Selena Robins's Blog

Some character quirks are purely fictional, others are inspired by real life.

Every book I write hides a few Easter eggs—tiny nods to real life. While my characters are purely fictional, at times a few of their quirks are inspired from people in my life.

Such as my late husband’s legendary devotion to coasters.

My fictional hero, Gabe, isn’t my husband. But the crusade for coasters? That was all my beloved.

Meet the Fictional Coaster Man.

Gabe has a thing about coasters. Not just a casual preference—but a full-blown, crusade-worthy obsession.

When Ryan blissfully oblivious, as heroines often are, dares to set down a cup without one? Cue the dramatic sigh, Gabe’s heroic slide of a coaster into place, and that exasperated-yet-charming look that says, “Honestly, how do you even function?”

This isn’t just a quirky detail for a character arc. It’s a love letter to my late husband.

The OG Coaster Man

My beloved was the original Coaster Man. He didn’t merely believe in coasters—he campaigned for them.

He moved with superhero urgency when wood was unprotected against sweaty glasses and he never let a cup rest unguarded.

My dear friend and writing partner, Alexandra Isobel, dubbed him Coaster Man, my husband embraced the title like a badge of honour. It was absurd. It was endearing. It was so him.

One evening at a dinner party we were hosting, I watched my husband slide a coaster under my friend’s wine glass mid-story.

When I gave him the look, he said, “I’m on the job.”

We all got a good laugh out of it, along with some witty commentary.

To him, those ceramic circles and squares weren’t just about preventing rings, they were a way of caring for the home we’d built, the space where family gathered, the place he wanted to keep beautiful for all of us.

So when you read the following scene (excerpt below) know this—that coaster crusade is my husband’s humour and love immortalized in this book.

And if it makes you laugh? Perfect. Because if there’s one thing my Coaster Man would want, it’s for the world to appreciate the small, silly ways we take care of each other.

(And to remember to use a coaster.)

Tea secured—table’s safe. Coaster Man would approve.

DECOY IN STILETTOS
Excerpt

A cup. A coaster. And a hint of chemistry.

Here’s sneak a peek at Gabe and Ryan in action.

After finishing with her website, Ryan put her laptop away, poured herself a mug of coffee and joined him in the living room, settling into the round, tanned barrel chair.

Gabe was focused on the hockey game and hadn’t looked her way since she sat.

She watched him closely, noticing his guarded shoulders and the way he kept clicking the remote, switching from one game to the next.

She leaned over to place the coffee mug on the edge of the coffee table, when he slid a wooden coaster toward her faster than she could blink.

“Seriously?” she said. “Do you carry those around in your pockets?”

“You were one second away from committing a crime against furniture.”

She wanted to ask how the hell he even knew since he hadn’t looked at her once but decided against it.

Tucking her legs under her, she cradled the mug. The ceramic warmed away the chill from his side, giving her something to focus on besides the wall Gabe had bricked between them.

“Are there coasters in every room?”

He nodded. “Some people have smoke detectors. I have heat-ring detectors.”

“You’re intense.”

“You’re a spiller.”

Ryan raised an eyebrow. “You’re going to die on this hill, huh?”

“Die? No,” he said, keeping his gaze on the TV. “I prefer living with no surface damage.”

“You did not just romanticize a coaster?”

He looked at her, the corner of his mouth twitching. “Some people believe in soulmates. I believe in polyurethane backed cork.”

She let out a quiet chuckle. He was so serious, and completely ridiculous, but damn it was adorable. Best of all, the wall he’d built between them lost a few bricks.

Excerpt: Copyright Selena Robin

Now available for pre-ordering.
Special Introductory Price

A romantic suspense with a twist of humour, emotionally sharp romantic mystery about second chances, unexpected love, and a woman who refuses to be a pawn in a deadly game—even when the odds are stacked against her.

Pre-order now at a special introductory price.

Don’t miss out. This offer is only available for a limited time.

