Wednesday Writers–Excerpt from Snapshot Suspicions by Janis Lane

Tags

cozy mystery, Janis Lane, millionaire hero, photography, romance, Snapshot Suspicions, Wednesday Writers, wildlife

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope you’re all wearing the green, so you don’t get pinched, if that’s even a thing in today’s world. It was when I attended school years ago. If I forgot to wear green, I always claimed an exemption because I had green eyes. The potential pinchers didn’t know what to do with that, but it gave me time to escape. Wednesday Writers isn’t celebrating St. Paddy’s today on the blog. Instead, we have guest author Janis Lane who will be sharing an excerpt from her romantic cozy mystery Snapshot Suspicions. Welcome, Janis!

Snapshot Suspicions is an adventure with Abby, beautiful, vagabond wildlife photographer, and Adam, ruggedly handsome, millionaire protector of the environment.

A dangerous wildlife mystery requires the close attention of Adam and the local sheriff as Abby deals with two hired goons stalking her with a grudge. Basking in the rosy contentment of their love, Abby and Adam must trust each other as they encounter the first rift in their relationship. An engaging puppy presents a conundrum and a terrifying incident.

Abby discovers she can enjoy photographing subjects (AKC) other than wildlife and delights in setting up her own office, while Adam breathes a sign of relief when Abby makes a permanent commitment. Could she finally be thinking of a life time pledge to him?

EXCERPT
As she entered the room, a long arm snaked out and pulled her swiftly toward a broad chest. Her face was again covered with kisses that trailed down her face, sidetracked to explore a curled ear with a sip on a tiny lobe, and continued a path of kisses until it landed against her lips, which were blossoming into a reluctant smile.

“Adam.”

The sandy-haired giant lifted his head from the places he had been attending and settled his piercing blue eyes on her green ones with a satisfied sigh.

“Eve?”

He sat down in a kitchen chair and pulled her onto his lap, wrapping her in a warm embrace and tucking her head on his shoulder. She snuggled contentedly against him. What a wonderful way to greet the day, she thought. Everyone should have a handsome blond giant to cuddle with . . . She could feel herself drifting off.

“Good morning, Abby, my tree sprite. Did you sleep well? I thought you might stay snuggled in bed this morning after such a late night.”

“Adam.” She took a deep breath inhaling the familiar fragrance that she loved. It was all Adam who was so dear to her. She rubbed her face into his shoulder and allowed him to cuddle her for a minute more. Her body relaxed against him, her hand half encircled his rock hard forearm, but her mind struggled with her problem. She knew she had to nip this in the bud if she were ever to have peace. This was exactly what she had feared when she resisted moving in with him, even though she knew she loved him.

“Adam.” She turned her head to stare into his intensely blue eyes, and then shut hers. There was always the danger of falling into those loving pools of blue if a girl were not careful. She knew from experience how mesmerizing they could be.

“You’ve got to control that dog. I know he’s young and means no harm, but you promised to train him. I can’t keep buying new sneakers every single day.” She felt Adam’s deep chuckle before she heard it. His chest erupted in those sounds that brought a smile to her face in spite of her annoyance with the situation.

Buy now on Amazon

Janis Lane is the pen-name for gifted author Emma Lane who writes cozy mysteries as Janis, Regency as Emma, and spice as Sunny Lane.

She lives in Western New York where winter is snowy, spring arrives with rave reviews, summer days are long and velvet, and fall leaves are riotous in color. At long last she enjoys the perfect bow window for her desk where she is treated to a year-round panoramic view of nature. Her computer opens up a fourth fascinating window to the world. Her patient husband is always available to help with a plot twist and encourage Emma to never quit. Her day job is working with flowers at Herbtique and Plant Nursery, the nursery she and her son own.

Look for information about writing and plants on Emma’s website. Leave a comment or a gardening question and put a smile on Emma’s face.

Stay connected to Emma on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to check out the things that make Emma smile on Pinterest.

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A Writer’s Garden–Perennial Shade Plants by Janis Lane

Tags

A Writer's Garden. Emma Lane, Janis Lane, perennial plants, shade plants, Snapshot Suspicions

Welcome to A Writer’s Garden where writers who are gardeners or just love gardens will be sharing their garden and flower stories, as well as a bit about their writing.

today’s guest is Janis lane, who not only writes and gardens, but also co-owns a garden nursery with her son. Welcome, Janis!

 

Perennial SHADE PLANTS

Partial Shade:
Astilbe: colors range from white to red with many pastel shades in between. Since we are looking for a plant to brighten up a dark spot, red is perhaps the last choice. Something in the rose, light pink to white will add interest in a clump of hostas. Not a favorite of marauding deer. Height ranges from six to twenty inches depending on the variety. Zones are favorable to cold country. Recommend a clump of three to five of the same color for a healthy showing. The frilly ferny blossom is quite pretty in a cut flower collection, if you can bear to remove the bright blooms from your garden. Seed: fairly difficult.

