"Cooking up a Mystery" with Author Gail Pallotta

It is a joy to welcome award-winning author Gail Pallotta to the "World". Gail is a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. She’s published six books, poems, short stories and several hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. She loves to connect with readers!

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To celebrate the release of Cooking up a Mystery, Gail’s giving away a Kindle copy of her teen novel, Stopped Cold, or a review copy of Cooking up a Mystery.

Stopped Cold was an Amazon Best Seller in Christian Teens and Young Adult Mysteries and Thrillers for one month and finished fourth in the 16th Annual Preditors and Editors Readers Poll.

So, Gail, please tell us a little about Cooking up a Mystery.

GP: It’s my second book about a woman entrepreneur. I wanted to write about women of faith who faced challenging situations and succeeded by putting their trust in God. In Cooking up a Mystery a woman without formal training grasps hold of an opportunity given to her by her mother and father. She not only pulls herself from the jaws of poverty, but turns a start-up tea house into a thriving business. And she does it while dealing with past pain and a criminal.

Tell us a little about the hero and heroine.

GP: Laney, the heroine, is so angry with her ex-husband, she’s doesn’t ever want another relationship. She put him through dental school instead of going to college herself. With her parents gone now and no education, her business is her only means of survival. Pre-occupied with making it succeed, she has no desire for a social life.

GP: Eric, the hero, is a college math professor. Still carrying the pain his father caused when he left Eric and his mother, he doesn’t want to end up in a marriage. People say he’s just like his father. He would never want to hurt anyone as much as the abandonment did him. For that reason, if a relationship gets too serious, he ends it.

Did you learn anything from writing this book?

GP: I learned a lot about commercial kitchen equipment and sanitary guidelines for restaurants. There are differing opinions on wearing gloves. Ideally, the cook would wear gloves, complete a task, remove the gloves and wash his or her hands. However, due to time issues, the cooks are more likely to wash their hands, the most important step, if they don’t wear gloves. Many say the chef should wear gloves when handling food already prepared and ready to serve. However, quite a few suggest not wearing gloves when mixing food or in any situation where the gloves can get pricked. If the gloves are damaged bacteria will spread. In such situations as mixing raw ingredients, it’s better for the cook to wash his or her hands the length of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” before starting the process. I believe now with the coronavirus scare, it’s preferable to sing “Happy Birthday” two times.

Book Blurb: Laney Eskridge worked to put her husband through dental school. Then he left with another woman. She's on edge from the emotional scars and her parents' deaths. Then she hears unexplained noises in her new tea house, and her anxiety is tripled. Add a budding romance with Eric—a guy with a fear of commitment—and it's all too much to handle. She cuts ties with Eric and plunges into making her business pay off.

When Eric discovers that Laney's in danger, he vows to protect her. But can he make a lasting promise? Will she trust him? . . .and when they overhear a threat that could cause national turmoil, will anyone believe them? There's more brewing than herbal tea in Cooking up a Mystery.

Sharing a brief excerpt:

Eric pointed at the picture of the man riding the huge tricycle. “Is that it?”

The sound of several pots clanking one right after the other drifted into the dining area. Did he not hear the racket? Laney opened her mouth to ask, but snapped it shut. The last thing she wanted to do was say she heard a commotion when there was none. Eric would think she had a bad psychological problem. She put her hand over her mouth. Did she? “Yes, but go ahead and eat your cookie.” She jumped at the sound of more bonks. She would’ve sworn someone ran into the trashcan in her kitchen, not out back. She gazed at Eric. He munched as though nothing distracted him. She had to ask. No! Thuds pounded the floor in the kitchen. Laney was sure of it. Eric had to have heard them. She opened her mouth.

“About the painting, I believe you said one of your customers gave it to you.”

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Buy Cooking up a Mystery on

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Cooking-up-Mystery-Gail-Pallotta-ebook/dp/B085LJMH5V/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Cooking+up+a+Mystery+by+gail+pallotta&qid=1584746377&s=books&sr=1-1

Barnes and Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cooking-up-a-mystery-gail-pallotta/1136612098?ean=9781522398806

Pelican Book Group - https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1468

Bio:

Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A 2013 Grace Awards finalist, she’s a Reader’s Favorite 2017 Book Award winner and a TopShelf 2020 Book Awards Nominee. She’s published six books, poems, short stories and several hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. She loves to connect with readers.

Please visit her on any of the following:

Website- https://gailpallotta.com

Blog - https://gailpallotta.blogspot.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsandMore

Thank you, Gail, for visiting and best of luck with your new release!