Pre-order Decoy in Stilettos here:

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Advanced Readers Reviews:

“You can never go wrong with a Selena Robins novel. Selena’s ability to write extremely well-drawn characters with generously sprinkled excellent dialogue makes her work stand head and shoulders above the rest. I loved this story.”
— Award Winning Author & Screenplay Writer Denise A. Agnew

“Superior, clever entertainment from one of my favourite authors, the talented Selena Robins, that includes sassy humour with steamy undertones.”
—Susan Ricci, USA Today Best Selling Author

“Ryan made me laugh, and Gabe made me sigh. Their banter is lively, and the mystery is sharp. You’re hooked from page one and keep turning pages until the end. I’m jealous of those who are reading this for the first time.”
— Alexandra Isobel

“I love it! I really enjoy cop/feisty woman combos, and Gabe, Ryan, and Ryan’s boisterous family are awesome. I didn’t want it to end. Great romantic suspense.”
–— Pat Egan Fordyce, Book Reviewer

It’s still hard to believe that seven years ago, I had no idea how I was going to get through a single day, let alone a month or a future, without the love of my life, my husband, best friend, favourite conversationalist, and the calm to my chaos.

The only person who truly appreciated my “Lucy moments,” quirks, and my talent for singing off-key to Beatles songs while cooking dinner.

It’s been seven years since I last held his hand.

Seven years of being grateful when he visits me in dreams.

Seven years of learning how to keep breathing.

Seven years of learning how to coexist with grief in a world where his smile and laughter no longer fill the room, and his voice only lives in memories.

Grief, as anyone who’s lived it knows, isn’t just a temporary visitor. It becomes an annoying roommate who never pays rent and leaves emotional clutter everywhere.

For the first few years after we lost him, it felt like an immovable boulder was pressing down on my chest. But slowly, and with a lot of deep breaths, questionable haircuts, mindless TV marathons, and late-night pep talks with family and friends, it has shifted.

Living with grief for the past seven years has taught me that there’s still space for laughter, joy, and new adventures. While adjusting to a life I never envisioned has been challenging, it is manageable.

I’ve learned that the only way to get through each day is to shape my life and make decisions on my terms, my way, and on my timeline.

It taught me to bulk up my “grief muscles,” slowly, never to strive for perfection, because that’s impossible, but to keep a steady pace.

These past seven years have taught me that I can still carry the weight of loss yet still see light and happiness.

Time hasn’t dulled how much I miss him. Not one bit, and some days, it aches, like a pulled muscle in the heart. But I keep going because I can still hear his voice telling me: You’ve got this.

I still catch myself reaching for the phone to text him some random trivia or a meme he would’ve loved. For a second, I forget he’s not on the other end. But I like to think he gets the message anyway.

A great deal has changed over these seven years. I’ve ventured on a new path with teaching and writing, and I’ve learned new skills. Though I’m sure he’d question my gardening choices and DIY projects and tease me with laughter.

There are no manuals for navigating widowhood; you figure it out one day at a time, one tear at a time, and one bite of chocolate at a time.

I’m forever grateful for the life and love we shared. Every day, I work to honour his legacy of positivity, his deep love for family and faith, and celebrate his special days with his favourite meal and treats.

David left behind a trail of laughter, love, and treasured memories, and each day brings different emotions, especially on dates like today, the last day of his life on earth. But each day also brings me the opportunity to cherish our memories together, our adventures, the fun, our late-night talks, and our love.

I still talk to him, sometimes out loud, and feel his presence in the silence that follows.

I’m grateful that my family speaks his name often and that we share his stories. Because real love doesn’t vanish, it just changes shape and continues to grow with us and walk beside us.

To anyone travelling the winding path of widowhood, filled with emotional landmines, detours, and unexpected turns, keep moving forward at your own pace. Smile through the tears. Cry when you want to and laugh when you can.

And know; you’ve got this.

Dedicated to my beloved David, whom I miss, love, and cherish. Always.

I hope you’re all enjoying summer so far! Between teaching and editing, I’ve been deep in the final stages of my upcoming romantic suspense, with a twist of humour: DECOY IN STILETTOS.

This story is packed with twisty suspense, sizzling chemistry, and a gritty love story wrapped in secrets, danger… and stilettos.

To kick things off, I sat down (virtually, of course) with the heroine and hero; Ryan and Gabe, for a Q&A.

They’ve graciously agreed to give us a peek into their world, and the fine art of not strangling each other (yet).

Q: Ryan’s an unusal name for a woman. How did that come about?

Ryan: “My dad’s Iris mum, Grandma Abigail did this old wives’ test when my mom was pregnant. She tied my mom’s wedding ring on a string and dangled it over her belly. It swung in a circle, which meant it was a boy.

