Sunday, January 11, 2015

Author Terry Ambrose Shares a Recipe from Hawaii and a #Bookgiveaway


In a former life, author Terry Ambrose was a skip tracer and repo man, fascinating experiences that he now puts to use in his mystery novels, as well as his columns on avoiding scams. 

As a writer for the Crime Fiction Examiner, he has done interviews with some of the top names in mystery writing. Be sure to check out his wonderful website here, which is more of a mini magazine, where he posts interviews and reviews, and often runs fun contests for readers. It is now my pleasure to welcome this talented man to our Kitchen. Take it away, Terry...      
                                                                           
~ Cleo Coyle


Thanks for inviting me to be a guest on Mystery Lovers Kitchen. Or, as we say when in Hawaii, mahalo! My wife and I have visited the islands for twenty-five years. We fell in love with Kauai on our first trip and return for our "island-fix" almost every year.



While we’re visiting, one of our favorite foodie places is Sweet Marie's, a gluten-free bakery. Marie’s deserts are exquisite and we liked her Coconut Chocolate Chip Macaroons so much that we reconstructed the recipe from the list of ingredients. After a couple of very tasty mistakes, Kathy hit on this oh-so-easy and yummy recipe that will transport you to coconut-lover’s heaven.




Coconut Chocolate Chip Macaroons

Servings 26

Ingredients:


1 - 14oz Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 - 14oz Sweetened Flaked Coconut

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, coconut and chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto baking sheet.

3. Bake 15 to 17 minutes or until tops start to turn golden. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Place macaroons on wire racks until completely cool.



During my thirty years of writing mysteries, Hawaii has had a continually increasing influence on my work. The first McKenna Mystery came about when we were living in Arizona. In looking back, the desire to write that book was probably a subconscious effort to escape our 100-day string of 100+ degree days.

Food is not a central element of the McKenna Mysteries, but scams and cons are. There is always at least one in each book and BIG ISLAND BLUES, the latest in the series, is no exception. 
For this adventure, McKenna visits the Big Island to help find his best friend's missing niece, Andi Kapono. 

Soon, McKenna realizes he's being tracked by an island hacker and Andi is on her own hunt to find the truth behind a bizarre-sounding curse that threatens those she loves. If McKenna doesn't find Andi soon, they could both become a killer's next victims.

In addition to mysteries, I also write about real-life scams and cons on my website at terryambrose.com and in my monthly newsletter, "The Snitch," where you will find a recipe, a scam tip, contest information, and more.





About the Author

Terry Ambrose started out skip tracing and collecting money from deadbeats and quickly learned that “liars come from all walks of life.”  It was Terry’s experience in skip tracing that led to his creation of McKenna, the protagonist in his novels Photo Finish and Kauai Temptations. And ultimately, he says, it led to the two main characters in License to Lie. A resident of Southern California, Terry loves spending time in Hawaii, especially on the Garden Island of Kauai, where he gets to “invent lies for the unsuspecting to read.” He says his years spent chasing deadbeats taught him many valuable life lessons such as—“always keep your car in the garage.”

You can visit Terry’s author page on Facebook, follow him on Twitter, or learn more about Terry and his books by visiting his website


Terry's Book and Latte
Birthday Giveaway!




Terry is celebrating 
his birthday today!


Thanks to all of you for your kind
Happy Birthday comments
for Terry!

Congrats to our comment
giveaway winner...


JEN SCOTT

Jen's comment was randomly
selected to win Terry's
latest mystery, Big Island Blues,
and 
the $10.00 Starbucks Gift Card


Thanks to everyone for commenting
and thanks especially to Terry
for spending his birthday with us...


Aloha!



97 comments:

  1. Here on the left coast, it's still a little early for my birthday, but not by much. So, a big thanks to Cleo for inviting me and for the birthday wish. I'm looking forward to virtually meeting others and, after I wake up tomorrow morning, will be back to say hi!

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    1. Happy Birthday Terry. Keep the good mysteries coming our way.

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  2. As another left coast resident, I feel like I'm sneaking in early with my birthday wishes.

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    1. Thanks for being first, PlumGaga! There are some advantages to being on the left coast, where we even have RAIN today. Yippie!

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  3. This is another great post! Happy Birthday, Terry!

    EMS591@aol.com

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  4. Happy Birthday, Terry! I think you should have some of those macaroons. So simple.

    Love the books and the website. I agree —“always keep your car in the garage.” After my radio was so neatly borrowed right out of the dash, I realized, luckily before it was too late, that if you have to leave your car in the driveway you probably shouldn't leave the garage opener in it. Whew.

    sallycootie@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks Sally for the B-day wishes and the nice compliment! I'll try to keep them coming.