NEW!! "A Pleasant Rivalry" by Linda Weaver Clarke

                                        "A Pleasant Rivalry" NEW Willow Valley Romance                                                                              The Willow Valley Series, Book 3,  by Linda Weaver Clarke

Welcome, everyone! It is a joy to have Linda Weaver Clarke here to discuss her new book, "A Pleasant Rivalry". Readers, here is a special FREE treat for you from Linda: You will receive a free ebook if you agree to receive her newsletter. Just email her at lwc@lindaweaverclarke.com and she'll send you the ebook and sign you up!

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This new Historical Romance series is set in the 1800s. Each story has a mystery to solve
and each book is family friendly. I have released a new book in this series, which takes place
in 1839 in the United States. This was a time of turmoil for many, especially for those who
supported the abolitionist movement.

In A Pleasant Rivalry, Angelica Davis is surprised when she finds out that an old school chum
has returned to Willow Valley to take over his grandfather’s business. Since she writes
articles for the Chronicle and Simon Morgan owns the Willow Valley News, they just
happen to be rivals. The competition is on. Who will be the first to discover the identity of
the jewel thief or the arsonist? Will it be Angelica or Simon? Gradually the feelings she once
had for him return as they both search for the same stories. To her surprise, Angelica
realizes she is losing her heart to her rival.

“I loved this book!  It was a great historical read and full of surprises.  I totally didn't expect
what happened… to happen.  The time period was an interesting one and I love how the
author intertwines historical events into the story.  It was a new and refreshing tale.” –Sunnie
Reviews

You will learn about the Trail of Tears, the abolitionist movement that began in Illinois, the
refugees that were kicked out of Missouri, and you will fall in love all over again as you see
two classmates bond in A Pleasant Rivalry.

It has been thirteen years since Angelica saw her classmate. He left at the age of seventeen to
join the Navy. Now he’s back to run his grandfather’s newspaper business. With Simon
running the Willow Valley News and Angelica writing articles for the Chronicle, the
competition is on. Who will get the story first? Angelica or her rival?

“Watching the rivalry between these two will have you on the edge of your seat, waiting to
see what happens next. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I
could. Linda Weaver Clarke is an amazing author.” – Debbie Jamieson, Reviewer

Since this is book three in the series, you will meet a few of those from previous stories. You
will see Nicholas and Felicity from book one and Emmeline and Lucas from book two. They
were beloved characters that snuck back into this story and are even more enchanting. They
add a bit of spice to this story.

The first book in the Willow Valley series is One Last Dance. Felicity Brooks is an artist but
her career is cut short when her father passes away. When Felicity meets their new neighbor,
a fine-looking bachelor, she soon discovers that he is hiding his true identity. Nicholas
Adams is on a quest. But that is not all. When she finds out that someone is after a valuable
heirloom…a precious treasure that her father had discovered in his attic, her life takes a new
turn.

“One Last Dance is a historical romance with a mystery to add to the tale. Felicity has always
been a strong and independent woman. Amongst mystery, loss, paintings, and a career, she is
going to have to decide if love has a place in her heart.” --Author Anna Del C Dye

The second book in the Willow Valley series is Angel’s Serenade. Emmeline Scott is raising her
sister’s two children and is surprised when she finds out the new doctor in town is helping
her nephew adapt to his surroundings. It is not easy to be uprooted and have to start a new
life. As Emmeline gets to know the charming doctor, Lucas Golden, they become intrigued
by her neighbor’s mysterious behavior. Will they discover his secret? And who is the leader
of the River Pirates, who is causing so much havoc?

“Clarke has created a sweet romance that will warm the heart, and it’s wrapped up in
fascinating yesteryear details of courting, medical practice and river pirates. I highly
recommend the book to those who enjoy sweet romance with a bit of mystery.” –Author
Gail Pallotta

Here is a video link for you to dance to with One Last Dance:
https://vimeo.com/310912310

Linda’s Website: www.lindaweaverclarke.com

My Book Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

A Pleasant Rivalry is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z49N2LJ

Angel’s Serenade is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RV79LDN

One Last Dance is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GVNWSP9

About Author:
Linda Weaver Clarke was raised among the Rocky Mountains of southern Idaho and now
lives among the red hills of southern Utah. She is the author of Historical Romance, Cozy
Mysteries, Swashbuckling Romance, a Children’s Book, and Nonfiction. Linda teaches a
class about writing your family history that is free to the public at the Family Search Center
in Southern Utah. She is also a missionary at the Family Search Center where she helps
people find their ancestors and learn about their heritage.

Travel Blogger Bob Boutin and a Friend Visit Rhode Island's Gorge

Today we have the experienced travel blogger Bob Boutin sharing a great visit to the Blackstone Gorge in North Smithfield, RI! Welcome, Bob!

