P.I. Sean Sean to journey to Yap Island to protect his new client. Bombs in lawyers cars only jostle him. This short investigator knows the value of research and asking questions in the right places. World War II, Asian diamonds and concrete in Des Moines combine to almost destroy a Minnesota family. In the end, Sean detects flaws in the plans and brings down a criminal enterprise.

Excerpt

The guy sprawled on my office floor was dead. I didn’t need my years of experience as a private snoop to know that. The big bloody hole in his bare chest clued me in. The recently deceased was about seventy, I judged, and portly, overweight, even. he was a white man wearing expensive sandals and what was probably an upscale pair of boxer-style swimming trunks. They looked dry, but I didn’t touch them to verify that. I sniffed.The blood smell was strong and the dark pool under his right shoulder was just starting to congeal. I didn’t smell any gunpowder. I recognized him, of course. I stepped carefully around the body to avoid getting blood on my favorite tennis shoes and picked up my recently acquired cell phone to dial 911. after that I called my friend Ricardo Simon, an experienced investigator with the Minneapolis Pd. I sometimes talked with him about puzzling aspects of my cases.

I wasn’t your typical taciturn PI who viewed every cop as a potential enemy. I was atypical in a lot of ways. I often wore red Converse, for example. The ones with white soles. “Detective Simon,” he answered.

“Sean,”I said.“you remember my case involving diamond smuggling?”

“of course.”

“My principal suspect’s dead.In my office. large-caliber gunshot to the upper chest.”

“Preston Pederson? wow. did you kill him?”

“No, I just found him.”

“Call 911?”

“of course.”

Ricardo hummed for a few seconds, then said,“appears you’ll have to revisit your case while reordering your thinking. hmm. Stay in touch.”

“Thanks,”I said and clicked off.

This case was getting more and more complicated. The case to which I referred started a few weeks ago in a suburb of Saint Paul. Actually, the case started years ago, in a previous century and about six thousand miles to the west. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

About the Author

Before he became a mystery writer and reviewer, Brookins was a counselor and faculty member at Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Brookins and his wife are avid recreational sailors.

He is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and Private Eye Writers of America. He can frequently be found touring bookstores and libraries with his companions-in-crime, The Minnesota Crime Wave.

He writes the sailing adventure series featuring Michael Tanner and Mary Whitney. The third novel is Old Silver. His new private investigator series features Sean NMI Sean, a short P.I. The first is titled The Case of the Greedy Lawyers. Brookins received a liberal arts degree from the University of Minnesota and studied for a MA in Communications at Michigan State University.

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Synopsis

Failure wasn’t what Cassidy Sinclair expected when she got married … but that’s exactly what she got.

Instead of getting her happy ever after she is struggling to adjust to living back with her unconventional parents and the chatter of small town gossip.

Desi Cardwell was never known for his interpersonal skills and being back in small town Tolvey, sending the rumour mill into overdrive, was not what he wanted for himself.

Both forced home after a decade away, Cassidy and Desi begin an unlikely alliance when she agrees to train with him at his newly opened gym.

Desi is mysterious, guarded and borderline rude but what he lacks in charm he more than makes up for with his hard body and devilish good looks.

Desi does not need anything to keep him in Tolvey longer than necessary.

Cassidy needs something mind-numbing to help her forget her ex.

Both beautifully broken can they find in each other a light in the dark?

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What others are saying

Hayley Oakes again writes a beautiful story with characters that you’ll find are easily loved even with all of their dark spots. I highly recommend this to everyone! ~ Amazon USA review

The twists and turns along the way made sure this wasn’t your run of the mill romance novel. Highly recommended. ~ Amazon UK Review
You put these two together and they fit perfectly – they’re two beautiful persons just a little broke. Add in an average new age family including a wacky sibling, some fun friends and your set for a great story and I have to say loved callain!
Beautiful writing and a story that will keep you turning pages ❤ ~ Goodreads Review

It tugged at my heartstrings, made me smile, made angry and made me cry. A enjoyable roller coaster read – just simply amazing! Highly recommended. ~ Amazon UK Review

About The Author

Hayley Oakes is a wife to a Manchester United fan and a mother to a young daughter both require patience and a sense of humour. She enjoys reading angst ridden romance and writing stories that she would love to read. She loves post-apocalyptic movies, TV and anything 80’s.

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Synopsis

Judge

Merry watches, her presence cloaked by the shroud of nightfall. Nothing moves except her eyes which focus on her target. No remorse. No regret. No second guessing the decision to end the lives of the monsters who turned her into a killer.

