Debra Sennefelder

Let There Be Spring in Autumn

The first week of November has wrapped up and it definitely was memorable. I chose to focus on the fact that I had the whole week off from writing and that for a string of days we had glorious, spring like weather. I’ve always looked for the good, the bright side of things and in 2020 that has become even more important to do, so when this week happened, I was easily able to regroup and find the bright spots in the week. Here are some of them.

The monthly message in my planner is a great reminder. I am thankful. I am grateful. And I am hopeful. There is a lot that I can’t control but I can control how I react to those situations.

On November 2nd, I turned in my manuscript to my editor. The fifth Food Blogger book is officially on its way to being published. I don’t yet have a publication date but I did get a sneak peek at its cover and it’s beautiful. I can’t wait to share it with you. To celebrate turning in my manuscript, I’ve taken this week off from writing. The first few days felt weird because I wasn’t writing or editing. But by day three, I was embracing the break from the page. And as I write this post, I’m looking forward to Monday and getting back to BEAUTY AND THE DECEASED, the fourth book in the Resale Boutique Mystery series.

Of course, I have to share this photo of Connie from Halloween. She’s such a cute pumpkin! She was out to greet the neighborhood kids as they came to trick or treat. The day before there was snow (not much, but still…it was snow) and luckily for Halloween the weather turned around and it was a brisk but beautiful day. Perfect for the little goblins.

Like me, Connie also enjoyed a leisurely week. She had her day of beauty aka grooming appointment. She came home with flowers in her hair and a new haircut. She also came home tired and hungry.

Connie’s week wrapped up with a play date with her BFF, Maura. It was a beautiful day with temps in the 70s, so the play date was extended to two hours. Connie took a little break but Maura had a different idea. Getting the photo of Maura in action was pure luck.

Even though I wasn’t writing this week, I did have work to do and on my list was to begin recipe testing for Food Blogger #5. I typically make each recipe that will be included in the book one more time before I send them off to my editor after I complete the line edits in early December. This baking session was for chocolate chip scones. OMG. So good. They’re one of my favorite scone recipes. The other that is a staple in my recipe repertoire is the recipe for White Chocolate Scones.

And wrapping up the week, I spent most of yesterday outdoors tidying up before winter finally does arrive. The weather was gorgeous and Connie was with me, though she spent most of her time on the chaise lounge while I worked. Seems about right, doesn’t it? LOL. I didn’t snap any photos but it was mostly a cleanup of leaves on the patio and clearing out of the planters. Not very exciting like baking scones.

I hope you’re having a wonderful Sunday and that this coming week is a great one for you!

Deb

Resale Boutique Mysteries

SILENCED IN SEQUINS Gets A Shout-Out

Happy November!

While I’m happy to be starting a new month, it’s always a little sad to say goodbye to October. It’s the month where all things pumpkin spice bloom. From coffees to muffins to decorations, pumpkin is everywhere. It’s also the month when a quilt of autumnal color stretches for as far as the eye can see. But, October is now October in the rear view mirror and a month of gratitude is here for us to enjoy. It’s also the time of the year Best Of lists begin to pop up. And this is where SILENCED IN SEQUINS, book 2 in the Resale Boutique Mystery series gets a shout-out.

SILENCED IN SEQUINS was named one of the best cozy mysteries for 2020 by The Book Decoder.

I’m honored and thrilled that this book was included with so many other amazing books. When I had to write the short summary for my editor about the book, I knew I wanted it to revolve around the holiday season and I wanted to include a story line about reality television. I’ve been a fan of the Real Housewives franchise for several years and in SILENCED IN SEQUINS I got to create my own housewives reality show – Ladies of Long Island. Creating the characters who appeared on the LIL was a hoot as was writing their rivalries. Big drama, big money and big secrets! And it all starts with a beautiful sequin gown that was consigned by a recently fired housewife. Kelly is juggling all the responsibilities that come from running her consignment boutique while her uncle’s wife is vying for an open slot on LIL.

What are some your favorite books from this year?

Food Blogger Mysteries, New Releases

THE CORPSE WHO KNEW TOO MUCH Is Now Available & Blog Tour Info

On Tuesday, September 29th THE CORPSE WHO KNEW TOO MUCH was released. It’s the fourth book in the Food Blogger Mystery series and Hope is pulled into a cold case thanks to the return of a friend from high school who has produces a true crime podcast. Devon Markham is determined to use her platform to find out what happened to her mother twenty years ago. Joyce Markham was last seen at her home after sending her husband and children off in the morning. She missed a brunch date with an old friend, which was unlike her. It seemed as if Joyce had simply vanished. Now, Devon wants answers and when she disappears like her mother, Hope has no choice but to get involved and help find the truth of what happened to both women.

I’m going to be celebrating the release all month long with a blog tour and I hope you’ll find some time in your day to visit some of the blogs I’ll be featured on. We’re also doing a gift card giveaway, so be sure to check that out. For all the info on the tour please visit the Silver Daggers website for dates and blogs. Below you’ll find the blogs I’ll be at for this week.