Grandma insisted the firstborn O’Flanagan male had to be named Ryan. So, I showed up and they slapped on Ryan Abigail Maria Benetti O’Flanagan to please both sides. Protestant Irish on my dad’s, Catholic Italian on my mom’s.

Ma and Nonna blame my dad, since he bought the ring in a pawn shop.”

Question: What’s something about Gabe that would surprise people?

Ryan points a finger at Gabe. “Coasters. I mean, everywhere in the house.”

Gabe rolls his eyes. “She’s a spiller.”

Ryan gives him a sharp side-eye. “He’s intense.”

He smirks, unfazed.

Question: What’s your worst date story?

Ryan: “The guy brought his emotional support plant on the date.”
Gabe: “Just one of the unhinged in her honey traps.”
Ryan: “Well, there is that.”

Interviewer: Speaking of honey traps, can you tell us what exactly that’s about?

Gabe jumps in, shaking his head. “Her agency entraps people.”

Ryan cuts him off, arms crossed. “Nope. We’re a catch-a-cheater PI agency.”

Gabe smirks. “That’s her story.”

Ryan: “And I’m sticking to it. No matter how much you disagree with it. It’s successful.”

Gabe: “Yup. Until she triggers the Russian mob. Then all bets are off.

Ryan shaking her head. “Don’t go there, and that’s everything we’re spilling on that No spoilers. Remember?”

Question: If your life were a movie, what would it be?

Ryan taps her chin. “Probably something like The Royal Tenenbaums.”

Gabe nods approvingly. “Perfect. Drama and dark humor. All her.”

Interviewer: What about you, Gabe?

Ryan cuts in quickly. “Let me answer that one.”

Gabe leans back, folding his arms. “Knock yourself out.”

Ryan smiles. “Think Jason Bourne meets one of those moody indie films where the guy broods in shadows and spends half the time stitching himself up in the mirror.

Mostly serious and controlled, and occasionally exasperated. Minimal dialogue. Except when he’s muttering about my safety or how bad my coffee is.”

Gabe shoots her a look. “Occasionally exasperated? Wonder why.”

Ryan grins slyly. “Admit it, you love that I’m the plot twist you didn’t see coming.

Gabe shakes his head.

Q: What was your first impression of Ryan?

Gabe grins. “Grade four. I thought she was the prettiest girl in school, until she turned around, stuck her tongue out, and called me a stupid dork.”

Ryan laughs. “He deserved it. He tore up my hand-made posters.”

Gabe nods. “She organized a petition to ban dodgeball.”

Ryan shrugs. “It was violent and unfair to the short kids.”

Gabe glances at her. “Which you were not.”

Ryan smirks. “No, but I was lobbying for the oppressed.”

Question: Gabe, What’s your soft spot when it comes to Ryan?

Gabe pauses, then looks at Ryan. “She’s just her.”

***
Thanks for hopping on here and catching a glimpse into their world.

Stay tuned for the upcoming cover reveal and release date announcement.

You won’t want to miss what’s next!

Ryan thought running a honey trap agency was a smart hustle until a client’s husband dropped dead on her watch.

Now her infuriating long-time nemesis, Detective Smoke-Show, slaps the cuffs on her in front of her loud, nosy Italian-Irish family.

Jail might be the safest place for her, considering the Russian mob put out a hit, and she has no idea why.

Good thing Gabe’s in her corner. Part protector, full-time trouble, and probably the only reason she’s still breathing.

Life after divorce? Try a front-row seat to a romantic thriller with a body count and a punchline.

***

Meet Maddie and Alex (who will also make a cameo appearance in Decoy in Stilettos) for their character interview. CLICK HERE.

Canada. The land of maple syrup, snowstorms, and a national kindness that even our beaver dams have Welcome carved into them.

As a proud Canadian, I’ve always felt a deep, quiet love for my country—a love that hums beneath the surface in every “eh” and “sorry,” even when we apologize for the weather. (Which, let’s be honest, we’ve all done.) But in these challenging times, that quiet love has grown louder.

From the rocky shores of Newfoundland to the towering peaks of the Rockies, Canada’s beauty is as diverse as its people—a mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions. We come from every corner of the globe but fit together like the folds of a well-worn Canadian flag.

Our pride lies not just in the breathtaking landscapes but in the humble and hardworking spirit that defines us.

