Sunday, February 1, 2015

Welcome our guest, Elizabeth Lee + book giveaway



Welcome our guest, Elizabeth Lee!


Check out Elizabeth's giveaway below!

From Elizabeth Lee (a.k.a. Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli)

            SNOOP TO NUTS, the second in my Nut House Series from Berkley, finds Lindy Blanchard and her grandmother, Miss Amelia, in hot water all over again.  Miss Amelia, the best cook and baker in Riverville, Texas, gets voted right out of the running at the county fair.  Not only doesn’t Miss Amelia win a prize for her Texas Caviar—known far and wide as the best dish to come out of Riverville ever—but her dish unfortunately poisons the new parson in town.
            That’s only the beginning of Miss Amelia’s troubles.  She could be going to jail while the townspeople divide up in their loyalties.  All of this leaves Lindy and her boyfriend, Hunter, a deputy with the Riverville Police Department, to wade through the town’s characters—like Morton and Susie Q from The Barking Coyote Saloon, Cecil Darling, the snobby Englishman at The Squirrel Diner, and Miss Amelia’s testy friend, Ethelred Tomroy—who each has their own theory about what’s happening in town.
            When the church people get involved and Lindy and Hunter go off to Tupelo checking out leads to a killer, the killings widen and endanger all the Blanchards.
            The thing with the Blanchard family is that they’ve been around a long time.  Maybe they’re pretty well off now—what with the pecan farm and the Nut House pecan shop in town—but they’re old fashioned enough to stand by their friends, their relatives, and especially their Meemaw, Miss Amelia.  It’s a tough time for Blanchards, but they know how to handle a murder here and there.
            The thing I like best about writing these books is letting the relationship between Lindy, in her late twenties, and Miss Amelia, in her seventies, blossom.  These two women learn how much alike they are, and learn to get around the generational separation.  There is a lot of love between them, and deep respect, all the while they have fun together. 
            As a grandmother, myself, I’ve always thought older women got short shrift: sitting in their rocking chairs and knitting, patting people on the head, dithering when asked what they think.  Miss Amelia’s not like that.  She can mix it up with the best of’em; bake pecan breads; stock the Nut House profitably, take care of friends, see to the whole family of Blanchards and still track down killers who dare to hurt the town and the people she loves.  Maybe Miss Amelia isn’t Super Nanny, but she comes closer to the older women I know than any other sleuth I’ve followed.
            After the killers are safely put away, Miss Amelia throws a Nut House party, serving dishes she’s renamed for the occasion—all tongue in cheek.  Here’s that Texas Caviar of hers, christened with a name that suits the occasion:

                         SOCRATES’ FAVORITE TEXAS CAVIAR

We all know what happened to poor Socrates and the hemlock.  Miss Amelia thinks a good dose of her caviar would have saved the man and got a lot more thinking done.



 SOCRATES’ FAVORITE TEXAS CAVIAR

2 (16 ounce) cans Black-eyed Peas, drained
1 (15 ounce) can diced Tomatoes, drained
2 fresh medium Jalapenos, stemmed, seeded, and minced
1 small Onion, diced
½ Yellow Bell Pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced
¼ cup chopped fresh Cilantro
6 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
6 tbsp Olive Oil
½ tsp Salt
½ tsp Pepper
½ tsp Garlic Powder
1½ tsp Cumin
2 cps finely chopped Pecans
1/4 cp Garrison Brothers Straight Texas Bourbon

Mix all ingredients, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.  Before serving, adjust seasonings to taste.  Serve with taco chips, crackers, or toast rounds.  DO NOT LEAVE THE BOWL SITTING AROUND IF YOU’VE GOT MURDEROUS RELATIVES!

You can double or triple the recipe, depending on the size of your crowd and how hefty the appetites.




Giveaway: Today, I'm giving away a copy of Snoop to Nuts to one lucky commenter. See the word "comments" below? Click it! Remember to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. Now tell me, what older woman do you admire?

Elizabeth Lee, (pseudonym for Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli) lives far back in the woods where nobody can find her unless they call first and she decides to answer.  Mostly her life is about deer and fox and bear and raccoons—oh my!  Part of her life is about a bunch of kids—she thinks the number’s up to nineteen as of now—that’s original kids and then grandkids.  She writes murder mysteries because it’s a great way to let off steam.  Get mad at a clerk in McDonald’s?  Ooops, do her in in the next book.  You’d never know she’s sweet as sugar most of the time.  Just watch your back if you get invited to visit.  Even her husband, Tony, is nervous—with all those books on poisons and guns and forensics sitting on their bookshelves.

