I consider myself a private person except when it comes to my writing life. I enjoy talking about whom and what inspires me along my rollercoaster journey as an author.
Looking back I find every novel I write contains pieces of me scattered throughout the pages. When asked for interviews most often I have to think about what to say to be true to myself. This interview with Reader’s House Magazine is one of those times. I hope you enjoy reading about my writing life. Thank you!
Spring is in the air and nature is showing off its splendor. We are celebrating with an eBook promotion for ONE: A Novel. The scenic Caribbean setting and the twisty plot will keep mystery thriller fans fascinated until the end. Grab your copy today for $1.99 (limited offer) ends 4-25.
One tells the story of an attorney who refuses to back down when seeking justice for her clients and answers to matters of the heart. Book 3, in the Sydney Jones Series, is a gripping thriller for fans of romantic murder mysteries.
Happy St. Paddy’s Day! Sláinte!” (Health!/Cheers!)
St. Patrick’s Day is March 17 with celebrations in Irish Pubs and restaurants across the United States. Many cities are promoting everything green from dyeing rivers and fountains to in years past, parades honoring the Irish.
History of Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick was born in 387 CE and grew up on the border of Scotland and England. At sixteen years old, he was taken to Ireland as a slave. He escaped when God spoke to him and said that a ship was waiting for him two hundred miles away. The ship took him back to his homeland. Later, he returned to Ireland as a missionary and played an important role in converting Irish inhabitants to Christianity. According to legend St. Patrick is credited with driving snakes out of Ireland.
St. Patrick died sometime between 461-493 CE. He is buried in Downpatrick, Ireland. He was never formally canonized, but Christians view him as a saint. There is one common thread across countries in the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day – the imbibing of “hard stuff.” The story goes that on one of the travels of St. Patrick, he was served less than a full measure of whiskey by an innkeeper. Seeing an opportunity to teach the value of generosity he informed the innkeeper that a demon fed on his dishonesty in the establishment’s cellar. And, that if he did not change his ways it would eventually be his demise. Fear of demons and decreased profits drove the innkeeper, to be honest in his pours.
Upon his return, the saint and innkeeper returned to the cellar where the demon was emaciated. Patrick banished the demon from the cellar. This initiated the custom “Pota Phadraig” or Patrick’s Pot also known as drowning the shamrock, (whiskey topped with a green clover).
A St. Paddy’s Day Recipe
This is a non-traditional recipe Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe from Chef Thomas Jones for those celebrating at home. Hope you enjoy it.
Non-traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage
For braising liquid
2 cups Chicken Stock
1 pkg Sazon Goya Seasoning or other salty seasonings
1 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp Sambal Oelek
3 cloves garlic, minced
In roasting pan
1 head of cabbage, quartered
1 Bermuda onion, julienned
5 Carrots, peeled and sliced on a bias
1 – 2 1/2 lb Brisket
Bring braising liquid to a boil in a sauce pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes then allow cooling.
In a good-sized roasting pan, layer cabbage, carrots, and onions.
Lay brisket on a bed of vegetables and add seasoning packet if there was one included in the package.
Pour over the cooled braising liquid.
Cover with a double layer of aluminum foil
Place in a moderate oven at 350 degrees. Check for tenderness in 2-2 1/2 hours. Bake longer, if necessary. If desired, potatoes may be added.
A simple definition for Valentine’s Day: A holiday for expressing love to the one you have an intense feeling of deep affection. This translates to one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, florists, and chocolate makers.
History of Valentine’s Day
The auspicious beginning of this holiday has been filtered through the ages. The lasting legacy is about Saint Valentine. It is the story of a romantic priest who defied Roman Emperor Claudius II’s order that all marriages and engagements be canceled so he could fill his army.
The ruler believed the difficulty in recruiting soldiers was because the men were married. When he discovered that Valentine was secretly marrying couples, he was beaten and put to death on February 14 (circa 270 A.D.). The priest was proclaimed Saint Valentine after his death.
Through the ages, Valentine’s Day celebrations have changed and some would argue its luster has been lost. Yet, love never fails. Share your love with someone special this Valentine’s Day.
This month is one of my favorites for it’s a reminder that love is in the air. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and that’s big for restaurants, florists, and jewelers. With the past year of being on edge, the world needs a moment to pause and reflect on the joy of love whether past or present.
You’ll notice in all my novels there’s romance sometimes good and other times bumpy. I can’t imagine writing a story that doesn’t include a romantic aspect. Think James Bond. The story is much better because of the backstory that often becomes center stage.
Beginning February 2nd – 9th, The Death of Me eBook will be available for $2.99. Read it, and enjoy the ups and downs of the romance of the new Italian heir. In the end, I believe you’ll be rooting for the next-generation godfather. I look forward to your reviews.
I am thrilled to learn that my latest novel, book 1 in the Legacy Series, The Death of Me is short-listed for the 2022 CLUE Book Awards for Thriller/Suspense Fiction.
The Awards are sponsored by the Chanticleer International Book Awards. The winners will be announced at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, April 29th, 2023, at the luxurious Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham, Wash.
Grab your copy today for a dive into Italian culture and the making of the next-generation godfather. I look forward to reading your reviews. Thank you!
I love November! Sure, it’s my birthday, but there’s more to it than that. Family gatherings with delicious-tasting food are high on my list of living a good life. November is a prime month for giving thanks for our good health, many blessings, and sharing time with friends and family.
As the clock ticks off, the time spiraling into a new year, I want to invite you to become a member of my ARC (Advance Readers Group). You’ll receive a PDF of my new novels before they’re published. Your feedback is welcomed and will play an important role in the final copy.
Joining this group is easy. Click the link below to learn more. The first ten people to signup will receive a Kindle version of my latest thriller: The Death of Me, book 1, Legacy Series.
November is a special month for me. I’ll be celebrating my birthday on the 6th. And, I want to gift you with a special offer on my latest Italian Mafia Thriller: The Death of Me!
Check out this Kindle Countdown
Order your eBook during this limited offer (November 2-6) and enjoy this romantic mystery-thriller. Tap the link below to read today! I can’t wait to hear from you!
Carolyn M. Bowen, Author 