Sunday, July 23, 2017

Welcome guest author Elizabeth Lynn Casey + giveaway


Elizabeth Lynn Casey is the pen name for national bestselling author, Laura Bradford. As Casey, she writes the Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries. As Laura Bradford, she pens several mystery series, including the Emergency Dessert Squad Mysteries, the Amish Mysteries, the Jenkins & Burns Mysteries, and the brand new Tobi Tobias Mysteries

Summer 2018 will see the release of Laura’s first Amish-based women’s fiction novel, Portrait of a Sister

Laura is a former Agatha Award nominee, and the recipient of an RT Reviewer’s Choice Award in romance. When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys making memories with her family, baking, and being an advocate for those living with Multiple Sclerosis. 

Don't miss the giveaway below!!!


WECLOME ELIZABETH...aka LAURA!!


The Sweet South
By Elizabeth Lynn Casey (pen name for Laura Bradford)

For me, writing the Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries has been a true labor of love. I’ve grown very fond of Tori, Margaret Louise, Rose, Leona, and the rest of the ladies in the sewing circle. They’re all such unique characters that have wormed their way into my heart.

Sometimes, I imagine them having meetings outside the confines of my books. I imagine Margaret Louise watching one of her grandbabies perform in a school show, her smile a mile wide. I imagine Leona walking down the street in the center of Sweet Briar, flirting with every male that walks by…and every one of them turning to stare at her.

Maybe that sounds weird, but these characters have been part of my life for eight years. I’ve been there when good things have happened and I’ve been there when not-so-good things have happened. And I’ve been there when they’ve assembled at one of their homes for a sewing circle meeting with desserts in tow, my mouth watering at all the delicious choices.



So in honor of last month’s release of Patterned After Death (book # 12 in the series), I thought I’d share a southern named dessert that surely made it to meeting or two over the years—Mississippi Mud Bar.



Mississippi Mud Bar:

Bar Ingredients:

4 Tablespoons butter (unsalted)
9 Tablespoons granulated sugar
6 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, large
¼ cup flour
¼ cup chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows

Frosting Ingredients:

6 Tablespoons butter (unsalted)
4 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Cup powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

To Make the Bar:

1)     Preheat oven to 325.
2)    Line loaf style pan with parchment paper.
3)    In a microwave safe bowl, combine butter, sugar, and cocoa powder.
4)    Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir well. Microwave for 30 more seconds. Remove from microwave.
5)    Add salt and vanilla to bowl and stir well.
6)    Add egg. Stir well.
7)    Sprinkle in flour. Stir well.
8)    Add in chocolate chips and stir.
9)    Spread in prepared pan.
10) Bake for 22 minutes.
11) Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly across top and return pan to oven for an additional 3-5 minutes.
12) Remove from oven and set aside.


To Make the Frosting:

1)    Beat all ingredients together until spreadable.
2)    Pour evenly over warm, marshmallow topped-bar.
3)     Refrigerate until set.






***


Murder hits close to home for the Southern Sewing Circle in the latest mystery from national bestselling author Elizabeth Lynn Casey.

Everyone in Sweet Briar, South Carolina, knows former high school football stars Jake Davis and Noah Madden. The two were fierce rivals once and now, twenty years later, the dueling quarterbacks haven’t lost their luster. So townsfolk are surprised when Jake and Noah team up for a business venture. And there’s only one suspect when Noah turns up murdered.

Margaret Louise, Jake’s mother and one of the founding members of the sewing circle, isn’t about to take the attack on her son’s reputation lying down. In fact, she’s in full mama-bear mode. And Tori and the rest of the Sweet Briar gang are more than willing to help her sharpen her claws to catch a killer.

***

GIVEAWAY

Today, I'm giving away to one commenter 
ONE copy of Patterned After Death plus ONE Copy of Éclair and Present Danger.  

Tell me do enjoy reading books where you know the characters well? 
Remember to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

  



To learn more about Laura, visit her website: www.laurabradford.com, or hang out with her on Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/laurabradfordauthor/?fref=ts

She can also be found occasionally tweeting at: @Bradfordauthor.




