Sunday, March 3, 2019

Welcome guest author Amanda Flower + book #giveaway


Please welcome today's guest, Amanda Flower.   She's offering a giveaway below.

Amanda Flower, a USA Today bestselling and  Agatha Award-winning mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words.  In addition to being an author, Amanda is former librarian in Northeast Ohio. 

Bailey’s Easy Easter Birds’ Nests


Easter comes later this year at the end of April, which is a great thing because there is a promise of real spring weather. Where I live in Ohio, March Easters are known to come with snow; even some April Easters have been snowy. However with Easter on April 22nd, there is a much better chance for spring flowers and blue skies even in Ohio. And I’m very ready for spring. Because of that, I am thinking of spring and Easter recipes. One of my favorites and the easiest by far from one of my books can be found in the back of Criminally Cocoa, an e-novella in the Amish Candy Shop Mysteries. If you read the series, the e-novella takes place between book three, Premeditated Peppermint and book four, Toxic Toffee, which comes out in July. The novella just released and it’s about a case of sabotage that Bailey King and her Amish cousin Charlotte Weaver have to solve in New York City, where Bailey lived before moving to Ohio’s Amish Country. While there, Bailey shares this Amish recipe in the midst of solving the crime. It’s a great one to do with kids too. Enjoy!

Ingredients
·      Container of pretzel sticks
·      1/4 cup caramel sauce
·      One bag candy-coated milk chocolate eggs
·      Parchment paper

Directions
1.              Warm caramel in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s melted and easy to stir
2.              Put pretzel into a large bowl. Pour caramel over the pretzel sticks; stir to coat the pretzels with the caramel.
3.              Scoop pretzel mixture from bowl with a large spoon onto parchment paper and form into small bowls. To make this easier, you can hollow the center out to create the nest with the back of the spoon.
4.              Arrange three chocolate eggs in each nest.
5.              Let cool and enjoy!




GIVEAWAY
Today, Amanda is offering a giveaway of ASSAULTED CARAMEL,  the 1st in the series, a delicious read. Leave a comment and your email address so she can contact you if you win, and tell her if you're looking forward to spring. 

Visit Amanda Online
Facebook  | Instagram | www.amandaflower.com



70 comments:

  1. We lived in NE Ohio years ago and some years I thought winter would never end. Even between cold fronts it is looking like spring here in Houston with the azaleas blooming.
    patdupuy@yahoo.com

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  2. I'm looking forward to spring cause I'm tired of the weather we are having!!!
    digicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net

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  3. Spring can't come soon enough; the Polar Vortex just keeps sucking me down! pjcoldren[at]tm[dot]net

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  4. Yes,I'm ready for spring.I live in the Midwest, I can't wait till I can smell the lilac bushes. BakingCookies32(at)Gmail(dot)com

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  5. Even though we live in N. CA and haven't experienced the terrible weather other parts of the country have, we've still had cold and rain. Yep, ready for spring.
    sallycootie(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. I look forward to Spring. Sunshine, warmth and flowers blooming. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  7. I’m so ready for spring & working in the yard. I love having my windows open. Its been a snowy cold winter. Snowing & single digit temps again today
    jwhaley4@aol.com

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  8. Spring means long walks, mild temps and enjoying the longer days. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. We haven't had the weather the rest of the country has had, but we've sure had a ton of rain for California. My dog Sparky is ready for dry days. ~ Daryl

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  10. Yes, my car keeps freezing under the hood and now won’t start. Bahumbug winter please leave. It’s -30😳donamaekutska7@gmail.com

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  11. I am verrryyyy much looking forward to spring!
    Wendy
    clarksrfun at gmail dot com

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  12. I am looking forward to spring. No more heaters on and no need for air condition on. Thank you for this chance. Carolyn 1cow0993(at)gmail(dot)com

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  13. I enjoy spring, especially the flowers and longer days.
    browninggloria(at)hotmail(dot) com

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  14. In more than ready for spring! It's snowing again today in Central Illinois and I'm ready for warmer weather .Thank you for the opportunity; I love your books. sljesse10(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  15. I'm looking forward to my rose garden blooming in the spring.
    Joannlowehunter@aol.com

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  16. Absolutely love your books. Remember fondly your visit many years ago to the Newton Falls Public Library when you were a brand new published author.