Find and follow Elizabeth on Facebook and on Twitter.

              

97 comments:

  1. The recipe sounds delicious! Thank you for this chance to win! I admire my mom. She's always there for me and does so much for me. My mom is my hero! areewekidding@yahoo.com

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  2. The Nut House Series is new for me, and I am looking forward to reading the books. Thank you for the recipe and the giveaway.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. I admire my mom, and my good friend Marti. They are both excellent role models for me !

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  4. This book sounds great! I admire my mom. She is just the best.
    Dnrocker@yahoo.con

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  5. I admire my aunt; survivor of cancer and a strong woman.
    jslbrown2009(at)aol(dot)com

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  6. Mom, of course! Even if she didn't agree with me I always had her support.
    nmpianoforte@hotmail.com

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  7. My mom, of course. She is a strong, amazing woman who always gives me her love and support. She is a breast cancer survivor, who at 89 is still trying (and succeeding at) new activities!!!
    sharonquilts(at) yahoo(dot)com

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  8. Wow--everybody's Mom! What else did i expect? We just got a new grandbaby on Friday--I don't only admire her--I love her like mad! So beautiful--but aren't they all?

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  9. Elizabeth, I loved the first Nut House mystery, and look forward to reading this one!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Linda. I appreciate that. Another one will be out by the end of the year.

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  10. All of the older women out there who consider their age to be just a number. I really enjoyed the first book in the series and look forward to this installment.
    dmskrug3 at hotmail dot com

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  11. I've never read this series before, but it looks excellent and I'm always looking for new books!
    The older woman I admire most is my old art teacher. Her name is Joycelyn, and she lived alone in the woods, did all her own yard work, took care of all the surrounding animals, and was generally an incredible inspiration.
    gabrycrivee@gmail.com

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  12. I've only ever had my black eyed peas by themselves. This makes them so fancy.
    Your book sounds terrific. I'd love to read it.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  13. Not sure what is worse, losing the contest or poisoning the parson! This sounds like a great series I have somehow missed, full of quirky characters. My mother was quite the character. When my first daughter was born she told her/us "Just so you don't get your grandmas confused you can call me Pretty Grandma." I wouldn't mind being like her or Miss Amelia with a little spunk. When my grandkids and great-grandkids say "You're funny, Grandma" I take that as a compliment. Thanks for the giveaway.
    sallycootie@gmail.com

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  14. I want to try this recipe. There are two women I admire. My mom and my grandmother. Both have been an inspiration. My mom-mom (which is what we call her) is 97. She is in an independent living apartment however for the last three month in rehab because she can not get rid of this virus. She is still going and refuses to give up. You can't help but love her spunk and zest for life. She said to me the other day.. I will beat this c-diff if it kills me... I told her thankfully it has not yet and her reply was... let it try I will win. busymother@gmail.com

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  15. Welcome to Mystery Lovers Kitchen, Elizabeth! I love black-eyed peas. But with nuts and bourbon? Yeehaw! This I *have* to try. Your book sounds delightful. Best of luck with it!

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    1. I am so humbled by all of you fabulous women--cooks, kind people, who love all these strong, older women. Hope you all like the books--another is coming out next winter: NUTS AND BURIED. MORE with Miss Amelia and all those friendly people in Riverville, TX.

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  16. I have never had black eyed peas..this looks like a must try! And the book looks like a must read!!

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  17. My mother. I miss her.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

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    1. Oh, Karen. Me Too. But I talk to her everyday, even if she's only inside my head. I always know what she would say in any given situation.

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  18. Azelgert@gmail.com love to read this new series I also admire my mom thanks for the opportunity

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  19. I sent a copy of the recipe to my older daughter. She's interested in always trying new things. I love the title of the book and would enjoy winning it and adding it to my growing (1823 and growing) library.

    NoraAdrienne AT gmail DOT com

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  20. Sounds like a winning Super Bowl recipe. The book sounds like a winner too.
    Benglish@whro.net

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  21. The older woman I would admire would definitely be my Mother. At age 93, she isn't able to get around much. She lives in assisted living now with her younger sister, age 89. At age 13, she to take over the duties of the house and raise her younger sister, as her Mother passed away. She's worked hard all her life, working on the farm with my Father, raising chickens, having a big garden etc. dbahn@iw.net

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  22. Looking forward to reading this. I discovered Texas Caviar this past summer when my mom (the older woman I most admire, but don't tell her I called her older!) made it, and this recipe looks even tastier than her delicious version. Thanks for sharing it! amp67@mchsi.com

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  23. Elizabeth, so glad you joined us today!! The caviar looks amazing; so does your series! Enjoy the crowd of readers.