Rhode Island’s Gorge

If you’re a New Englander, then there’s a good chance that when you hear the word “gorge,”
you think of the northern New England states or western Massachusetts. Rhode Island
probably didn’t come to mind. However, tucked away in North Smithfield, RI right near
the Massachusetts border is the Blackstone Gorge.

T
The Rolling (or Roaring) Dam

At first, we thought it was just a waterfall. But come to find out, it’s more than that. This park
area crosses the Rhode Island/Massachusetts line, and the area is managed by both states.
I thought it was nice seeing both states getting along and working together, especially after
how Massachusetts treated Roger Williams.

Turns out that what we thought was a waterfall was really a dam. The Rolling Dam was c
reated in in 1886 so that the Blackstone Manufacturing Company could have water power
for the mills. The nearby Blackstone Gorge made it difficult to build anything near the dam,
so the company built their mills about a half mile downstream.

Entering the Blackstone Gorge

You really have to look for the entrance to the Blackstone Gorge. It’s well-hidden at the corner
of two side streets. There’s a parking lot that has room for about 20 cars. As we left the car,
we could already hear the dam, which was only a short walk away.

On the way, Benny noticed this colorful sign. What a great idea! We’ve seen other people
posting pictures of colored rocks on social media, but this was the first time we saw a setup
like this in person. He wanted to take all of the blue rocks. I know he can read the sign and
knew he was only supposed to take one; he was just seeing what he could get away with.
I made sure he ended up taking only one.

Benny wanted to take all of the rocks. I told him “one and done!”

An older woman holding paddles passed us. “I’m going to die today!” she said exasperatedly,
whose sentiment was the exact opposite of the Kindness Rocks Project.

“Why?” I asked, not sure if I really wanted to get into this type of conversation at the moment.

“Look!” she said, pointing to two kayaks and an older man. “Look how close we’re going to
be to the falls!”

Small park area near the dam. The boat launch is out of view to the right.

I could see why she was a bit nervous. The boat launch was literally right next to the falls.
And when I say literally, I mean within thirty feet. With the roaring of the powerful water
dropping over hard, unforgiving rocks, I would have been a bit hesitant to go kayaking
there too. But there was someone else further down kayaking, and it looked like he was fine.
I pointed him out to her, and told her so. It did little to alleviate her fears. She continued
walking to two kayaks near the boat ramp.

If you’re interested in kayaking up the Blackstone River from this spot, you should check
out the Blackstone River and Canal Guide.

boat launch

If it weren’t for this dam sign, Benny would have jumped right into the water.

Views of the dam

It’s easy to get a good, close look at the dam. The best way is to go to the left of the park
area, or wrap around a short path and view the falls from a few yards downstream. If you
choose to go on the rocks, be aware that they can be a bit slippery when wet. The water’s
roar is loud enough to drown out your voice, so keep that in mind if you have inquisitive
family members or pets.

Down the short path, there’s a rock you can sit on to take your perfect picture.

 

The trail down the river to the gorge

At this point, you may be wondering, “Where’s the gorge? You were supposed to tell me
where the Blackstone Gorge is!”

You’re right. After admiring the dam, you can take trail that follows the river. A few yards
down the path, you’ll cross state lines and enter Rhode Island. There are no signs that you’re
crossing state lines; you’ll have to trust me (and Google Maps). The trail isn’t too wide; you’ll
have to walk one-by-one. Parts of it are a bit rocky and there are roots in some places, so be
careful.

Parts of the path are a bit rocky.

These precautions are a small price to pay for the beauty and seclusion that you’ll experience.
Within a few minutes, you’ll forget that you’re in southern New England; you’ll think you’re
somewhere in New Hampshire or Vermont.

Parents beware: If you’re hiking with the young ones, keep an eye on them. It’s a cool
and interesting place to explore, but at places there’s a steep drop of at least 50, 60,
or 70 feet. (I’m guesstimating. It’s high. Very high.)

Benny looking over the edge. The black void is the river. 

If you enjoyed reading about the Blackstone Gorge, please share this post by using the
social media icons on the top and bottom of the article. Thanks!

If you like walking along rivers, you may also be interested in The Quequechan River Rail Trail.

About me:

I’m southern New England through and through: I was born and raised in Fall River,
went to school in Worcester, lived in East Providence for a while, and now I live near Cape Cod.
I love coffee milk, Coney Island sauce, and clamcakes and chowder.
My wife Christina is from Cranston,
and she’s been my West Bay Rhode Island tour guide ever since we started dating.

While I’ll go anywhere in the world (I can’t say no to a good adventure), I especially love
exploring the New England region and sharing what I’ve discovered with anyone who’ll listen.
I’ve been managing and writing my own blog, www.yourtravelcap.com, for about a year now,
and one of the great things about my passion project is that it encourages me to find new
and interesting places to write about. Just having the blog in itself has encouraged me to
discover more about my own region! In an effort to learn about my immediate area, I’ve
recently begun the Things to do in MA and RI Facebook group. 