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  17. Clever idea.
    I think I'd use thin pretzel sticks so they look more ike twigs.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  18. I’m ready for spring and planting vegetables
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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  19. I don’t miss my allergies from spring up there, but I miss the lilacs and other flowers. It’s still odd to not really have seasons since I lived in Ohio for most of my life. Dellagnesem@yahoo.com

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  20. I am in PA so I know how the weather can be! I love the books of yours I have read so far, and I would love to add this to the list!
    Jaclynsonestopshop@gmail.com

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  21. I love your books! johnandlauracave@gmail.com

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  22. I am excitedly looking forward to spring. Spring is a time of renewal AND one of my favorite days, April Fool's day, my birthday. sakenna2710@live.com

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  23. Looking forward to starting my garden and walking outside without being bundled from head to foot. I live in Columbus, Ohio, but originally from Akron. carters@columbusacademy.org

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  24. I am so ready for Spring! It has been a really, really long winter. Can't wait for a nice Spring day and being able to sit outside and read.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. So looking forward to Spring! Northern IL has had enough winter and below normal temperatures. This whole week is going to be very cold. holdensheryl@hotmail.com

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  26. I always look forward to Spring. It's my favorite season since everything is green and healthy, especially after this rainy season we have had this year. Downhill after that with all of the heat we have...brown and fire season. California has it's own seasons, different from the rest of the country.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  27. We have had so much cold, wind and snow. I am oh so ready for spring! It's March 3 and taps are in place for sap collecting so I am hopeful spring will REALLY arrive soon! auroras4@yahoo.com

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  28. Thank you for the opportunity to win!! I love your books! I have a toddler, and he loves being outside. I am looking forward to warmer weather so that we can play outside more often. It's hard when it is so cold. prockish2013@gmail.com p

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  29. I can't wait for Spring! It has been so rainy this year, and it's going to be cold this week too. ioncookbooks(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  30. These Easter birds' nests are adorable & I know my niece & nephew will have fun making them. I am looking forward to spring. It's so pretty.
    turtle6422 at gmail dot com

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  31. Between the snow and bitter cold YES I am looking forward to Spring. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom

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  32. Looking forward to the spring flowers.

    jtcgc at yahoo dot com

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  33. We're having a major snowstorm starting tonight into tomorrow morning. I am tired of Winter and snow! Thank you for this chance! areewekidding(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  34. I am definitely looking forward to Spring. Warmer weather, flowers blooming and spending time outside. I am more than tired of winter.

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  35. So excited for spring......green grass, sunshine!

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  36. Last year I would have said it doesn't matter. I live in a temperate zone. But this year has been very odd. The week before last saw 2 Mondays and Tuesdays with 2 to 3 inches of snow. Last week it was Tuesday and Wednesday it was about 4 inches. Before last month? It had been 15 yrs since we had snow. I am definitely looking forward to delightful emerging of flowers & scents & a wider variety of birds. Appreciate the kid friendly project. It is one I know the kids will love. deepotter(at)peoplepc(dot)com

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  37. Like everyone else, we are READY for spring. Our winter has been dreary and rainy so your are stuck inside but don't even have the pretty scenery to see out the windows like when it snows. Although, I wouldn't want the amount of snow that I've seen on the news this year either. Easter means things begin to bloom and gardens go in making ones spirits rise. My husband's birthday is April 22nd and it's been an Easter bunny once. Bless his heart our young daughter had him all fixed up as a bunny rabbit complete with cotton tail and basket and had him hop down our hallway. Sadly this was at a time before cell phones to take photos or having easy access to a camera with film so there aren't any physical reminders of that special time. He and I still remember and the memories make us smile. :)

    The recipe sounds not only easy but yummy and one that kiddos would love to help make.

    I would love the chance to read "ASSAULTED CARAMEL". Thanks for the chance to win a copy! <3
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  38. I am still enjoying the snow here in Iowa. :) ~ Rhonda Sowers minibuttercookie(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  39. We won’t have spring in the Colorado Mountains until May, so that’s a long time yet!
    Still enjoying the snow we have.
    faithdcreech at gmail dot com

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  40. I am indeed looking forward to Spring! Winter has been pitiful here in NJ, just cold and damp - any snow we have gotten either has melted instantly or been washed away by rain! Thinking I might serve the Birds Nests at Easter dinner! mergatroid1@verizon.net

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  41. We haven't had a bad a winter as other parts of country. Right now we are having sunny but not to warm. Don't mind the cool days but really dislike the snowy, icy conditions. nettiem(at)toledotel(dot)com

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  42. Yes, spring can't come soon enough. The daffodils are sprputing, but it snowed today.
    Sherry Clark
    baileybounce2a@att.net

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  43. I am looking forward to Spring. Here in Oklahoma we are having yoyo weather. Its cold then its snowy then its icy then are teased with a little warm weather only for the cycle to start all over again. Thanks for the chance!
    bernice-kennedy(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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  44. The recipe looks great. I try the recipes in books. Cute cover and title. gayleboyce@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. And yes looking forward to spring. So much colder here in central Texas than we care for.