Environmental issues:

Before we move on in the selections of plants, let’s talk a bit about the environment in which the plant will rest. First consideration is the cold/warm agricultural zone, which is the lowest temperature the plant may survive, but not necessarily thrive. Here in Western New York our coldness zone is from 4 to 6 depending upon location. Near the lake is the warmest, perhaps a 6. Other places, on a hill in damaging winds, consider yourself a 4/5. Always check the information on the identifying card that comes with the plant. It is possible to take a more tender plant and tuck it into a shelter adjacent to a warm wall or foundation to encourage it to thrive. Be wary. If the tag states 4-5, you have been warned. Astilbes are pretty zone hardy, but they enjoy a bit of partial sun now and then in the summer.

Novice Gardener

You have a new house with fantastic foundation plantings, but you really wanted to enjoy a patio right there. Novice gardener that you are, you timidly approach the tangle of greenery. Stop! A few truths to contemplate: first, there is no perfect garden. It’s always a work in progress. Second, if you are pleased with your efforts, it’s perfect. Only your opinion really matters. (Caveat here if you live in a neighborhood with particular rules.) Third, one of the best ways to make friends and get acquainted with the neighbors is to ask their advice regarding gardening. They may even give you the history of your mature garden, giving reasons why this corner or that corner is planted just so. Fourth, and this is important, perennial gardens change over the season. What you see in the spring may and certainly will be a very different scene by September.

Rushing into changing everything might be a mistake if you miss out on some of the more spectacular plantings that bloom throughout the summer.
Patience might be the word of the day for a new owner of a mature perennial garden. After a season passes, a more accurate assessment may be made or incorporated into new plans.

Brunnera, a foil for hosta.

Grows in the deepest shade, blooms lovely blue after early “Forget-me-nots” have vanished and the silvery leaves of some varieties sparkle without the bloom. Hardy to zone 3; deer and rabbits seem to prefer other plants, like for instance, hosta. With the current over-population of deer, this is an invaluable bit of information for shade gardeners. Let me reiterate. Deer Resistant. Not ever fail proof. In our perennial garden, a crop of very old peonies was decimated by a fawn just losing his spots. We stood watching helplessly thinking he hadn’t developed his taste buds yet. We lost a year of bloom, but perhaps it will revive this Spring.

Bloom time for perennial gardens.

Perennials bloom for two to four weeks, but return year after year. This is an important distinction from annuals. There is, of course, room to plant both, either separately or combined. We’ll return to a discussion regarding annuals, which bloom all summer, make, scatter seeds, and then die.

Plans for the placement of perennials is essential, but not critical. If you plant a short plant behind a taller one, you’ll soon realize your error. Pay attention to the information on the card as to height and everything will come about.

Bloom times should be staggered for perpetual color in a perennial garden. What do I mean by that astounding statement? Only that if the card tells you this plant blooms in the spring, its next door neighbor probably ought to bloom in the summer. As summer progresses, one fades, another takes its place. If you have followed the guideline to plant three to five of a certain variety, slowly, as one color replaces the next, the garden will not only change colors, but stay in constant bloom. You’ll reach a finale with fall blooms (pretty pink physostegia or anemone) or, late summer, replace a small bed of now scraggly annuals with outrageously brightly colored mums.

 Annuals

Just a short discussion re those lovely summer visitors. Erroneously some folks think planting perennials saves them work as the plant returns year after year. Which is easier? A bed where you pull up everything at the end of the year and start over in the Spring, or a bed where you must carefully weed around established plants (that have hopefully been carefully mulched.)? Gardening is never static and requires hands-on always. Suggest a novice gardener decide how much time he/she wants to spend working outside before chosing. My personal preface is both. I could not live without a splash of marigolds, profusion zinnias, or a stand of blazing sunflowers. But neither could I be satisfied if my friendly Brunnera was missing come Spring.

About the Gardener/Writer

Janis Lane is the pen-name for gifted author Emma Lane who writes cozy mysteries  as Janis, Regency as Emma, and spice as Sunny Lane.She lives in Western New York where winter is snowy, spring arrives with rave reviews, summer days are long and velvet, and fall leaves are riotous in color.

At long last she enjoys the perfect bow window for her desk where she is treated to a year-round panoramic view of nature. Her computer opens up a fourth fascinating window to the world. Her patient husband is always available to help with a plot twist and encourage Emma to never quit. Her day job is working with flowers at Herbtique and Plant Nursery, the nursery she and her son own.

Look for information about writing and plants on Emma’s new website. Leave a comment or a gardening question and put a smile on Emma’s face.