As you can see from the above post, I’ve been traveling a bit with Benny. My Del’s-loving
bear also likes adventure, but sometimes he can be a bit mischievous.
He keeps me on my toes.
We’d love to have you come along on our (mostly) New England adventures.
Why not subscribe so you never miss a post? Of course, you’re always welcome to visit
our Facebook page. If you know of someone who would love to discover New England with us,
feel free to send along these links. 

Thank you, Regina, for inviting me on your page. I look forward to visiting again!

Two Historical Romances, Each With a Mystery to Solve! Welcome, Author Linda Weaver Clarke!

Welcome, Author Linda Weaver Clarke! 

A Willow Valley Historical Romance

Angel’s Serenade is a Historical Romance with a mystery to solve. This story is set in 1836 in the United States. You will learn about the infamous River Pirates, the remedies for illnesses of that time period, the effects that music has on a person, and you will fall in love all over again.

Emmeline Scott is raising her sister’s two children and is surprised when she finds out the new doctor in town is helping her nephew adapt to his surroundings. As Emmeline gets to know the charming doctor, they become intrigued by her neighbor’s mysterious behavior. Will they discover his secret? And who is the leader of the River Pirates, who is causing so much havoc?

“This book, combining children, doctors and music with a little bit of a mysterious pirate gang, is a lovely way to relax and enjoy positivity! Ms. Clarke has a gift for writing homey dialogue, and a deep understanding of children’s needs and feelings – all combined into a developing love story in the not-so-long-ago past. All of this results in an enjoyable read.” –Author Sherrill Cannon

When Emmeline is given the responsibility of raising her sister’s children, she finds out that it is not as easy as she thought. The children have a difficult time adapting to their new surroundings. Would giving them an education and all her love be enough? After her nephew meets the good doctor, Emmeline wonders why Sam is so drawn to him? When Doctor Lucas Golden finds out that he’s being picked on at school, he wants to help young Sam but his advice is unusual and Emmeline is not happy about his interference.

“Clarke has created a sweet romance that will warm the heart, and it’s wrapped up in fascinating yesteryear details of courting, medical practice and river pirates. I highly recommend the book to those who enjoy sweet romance with a bit of mystery.” –Author Gail Pallotta

Emmeline Scott is an accomplished pianist and teaches piano to young students. Every day at five o’clock, after her last student is gone, she sits down at the piano and plays her favorite pieces. Unbeknown to Emmeline, the new doctor across the street sits outside on his porch and listens to her play. Lucas closes his practice at 5:00 and looks forward to being serenaded. It relaxes him after a long day at work. They haven’t been introduced, but he has dubbed her “Angel Lady” because of her music.

How about the mystery surrounding this story? Emmeline is worried about her neighbor. Why is Mr. Miller acting suspicious and meeting with disagreeable men in private? Is her neighbor harboring a secret, which may prevent him from winning the election? Is it possible that Emmeline can help or is it best to not get involved?

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The first book in the Willow Valley Historical Romances is One Last Dance. In this story, Felicity Brooks is an artist but her career is cut short when her father passes away. When Felicity meets their new neighbor, a fine-looking bachelor, she soon discovers that he is hiding his true identity. Nicholas Adams is on a quest. But that is not all. When she finds out that someone is after a valuable heirloom…a precious treasure that her father had discovered in his attic, her life takes a new turn.

“One Last Dance is a historical romance with a mystery to add to the tale. Felicity has always been a strong and independent woman. Amongst mystery, loss, paintings, and a career, she is going to have to decide if love has a place in her heart.” --Author Anna Del C Dye

Linda’s Website: www.lindaweaverclarke.com

Angel’s Serenade is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Angels-Serenade-Willow-Historical-Romance-ebook/dp/B07RV79LDN

One Last Dance is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Willow-Valley-Historical-Romance-ebook/dp/B07GVNWSP9

Here is a Video link for One Last Dance:

https://vimeo.com/310912310

                                                        About Linda Weaver Clarke

Linda Weaver Clarke was raised among the Rocky Mountains of southern Idaho and now lives among the red hills of southern Utah. She is the author of Historical Romance, Mystery Suspense, Cozy Mysteries, Swashbuckling/Adventure Romance, a Children’s Book, and Nonfiction. Linda teaches a class about writing your family history that is free to the public at the Family Search Center in St. George, Utah. She is also a missionary at the Family Search Center where she helps people find their ancestors so they can learn about their heritage. To learn more, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com.

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Linda has graciously offered to give away both books to the person who wins the drawing at the end of her visit. So be sure and leave a comment to be eligible! Thank you, Linda!