Canadians don’t boast about their patriotism, but it runs deep—a steadfast love for the land we call home, as well as the values of peace, democracy, and mutual respect. These values have always guided us, even in the most difficult times.

As we navigate global uncertainty, I believe Canada will rise above it all. We’ve weathered tough times before and emerged stronger.

Canadians have always been subtle about displaying their patriotism and love for Canada—until now, when our patriotism is louder, prouder, and more unified than ever.

In a time when division can feel like the default setting everywhere else, Canadians have come together in ways that truly blow me away.

Hockey has always been a unifying thread in Canada’s fabric. Whether it’s Saturday nights spent watching Hockey Night in Canada, with siblings squabbling over teams, or the collective hope during the Stanley Cup that one of us will bring the trophy back home, hockey transcends rivalries. It’s a reminder that, no matter our differences, we all cheer for the same goal: Canada’s success.

Currently, we’re facing some significant challenges. A trade war? Check. Threatened with annexation? Unfortunately, the rhetoric seems to be hitting us daily.

But let me tell you something: the Canadian spirit is alive and thriving. From coast to coast, we’re standing tall. And when I say “tall,” I mean tall for a country that spends half the year buried in snow.

My parents immigrated to Canada from Italy in the late ‘50s with little more than a suitcase full of dreams and their cherished traditional recipes. Embracing their new Canadian identity, they bought cups, saucers, and knickknacks adorned with maple leaves—symbols of their gratitude for a fresh start. Their pride was unmistakable, and those trinkets became a reflection of their joy and newfound hope.

In true Canadian fashion, my dad, proud of his new homeland, enrolled me in Highland Dancing after spotting a Highland dancer on a pack of Export A cigarettes. For him, it was a way of blending Canada’s traditions with our Italian roots—balancing Highland steps with accordion lessons and Italian music.

Canada’s beauty isn’t just in its landscapes—it’s in its people, a vibrant tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. That’s what makes Canada so incredible: It’s where you can sing both “O Canada” and “Volare” in the same breath, embracing every thread of who you are.

Canada’s values have always guided us, even in the most difficult times. We believe in peace, democracy, and mutual respect. When the world calls, we answer—whether it’s providing shelter during 9/11, fighting side by side with American troops in Afghanistan, or sending aid to fight wildfires. We don’t do it for recognition; we do it because it’s the right thing to do. That’s the Canadian way.

As a child, I watched my parents dress in their Sunday best to vote—an act that, to them, represented not just a privilege but a sacred responsibility. They taught me that being Canadian wasn’t just about enjoying the privileges; it was about carrying the responsibilities. To each other, to our communities, and to the world.

Today, as we navigate global uncertainty and face shifting alliances, it’s easy to feel disheartened. But I truly believe that Canada will rise above it all. We’ve been through tough times before, and we came out stronger. Yes, the world is changing, and our bond with our neighbour and ally may be dented and tested daily, but our commitment to our values—our kindness, fairness, and unity—remains unwavering.

Canada is not just a place; it’s a promise. A promise of hope, opportunity, and belonging. It’s where my parents’ dreams came true, where I’ve built my own life, raised my family, embraced my Italian roots and traditions, and stayed connected to Canadian values.

Through challenges and triumphs, Canada remains my home, my pride, and my inspiration. No matter where life takes me, I’ll always be proud to say, “I’m Canadian.”

You know how you buy a bunch of bananas vowing to eat one every single day; but then somehow they start to turn develop a mushy texture faster than you can say potassium?

Have no fear; you don’t have to toss them. Roll up your sleeves, peel those sad-looking little guys and bake up a zesty, easy-to-make banana bread.

This recipe is so delicious that it will inspire you to over-rippen your bananas on purpose.

Banana Orange Bread

Ingredients:

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (113g) butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
3 TBSP orange rind
1/3 cup (80g) plain yogurt, (or sour cream) room temperature
1 and 1/2 cups (345g) mashed bananas
2 tsp. vanilla extract

Optional: 3/4 cup (100g) chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C)Line a 9 x 5-inch metal loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well with non-stick spray.In a medium bowl, add flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together.Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat butter and brown sugar together on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.On medium speed, add the eggs one at a time, then add the yogurt, mashed bananas, orange rind, and vanilla until well combined.Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, using the speed on low, until all the ingredients are well mixed and no dry flour remains.Be careful not to overmix.At this point, if you are using nuts, then fold them in with a spatula.Pour batter into your prepared loaf pan.Cover the loaf pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 55-65 minutes, depending on your oven’s timing.After 35 minutes (or halfway through baking time), remove the foil.Continue baking until the center comes out clean with only a few small moist crumbs when you insert a toothpick.When done, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool on a wire rack.You can store the bread at room temperature for 2 days or cover it well and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This bread also freezes well.