Stay connected to Emma on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to check out the things that make Emma smile on Pinterest.

 

Snapshot Suspicions

by Janis Lane

Snapshot Suspicions is another adventure with Abby, beautiful, vagabond wildlife photographer, and Adam, ruggedly handsome, millionaire protector of the environment. A dangerous wildlife mystery requires the close attention of Adam and the local sheriff as Abby deals with two hired goons stalking her with a grudge. Basking in the rosy contentment of their love, Abby and Adam must trust each other as they encounter the first rift in their relationship. An engaging puppy presents a conundrum and a terrifying incident.

Abby discovers she can enjoy photographing subjects (AKC) other than wildlife and delights in setting up her own office, while Adam breathes a sign of relief when Abby makes a permanent commitment. Could she finally be thinking of a life time pledge to him?

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Tasty Tuesdays–Stuffed Flank Steak from the Kitchen of Author Janis Lane

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Excerpt of Snaphot Suspicions, food blog, Janis Lane, stuffed flank steak, Tasty Tuesdays

Janis Lane is in the Tasty Tuesday Kitchen today preparing her STUFFED FLANK STEAK recipe.

Are you hungry?

Not as easy as most of my recipes but the accolades keep me whipping it up for company and family. You’ll need a generous sized steak depending on how many people you have for dinner. This serves more than you think when it’s sliced across the grain. One side of the steak is scored, not too deep, for it to “stretch” when you close it up. I usually ask my very favorite butcher to do it for me, but it’s not hard to do it yourself. Just NOT too deep or you’ll loose the integrity of the roll. Say a fraction of an inch at most.

Braise both sides until brown in a tablespoon of oil. Set aside while you prepare the stuffing.

1 ½ cups bread crumbs. I have used the ends of bread, crackers, and occasionally left over corn bread. Stick with the prepared bread crumbs until you get the hang of the recipe. It’s simpler that way. Use your favorite seasoning or buy bread crumbs already seasoned.

1 small onion

½ chopped celery

¼ cup milk

Mix ingredients in a small bowl and moisten with milk. With the steak stretched out in a roasting pan, spoon the stuffing down the middle. Enclose the dressing and fasten with skewers. Do not use metal if you plan to microwave. I use wooden. Pour water in pan to cover about an inch and roast in oven at 350 degrees for about an hour. Keep an eye on your steak. Time may be more or less than an hour depending on the size of your steak.

Remove from oven and slice diagonally across the grain in two inch slices. Make gravy in left over liquid and serve in a bowl for guests to taste or not.

Suggest serving with asparagus, roasted potatoes, and a simple salad. Enjoy.

 

While the steak’s cooking, enjoy this excerpt from Emma’s lastest book, Snapshot Suspicions available from Amazon

EXCERPT

“Good morning, Abby, my tree sprite. Did you sleep well? I thought you might stay snuggled in bed this morning after such a late night.”

“Adam.” She took a deep breath inhaling the familiar fragrance that she loved. It was all Adam who was so dear to her. She rubbed her face into his shoulder and allowed him to cuddle her for a minute more. Her body relaxed against him, her hand half encircled his rock hard forearm, but her mind struggled with her problem. She knew she had to nip this in the bud if she were ever to have peace. This was exactly what she had feared when she resisted moving in with him, even though she knew she loved him.

“Adam.” She turned her head to stare into his intensely blue eyes, and then shut hers. There was always the danger of falling into those loving pools of blue if a girl were not careful. She knew from experience how mesmerizing they could be.

“You’ve got to control that dog. I know he’s young and means no harm, but you promised to train him. I can’t keep buying new sneakers every single day.” She felt Adam’s deep chuckle before she heard it. His chest erupted in those sounds that brought a smile to her face in spite of her.

 

About the Author:

Emma aka Janis Lane is happiest either interacting with nature or writing about it. In the Adam and Abby adventures, the setting in Middle Florida allows her to release her happiness in words and descriptions. Hopefully her readers will enjoy the visit as much as she loves writing about it.

Connect with Janis at:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/574560864963925296/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000338539637

https://emmajlane.com/

Wednesday Writers-Sandpiper Affair by Janis Lane

Tags

cozy mystery, Janis Lane, romantic suspense, Sandpiper Affair, Wednesday Writers

Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is Janis Lane, who is a frequent contributor to the blogs. She’ll be sharing an excerpt of her romantic suspense/cozy mystery Sandpiper Affair. So without further ado, here’s an excerpt from Sandpiper Affair.

 

Abby Naycomb, wildlife photographer, found more than scintillating images of the birds of Central Florida. A handsome park ranger turns her world upside down even as a criminal stalker seeks to threaten her life.