    Daryl / Avery

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  24. I've got to try this recipe---it looks tasty and healthy both. Thanks for the contest.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  25. I'm getting to be in the older category myself. I guess the person I'm closest to is my neighbor. She's more than ten years older and in much better shape. suefoster109@netzero.net

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  26. My mother who I miss every single day. Selfless and devoted. Thanks for this great recipe and feature. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  27. My Aunt Pat was my favorite relative all my life. I miss her terribly. lkleback@hotmail.com

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  28. I admire a former colleague of mine. Since her retirement she has been volunteering at a soup kitchen, takes classes to learn Italian, and travels. And she still has time for her family and friends. I want to be just like her! cindy226@gmail.com

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  29. I admire a woman whom I befriended 20 years ago. Always smiling, positive and special. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  30. She was my grandmother who died 2 years ago at 100 . That day she called me and said she wouldn't be home her and grandpa were walking over to Mcdonalds to have dinner and they didn't want me to worry that no one ans the phone when I called at my usual time . She slipped in the school year hit her head. She was the one who when I was 15 got me out of my foster home and was a mother to me forever after. I called her everynight at 9 my time and just said goodnight and reminded her to say her prayers that was a little joke between her and I . I wish I could of been the woman like she was everyone who worked for her loved her they would call her at night and just talk the phone rang a lot when she was working . ptclayton2@aol.com

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    1. Beautiful women--and you, too/ Lucky you found each other.

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  31. I'm going to pick up the first book of this series because it sounds great! I'm admiring Mary Berry on the Great British Bake Off today. She's 79 and a new teevee star! sandysheley AT gmail dot com

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  32. In college I met her as my employer but then she became My mentor and now she's a big part of my life. I have known her for 24 years. Zeta@iwon.com

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  33. Recipe looks yummy! Need to bump this series up on my tbr list. I've always looked up to & admired my grandmother. I have her to thank for my love of reading and so many other things. She was always there for me. Hard to believe she has been gone for almost 14 years. I miss her & cherish her memory everyday. Thank you for the giveaway. Would love to win!
    Scouts579 (at) aol (dot) com

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  34. I haven't heard of this series but it sounds like an enjoyable read. I always loved, admired and respected my Grandma and Mom. They were women of faith who helped shape me to be the Mother, Grandma, friend, employee etc woman that I am today. They loved and supported me through good times and bad. servedogmom@yahoo.com

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  35. I admire my neighbor who is 90 and so so active. It's such a great role model to know when we get older we don't have to just sit on the couch. I'd love to win the book. kphans08@gmail.com

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  36. I admire any older woman that has taken a bashing in life and still gets back up with a smile on their face. I've been lucky to meet quite a few and I look to them as role models.
    The recipe sounds yummy, I have got to try this, and thanks for the chance to win.
    momzillasteel at gmail dot com

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  37. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  38. Sounds like a fun series! Not to sure about the recipe as few in my family like black-eyed peas.

    Tennisace50 @ yahoo dot com

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  39. My Mom and various bible study leaders.

    littleone AT Shaw DOT ca

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  40. Being a Texas girl, born and breed I would love to read this series.
    Pamela Jo
    Theresjustlife(at)gmail(dot)com

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  41. My grandmother was a "Proper" Southern lady. Never wore pants. Was never refereed to my her first name. Worked and lived in her own apartment until she died.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  42. My aunt, who is my spiritual mother/mentor. She and her prayer partner faithfully pray for our family members each week. In spite of challenges she has faced, especially in recent years, she is an example of unconditional love and faith. Not to discount my mother - who at 86 still lives in her home and has also endured many challenges, including this prodigal child! jeaniedannheim (at) ymail (dot) com

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  43. Hope I win a copy of snoop to nuts. rachaelabrams 317@gmail.com

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  44. I haven't had a chance to read this series yet.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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  45. Hope I win a copy. Always love starting a new series. The title is great!