88 comments:

  1. I love knowing the caractors. They become a group of friends or family who live in another state of country you had to leave. The only way you hear the good gossip or details of an adventure is through one of the group. She didn't write often but when they do it is a 10-pager at least written over several days. The others call or send quick emails but you hunger for these epistoles from that one person. That is how I feel when you really get to "know" a group of base characters. And why we can hardly wait for that next book to be completed, etc.
    I must say that it may be a bit neurotic but once I read one and I feel I can connect in someway with one of the group I have to go back and read all the books STARTING with the first and read them in order. If my library does not have them all (never do) then I start buying all of the series. So thanks for asking :) .
    Replies:robinsbusiness@hotmail.com

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    1. Hi, Robin, - Daryl here because Laura is traveling with her girls until later today - I totally agree that reading in order is one of my things, too. I like to know the characters from the beginning. ~ Daryl

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  2. While I do love reading books where I know the characters well, I don't mind reading and learning about new characters as well - both are fun! EMS591@aol.com

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    1. Liz, (Daryl here, Laura is traveling with her girls until later today...), good for you to be open to "new." Such a positive attitude. ~ Daryl

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  3. Yes I do like it when I know the characters but I just finished a book by an author I didn't know about and I loved the character.
    Seffichinchilla@outlook.com. Sue🐾

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  4. Yes, I do like to read books where I am familiar with the characters from past stories. It is why I enjoy so many series. Thanks for sharing the Mississippi Mud Bars recipe, I have been needing something to make for a treat.
    little lamb lst at yahoo dot com

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    1. Lil, (Daryl here, Laura is traveling with her girls until later today...) isn't the recipe to die for? I can't wait to try it, too! ~ Daryl

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  5. I like to feel like I know the character completely by the time I finish reading the book. The Mississippi Mid bars look great! kristilewis dot lrc at gmail dot com

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    1. Krista, (Daryl here, Laura is traveling with her girls until later today...) and yet...do we ever know someone fully? LOL Glad you like the recipe. I've got to try it, too. ~ Daryl

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  6. I do like to know the characters but, I also don't read series. Does that make sense? Like an ongoing saga will never catch my interest but if the characters are in lots of books with different stories, I may read those.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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    1. Linda, that's interesting. You don't like to read more than one in a series. I find that fascinating. ~ Daryl (commenting because Laura is traveling with her girls until later today...)

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  7. That is one reason that I have become addicted to cozy mysteries, to be able to come back again and again to revisit with the characters and the towns, to catch up with what's new in their lives (usually a murder, LOL). I can totally see them becoming a part of your life when you've written about them and developed them along the way. I'm not entering, I just came to blab. I've read both of them and loved them both. Whoever wins is in for some great reading. Good Luck!

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    1. Debbie (Daryl here, Laura is traveling with her girls until later today...) - I think that's the beauty of a cozy. It's sort of a like a soap opera with mystery, right? You really get to know the characters and "root" for them oner and over. ~ Daryl

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    2. ...over and over. (Sheesh - fast fingers) ~ Daryl

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    3. Exactly, I don't how many books through the years that once I finished it I always wondered, did they get married, have kids, did they get their dream job, I love being able to come back and find out.

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  8. The characters are very important to the story and I enjoy following their lives whether it is a series or a different book. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. Laura, your recipe has left me speechless and drooling just a little bit...... It's a good thing that (in my mind, at least) any calories consumed on Sundays don't count, lol!

    Yes, I really do enjoy characters whose stories continue throughout a series. One of the things that I enjoy most about cozies is that the settings are usually so welcoming that I wouldn't mind living in the town, and therefore feel a connection to the characters.

    Happy Sunday!

    Nicole
    nicolev.girldetective@gmail.com

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    1. Me too on loving to revisit characters and their towns--these make cozy series so special!

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  10. Characters add such a vital component to the story and I look forward to reconnecting with them to learn how their lives are and their trials and tribulations. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Petite, I totally agree. Tribulations do create backbone for some. ~ Daryl

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  11. I love books that let me get to know the characters. Yours are definitely that way. I recently read the 2nd in Southern Sewing and I felt like I was right back among friends. I love caring what happens to the characters too. The Mississippi Mud Bars look amazing, will have to try! barbie17(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. How sweet is that, Tari! Thanks for chiming in. ~ Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!

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  12. I love cozy mystery series that have many, many books and I feel like the characters become friends over time. Of course, when the series ends, I feel almost like a friend has died.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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    1. Oh, no, Sue, that's sad. I imagine them living on in an alternate universe. :) ~ (Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!)

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  13. I like revisiting characters that I know, but I also like meeting new ones.
    elainehroberson@gmail.com

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  14. I do like getting to know characters and watching them grow through a series. I feel as if I am visiting with old friends and look forward to their new adventures. I finished your new book about Tobi Tobias, the ad agency owner, last night. Mwhanzel@comcast.net

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    1. Marsha, how sweet. Hope you enjoyed it! (Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!)