Who knew trespassing in the restrictive area of a Florida State Park to get the perfect shot of the sand hill crane family would wind up with Abby Naycomb, wildlife photographer extraordinaire, meeting the most handsome park ranger in the world? Mating/nesting birds were the subject of her quest but finding those intense blue eyes in the lens of her camera was distracting and hormone inciting.

Adam Rawlings, millionaire park ranger, was as shocked as Abby when she accidentally discovered a murdered man buried in a shallow grave in the sand.

Face to face with an exciting relationship with Adam, the perfect man, leaves her no excuse for backing away from a growing intimacy. Vagabond Abby must consider relocating if she wants to continue an invaluable relationship with Adam, the original home town hero.

Abby struggles as she continues to work deep in the breathtaking wilds of Central Florida while trying to ignore the menace of a serious and threatening stalker. Her task was to reexamine long held premises and prejudices while admiring the southern flora and fauna through the lens of her camera. Bird and nature lovers alert.

SHORT TEASER
Busted in Bird land. Still…what a calendar he would make with that uniform, that smile, those shoulders. She stifled a sigh of pure visual pleasure.

You had better stop it, Miss Smarty. He has the authority to fine and kick you out of the park permanently if he so chooses. Holy Moly– love a uniformed hunk!

Stoppit!

She stifled a giggle which was riotously rolling around deep inside her, threatening to break out. He continued to loom, gazing thoughtfully while she fidgeted in her warm nest sheltered by the dune. Surrounding them, the sporadic wind blew the smell of something baking in the sun. With her face turned upward and her eyes half-closed against the glare, she awaited her fate. She offered a weak smile while trying to bring into focus his face which was back lit by the bright sunlight. It couldn’t hurt, she thought, and tried for puppy dog eyes pleading for mercy.

“Leave this area, and I’ll forget your lapse of good manners–this time. Don’t let me catch you trespassing on restricted lands again. This is a nature preserve. Visitors may not wander about– especially during nesting season,” he added giving her a stern look. “And that goes for well-meaning, good-looking, lady photographers as well.”

BUY LINK

About the Author:

Janis Lane is the pen-name for gifted author Emma Lane who writes cozy mysteries as Janis, Regency as Emma, and spice as Sunny Lane.

She lives in Western New York where winter is snowy, spring arrives with rave reviews, summer days are long and velvet, and fall leaves are riotous in color. At long last she enjoys the perfect bow window for her desk where she is treated to a year-round panoramic view of nature. Her computer opens up a fourth fascinating window to the world. Her patient husband is always available to help with a plot twist and encourage Emma to never quit. Her day job is working with flowers at Herbtique and Plant Nursery, the nursery she and her son own.

Look for information about writing and plants on Emma’s new website. Leave a comment or a gardening question and put a smile on Emma’s face.

Stay connected to Emma on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to check out the things that make Emma smile on Pinterest.

A Writer’s Garden–Fall materials for Dried Bouquets by Janis Lane

Tags

A Writer's Garden, Dried Flowers, Janis Lane, The Glass Cat

Welcome to A Writer’s Garden where writers who are gardeners or just love gardens will be sharing their garden and flower stories, as well as a bit about their writing.

Today’s Guest is Janis Lane, who will be talking about the best plants for fall’s dried bouquets.

Welcome back, Janis!

Have you been diligent to save dried material for Halloween and Thanksgiving bouquets? Decorations? Herbs for the winter?

Dock is a wild plant with unique seeds. It’s very difficult to dislodge them from the stem. I delight in using them for just about everything from giving extra height to a fresh bouquet to adding substance to a dried bouquet. At the nursery, we have dock gathering parties roaming the countryside to gather nature’s bounty. The old chicken coop is stuffed already by Labor Day with great bundles of drying dock. Occasionally a bonus or two may be awarded for over achievement.

Cattails: The minute you see the slightest tinge of brown, they must be picked to avoid a burst of bird nesting fluff that will explode later. Pick early.

Spirea: This wonderful, deer-resistant shrub leaves long stemmed seed heads that are great for dried bouquets.

Two invasive foreign species: Purple Loosestrife and a road side, reed grass called Phragmite. Might get wet feet, but worth it for the interesting tassels. I really enjoy the lovely loosestrife, but both species are invading our native cattails and grasses. The powers that be have declared war, but you can still find ample stems for your collection. Just think-every pink/purple bloom you pick saves a new plant from growing. Loosestrife in bloom dries soft lavender. A hunting and gathering day is really fun, but ‘ware traffic, deep ditches that are hidden by grass, and, of course, poison ivy/oak. Always wear jeans, long sleeved shirt and preferably gardening gloves.
Common cultivated plants for drying: statice, strawflower, gomphrena, others.