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  46. forgot to leave my address - too excited I guess. bobntoni@aol.com

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  47. I am looking forward to reading this new series. spedmiller@aol.com

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  48. Welcome, Elizabeth, so great to have you here! Thanks for sharing everything - your recipe, your writing, and yourself. (LOL on the McDonald's rude clerk solution!) ~ Cleo

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  49. Although she died before I was born, I've always admired my maternal great-grandmother. Her strength has been passed down to all the women in the family.
    dotkel50 at comcast dot net

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  50. I admire my grandmother she was a very strong woman. I'll always miss her , but she remains in NY heart. I look forward to reading your book. Dinolady22@yahoo.com

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  51. Oh, this looks so incredibly interesting. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ozsulin@dwx.com

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  52. I've always admired my mom. She took care of us 5 kids & the house, always had food on the table & clothes on our bodies. This Texas Caviar sounds delicious!! I'd love to read SNOOP TO NUTS! Thanks for sharing with us Elizabeth & Daryl!
    Robin in NC rw620 at aol dot com

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  53. Love the cover. Missed the first book in this series, but it sounds like a good read. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. kuzlin at aol.com

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  54. Stevie Nicks has had my admiration for 30 years. She has stayed true to who she is...no fads or trends for her!

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  55. I admire the women in my family.

    jenne.turner@unt.edu

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  56. Sounds like a series I would love!!! ritabeat60@aol.com

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  57. that looks amazing!!! must try!!!
    I most admire my Mom.....she is simply amazing & shocks me every day!!!
    thank you for the giveaway!!

    cyn209 at juno dot com

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  58. What fun! I love nuts and visited a pecan farm when I lived in Texas. There are a lot of older women that I admire-Dame Judi Dench and my Aunt Jean are just two. My Aunt Jean was my maternal grandmother's youngest sister and always was independent and did her own thing-just like me. She's also a big mystery fan.

    cozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com.

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  59. I admired my grandmother so much. As far as I'm concerned she knew EVERYTHING!!
    Lauigl [at] carolina [dot] rr [dot] com

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  60. I admire Diane Keaton for foregoing plastic surgery and aging naturally.

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    1. reneejr@earthlink.net

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    2. I didn't even know that, but she looks great.

      Yes, I am very tired of all those silly-looking, plastic, unlined faces out there on women my age.

      Thanks for mentioning that. She's awesome!!

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  61. I can't believe what special women come on here! I wish there was a place we could all stand up and yell out about the women who led us and made us what we are. My mother married at 15, baby at 15, her mother died of cancer in her house when my mom was 16. Turned into a wonderful musician, honored by the state musician's league on her death.

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  62. My grandmothers were the strongest women I've ever known. Tcuevas@iccable.com

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  63. My Mom is a class act in any age and she's the older woman I most admire, along with my late, precious grandmother! Love the recipe and the clever series title!! Thanks for the giveaway!!
    oh_bother88@hotmail.com

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  64. I admire all older women! (I'm quickly becoming one of them) Age is just a number and as long as we live out loud and keep busy we are as young as we want to be!

    This is a new to me series that I'm excited to start reading. Thanks for the info!

    sandie.white@live.com

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    1. Yes, WTG, Sandie. Thanks for this. I try to live out loud and keep busy, and I'm happy that you appreciate that.

      :-)

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  65. I have been waiting for this ever since I finished the 1st one. I can't wait to read it and get to know the characters all over again. Especially those two cantankerous sisters. My kind of gal.

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  66. At my age, it's harder finding older women to look up to. I have a few. My mother was an example to me growing up. She lost her first fiancie at Pearl Harbor. Almost died from TB and after 4 years had a miraculous healing. She raised 5 children. Survived 2 different cancers and had 2 strokes towards the end. My email is jluebke@frontier.com

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  67. This sounds like a fun read with feisty characters. Have never tried Texas Caviar but may have to give your recipe a try. little lamb lst at yahoo dot com

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  68. I admire my mom. She raised five children. One was born three months premature and ended up with cerebral palsy ( that's me). She almost lost my brother when she was three months pregnant with him. When I was almost six she had my sister. The doctors say that she had a cancerous brain tumor from before birth. It started to affect her when she was two. When she was three and a half the doctors figured out what was wrong and performed surgery, which saved her life. At this point my mom was pregnant with her fifth child that was delivered via a c section due to being breech. At this time my father was layed off from his job. They also had to take my sister for radiation treatments everyday. Through all this my mom never complained. That is why I admire her. My email address is: deborahdumm@yahoo.com.

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  69. I admire any woman that has raised children... that is one tough job!

    e-mail: Gaelicark@gmail.com

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  70. I admire my mom. She is such an ambitious woman. And so nice! She and my dad were married for 62 1/2 years before he went to heaven. She worked so hard with him on the farm and later when they were trucking. 4 kids weren't enough so they adopted 2 siblings. A wonderful woman!