As Easter approaches, chocolate bunnies and Peeps might be hogging the spotlight on store shelves, but let’s not forget the real MVP of springtime sweets: the Zeppole.

These heavenly Italian dough balls are deep-fried to golden perfection, dusted with powdered sugar, and sometimes dressed with pastry cream, custard, or a drizzle of honey.

Like any good Italian tradition, every family has their own secret recipe.

This year, don’t settle for prepackaged treats, whip up a batch of these festive fried delights.

I’m sharing my family’s tried-and-true recipe, so you can celebrate St. Joseph’s Day—and the lead-up to Easter—with a sweet, crispy bite of Italian heritage.

Get your Italian on and fry up a batch—it’s Zeppole time.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup white sugar, plus 3 tablespoons
2 TBSP ground cinnamon
2 tsp. maples syrup (you can substitute and use 1 tsp. vanilla)
zest of one small lemon
1 stick unsalted butter (or 1/2 cup)
1 cup room temperature water
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup sifted, all purpose flour
4 large eggs
olive oil light kind used for frying (not the extra-virgin olive oil), or avocado oil
confectioner sugar (or as we call it in Canada, icing sugar)

DIRECTIONS:

In a bowl mix together: 1/2 cup of sugar, cinnamon, maple syrup (or vanilla) and lemon zest. Set aside.

Turn your stove on to medium heat, and using a saucepan, combine the following in the saucepan: butter, 3 TBSP sugar and the water.

Stirring constantly, bring this to a boil.

Once it has boiled, remove from the stove and stir in the flour.

Return the saucepan to the stove, and keep stirring until the mixture forms a ball. Continue stirring for 5 minutes.

Take mixture from saucepan and add to the Sugar/cinnamon/vanilla/lemon bowl you had set aside (or if you prefer to use a food processor you can put it in there).

Using a hand mixer (or food processor), add your eggs one at a time, so that each egg is mixed in well with the dough.

Continue beating until mixture is smooth.

At this point you are going to fry the dough, but if you want to do it later, you can. Simply cover the bowl with saran wrap and refrigerate and fry them later.

TO FRY THEM:

Add enough oil into a large frying pan (about 2 inches). Heat oil over medium heat.

Fry them in batches so they are not crowding each other.

When oil is hot, using a melon baller, or small ice cream scooper or a tablespoon and drop the dough into the hot oil. Turn the zeppole a few times so that all sides get a nice golden color.

Once they are all puffed up and golden on all sides (takes about 5 minutes) place each one on paper towels.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar, and if you like, you can sprinkle with cinnamon as well.

Best eaten right after they are made.

OPTIONAL:

You can fill them and/or top them with your favorite custard or cream as well.

Adulting is a never-ending improv show with no script—we’re usually just winging it.

But fear not—that’s what these life tricks are for. A few are a little questionable, but if they make life a smidge more straightforward (or at least more entertaining), isn’t that a victory?

Insert light bulbs into old doll heads in your guest rooms as night lights. (This is only for unwanted relatives.) Yes, that’s mean, but you won’t have to worry about them overstaying or returning.

Parents: Need your kids to behave in public? Threaten to sing loudly. Bonus points if it’s an embarrassing song from their favourite cartoon. Double bonus points if you have dance moves.

If you burn dinner, call it ‘gourmet combustion’ or ‘flame-kissed cuisine.’ Fancy words will make it sound like a Micheline-starred fare.

To keep cake moist, eat it all in one sitting. You’re welcome.

Revive limp celery by standing it up in an ice-cold glass of water. Please note: This ONLY works for celery.

Need a quick confidence boost? Ask a 5-year-old how you look. They’ll either call you a superhero or compare you to a potato. Either way, it’s character-building.

For cheap entertainment, go to a shopping mall, stop, and stare at the ceiling, and see how many other people stop and stare.

When someone asks you a question you don’t know the answer to, say, “That’s classified.” They’ll either think you’re important or leave you alone. Win-win.