Last but not least are the little pumpkins. Really a type of seed pod, real name physallis. Common name Oriental lanterns. They are the making of fall dried bouquets. A perennial that is, I kid you not, the ugliest plant you’ve ever seen, produces these delightful seed pods in the fall. They like shade; do plant them behind the garage or someplace you don’t want to see every day. They are also invasive and will take over a cultivated bed with great gusto.

About the Writer/Gardener

Stay connected to Emma on Facebook and Twitter.

Janis Lane is the pen-name for gifted author Emma Lane who writes cozy mysteries as Janis, Regency as Emma, and spice as Sunny Lane.

She lives in Western New York where winter is snowy, spring arrives with rave reviews, summer days are long and velvet, and fall leaves are riotous in color. At long last she enjoys the perfect bow window for her desk where she is treated to a year-round panoramic view of nature. Her computer opens up a fourth fascinating window to the world. Her patient husband is always available to help with a plot twist and encourage Emma to never quit. Her day job is working with flowers at Herbtique and Plant Nursery, the nursery she and her son own.

Look for information about writing and plants on Emma’s new website. Leave a comment or a gardening question and put a smile on Emma’s face.

 

THE GLASS CAT is a sweet story about an elderly lady, her friend and neighbor, and a wicked nephew. There’s a romance brewing as well. It’s a shorty, but I think you’ll finish it with a smile on your face.

Read more about the cozy mysteries by Janis Lane on Amazon.

A Writer’s Garden–Talking Onions with Author Janis Lane

Tags

A Writer's Garden, Garden blog, Janis Lane, Whispers of Danger and Love

Welcome to A Writer’s Garden where writers who are gardeners or just love gardens will be sharing their garden and flower stories, as well as a bit about their writing.

Today’s guest is Janis Lane and she’ll be talking about a smelly subject–Onions. Welcome, Janis!

 

 

Onion, i.e, Allium, is a large family which includes onion, scallion, garlic leek, shallot and chives (onion and garlic types). Blossoms are pretty in purple, yellow, white, and sometimes pink. I grew up not far from a small town known as Vidalia (locally pronounced Vy day lia, emphasis on the Vi. I won’t try to describe how to put a southern twang to the rest of the word.), Georgia. Sweet, sweet onions grow there with a patented name for the brand. The soil in the fields around the small town is very low in sulfur which puts the sting in your eyes when you peel a not-Vidalia type. Great for eating raw, but their keeper value is low.

It takes a specialized taste bud to enjoy raw onions, but professional chefs swear by the value of an onion flavoring a good stew. This writer considers an onion almost essential in the kitchen. Most are yellow, some white or purple with various degrees of the sulfur bite. Such a large family serves almost all individual preferences. Health benefits of consuming edible members of the onion family are numerous. High in nutrients and low in calories, they are also delicious.

Chives, useful herb, can be grown on your sunny window sill, but will excel outside, attracting bees with their fragrance blooms. Chives are delicious in soups, salads, and as a garnish. It’s a perennial plant hardy to zone 2-3, but the seed resents amateur saving. Tiny bulbs are easily pulled apart for transplant. Garlic chives bloom fragrant white in late summer and are delicious when a mild garlic flavor is desired. Purple blooms from chives make tasty and attractive herbed vinegar.

When I mow the lawn in summer, I plant peppermint several places in the lawn. I love the fragrance when the grass cutter nips their tops, but in one corner of the lawn, I recognize the volunteered wild onions. The smell is unmistakable; not a bit fragrant, but I think if I need to forage someday, I know where to find the edible alliums. It has a pink blossom and resembles nothing like an onion, but I know.

Decorative alliums are available in numerous varieties and most are fairly inexpensive. (Not good for eating.) Once I planted a garden in the back meadow before I finally gave over to the marauding deer population. They ate everything but these alliums, which over the years have multiplied. I use them for great cut flowers and enjoy the sweet fragrance of the blooms. Curiously they do not have the telltale onion odor when cut, but the deer seem to know and give them a wide berth anyway. After blooming, the foliage dies disappearing until the following spring. The plant spreads slowly by reseeding.

Whispers of Danger and Love is a contemporary novel which sports a lovely heroine named Cheryl, who loves her career as a landscape designer. This warm tale is a must for gardeners while waiting for the chance to get outside to commune with nature. A bonus is the handsome detective, a childhood friend, who moves next door.

Here’s a little more from my cozy mystery. I hope you enjoy it.

When Cheryl realizes her new next-door neighbor is someone she loved as a young girl, she immediately puts the brakes on her emotions. Never again would she allow the gorgeous hunk of a man to break her heart.

Ruggedly handsome Detective David Larkin isn’t used to pretty ladies giving him a firm no. He persists, even as Cheryl fights her own temptations. The two struggle to appreciate each other as adults, even as they admit to deep feelings from their childhood.