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  5. Happy Birthday! Thanks for the great recipe and the giveaway opportunity! Kuzlin at aol.com

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  6. Happy Birthday, Terry!! Love the easy recipe and the chance to win one of your books + coffee! grace dot koshida at gmail dot com

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  7. Happy birthday Terry--the cookies look wonderful!

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  8. Happy Birthday! The cookies look delicious.
    bevarcher AT me DOT com

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  9. Happy Birthday, Terry!!!
    & thank you for the cookie recipe!! YUMZ!!

    cyn209 at juno dot com

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  10. Happy Birthday!! I think I'll make a batch of those cookies in your honor.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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    1. Let me know when they're ready, Sue, I'll be right over!

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  11. Happy Birthday, Terry! I hope you have a wonderful day today. While I have never been to Hawaii (don't think I could live through the long flight), I did live in Arizona for 3 years. I sometimes miss the heat! So nice for arthritis. I love finding new authors and I look forward to reading your books. One can never have too many mysteries!

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    1. Hi Deb, I enjoyed the heat for about two months. Then, as we went into the third, it became tedious. After 100 days, it was brutal. My favorite part, however, was monsoon season. I loved those storms. Talk about Mother Nature putting on a show!

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  12. Happy Birthday, Terry! Your macaroons look absolutely yummy! And they sound so easy. Always a great combination. Thanks for visiting Mystery Lovers' Kitchen today.

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    1. Thanks for having me as a guest, Krista! Those macaroons are sooo good. By the way, anytime you or the other members of MLK have a new release, feel free to let me know. I'm always looking for authors to interview.

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  13. Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes! This is a great way to start the day. Mahalo!

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  14. Happy birthday, Terry! I had forgotten that you said you'd be here today in your newsletter. Your cookie recipe sounds tasty and easy enough for me. Maybe white chocolate chips, though. I don't eat much chocolate.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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    1. White chocolate! Oh, yum. Maybe it's time for another experiment.

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  15. Happy Birthday, Terry! You are living my dream of being a writer. One day maybe I'll join you in writing a great mystery.

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    1. Hi Cheryl, we'll look forward to the day you get that book done! Just keep at it and you'll get there. Best of luck and thanks for stopping by!

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  16. Happy Birthday Terry! best wishes and best of health and happiness. Your macaroons look delectable and wonderful. thanks for this great post and recipe. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  17. Happy Birthday, Terry! That cookie recipe looks easy and delicious; just what I need for today. Am visiting with a persnickety sister later who happens to love coconut. Many thanks for sharing the recipe.
    little lamb lst at yahoo dot com

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    1. Those cookies are very easy, Lil, and if your sister loves coconut, you're going to make points. :-)

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  18. Happy Birthday Terry! Your macaroons would be enjoyed greatly. How appealing and tempting. Thanks for this lovely and interesting post, saubleb(at)gmail(dot)con

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  19. Happy Birthday Terry, I am entering, I am from Canada, I do not know if I am eligible to enter, however, that is okay. The Snitch sounds like a great read me book.

    cenya2 at Hotmail dot com

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    1. Those pesky out-of-country mailing costs are brutal, but I'd be happy to send you an e-book in Kindle or e-pub if you win! Thanks for the birthday wishes.

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    2. I forgot to mention that The Snitch is a monthly newsletter and you're welcome to join my mailing list or read back issues at http://terryambrose.com/the-snitch/

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  20. Happy Birthday Terry! Love the sound of this book and hope to win.
    rjprazak6@gmail.com

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    1. Good luck, Rebecca. And mahalo for stopping by! (That's thank you, just in case you're not familiar with the word!)

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  21. Pat (patdupuy@yahoo.com)January 11, 2015 at 1:16 PM

    Feliz cumpleanos! Well, maybe, if I spelled it right. Your Hawaiian series sounds very intriguing. A buddy and I are contemplating a trip to Hawaii. What island would you recommend for two old broads who aren't going to be spending their time on a beach sunning?

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    1. Thanks, Pat! Oahu (Honolulu) has so many things to do if you want to do all the tourist-type stuff (Polynesian Cultural Center, museum tour, great restaurants, etc.), however, my favorite is Kauai because it's much more laid back. There's not as much to do on Kauai, but the scenery is spectacular and there are some things to do. Each island is so different. Maui is very much the tourist mecca, Big Island has Volcanos National Park, quaint little Kona. If you really want something spectacular, try the inter island cruise. You start in Honolulu, then tour the islands for a week. You see a bit of each and never have to unpack your bags. Norwegian Cruise Line is the one we used and it was fabulous. Have a great time and feel free to check out the Friday Fotos (of Hawaii) on my website at terryambrose.com.