Every time we make stupid people famous, a unicorn dies. Please don’t do it. Save the unicorns. (And your sanity.)

Master the art of self-deprecating humour. It’s like a free pass to laugh at yourself before others do. Bonus: It makes you seem funnier, even if you’re not.

Did you know you can swap mashed cauliflower for mashed potatoes, or use cauliflower instead of rice, or even as a pizza crust? It’s incredible how versatile cauliflower is—everything can imitate it, but cauliflower never gets a glow-up.

There’s a reason for that: it’s not endorphin-inducing indulgence enough for the holidays. So let’s keep it real—life’s too short for a wanna-be potato dish. Enjoy the spud’s buttery goodness.

However, I have a swap that won’t hinder your holiday feast or taste buds.

Swap out those Christmas cards and gift an e-book instead.

For about the same price as a holiday or Christmas card (sometimes less than a card), you can give a lasting gift that brings hours of entertainment long after the holidays.

E-books are super convenient, budget-friendly, and perfect for all the readers in your life—and don’t forget to treat yourself to a few books as well.

Whether your family and friends love heartwarming romances, exciting mysteries, or suspenseful tales, there’s an eBook just for them. They can read on the go, making them a fantastic gift choice.

Let’s celebrate the magic of stories and the creativity of authors by supporting indie or local writers. It’s a great way to show you care while highlighting some fantastic talents in literature.

Recommended Authors for Gifting

Interracial Romance

If you are in love with interracial romance, with deliciously brooding alpha heroes and the spirited heroines that can manage them, then check out Alexandra Isobel’s book list.

Suspense:

If you enjoyed the suspense and thrills of The Da Vinci Code then you’ll absolutely love THE JUDAS APOCALYPSE by Dan McNeil.

Mystery:

Do you want to cozy up with a great mystery suspense, plus you’re a Beatles fan and love heist books? Then CAN’T BUY ME Love by Dan McNeil was custom-written for you.

Romance, Adventure, Historical, Suspense, Ghost Stories

If you like reading novels steeped in adventure, romance, suspense, history, things that go bump in the night, and more, you may enjoy the wide variety of novels written by Denise A. Agnew. Denise is also a screenwriter, and you can find her movie Secrets Beneath The Floorboards currently on Lifetime Movie Club.

To check out Denise’s books (she has over 50 novels to choose from) on her website click here.

Sexy Women’s Fiction:

If 50 Shades of Grey or Bridget Jones’ Diary books are your reading pleasure, then you’ll love SEX & SAMOSAS by Jasmine Aziz.  

Inspirational:

Do you believe there is a life beyond?

THE ROAD TO BEYOND by Michelina Pagano is a story about two lost souls, Pretty One and Hero, who wake up in a strange, heaven-like place after September 11th. Without memories or belongings, they must overcome obstacles on the journey to find out who they really are. 

In the tone of What Dreams May Become and The Little Prince, THE ROAD TO BEYOND is a modern fairy tale that reminds us that every human being on earth has significance and that even in inexplicable tragedy, we are connected to one another. It explores a plausible afterlife and offers hope to anyone who has lost a loved one.

If you’re looking for a story that’s part fantasy, part soul-searching, and written from the heart, this book is for you.

Just in time for the holidays, THE ROAD TO BEYOND e-book is on sale for just .99 cents. 

To view THE ROAD TO BEYOND’s video, please click here.

Contemporary Romance, Rom-Com

If you like sassy romance blended with humour and sometimes suspense, please consider the catalogue of USA Today Bestselling Author Susan Jean Ricci.

With four heartwarming series, there’s much to choose from. Each series has developed in stages, much like how Susan’s adult years have unfolded.

To learn more about Susan and her books, please visit her website, by clicking here.

Happy browsing and gifting!

Is there anything more comforting than the smell of freshly baked bread on a rainy autumn day? And if you’re craving a warm, cozy meal, you’ve come to the right place.

Today’s gray skies inspired me to make a hearty pot of minestrone, but I realized I was out of bread. I did not want to leave my favourite fleece to wear into the drizzle, so I baked a few loaves instead.

This recipe is a breeze—quick, straightforward, and completely knead-free. It’s ideal for lazy days when you want to enjoy comfort food without the extra effort.

Let’s get started on the recipe.