AMAZON BUY LINK

 

Read more of the cozy mysteries by Janis Lane on Amazon

Janis Lane is the pen-name for gifted author Emma Lane who writes cozy mysteries as Janis, Regency as Emma, and spice as Sunny Lane.

She lives in Western New York where winter is snowy, spring arrives with rave reviews, summer days are long and velvet, and fall leaves are riotous in color. At long last she enjoys the perfect bow window for her desk where she is treated to a year-round panoramic view of nature. Her computer opens up a fourth fascinating window to the world. Her patient husband is always available to help with a plot twist and encourage Emma to never quit. Her day job is working with flowers at Herbtique and Plant Nursery, the nursery she and her son own.

Look for information about writing and plants on Emma’s new website. Leave a comment or a gardening question and put a smile on Emma’s face.

 

Tasty Tuesdays–Fresh Vegetable Soup from Janis and Emma Lane

Tags

Catherine Castle's Food blog Tasty Tuesdays, cozy Mysteries, fresh vegetable Soup, Janis Lane, lunch recipes, Murder in the Neighborhood, National Soup Month

Cook Up Something Good

with Janis and Emma Lane.

No, they’re not sisters or even cousins. Today’s guest blogger on Tasty Tuesdays is an author with a split personality and man can she cook! Since it’s also National Soup Month (in addition to Hot Tea Month) I thought I’d share Janis and Emma Lane’s yummy veggie soup recipe. Here’s Emma with the recipe. Enjoy!

Hi everyone, this recipe is only a guideline for making a delicious lunch or main dish with fresh vegetables. The list of veggies is easily amendable to whatever your grocer has in stock. No beets, please! Be sure to add nurturing bread like corn bread or crackers for a more substantial meal. Okay, I used corn Chex Mix one time, but that was an emergency. A green salad is always a welcome addition.
FRESH VEGETABLE SOUP

1 onion, diced
½ green pepper, cleaned and diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 fat carrot, peeled and chopped
1 – 2 ears fresh corn kernels, scraped from cob
1 can diced tomato or 1 lg. fresh, chopped
1½ cups fresh green beans, strings removed and chopped
3 cups beef or chicken stock
½ pound ground chuck
1 med. potato, diced
Sprig fresh thyme or ¼ tsp. dried
Sprig of oregano or ¼ tsp. dried
Small sprig of basil or ½ tsp. dried
Sprig of parsley, flat not curly

Sauté meat and set aside.

Pour stock into a large pot. Add onions and celery. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes.

Add carrots, corn, tomatoes, potato, and herbs. Return soup to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

Add meat. Simmer 10 minutes more.

Veggies will be somewhat crisp. Cook longer if desired. As it sits the flavor will increase. But cool and refrigerate if it’s going to be longer than a few hours before serving.
Optional Veggies: okra, green peas, yellow squash, small can chick peas
Optional herbs/spices: pinch of chili pepper, tiny clove of garlic, sprig of cilantro.

Tip: if you use fresh herbs tie together with kitchen string and remove before serving.

Here’s a peek at my Cozy Mystery, Murder in the Neighborhood, a novel which introduces you to Detective Kevin Fowler and the intriguing murders which infect this small town Americana. The series follows the detective, colleagues, friends, and lovers through a whirlwind of events, good and bad, over the next three novels.

A killer is attacking respectable citizens in picturesque Hubbard, NY, and leaving corpses on their front steps in the middle of the day. Detective Fowler isn’t certain who causes him to lose the most sleep, a certain sexy reporter with bouncing curls and sparkling black eyes, or the elusive psychopath creating panic in his small-town community. Together, the detective and the reporter race to find the monster in their midst and return the town to the desirable place where people come to raise their families in peace and contentment. Can they sort through their differences to find romance even as they search for a determined stalker with murder on his mind? The clock ticks down on a man in a rage with a deadly mission.

Amazon Buy Links Kindle – Paperback

 

Read more of the cozy mysteries by Janis Lane on Amazon

 

Janis Lane is the pen-name for gifted author Emma Lane who writes cozy mysteries as Janis, Regency as Emma, and spice as Sunny Lane.

She lives in Western New York where winter is snowy, spring arrives with rave reviews, summer days are long and velvet, and fall leaves are riotous in color. At long last she enjoys the perfect bow window for her desk where she is treated to a year-round panoramic view of nature. Her computer opens up a fourth fascinating window to the world. Her patient husband is always available to help with a plot twist and encourage Emma to never quit. Her day job is working with flowers at Herbtique and Plant Nursery, the nursery she and her son own.

Look for information about writing and plants on Emma’s new website. Leave a comment or a gardening question and put a smile on Emma’s face.

Stay connected to Emma on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to check out the things that make Emma smile on Pinterest.

