How many girls can say their first kiss was with a prince in the British royal family?

I was fourteen and he was sixteen, and yes, it was magical. But that kiss didn't exactly change my life. To tell you the truth, I didn't even think about it-or Nicky Windsor-for the next ten years . . . until fate, in the guise of my grandparents, brought us back together again.

Now everything has spun out of control. I'm ducking reporters and photographers when I try to leave home. My friends act as if I'm someone they don't know anymore. The whole world seems to be watching me, wanting to see some kind of modern Cinderella story.

But trust me, I'm no man's princess. I'm more comfortable in tennis shoes than in a tiara, more likely to rock a bucket than a ball gown, and more liable to fall on my face than to pull off a graceful wave.

The only thing that keeps me from running away and hiding is Nicky. He's all I've ever wanted in a man: hot, hunky and head-over-heels in love with me. I think I feel the same way. I think I want to be with him forever.

But the idea of life with the royal family terrifies me. Even if I have found my one and only, can I handle what comes after our happy ending?

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I've been a fan of Tawdra's for years though it's been ages since I've read one of her books. When this one became available, I just couldn't resist picking it up. After all, I'd make a terrible Cinderella myself.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Do you want to successfully self-publish?

There are thousands of new books being published every day, but many self-published books quickly sink to the bottom of the pile.

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But it doesn't have to be this way.

I've spent the last seven years self-publishing bestselling fiction and non-fiction books and in 2011, I left my day job to become a full-time author entrepreneur. I've made lots of mistakes along the way, but through the process of self-publishing 17 books, I've learned the most effective way to publish and market your books. In this book, I'll share everything with you.

The book includes:
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- Print-on-demand will change your life
- What you need to know before you print
- How to self-publish a print book
- What to do if you want help with the publishing process
- After self-publishing
- How much does it cost to self-publish?
- How do you get paid when you self-publish?
- Book marketing principles
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Plus, links to more useful resources.

If you're ready to successfully self-publish, then download a sample or buy now.

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~~~~~
Hi all and welcome back to Wordsmith Wednesday! This week, I have a book review for you.

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Do you still have any of that cornbread leftover from last week? Not a bit? Well, I guess we'll just have to whip up some more to turn into this delicious stuffing!

Corn Bread Stuffing:
Ingredients:
8 x 8 pan of baked cornbread
4 slices of toasted bread
2 cups celery, chopped
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 Tablespoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Directions:

Bake the cornbread according to package directions. If you have a few days to let it go stale, do that. If not, cut it into slices and bake at 300 degrees until toasty (about 30 minutes). You can put your regular bread in at the same time.

While the cornbread is toasting, chop up the onion and celery. Put the pieces into your crockpot. Add the seasoning. Melt butter in the microwave, and mix together with 3 beaten eggs. Stir well into the veggies and seasonings in the crockpot.

Cut the cornbread and toasted bread into cubes, about 1/2 inch square. Toss the cubes of bread and cornbread well with the ingredients in the crockpot. Pour in 2 cups of broth. Stir gingerly to combine. The cornbread will break up, but try to keep a few pieces whole for texture.

Cook on high for 2 hours. If you’d like your dressing to be more moist than this, add a bit more broth before serving.
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I'm considering making this for Thanksgiving this coming year but for now, I think it'd be delicious along side some grilled pork chops!





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Who or what is Taylor Lane?

Most people go through life unaware of the war between light and dark raging just beyond their field of vision. They live blissful, ordinary lives, but that is a luxury Taylor will never have. With a single birthday wish, she is thrown into a war between Eve's angels and Lilith's demons.

Bestowed with the magical ability to control light and adorned with the sight of supernatural races, Taylor is forced to fight for her own survival. Then Lucian, her shadowy protector, enters her life and heart. But there’s something dark inside of him: he’s a vampire, the original Dark One.

With her mother murdered and a hideous beast out for her blood, Taylor has no choice but to put her faith in Lucian and go to war as she tries to unravel the mystery of who she truly is.


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I fell in love with this cover as soon as I saw it. How could I not? It's absolutely gorgeous and reminds me of The Tether Saga book covers. I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover,but it's this cover that had me approaching the author. Luckily, she said sure and here we are!

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Cornbread can either be really good or really dry. I haven't tried this recipe in a while but I have hopes that it will be as delicious as I remember. If it's dry, I guess I'll just have to use it as the base for something delicious like a frito pie!

Ingredients:
1 Cup Quaker® Yellow or White Corn Meal
1 Cup all-purpose flour
2 to 4 Tablespoons Sugar
4 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Cup Milk
1 Egg, beaten
1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil

Coat the inside of your crock with cooking spray. Mix batter together according to recipe instructions.
Dump batter in and close up.

Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

As always, let me know if you try this recipe and what yumminess was served up with it!






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Star hockey player Daniel Sacachelli wants only two things: 1) for the Falcons
to win next season, and 2) for his secret — the fact he’s actually the prince of Eldonia — to never make its way to Chicago. But if Daniel keeps avoiding his crown, their family will lose their kingdom forever.

Madison Myong can’t believe that her will-they-or-won’t-they best friend Daniel is
really a prince! He’s always seemed more rebel than royal. But now, he needs to clean up his image, fast. Posing as his long-time girlfriend, Madison accompanies him back to Eldonia, intending to give Daniel a makeover fit for a king.

Only, the more royal Daniel becomes, the more Madison misses her best friend. And if she does her job right, she’ll lose him forever...

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Have you ever really wanted to love a book but you just can't? Sadly, this was that book for me.  The story was cute, but a little too Princess Diaries for me. The characters seemed to feel flat and I just couldn't connect to them. There just wasn't anything about them that made them unique or made them stand out. Daniel and Madison didn't really seem to connect for me as a couple. I can see them as being close friends, but a couple? Not so much. There's also scenes towards the end of the book among two couples that just felt wedged in. The entire book was pg and then suddenly, there was a whole lot more implied.

I'm going to give this one a 3 out of 5. I didn't hate it, but it isn't one that I'll go flipping frantically through my Kindle to track down to read again later.





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Can you believe that it's June already? My oldest just graduated from high school and his younger brother is off next week to jazz camp. He'll be starting his senior year in the fall. I thought I was ready for this but I'm not. I'm crazy emotional. Still, what goes best with crazy emotional? Comfort food and for the next five weeks, we'll be focusing on some comfort food side dishes!

This week? Potatoes Au Gratin!

Ingredients:
1.5 sticks of butter (12 tablespoons)
6 Tablespoons flour
3.5 cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons kosher salt
4 teaspoons dried mustard
1 teaspoon black pepper
6 baking potatoes
2 parsnips
1 white onion, peeled and chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
green onion (for garnish, optional)


Directions:

Wash and peel your potatoes and parsnips. Slice them long ways, then slice in 1/4 inch slices. Dice the white onion. Add the onion, potatoes, and parsnips to your crockpot.

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Slowly add your flour, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes. Then slowly add your cream, and spices, stirring continuously to blend. Pour mixture over potatoes and parsnips, and place the lid on top.

Cook on Low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5.

Before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it disappears.

Garnish with green onion if desired.




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Stunning Yosemite National Park sets the stage for this late 1920s historical romance with mystery, adventure, heart, and a sense of the place John Muir described as "pervaded with divine light."

Watercolorist Olivia Rutherford fashioned her image as an avant-garde artist to appeal to the region's wealthy art-collectors. When she lands a lucrative contract painting illustrations of Yosemite National Park for a travel magazine including its nightly one-of-a-kind Firefall event, she hopes the money will lift Olivia and her sisters out of poverty.

After false accusations cost him everything, former minister Clark Johnson has found purpose as a backcountry guide in this natural cathedral of granite and trees. Now he's faced with the choice of becoming a National Parks Ranger, but is it his true calling?

As Clark helps open Olivia's eyes to the wonders of Yosemite, she discovers the people are as vital to the park's story as its vistas-- a revelation that may bring her charade to an end.

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When this book landed on my front porch, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not. In fact, I set it aside and read half a dozen other books before I spotted this one again and thought I had probably get around to reading it. I'm so glad that I did.

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Here it is...our last week of pork for a while! Summer = picnics, reunions, cookouts, and tons of opportunities to pull out your favorite recipes! I hope some of ours come in handy for you!

Cola Pork Roast:

Use your favorite cola! I'm not going to start a soda/pop war by saying which I'd use...hehe




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Jimmy Doyle is an honorable man who took a bullet for his country and returned home to become a private detective. His boss, Lucius Fogg, is the preeminent occultist who dabbles in solving the more macabre crimes of 1950s New York City. As Fogg’s legman, Doyle is thrust deep into the world of the supernatural, pitting him against everything from disembodied spirits to demonic possessions with a few vampires and werewolves thrown in. He often has to face these dangers alone, for even though the enigmatic Fogg is extremely powerful he can’t take one step outside of his home or he will die instantly.

The first in a new series of novels from comic book writer Dan Wickline.

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Do you ever see a book description and think wow, I'd like to check that out and then go to buy it and Amazon says, "Hey, you already bought this ages ago?" No? Just me? Well, shoot. That's exactly what happened with this book.

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