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  22. Aloha, Terry! Very best wishes on your birthday.
    Hawaii is seductive, isn't she? I"m enamored of Molokai where I went to art workshops several years and Kauai where I order Aunty Lilikoi products.

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  23. Aloha, Terry, and Happy Birthday! Thoughts of Hawaii -- and coconut macaroons -- are awfully enticing on this snowy day in Montana! This sounds like the perfect recipe for Mr. Right, who's a big fan of coconut and palm trees!

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    1. Watch out, Leslie, when you present Mr. Right with these, he may offer to be your love slave :-)

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  24. WOW! That recipe does indeed look easy!

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  25. Happy Birthday! These look delicious and can't wait to try them. Thanks for sharing.

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  26. Hau`oli Lā Hānau, Terry! (.... which I hope it means "Happy Birthday" in Hawaiian...).

    The macaroons look scrumptious. Thank you for the recipe.
    I have always wanted to visit Hawaii because of the breathtaking pictures of the scenery. It just looks beautiful.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Mahalo, Jen! The scenery is truly spectacular and I have the pix to prove it!

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  27. Happy birthday! ! The cookies look and sound delicious. And thank you for the chance to win.
    Dnrocker@yahoo.com

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  28. Mahalo! Great recipe, and the books sound equally delicious.

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  29. Happy Birthday fellow Capricorn! Anxious to bake and read... thanks, Cleo, for telling us about Terry.

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  30. Happy Birthday! Those macaroons look so good. I can't wait to try them. The book sounds like a great read. Thanks for the chance to win.
    MarshaMysteryreader@yahoo.com

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  31. Have a fantastic birthday. I love your books!!

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  32. Happy Birthday! I am certainly going to making those cookies...two of my favorite ingredients! My son and daughter-in-law just returned from attending a wedding on Kona...had a marvelous time. Kathleen Bylsma h5apby@yahoo.com

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    1. We had a recent vacation to the Big Island, too. My only regret was that we didn't have more time!

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  33. Happy birthday! I can't wait to try the macaroons. The book sounds like something I would like...I will check out the series. Thanks for the chance to win. cking78503@aol.com.

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  34. Happy Birthday! Thank you for the great recipe and a chance to win your book! I love macaroons and made some for Christmas. I'm sure your work as a skip tracer and repo man provided a lot of material for your books and I feel sure writing is a less hazardous occupation!

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    1. Oh Betty, I have some great stories. Of course, they didn't seem so great at the time...but now they do make great material. It taught me a huge amount about people. Yikes, more than I ever wanted to know.

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  35. *Repost*
    Happy Birthday! Thank you for the great recipe and a chance to win your book! I love macaroons and made some for Christmas. I'm sure your work as a skip tracer and repo man provided a lot of material for your books and I feel sure writing is a less hazardous occupation!

    woodrumbetty@gmail.com

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  36. Happy Birthday Terry, from Pittsburgh PA.
    Ladylotion@msn.com

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  37. I hope you have a great birthday week. suefoster109@netzero.net

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  38. I make these at Christmas--only instead of condensed milk I use egg whites and confectioners sugar. they're delicious, but they serve another purpose, too. To use up all the egg whites left over from the other Christmas cookies!

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    1. Oh, I love that excuse! Time to find recipes that use egg yolks so we'll have leftover egg whites.

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  39. Hi Terry: Wishing you not only Happy Birthday but a great year as well. Would love to become the recipient of your book as the reviews are great.
    The recipe you provided is a gluten free version that I make with graham cracker crumbs and butter added. Originally they were layered bars and then I made them into cookies and they work great. Now that I cannot eat coconut anymore I don't make them often but seeing the recipe gave me a trip down cookie memory lane. The last time we went to Hawaii which was quite some time ago, I had about 25 pounds of coffee beans shipped home. As fast as we drink coffee, that was way too much coffee to get in advance I will admit, so we shared and a few people enjoyed it as much as we did. Kona coffee is so different from others but I know that Cleo and Marc know all about that. :) Take care and I hope that you are doing something special today for your birthday. Cynthia
    ceblain(AT)tmlponline(DOT)net

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    1. Hi Cynthia, I'm celebrating here, but then it's out to dinner. It's raining here in San Diego and that's just fine by me. We need it so much I'm happy to share my day with Mother Nature.