A Writer’s Garden-Janis Lane talks about Willows

Tags

A Writer's Garden, Author Catherine Castle's garden blog, Janis Lane, Whispers of Danger and Love, willow crafts, willow folklore, willows, willows in your garden

Today’s Writing Gardener guest is Emma Janis Lane–two authors for the price of one. Emma Lane writes Regency romance. Her pen name counterpart, Janis Lane, writes romantic cozy mysteries. Today, she will be talking about–

WILLOWS IN YOUR GARDEN

willow catkins

Recently I overheard a patron mention his willow tree had budded, a sure sign of Spring. I felt a rush of panic. No! I couldn’t be late to harvest the silver buds before the catkins appeared. Whereas the little kitties are sweet, they do not stay on the branches very long. Harvested early, the decorative silver buds will be around as long as you like. Spring finds my vases full.

Once pretty willow shrubs lined our service road and supplied me with an abundance harvest, but borers found and riddled the trunks. I am pinching myself to remember to plant twigs to start them all over. In Spring, when the soil is saturated, a willow branch may be rooted by simply sticking it in the ground where you’d like a nice shrub. Careful. Some consider it invasive. Often willows are planted on the banks of streams and ponds to prevent erosion because the roots are abundant and healthy. (‘ware the borers!)

Folk Lore “Wearing the willow” is a term used to describe the lonely heart of a lover who has lost her mate either to another person or death. Willow branches on a hat may also mean that person is hopeful for romance. (Waggles eyebrows.) A well-known television celebrity couldn’t control his laughter while describing Dyngus Day in Buffalo, NY. Always the day after Easter, this Polish American holiday is celebrated with the boys switching (gently) the girls with willow branches and splashing them with water. (A Polka dance or two might be expected.) The next day is turn about fair play for the girls. As you may imagine, these antics have their origins in ancient traditions. Long branches of willow buds are a celebration of Spring in cold country.

ROMANCE: Who can resist the dreamy, swaying branches of a weeping willow? When plotting a Regency Romance, I occasionally allow courting couples strolling the grounds in the warm breezes of early summer the privacy they long for. The swaying green curtain on the stream bank offers privacy to steal a quick kiss. This proved handy in Belinda, My Love when the heroine received her very first kiss by the besotted rogue who had waited patiently for her to grow up.

Medicinal: The willow has a long history of usefulness to mankind. Hippocrates mentioned the willow for medicinal properties. Willow leaves and bark yield salicin, a principal component of aspirin, which was used as both an anti-inflammatory and pain relief. Research reports pure salicin is tough on the digestive system, but it’s interesting to read about the early Native American’s frequent use of the willow bark as medicine.

Crafts: Basket makers made use of the strong but pliable branches. I’ve used them for crafting wreaths instead of grapevines on occasion. I’ve admired a trellis made from willow branches as well. Last but not least, the twisty willow, which grows into a mid- sized tree, produces unique branches for walking sticks. The gnarled branches also add winter interest. Willow, in any of its many varieties, can be both beautiful and useful in your garden.

 

About the Author:

Emma Janis Lane lives in Western New York where winter is snowy, spring arrives with rave reviews, summer days are long and velvet, and fall leaves are riotous color. She writes Regency Romance as Emma Lane, but also delights in dipping into a Cozy Romantic Mystery, pen name Janis Lane.

Part owner of a plant nursery,she will answer gardening questions at her website emmajlane.com

Whispers of Danger and Love is a contemporary novel which sports a lovely heroine named Cheryl, who loves her career as a landscape designer. This warm tale is a must for gardeners while waiting for the chance to get outside to commune with nature. A bonus is the handsome detective, a childhood friend, who moves next door.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Angels Abound with Love by Janis Lane on Wednesday Writers

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Angels Abound with Love, book excerpt from Angels Abound with Love, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, Christian Fellowship, Christian Romance fiction, Janis Lane, Messengers of God, Prayer

Today Author Janis Lane is here at Wednesday Writers to tell us about her Christian Romance Angels Abound with Love. She’ll also be sharing an excerpt of her book. Janis, what’s the concept behind Angels Abound with Love? By the way, I love the cover on this book!

 

Thanks, Catherine.

Who has cried out, Please God, help me! and never wondered afterwards if your panicked prayer had been heard? Angels Abound is a romantic story that peeks into the lives of church members who question how God works in their everyday activities. Love in all its many phases plays an important role. Which young couple finds more than they thought? Love is in the air! Different forms of prayer are studied and questions posed by Peter, the Director of Religious Study who privately wonders if pretty Sarah is a gift straight from God. Serious debate is heard discussing Messengers of God–a current phenomenon of today? Is that wedding bells ringing, and what is that blue tint in the air? And finally, what is Christian Fellowship and how does it benefit normal lives?

