Sunday, November 29, 2015

Welcome Laura DiSilverio!


It's our pleasure to welcome Laura DiSilverio back to Mystery Lovers Kitchen. Laura writes the Book Club Mysteries. THE READAHOLICS AND THE POIROT PUZZLE is the second book in the series.

Don't miss Laura's fun giveaways! Not only is she giving away a book but also an adorable Readaholic T-shirt. Leave a comment to enter and don't forget to leave your email address so she can contact you!


As a child, I despised eggplant, but as I've aged (ahem, matured), I've grown to love it. Not only is it tasty and hearty enough to be a main dish, it's good for you, being low in sodium, cholesterol and calories, high in fiber, and containing Vitamin K, B6, thiamine and manganese. My two favorite dishes are a creole eggplant that I adapted from a Joy of Cooking recipe many eons ago, and eggplant parmesan which I added to my repertoire last month. (I have no idea why it took me so long to try making a dish I've always enjoyed at Italian restaurants.)


Eggplant Creole

So, here's my version of the eggplant creole. You'll need the following ingredients:

Small to medium eggplant, peeled or not (your preference--I leave the peel on for more fiber), chopped (The Martha Stewarts in the crowd may want to save the eggplant shell to use as the "baking and serving dish" for the eggplant creole--I usually just bake it in the saucepan I use to mix it together.)
2 Tbs olive oil
4-6 strips of bacon, cooked, and chopped
1/2 c minced onion
1/4 c chopped green pepper
1 (14.5 oz or thereabouts) can diced tomatoes
1/4 diced celery
1/2 c canned or fresh mushrooms, sautéed with butter, garlic and wine (optional)
1/3 c bread crumbs (I use Italian seasoned, but you can use plain or with other seasonings)
1/2-2/3 c shredded cheese

Sauté the onion and bacon in the olive oil in an oven-proof pan until the onion is translucent. Add the eggplant and everything except the tomatoes and sauté for approx 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and simmer until the eggplant is tender (I usually let it cook for 30 minutes or so). Toss in the bread crumbs and stir until thickened. Add mushrooms. Top with cheese of your choice (I use cheddar but mozzarella is good, too), mixed with more bread crumbs.  Pop into a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has browned. I serve it over rice. Yum!


The Readaholics and the Poirot Puzzle, the second in the Book Club series, comes out Dec 8th. (Pre-order now!) Amy-Faye has organized the grand opening event for her brother Derek's brewpub, but the party fizzles when a body turns up. Turns out someone tossed Derek's business partner Gordon off the roof and the police think Derek did it. The Readaholics scramble to find the real murderer, investigating Gordon's ex-wives and unhappy family members, scorned women and former employees nursing a grudge. Since they're reading Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, the idea of a conspiracy can't help but pop into their heads (especially Maud's, their resident conspiracy theorist). Amy-Faye wants to solve this case quickly since it's going to put a real strain on her budding relationship with Detective Lindell Hart if he arrests her brother . . .

Laura DiSilverio is the national bestselling author of 15 mystery and suspense novels, and a retired Air Force intelligence officer. Her first standalone suspense novel, The Reckoning Stones, debuted in September and was a Library Journal Pick of the Month (starred review). Her  Book Club Mystery series kicked off in April 2015 and the second in that series, The Readaholics and the Poirot Puzzle, is out Dec 8. A Past President of Sisters in Crime, she pens articles for Writer’s Digest, and teaches writing in various fora. She plots murders and parents teens in Colorado, trying to keep the two tasks separate.

www.lauradisilverio.com
www.facebook.com/lauradisilverio
@lauradisilverio




 Don't forget to leave a comment with your email address to enter the giveaway for a copy of Laura's book and the Readaholic T-shirt!

111 comments:

  1. Now I'm hungry for eggplant!!! I had some yummy baba ganoosh at a new restaurant just 1 block from my house. I have to go back after reading this. sssusieq@hotmail.com

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  2. The eggplant recipe sounds yummy. The Readaholics and the Poirot Puzzle sounds great as well. Thanks for the giveaway. poohwine1217@gmail.com

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  3. The eggplant dish sounds good. Thank you for the recipe and giveaway.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

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  4. I've always loved eggplant parm but now I'll have to try the creole. Eggplant and bacon?!? Could it get any better? Love the shirt, too :) whoopseedaisee@gmail.com

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  5. How does one properly use an eggplant? Do I keep the seeds or only use the seedless part? Book #1 in this series was very enjoyable! I admit I fall under the category of a "readaholic". Thank you for the giveaway!
    ejbs3s@yahoo.com

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    1. You use the whole eggplant, Jody. You don't even need to peel it, unless you want to. I leave the peel on for the extra fiber. Thanks for liking the Readaholics!