Jury

The peddlers of death from potent chemicals are found guilty. Punishment for their crimes–death. Appeals denied. Sentencing to commence immediately. The leeches who sucked out the life of addicts with each snort, shot, swallow, and injection will now pay the ultimate price.

Executioner

The idyllic world of Merry Marie Hall, once the loving wife of Harold and mother to their only child, Joshua, is over. Extinguished when Joshua overdosed and Harold died of a heart attack at the funeral. Now Merry hunts down the guilty parties, and one by one, carries out her internal court’s orders.

Court is now in session.

Get this book now for just $0.99!  What a bargain

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About the Author

I have always been an avid reader of the classics: Beowulf, The Iliad, and anything written by the master, William Shakespeare. In the past few years, I became a huge fan of James Patterson, Stephen King and Robin Cook.

However….

My favorite book of all was, and always will be, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. The revenge on all those who hurt and betrayed Edmond Dantes and the incredible roller coaster ride his journey takes you on has always intrigued me. My love for this book is what sparked my desire to write my debut novel in my Eviscerating the Snake series, “Accountable to None.” With a modern setting to the tale, I wanted to delve into just what lengths a person was willing to go to as they attempted to seek justice on their own for heinous acts perpetrated on them. The second novel in the series, “Zero Balance” (still in draft!) will focus on the cost and reciprocal cycle that obtaining revenge has on the seeker. For once the cycle starts, where does it end?

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Synopsis

‘I was hoping against hope that the penguin would survive because as of that instant he had a name, and with his name came the beginning of a bond which would last a life-time.’

Tom Michell is in his roaring twenties: single, free-spirited and seeking adventure. He has a plane ticket to South America, a teaching position in a prestigious Argentine boarding school, and endless summer holidays. He even has a motorbike, Che Guevara style. What he doesn’t need is a pet. What he really doesn’t need is a pet penguin. Set against Argentina’s turbulent years following the collapse of the corrupt Perónist regime, this is the heart-warming story of Juan Salvador the penguin, rescued by Tom from an oil slick in Uruguay just days before a new term. When the bird refuses to leave Tom’s side, the young teacher has no choice but to smuggle it across the border, through customs, and back to school.

Whether it’s as the rugby team’s mascot, the housekeeper’s confidant, the host at Tom’s parties or the most flamboyant swimming coach in world history, Juan Salvador transforms the lives of all he meets – in particular one homesick school boy. And as for Tom, he discovers in Juan Salvador a compadre like no other… The Penguin Lessons is a unique and moving true story which has captured imaginations around the globe – for all those who dreamed as a child they might one day talk to the animals.

Review

I have to admit I wasn’t sure about this book when I first started reading, but a few chapters in and I was engrossed in the story of a man in the 70’s that finds a penguin that could have died from an oil spill but he manages to clean him up and earn the penguin’s trust. From there it is like they were best buds and I chuckled at the conversations he had with him because it reminded me of my conversations with my dogs!

The story itself is more than just his life with this penguin, but it was also the life lessons learned from having Juan Salvadore (the penguin) around and what he also taught to the young men at the boarding school.

This is a heartwarming story, one that I think anyone would enjoy. you also get a peek into the culture and history of Argentina and the towns around where he was teaching. This was also the time around the Peron’s power and so there is a bit of history thrown in too.

We give this 4 paws up.  It is a good story, so pick it up if you get a chance.

About the Author

TOM MICHELL was born and grew up on the rural downs of southern England, where he grew to love animals, birds and plants. After living in Argentina he returned home and settled in Cornwall where he helps with the family business, tends a small plot of what he calls ‘good Cornish soil’ and sings with a local choir. He is an amateur artist and in his spare time he draws and paints subjects from the wildlife around his home, specializing in birds of prey. Tom is an enthusiastic proponent of understanding how humans can live in genuinely sustainable ways. He is married with four grown-up children and three grandchildren.

“An exhilarating journey that will satisfy the most avid thriller reader” – Kirkus Reviews

SYNOPSIS

A full-throttle adventure through modern Europe and the Mediterranean … that’s part thriller, part mystery, and all rollicking ride.

John Pearce is a part-time Parisian but lives quite happily most of the the year in Sarasota, FL. He worked as a journalist in Washington and Europe, where he covered economics for the International Herald Tribune and edited a business magazine. After a business career in Sarasota, he spends his days working on his future books – The new one, Last Stop: Paris, is a 2015 project. It is a sequel to Treasure of Saint-Lazare.

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