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  15. Yes. I enjoy reading books with characters that I've gotten to know and love from other books.
    judytucker1947@gmail.com

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  16. I really like knowing the characters especially as I read each one in same series you get to know them better and they are like family.
    greeneyes2755@yahoo.com

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  17. Yes! I enjoy following a series so I can learn more about my favorites, and finding a new series to read is the best. Freelsda@hotmail.com

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  18. One of the joys of reading a well-loved series is watching the characters and their relationships evolve. Or not evolve. And then, hopefully, a new character is introduced and new relationships.

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    1. Pat, that's true. Evolve or not evolve. Almost a Shakespearean question! LOL ~ Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!

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  19. I started my mystery reading, a long time ago, with Dorothy Sayers. As Pat D said, it was such a job to watch Lord Peter and Harriet evolve as complex human beings. I can still quote some of the things they said (or Sayers had them say). Alas, there will be no more, but I hope I can find series that reach that high bar.

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    1. Absolutely!
      Her writing is a high bar that I set for other books.
      Do share when/if you find another.

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  20. Yes I do enjoy a series that has some of the same characters throughout, after all it is a series, lol.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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  21. I truly enjoy getting to know the characters in the cozies that I read. In fact, the number one factor for me in determining whether I continue with a series after book one is how I feel about the characters. I also enjoy seeing growth in characters throughout a series. Thanks for the chance to win! aut1063(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Autumn, I feel the same. Sometimes they determine whether it's worth reading more of the series. ~ Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!

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  22. I enjoy reading a series that has the same characters. I thouroughly enjoy reading cozy mysterys cause I do get to know the characters. Thank you for the recipe! crossxjo @hotmail. com

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  23. Welcome to the Kitchen, Laura, thank you for sharing such a lovely post and recipe! One of the pleasures of series reading (and writing, as you've pointed out) is getting to know the characters through their struggles and triumphs, joys and sorrows. It's a magical thing when readers say they've come to think of a series' characters as friends. Cheers, Laura, and have a wonderful week! ~ Cleo

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  24. Yes! I need closure, so I love knowing what happens to the characters in the books in whatever series I'm reading at the time. Characters are essential to the store, because you hope to feel a little bit of yourself in them! Congratulations Laura, I hope all goes well for you this week! hopegrubka@att.net

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    1. Hope, that's true. Sometimes you can really identify with a character and then the journey becomes yours, as well. ~ Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!

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  25. I like reading books where the characters almost seem like family or good friends. The Mississippi Mud Bars look awesome -- I've tried a Mississippi Mud Cake before, but these look even better! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net

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    1. Celia, right? They look amazing. I've got to try them! ~ Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!

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  26. I love reading books where I can relate to them. I enjoy getting to know them and all their quirks. As I read through the series they just endear themselves to me.
    Thanks for the recipe, will make it soon! Meg85242 (@) gmail (dot) com

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  27. The best part of a series is getting close and connected with the same character's...fun to follow and see what adventures and turn's that life takes them....when a book ends it leaves me often waiting impatiently😊For the next one to come out....cmeier2001@live.com

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    1. Speed B - I know some people actually wait until a series is ended before starting it so they can binge-read the books. I don't think I could be so patient. ~ Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!

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  28. My favorite books are books in a series. That's why I have stacks of books in my TBR piles. I also agree the best part of a series is getting close and connected with the same characters I am hooked on many-a-series and am always waiting for the next in a series to come out. Some characters even become friends I worry about.
    6186pep(at)msn(dot)com

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  29. I enjoy getting to know characters throughout a series & often get attached to them.
    turtle6422@gmail.com

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  30. I love reading books where I know the characters. It's like we're friends in real life who don't get together often enough, but when we do, we don't miss a beat. Thank you for this chance. areewekidding(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  31. Gosh I love your books! Your characters have become like friends to me. bobwiesmann@gmail.com

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    1. Barb, that's so sweet to hear! ~ Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!

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  32. Yes, those are my favorites. jazzystar@cox.net

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  33. Love these books and enjoy seeing the characters develop throughout the series.

    Pugpower63 (at) Gmail (dot) com

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  34. First of all, that recipe looks deadly! And oh so good.

    Secondly, yes, I do like getting to know the characters and sometimes wish they were a real part of my life. I've even fallen in love with a fictional character...more than once!

    cozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com

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    1. Ooh, really? Which one(s)? I have found myself "attracted" to a character or two. ~ Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!

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  35. Paula Jacobson
    Yes I do like reading books where I know the characters well. They become like friends after a while and it's fun to see what happens to them.
    jsjacobson(at)prtel(dot)com

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  36. I love reading books that are part of a series. I like getting to know the characters and seeing how their relationships develop and it feels like you get to know them. I really enjoyed Laura's Amish mysteries and I'm looking forward to the nextbook in that series. Can't wait to read your other series.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Dianne, that is so sweet. Thank you for saying so. I'll make sure Laura knows. ~ Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!