Join the church members of small town America as they interact, live, and love practicing their Christian faith.

 

Angels Abound with Love

By Janis Lane

 

Excerpt:

Mark Mallory turned his attention to the delicate face gazing down at him and felt a slight jolt to his constitution. Surely an electric plug had no connection, but it certainly felt like it. He stood up, tugged on his well-worn t-shirt and brushed a hand over his close-cropped hair.

“I’m standing in for his mom,” he said quickly. “She called and asked me to bring Robbie to you. She’s on her way. Oh, sorry–Detective Mark Mallory. I volunteer on Tuesday’s at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club.” He wiped his hand on his jeans and reached it out to her.

“How do you do,” Cathy returned. She nodded her head and smiled.            “I heard there’s a new doctor taking over for Doc Smitty. Welcome to town.” He shook her hand, feeling foolish as she looked steadily up at him; her calm gray-blue eyes, heavily fringed with dark lashes, seemed to be taking his measure. Her lack of height failed to diminish her air of authority. He hadn’t expected such an attractive young woman to be standing in for old Doc Smith and belatedly regretted his sweaty T-shirt and well-worn jeans. Was that his big toe peeking out of his sneakers? How did that happen? He tried to tuck one shoe behind the other hoping she wouldn’t notice.

“How about we get you on a table so I can check that arm?” the doctor said, turning her attention to her patient. Doc Cathy led the way, Robbie trailing her slowly, as they all headed for the examining room.

She reached for the boy, her hand brushing against the detective’s, but Mallory preempted and easily lifted Robbie to the table. His nose registered a nice fragrance from the doctor’s hair, a clean, fresh fragrance with a hint of what? Flowers and a faint smell of some sort of antibacterial wash. Their shoulders brushed. He felt his interest sharpen as a smile grew on his face.

Quickly she leaned away, a faint, rosy wash of color mounting first her slender neck and then her fair cheeks. One tawny curl, which had escaped the severe hairstyle, lodged behind one shell pink ear and dangled casually. She brushed at it impatiently with one hand, but the curl persisted and settled back on her shoulder, as if in defiance to the austere bun on the back of her head. She turned to her nurse.

“Liz, would you call my home and explain to my aunt I’ll be late, please?” Cathy asked, a note of crispness entering her voice, as she sat down on the stool beside her exam table. “Now, little fellow, let me see that arm.” She held out her hands to the boy and favored him with an encouraging smile.

Robbie looked at her with suspicion but cautiously and carefully held out his arm.

“Owee!” He protested vigorously as Cathy gently manipulated the limb. She sighed as he wiped the tears from his eyes. The detective murmured to the boy and patted him on the back.

“I’m sorry, Robbie, but I suspect you have a small crack in your bone. We need to have an x-ray to be sure. There’s a place over on Elm Street that may still be open. Let me give them a call. Otherwise you’ll need to go to the emergency room at the hospital.” She excused herself while Mark consoled Robbie who toughed away his tears in spite of the pain in his arm.

“It didn’t hurt much,” he denied, while his friend comforted and praised him for his bravery.

Cathy made the call and turned back to the detective who was watching her.

“They’re closing, but they promised to wait for you if you go right over,” she said. He held her gaze, as if he were mesmerized by her words, while she seemed to struggle visibly to maintain her professional aplomb under his intense stare. She turned away shrugging one shoulder as if to wish him away.     

Oops, if that wasn’t a brush off, then my name isn’t Mark Mallory. Serves me right, but in my defense, I didn’t expect to find such a classy lady in the place of the old doc.

“I must get home for an important appointment, but I can meet you back here after they finish the x-ray. Tell the technicians to page me at home when they have the completed film. You can bring it back with you.” She handed him a card with her home phone number on it.

* * * *

           Driving home to Aunt Serena and little Elisa, who was hopefully to be her new foster child, Cathy reviewed her day, a quite extraordinary day. Meeting the congenial policeman put a smile on her face. He was one handsome man and…Now was no time to be distracted by a good looking detective even if it was obvious he spent time working out. Policemen probably needed well developed muscles to help them catch criminals—and to keep themselves healthy. She, a new, and maybe temporary foster parent (she didn’t know yet) needed to keep her thoughts centered. No time for flirting with the local police.

She was still astounded by her impulsive offer this morning to take charge of a four year old orphan in need of a foster home. She almost gasped at her own temerity, but the thought of providing urgent shelter to the tiny girl-child pleased her.

Want to read more? You can find Angels Abound with Love at Amazon

 About the Author:

Although Angels Abound is generic religious fiction, the author is frankly Episcopalian, who is usually found pounding the keys deep in Regency Romance or Cozy Mysteries. She calls Western NY her home and the study of plants and flowers her avocation. You can connect with Janis at her Website