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  40. How have I not seen your books before?! I'm a former Hawaii resident currently living in NW Florida, and I LOVE Hawaii-grown coffee!
    Happy Birthday to you, Terry, and I will definitely check out your books!
    teenlibn at hotmail dot com

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    1. Oh, I hope you do check them out and Hawaii coffee is terrific. One of our favorite stops on Kauai is the Kauai Coffee Company. Absolutely delightful chance to sip samples and enjoy the beautiful views off to the ocean. Mahalo for stopping by!

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  41. Aloha, Terry. Happy Birthday!
    Best wishes on your book release, Big Island Blues.

    dm_richards@yahoo.com.

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    1. Thanks, Di, I appreciate the good wishes. Aloha!

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  42. Happy Birthday, Terry! Thanks for the recipe - easy enough to do with my nieces.

    jtcgc at yahoo dot com

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  43. Happy Birthday Terry! The macaroons look delicious, can't wait to try the recipe.

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  44. Happy Birthday Terry! As nice as winter is here in NC, I think I'd rather take your lead and head to Hawaii! Thanks for the recipe... sounds easy and delicious!

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  45. Thanks for the birthday wishes taurus, Susan, and Amanda! This has been a wonderful reception.

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  46. Have a great birthday!!!I love Hawaii!!!

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  47. Aloha!!!! Must try this recipe for cookies. I love coconut but hate the way it get lost in some cookies. Also Terry, your books have brought closer to Hawaii than I will ever get. Keep up writing them.

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    1. Enjoy the cookies and the books, Robin, I'll keep them coming. Aloha!

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  48. The cookies look wonderful! Happy birthday and welcome to Mystery Lovers Kitchen, Terry! I'd love to go back to Hawaii and look forward to your books.

    Cheers.

    MJ aka Victoria Abbott

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    1. Hi MJ, I always think of Hawaii as one of those places you can never get enough of, so I'm sure you'd love a return trip. Mahalo for the very warm welcome!

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  49. Happy Birthday!! Enjoy your new year. Glad that Cleo introduced us all to you awhile back, you have a great site and I've passed your advice on safety onto my FB page. Thanks for the great advice. My oldest grandchild's birthday is Jan 12th!

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    1. Thanks for the birthday wishes. I'm glad you like the website and that you've passed along one of my tips.

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  50. Happy Birthday Terry,
    Your book sounds very interesting and those cookies! yum!
    annelovell12@yahoo.com

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  51. Happy Birthday! Looking forward to your books and making the cookies! jsomers421@gmail

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  52. Happy Birthday, Terry. Those of us with January birthdays are pretty special, LOL.
    I'm going to try those cookies.

    kaye.killgore@comcast.net

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  53. Happy Birthday - may your new year be filled with joy!
    jenne.turner(at)unt.edu

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  54. Happy Birthday, Terry! The cookies look very tempting!

    ElaineE246(at)msn(dot)com

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  55. Happy Birthday. Those cookies looks great. I shall have to try them. I love fresh Cocoanut but I am partial to the Caribbean, my island fix.

    gibsonbk at hiwaay dot net

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    1. the Caribbean is pretty darn good, too. I've only been there once, but it was a great trip. I would like to try it again.

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  56. Happy birthday, Terry! The macaroons look delicious and tempting and the book does, too.

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  57. Happy birthday, Terry! The cookies look awesome. I will definitely give the recipe a try soon.

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  58. Happy birthday! Those cookies look awesome and even easy to make, and the book looks interesting.

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    1. If you'd like a little trip to the islands, Glenda, this one could be for you!

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  59. Aloha Happy Birthday! I'm definitely trying those macaroons! Have a blessed day!

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  60. Happy Birtday, Terry. Hope it's a great one.

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  61. Happy Birthday, enjoy your day. A slice of cake would be good right about now :)
    lenikaye@yahoo.com

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  62. Hope your birthday is da Kine! Excited to learn of your Hawaiian based mysteries...will be checking them out.

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  63. Hope your birthday is da Kine. Excited to learn of your Hawaiian based mysteries.I will be checking those out!

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  64. Happy Birthday!!! The macaroons sound yummy and EASY -- my kind of recipe :) Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway.

    monagargATyahooDOTcom

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  65. Thanks to all of you for your kind Happy Birthday comments for Terry! The comment giveaway is now closed. The winner of Terry's latest mystery, Big Island Blues, and the $10.00 Starbucks Gift Card is...

    Jen Scott. Congrats to you, Jen!

    Thanks again to everyone for commenting and thanks especially to Terry Ambrose for spending his birthday with us.

    ~ Cleo

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