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  45. Already planning my garden for the year and types of flowers I want to get. Thanks for sharing that recipe which looks delicious.

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  46. I just purchased 3 of your books off Barnes and noble on line tonight. Can't wait to get them.
    Looking forward to Spring as if its not snowing here its below zero and winds are blowing.
    bearsgal dot sweet1964 at yahoo dot com

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  47. I've been fortunate with winter weather this year as it has nearly always coincided with my days off. I look forward to Spring because I love having the windows open.
    mhunter972@aol.com

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    Replies
    1. Margie, you're the winner of this giveaway. Congrats. Amanda will be in touch. ~ Daryl

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    2. Thanks so much! I'd better stock some snacks for the read ahead. 😁

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  48. That recipe looks so good for our church outreach we do at Easter. pyrosmatches69@gmail.com

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  49. I am so ready for Spring here in Ohio I can't wait The recipe sounds awesome Thank you for the chance to win SARAHTAYLOR601973atyahoodotcom

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  50. I would love to win this book! Thanks for this chance! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com

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  51. I love this series and I can’t wait for spring and July-when your new book releases!! . So tired of freezing temperatures and rain. I’m going to have to try this recipe. Would also love to win this novella. michelle_rhdn@yahoo.com

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  52. Winter has gotten very old this year and I'm done with it and ready for spring! It's minus 15 degrees with a minus 40 wind chill this morning.

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  53. I can not wait to see spring winter seems to be so long this year .

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  54. I am SO looking forward to spring! It's 0º here this morning! I just want it to warm up.
    smurphee@yahoo.com

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  55. Taylor R. WilliamsMarch 4, 2019 at 11:34 AM

    I can't wait to read your books - thanks for the chance to win one. trwilliams 69 (at) msn (dot) com

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  56. I am so ready for spring. It was a lovely 80 degrees over the weekend. Then Sunday and a cold front came, and bam! We were back down to the low 30s this morning. That's cold for southeast Louisiana!

    Thank you for the chance to win! bunkielisa at gmail dot com

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  57. I'm begging spring to come---but I think I'm going to have to wait quite a while since our snowbanks are as high as the eaves of the house and we were 15 below when I got up this morning.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  58. I am looking forward to spring!! Fall and spring are the best season. Because its not hot enough to die of the heat and not too cold that I need a sweater. Always the best time to go picnicking with my kids!
    Mssy89@yahoo.com

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  59. I am SOOOO ready for Spring! I like the warmer weather that Spring brings, and also all the variety of green colors that show up in the trees and grasses. It has been really cold the last few days -- this morning at 9 am it had *warmed* to 12 degrees and felt like -2. It is supposed to warm up to 50s in a few days. That's Oklahoma for you.

    donna (dot) durnell (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

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  60. I am ready for some warmer weather in the spring. We have had so much rain in Texas and the temperatures keep fluctuating from 30s to 80s in one week. Saamm7@msn.com

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  61. Thanks for sharing this fun recipe. It will be perfect for my granddaughter's pre-school class.
    Blessings!
    Connie
    cps1850(at)gmail(dot)com

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  62. So cute! I can't wait to try them. I'm with you on a later Easter, I love to watch the kiddos hunt for eggs, but don't like them out in the cold weather. Spring is my favorite season, I can hardly wait. It's all about renewal and fresh air, seeing the green come back and flowers waking up. Thank you so much for sharing. konecny7(at)gmail(dot)com =)

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  63. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  64. I’m looking forward to spring so I can stop worrying about driving to work in the snow.
    theresa_c(at)msn(dot)com

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  65. Awesome recipe... looking forward to Spring here too! Have a great week 🤗
    Cheers-
    Kelly Braun
    Gaelicark(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  66. The recipe looks amazing & yes I'm definitely looking forward to Spring with it's warmer weather, flowers growing again & more daylight time ahead. Thanks for your great generosity. lindamay4852@yahoo.com

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  67. The winner of this giveaway is Margie H. Amanda will be in touch. Thanks to all for chiming in! ~ Daryl

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