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  37. Yes, I like to read books that i know the characters. Book & recipe look good. Thanks for the chance.
    kckendler at gmail dot com

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  38. I adore the characters in your books. They quickly become like friends to me and I anxiously await the next book so I can visit with them again. Cannot wait for all of your next releases. Wow what a recipe. Looks amazing. No need to enter me since I have read and adored both of these books. Good luck!

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    1. Kay, you are so nice to say so. Thanks for the pat on the back. I'll be sure to let Laura know. ~ Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!

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  39. Love reading series (in order) and catching up with what's going on with the characters.

    jtcgc at yahoo dot com

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  40. I am continually amazed by authors who manage multiple series and personas.
    Impressive.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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    1. Libby, speaking for Laura/Elzabeth (this is Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!) - I will tell you that it is a good challenge, but we're blessed to have it! ~ Daryl

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  41. I do enjoy reading about familiar people and the life journey thay are on. Candykennedy45@gmail.com

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  42. I love to read familiar characters. Its like a having different friends all over with so many different occupations and experiences.
    Wendy
    clarksrfun at gmail dot com

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  43. Love it when I get to know the character well but like surprises too. Thank you for the chance. lady(dot)janel(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  44. Yes, yes I do. Although I enjoy getting to know new ones, I really like knowing what happens to some of my favorites!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

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  45. I love discovery new characters but it really is wonderful to read a series where you get to know the characters in the book. Each book you get to know them better and then they start to feel like friends and family. You look forward to reading about their new adventures and how the characters change and grow.
    scarletbegonia5858(at)gmail(dot)com

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  46. When I read a book with characters I know, it is like visiting and catching 'up with old friends. I also love getting to know the town and the favorite haunts -- it's like going home! Cozy mysteries have some of the best developed characters -- keep up the good work! Michele.vanepps@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks, Michelle. ~ Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!

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  47. I usually read series. I enjoy getting to know the characters better.
    seacrestcpa@gmail.com
    Caroline

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  48. Yes, I do enjoy reading series where I get to know the characters. I have really enjoyed reading this series.
    cecilialyoung(at) gmail(dot)com

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    1. Cecilia - so glad to hear it! ~ Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!

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  49. I love reading series with the same characters. I enjoy watching them grow & change. I have started this series & can't wait to read more of it. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  50. I really enjoy getting to know and fo!losing the characters in the books/series that I appreciate. They become like friends or neighbors. I love reading/watching them grow, develop and change as they grow. When series are discontinued, I miss being able to look forward to their future adventures. I do appreciate the authors who initiate series with well developed characters and intertwined introductions. It makes the stories far more interesting and cohesive. New books are like visits with old friends. servedogmomATyahooDOTcom

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  51. I love your books, Laura. I read several of your Amish mysteries in the last month. I can't wait to start your new series. Also, I can't wait to meet you in Lockport in October.rootseller55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you, Bev. I'll make sure Laura knows to look for you! She's on a much needed vacation with her girls. ~ Daryl

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  52. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  53. Yes! When reading a series where you get to know the characters well I look forward to the next book, and it feels like catching up with old friends

    adbecks33@aol.com

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  54. I love visiting over and over characters in a series; that's what makes for a favorite series. Not that I don't enjoy introducing a new character, I do! But it's like visiting with a 'friend' reading about a new adventure of a familiar character...
    kat8762(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Yes, Kathleen, I think that's what it is. Seeing old friends. There's comfort in that. ~ Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!

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  55. I like both. Certainly I get invested in the characters I still want another Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. But I like meeting new characters too.Some of them are quite fun.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

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    1. That's why reading a NEW series is so good to do! You meet new characters all the time. Heck, reading books you meet new characters all the time. :) ~ Daryl, chiming in for Laura as she is on a very necessary trip with family!

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  56. This giveaway is over and Dianne C has won. Dianne, Laura/Elizabeth will be in touch with you. Congrats and thanks to all for chiming in!

    ~ Daryl

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  57. A huge thank you to everyone who commented while I was away with my girls. Thanks for visiting me here at Mystery Lovers Kitchen and to Daryl for inviting me.

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  58. I have read one or two of your books, and enjoyed them. Since I'm now on limited income, and recently discovered kindle, and all these cozy writers, in in big heaven. I will try and get more of your books.. I do love the characters in my books! They seem like family sometimes. Memaw5545@gmail.com

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