    ElaineE246(at)msn(dot)com

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  71. My Mom of course.

    gibsonbk@hiwaay.net

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  72. I admire my grandmother. She's a wonderfully caring woman and I'm so thankful that my kidsare getting to know her.

    thecosgroveclan@gmail.com

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  73. Oh, thanks for the chance - and that recipe looks awesome!

    I admire my great grandmother, Maude - she had a very kind heart and never a cross word for anyone. She set a high standard in that department, hard to live up to, but worth it to keep trying!

    Thank you again! ariellehemp@yahoo.com

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  74. I admire my Mom and an older friend in my church. Both are about the same age and really not much alike but I love and respect both of them.
    Thanks!
    Connie
    cps1950 at gmail dot com

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  75. I admired my mom, but lost her quite a few years ago. I also admired my mother in law, what a great person and also a friend, sorry that I lost her to cancer last year.

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    1. Forgot to leave my email;ssommer@npgcable.com

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  76. My mother was the one I always admired. She was the backbone for our family. Working right alongside my father to make our home comfy, our bellies well fed, and the ability to have what we needed. We may not always have gotten everything we wanted but we got all we needed. I miss her very much since she passed over 12 years ago.

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  77. I forgot my email robeader53@yahoo.com

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  78. I of course admire my mom. She is a very strong woman. She always does what ever needs to be done, no matter how tired she is. She is also my best friend. Moonbay7399@gmail.com

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  79. This sounds like a wonderful series and book. And if Avery Aames is recommending it, that is good enough for me. I admire my mother more than anyone. She not only lived through being in a concentration camp, living with next to nothing, followed her dream of coming to America and so much more, but she is and has always been the most amazing mother, friend and lady I have known. kayt18@comcast.net

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  80. I love the recipes. I AM an older woman myself. I will be 67 in a few weeks. I don't think I have any older ladies who are still alive to look up to, sadly :-(

    I lost my mom a couple of years ago, to lung cancer. She would have turned 87 in November 2014. I wanted her to quit smoking ever since I was a little girl. I even started smoking myself in the hope that I would also get lung cancer, and we could "go" together.

    Today is the Feast of the Presentation, and tomorrow is the Feast of St. Blaise I wrote a little about my mom on my blog post in my blog, Crazy Homeless Catholic Grandma, at http://crazyhomelesscatholic.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-feast-of-presentation-candlemas-is.html.

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  81. Sorry, I forgot to add my email, in case I win a book!! Yeah, that would be so awesome! It looks great.

    huntgoddess218@gmail.com

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  82. I am looking forward to reading this fun series. My Grandma was from Texas and she made this recipe although a bit differently without cilantro and more onion as her 5 sons loved onions, My Mom was my hero. She was an amazing women. My email is itsacatslife17@yahoo.com in case I win. thank you for the opportunity.

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  83. Sounds like fun - I love nuts! Older women I admire are often statesmen like Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Warren, and for the non-famous, my mom. She is strength and determination personified - three hip operations within one year at 85 yrs old, and she got better so quickly on this one, which was complicated by a brain bleed, that she is coming home this week. She is still smart as a whip, and asked for the Economist, Wall St. Journal, and various other magazines and papers, so she wouldn't miss anything. My 89 yr old Dad visited her as often as MN weather permitted and they talked news, politics, etc. I admire her, and wish I had her strength. kristinlundgren@yahoo.com

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  84. I have not read the first Nut House mystery, but must pick it up. Then I can read the second one. Oh, your recipie looks so scrumptious - I can't wait to make it - Yummy! Thanks for the fun contest and recipe. Obwana@aol.com

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  85. Love the names of your books. The Nut House series sounds like my house as my children were growing up. I do admire several older women. I admire Hilary Clinton. I don't have to like her but I admire how she has handled herself. She has been in the spotlight so much. She stayed with Bill in spite of the humiliation and I came away thinking she might actually love him. Also she has had several government positions that took so much more than I ever imagined. I've done a turnaround about her as a person. I don't know everything she has done, felt or experienced and I have decided it's really not my place to judge her but my estimation of her dignity, capabilities and abilities has risen tremendously. Dignity is an admirable trait.

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  86. I am older, I still admire my Mother who at 90 is doing pretty good, a little confused, but I still lover her dearly.

    kaye.killgore@comcast.net

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    1. Kaye, that is quite a blessing, that you and your mom are still together.

      G-d bless to both of you.

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