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  6. I've never heard of eggplant creole but it sounds good.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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  7. This looks yummy-something new for me to try! And the book is one I want to read too!
    karen(dot)kenyon(at)rogers(dot)com

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  8. In 70+ years I've never had eggplant anything! Maybe it's time to try. Do love your books.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

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    1. Never too late to try something new, Karen. :-) If you try eggplant, let me know what you think. :-)

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  9. I've learned to LOVE eggplant--I even grew some of my own the the garden this year. Thanks for the drawing.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  10. Thanks for the recipe. Trying to get the entire family (me included) to eat a little healthier. This sounds delicious.

    This is such a good series - and who wouldn't want that t-shirt?? Thanks for the giveaway.
    sallycootie@gmail.com

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    1. We use it as a main dish, but you can also use it as a side dish, if you want to start eating healthier more gradually. :-)

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  11. Sounds like a fun series! Thanks!
    pattymarsh31@gmail.com

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  12. I love eggplant. Thanks for the Creole recipe.

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  13. "Hi, my name is Kathleen, and I'm a Readaholic!" kat8762@aol.com

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  14. I used to eat eggplant, and I don't know why I got away from eating it. I need to get back to this great food. Maybe your recipe will help me do that.

    I have The Reckoning Stones on deck for a December read, Laura. Your Readaholics series is on my winter series reading list. I try to catch up on a few series in January and February, and I've wanted to read yours for quite a while now.

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  16. Definitely a book I'm putting on my list to read, the next time I'm at Barnes & Nobles. Eggplant....not fond of it unless peeled and sliced, dipped in beaten egg and flour and fried. But I know, that is NOT the healthy way to eat it. dbahn@iw.net

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  17. Eggplant pares an is the only way I've eaten eggplant, but the creole looks good. dellilla9@yahoo.com

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  18. Eggplant pares an is the only way I've eaten eggplant, but the creole looks good. dellilla9@yahoo.com

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  19. I love eggplant baked with tomato sauce and cheese. Loved the first book.
    my e-mail is tiggernelsie@yahoo.com

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  20. Thank you for a new recipe for eggplant. I shall have to give that a try. Your new book in the series looks like a good read for over the holidays.

    mommy_to_zoe@hotmail.com

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  21. Thanks for sharing the eggplant recipe. I haven't tried your series yet but it sounds great and I have added it to my list of bseries to check out. -Diane. Dianeherr@ cox.net

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  22. The book and the recipe both sound wonderful.
    Theresa N
    weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  23. I'm looking forward to reading it. MultiBookwoman@gmail.com

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  24. Definitely a readaholic. .:-) krnwdw@gmail.com

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  25. Definitely a readaholic. .:-) krnwdw@gmail.com

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  26. Sharon Baker. slpetera@yahoo.comNovember 29, 2015 at 1:40 PM

    I read contantly. Carry book always. Read in checkout lines.during commercials and everywhere I have a minute. Love the books and the recipes.

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    1. You sound like the poster child for a Readaholics, Sharon! :-)

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  27. Me, a readaholic? You bet! I am definitely looking forward to reading this - and the shirt is perfect! Love it! Thanks for the giveaway! book__wyrm@sbcglobal.net

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  28. The book sounds delightful and the t shirt is spot on!
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  29. Always wanted to join a book club with cozy books. My library has two but never a cozy.Your book would fill that empty space. Ruth Nixon ruthenixon@sbcglobal.net

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  30. I have never had eggplant, but the book sounds very interesting and is a good read, I'm sure! :)
    maryg1962@gmail.com

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  31. Yes, I definitely am guilty as charged. But,...I'm darn proud of it! This book looks really great! Where else, other than reading, can you travel, be safely challenged, and feel the thrill of the hunt of a murder, all from your couch?