Ingredients:

all-purpose2 cups lukewarm water (98 – 105 F)
4 1/4 tsp. yeast
1 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
4 to 5 cups flour (all-purpose or bread flour)
1 TBSP olive oil
1 egg (for egg wash)

Directions:

In a large bowl, add water, yeast and sugar.

Whisk well, then cover with a dishcloth and set aside for 10 minutes until the yeast is doubled.

Sift the flour and salt into the yeast.

Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until flour and liquid are incorporated well.

Drizzle the olive oil onto the dough and work it gently through the dough.

The dough will be shaggy, and there’s no need to knead.

Cover the dough with a dishcloth and proof for 90 minutes or until doubled in size. My oven has a proofing feature, but if you don’t have this feature, simply turn your oven light on and place the bowl in the oven.

Once the dough has doubled, sprinkle flour on your work surface. Turn the dough onto your work surface and shape it into a long loaf. Cut the loaf in the middle to make two loaves, or shape it into two round loaves (your choice).

Whisk an egg and about 1 TBPS of water in a small bowl, and brush the loaves with this egg wash.

Pre-heat oven to 425 F.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the dough on the sheet and bake for 25 – 30 minutes (or until the bread reaches an internal temperature of 190 F).

Enjoy with Irish butter, or jam, or, in my case, with a steaming bowl of minestrone soup.

For my version of minestrone soup, please click HERE for the recipe.

When a critique request turns unexpected.

Besides writing, I also offer critiquing and editing services, and I received an email from Anamica Jayne, a new writer, asking if I’d be willing to critique and edit her novella.

To my surprise, the attached project was an erotic novella – a genre I don’t typically read or write. I emailed Anamica to let her know this was not my area of expertise, however, she still wanted to hire my services.

After thinking about it, I agreed because in reality, I could critique any genre and point out any technical issues.

When Anamica communicated with me, via email, she always addressed me as Mistress Robins, and her narrative read like someone who spoke in broken English.

As I read her novella, I realized the content was beyond what I had expected, as this was a hard-core erotica tale, more suited for male readers than females, in my opinion.

I have a close friend (for the sake of my friend’s anonymity, I’ll call her Natasha) who reads a lot of erotica stories.

I emailed Anamica and asked her permission to forward her novella to a close friend of mine to get a second opinion. Anamica responded that she would rather I not share her work.

I finished the edit and sent it back to Anamica with my suggestions. I explained that it was challenging for me to fully grasp the plot and her characters’ arcs.

I also highly recommended that she get a second opinion, and so I sent her few links that I thought could assist her with publishing goals for her novella. I encouraged her to keep writing, and wished her well with her publishing journey.

She thanked me and told me she wanted to send her payment via snail mail. In cash.

I highly recommended that she not send cash through snail mail and directed her to Pay-Pal.

She said she didn’t trust sending funds through the Internet.

I then suggested mail me a check.

She said she had no checking account and could only pay me in cash.

Although I found this odd, I reiterated that sending cash through the mail wasn’t safe, but she insisted, so I gave her my P.O. Box number.

A week later, I received a package in the mail at home. It was Janet Evanovich’s (one of my favourite authors) CD collection wrapped as a gift with a card attached that said, “Thank you for the wonderful critique and encouragement. Here’s a gift to express my gratitude.” Signed Natasha (my friend).

I was confused. Why was my friend thanking me?

I hadn’t critiqued anything for Natasha in a long time.

I called Natasha to tell her I received her gift and asked her why she was thanking me in the first place.

Natasha couldn’t stop laughing and then imitated a broken English accent: “Thank you, Mistress Robins.”

After a few seconds, it all clicked together.

The erotic author, Anamica Jayne, was my friend Natasha in disguise.

My friend explained that it was the reason she purposely wrote in broken English as a disguise and she couldn’t use PayPal or send a check—as I would then know it was her.

Natasha wanted me to critique this novella without me knowing it came from her. Because the novella was a lot more hard-core than she knew I had read, and she wanted me to read it without knowing that it was her.

The phrase laughing my ass off is not an exaggeration in this case.

Natasha said she cracked up when she read my email asking if I could send the manuscript to a “good friend for a second opinion” because she knew if she had said yes, I’d be calling her to discuss the project, and she knew she would not have been able to keep a straight face or stop herself from losing it.

We still laugh about this stunt to this day.

I’ve had many pranks pulled on me by friends and family. It’s not hard, as I tend to be gullible (sometimes), but I must say, this was epic.