Reads

How To Read in the Fall Featuring Wine and Punishment by Sarah Fox

Autumn has always been my most favorite season. When I was little, I looked forward to back-to-school shopping (I loved getting a new school bag) and I was so excited about the new TV season (remember when shows only had one season?). Then as I got older, I started getting excited about all the new fall fashions (bring on the sweaters!) and then as I became a baker I dreamed all summer of all the pumpkin things I bake (there’s never enough pumpkin spice). The one thing I’ve enjoyed throughout my life has been reading and reading in the fall has always been special. There’s just something about the cool weather, shorter days and cozying up with a good book.

This year I’m truly looking to escape more into fictional worlds whenever I have the chance. And leading my fall reading list is WINE AND PUNISHMENT by Sarah Fox.

In the first in an engaging new mystery series from USA Today bestselling author Sarah Fox, the owner of a charming literary pub finds her fresh start on the rocks thanks to a case of murder.

Booklover Sadie Coleman knows that in life, as in fiction, the right setting can make a world of difference. The small town of Shady Creek, Vermont, seems like the perfect place to start over after losing her Boston job to a merger and her relationship to her ex’s gambling addiction. She’s bought and redecorated the old grist mill pub, transforming the Inkwell into a cozy spot where tourists and regulars alike can enjoy a pint or a literary-themed cocktail, or join one of several book clubs.

Little by little, Sadie is adjusting to the rhythms of her new home. Fall in Shady Creek is bookmarked by the much-anticipated Autumn Festival, complete with a pumpkin catapult competition and pie bake-off. Unfortunately, the season also brings an unwelcome visitor—Sadie’s ex, Eric, who’s angling for a second chance . . .

Before Sadie can tell Eric to leave, he’s found dead near the Inkwell. When the local antique shop catches fire on the same night, it’s clear the town is harboring at least one unsavory character. Now, with her Aunt Gilda, her friend Shontelle, and the pub’s patrons all in the mix, Sadie must uncover the truth . . . before a killer declares last call.

Now, doesn’t that sound like a perfect fallish, cozy read? And since the story revolves around a pub, maybe instead of a cup of tea or coffee, a hot toddy might be considered. Just a thought. Here are some other ideas for reading in the fall.

Take it outside.

The crisp days are perfect for us to take our reading outdoors. I love the sound of crunching leaves as squirrels scamper throughout the yard with their nuts. Sure, they’ll a little distracting but it’s okay.

Curl up with a cozy in a comfy chair.

When the weather is too stormy or you can’t get to your reading until later in the night, a perfect spot to curl up with a book is in a comfortable chair. Because of the shift in dynamics within my household, I’ve rediscovered my beloved winged-back chair with ottoman in the family room. Before this month, I honestly can’t recall the last time I settled there to read. Now, you’ll find me there in the evenings after dinner.

Books and sweaters.

Nothing says cozy like a big, chunky sweater and a good book in my hands. When I take my reading outside to the patio, I’ll have on a warm sweater. Whether it’s a pullover or my Aran cardigan, I’ll be toasty and entertained. A perfect combo.

Reading in bed.

Once the weather starts turning cold, I find myself wanting to read more in bed before I go to sleep. Snuggled under my covers and my head resting against fluffy pillows is so appealing on cooler nights.

Books and snacks.

As fall sweeps in, I’m excited that I can leisurely sip a hot cup of tea as I read. I also love knowing that I can bake a treat, like cookies or brownies or pies. Not only will I have a snack while I read, my home smells so amazing!

I hope you found some inspiration here today for your fall reading. I’d love to know where your favorite spot is to read.

Food Blogger Mystery Series

THREE WIDOWS AND A CORPSE is on sale!

The sales keep coming! Today and tomorrow (9/10/20) THREE WIDOWS AND A CORPSE ebook is on sale for only $0.99. Talk about a deal. 🙂

What people are saying about THREE WIDOWS AND A CORPSE.

Emotionally charged and full of shady connections, this is a book about moving forward and dealing with life’s difficult situations head-on . . . You may want to read this book while waiting for a few of the delicious recipes included to bake up.

~Laura’s Interests

Food blogger Hope Early finds one item not on her scavenger hunt list—a dead husband . . .

Between developing her food blog, Hope at Home, and choosing low-cal recipes for a feature in Cooking Now! magazine, Hope has a full plate. Still, she’s never too busy to compete in a Jefferson, Connecticut, tradition—the town’s annual scavenger hunt.

But as she races with her team to check off the next item, Hope discovers a grisly surprise—the body of shady real estate developer Lionel Whitcomb, shot in a parking lot. His wife Elaine, who’s also in the hunt, gasps and nearly faints. But two other women on the scene cry out that their husband is dead.

It turns out this louse of a spouse was more than a little lax in legally divorcing his former wives. Did one of them put a bullet in the bigamist? Number one suspect and number three wife Elaine begs Hope to investigate. Now Hope is on a new kind of hunt—for a cold-hearted killer and triple widow-maker . . .

Includes Recipes from Hope’s Kitchen!

AVAILABLE AT YOUR FAVORITE E-BOOK RETAILER.