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  32. Hi, my name is Jane and I'm a readaholic :) jchizmar01@windstream.net

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  33. I confess I'm a readaholic. pwtish171@gmail.com

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  34. Thanks for sharing a great sounding recipe! I will have to try it. I am a readaholic and would love to give your book and T-shirt a good home! Thanks for the chance!
    angelhwk68@yahoo.com

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  35. What a wonderful prize! Thanks for the chance to win. Dnrocker@yahoo.com

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  36. Reminds me to make eggplant more often. Thanks for the giveaway. janina.schwarz@gmail.com

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  37. Love the shirt. I want one.
    jjrrdavid@live.com

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  38. I don't eat eggplant. I have tried it and didn't like it. I do love to read and your book sounds interesting. I love the title! Thank you for the opportunity to win your book or T-shirt. crossxjo@hotmail.com

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  39. I've found that my taste buds have changed a lot too as I get older. Things that were once yucky, are now delicious. :) Love the shirt! And added the book to my tbr list! :)

    kidisitor@yahoo.com

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    1. Thanks, Marsha, for putting my book on your tbr list. My taste buds have never grown to appreciate brussels sprouts, however.

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  40. I NEED this shirt! I am so a readaholic!

    Leslie - hugbandit7 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  41. The recipe looks delicious and I love the shirt. Thank you for this chance! areewekidding@yahoo.com

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  42. Definitely a readaholic...."Comments"

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  43. Pat (patdupuy@yahoo.com)November 29, 2015 at 3:13 PM

    I never liked eggplant when I was a kid, but there are a lot of delicious ways to fix it now. Good thing I grew up! Look forward to reading your books.

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    1. Yeah, I hated it when I was a kid. Maybe it's an acquired taste.

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  44. That recipe sounds delicious. Your book sounds great also!
    Becky
    bwilhoite87@gmail.com

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  45. My mom used to slice, bread and fry eggplant and serve it with home-canned tomatoes. Thinking back, I realize it is an anglicized eggplant parm. Like her, I'm a confirmed readaholic.

    taft.jane@gmail.com

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  46. You are very best . i finished the first and then i wanted the next one right way. You are awesome. I have been wanted for this book.

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  47. You are very best . i finished the first and then i wanted the next one right way. You are awesome. I have been wanted for this book.

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    1. Ah, thanks, Judy. And the third one is finished and scheduled for release in Aug 2016, The Readaholics and the Gothic Gala.

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  48. I would love to win. suefoster109@netzero.net. Thank you.

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  49. Love this eggplant recipe. Will try it for the holidays. Thanks for this great giveaway. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  50. I have never eaten eggplant despite being a professional cook for many years. This sounds like a great recipe to start with. Thanks for the giveaway! edith.patchan@live.com

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  51. Eggplant is always a favorite for us and your book would be enjoyable. Many thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  52. Recipe sounds good and so does the book. I will have to put it on my to be read list.
    diannekc8@gmail.com

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  53. Recipe sounds good and so does the book. I will have to put it on my to be read list.
    diannekc8@gmail.com

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  54. My family loves when I make eggplant parmesan, but your recipe sounds good too. Thanks for the review. robeader53@yahoo.com

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  55. Recipe sounds awesome, I'll have to try it. I would love this T-Shirt because I'm a readaholic & I love your mysteries & would love a chance ro read this one. hanks for this awesome giveaway. Linda May lindamay4852@yahoo.com

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  56. The recipe sounds good as does the book.I would love to win!

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  57. Cute shirt, and intriguing book. I've learned to like eggplant fixed many ways, since receiving it regularly in my CSA shares. I've frozen the surplus to add to beef roast. My aunt Yoko said once that her mother prescribed eggplant whenever she was feeling ill.

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    1. What do you get most of in your CSA shares? Are there "weird" veggies you've learned to appreciate?

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  58. I may have to re-evaluate my opinion of eggplant!

    davisel1830@hotmail.com

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  59. Wonderful shirt i just love the description of your book sounds so good. I have to say I haven't eaten eggplant in so long as the last time i tasted it my foster mother made it and it was just gross. I am going to take your recipe and hubby and i will make it and we will try it together!

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  60. oops my e-mail is ptclayton2@aol.com so sorry for forgetting to add that in my original post!

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  61. Great recipe, thanks for sharing. Loved the first book in this series and can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win. doward1952@yahoo.com

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  62. I like eggplant and yes I am a readaholic!
    lindaherold999@gmail.com
    Thanks for this great contest!

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  63. Yes, I'm a readaholic, I admit it. Donamaekutska7@gmail.com. The shirt is awesome, the book looks amazing.

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  64. I am a readaholic. I would love to win.
    angelbear19662000@yahoo.com

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  65. This is the first I've heard of these books. Sounds like a series of like to check out. Thank you for the great eggplant recipe!

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  66. This is the first I've heard of these books. Sounds like a series of like to check out. Thank you for the great eggplant recipe!

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  67. Love this series. Would love to win!

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  68. Hey! You are a new-to-me author and I just liked your Facebook page in the hopes that will change pretty quickly!

    I have never tried eggplant before. I am one of those people who are afraid to try something new; but, when I do finally convince myself to try something, I generally like it. Like guacamole. Took me a long time to try it, but recently found I enjoy it very much.

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  69. I just added all three of your books to my library book order...
    Email: librariesrock@gmail.com

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  70. As a huge Agatha Christie fan, I was immediately drawn in by the title of your book… It sounds like a really fun read! :-) nicolev.girldetective@gmail.com p.s. Eggplant has been acquired taste for me, I like it when it's a little crispy, but not at all when it's soggy … :-)

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  71. The book looks very good! I love the cover!

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

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  72. Always looking for eggplant recipes thank you. l.bergh@sbcglobal.net

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  73. Im so excited to read your books. Im hoping Santa will bring me the first on in the series! utaker555@gmail.com

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  74. Readaholics - sounds fun!
    jenne.turner@unt.edu

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  75. The recipe sounds great. I love eggplant. I will be checking out this series, it sounds great also.
    Moonbay7399@gmail.com

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  76. Sounds really good. But no mushrooms for me. I would love this giveaway.
    Sjgolding@sbcglobal.net

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  77. i do enjoy eggplants, but would really love to have my hair their color, lol. Thanks for the recipe and giveaway. kayt18 at comcast dot net

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  78. I love eggplants and i love giveaways especially books

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  79. I'm also a determined readaholic! Karlene rebarger@bellsouth.net

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  80. Love the t-shirt and yes i'm a self confessed readaholic, bookaholic or whatever book obsessed term you care to use and proud of it! lis.conley@gmail.com

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  81. Loved this post. Thanks for the recipe and some new books for me to get a hold of. LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com

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  82. I never liked eggplant until someone put cheese on it! ( I am from Wisconsin, so what do you expect?) I would love to read your new series, as I am sure my bookaholic Mother already has! She is a true bookaholic. Now that she is retired she reads a minimum of 3 books a week. Her favorite genre...the cozy mystery. This T-shirt would be perfect for her. eeyore722 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  83. Thanks for the recipe. My husband has been wanting to try something different with eggplant. Love the books and LOVE the shirt. bevarcher AT me DOT com

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  84. The description of the book sounds good! Thanks for the contest. jr_dj_gantt@juno.com

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  85. Love eggplant, but the only one in the family who'll eat it. This is a new series for me. I'd love to win a copy. choirlady27@hotmail.com

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  86. Yes I am a readaholic! I live in beautiful Colordo also. Thanks for the giveaway. Allenxpaa@msn.com

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  87. This sounds like a great series... I'm looking forward to reading it!!
    ~Kelly Gaelicark@gmail.com

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  88. Love the t-shirt. the series is great.
    thanks for the offer of the gift.
    txmlhl@yahoo.com

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  89. I hope this isn't over...love eggplant and reading. I think I could actually make this which I can't say that a lot...
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

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  90. I NEED this shirt! I am not familiar with eggplant dishes.
    wismomworks@gmail.com

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  91. I love the book's title and I definitely adore the shirt. :-) pearl.r.meaker@gmail.com

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  92. I'm not a fan of eggplant, but the books looks great!! Thanks for the giveaway! manderley23@gmail.com

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  93. I'm a big fan of wearing T-shirts and reading mystery books . Thanks for the giveaway
    amhengst AT verizon DOT net

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  94. I always have such difficulty finding the comment section in these blogs. lol
    We just got your first book at your library, can't wait for more.
    sirius0772@gmail.com

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  95. Dying to read this series, Laura! Thanks for the giveaway and recipe!

    lola777_22 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  96. I love eggplant and look forward to trying the recipe.
    little lamb lst at yahoo dot com

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  97. Congrats on the release and thanks for the recipe! dm _ richards at yahoo dot com

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  98. A new series! Thank you for the recipe!

    Knapp.MP@gmail.com

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  99. Sounds like a great series. Thanks for the giveaway. elainehroberson@gmail.com

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  100. congrats on the new release & continued success!!!
    thank you!!

    cyn209 at juno dot com

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