June 6, 2007

Hello!

Sorry I haven’t written a newsletter since April. My life hasn’t been orderly since the February 2 tornado. Just this Monday, June 4, we moved back into our house after four months in a rental. Now, I’m head-high in boxes to unpack…again. We moved to Florida from Indiana just a year ago in June.

I don’t have a lot of news at this time, but I did want to tell you that Books We Love is running a new contest that you won’t want to miss. Sizzling Summer Sweepstakes is now going on. http://www.bookswelove.net/sizzlingsummer.html
Take a look at the cute beach scene on the homepage while you’re there.
http://www.bookswelove.net/index.html
Here’s a note from the owners of Books We Love.
It's our summer long contest event, featuring book bags, paperback novels, picnic baskets, teddy bears and more. Be sure and visit us at www.bookswelove.net/sizzlingsummer.html to learn all about entering our latest contest. This one runs from June 1 until September 1 and we'll be giving away those terrific prizes every month.
For those of you who are over 18+ the Spring Spice event runs for one more week - still time to get your name into the folders for the final draw on June 10th. www.bookswelove.net/springspice.html
Maureen and I wish you a happy summer of relaxing in the sunshine and, of course, reading your favorite books. Be sure and stop by and visit both of us at our Books We Love website homes www.maureenmcmahon.com and www.judeatkins.com
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Also, there’s a new Reader’s Bookstore where you might like to browse. Reader’s Eden is at http://www.readerseden.com My books published by Writer’s Exchange, GRACIE’S HOLIDAY HERO, for one, are now being sold there. I think my double children’s book, BRAIN MAN and DOUBLE TROUBLE DITTO BOX, are also available at this new site. With the kids out of school, these stories about young inventor Randy O’Rourke, would provide terrific entertainment for them.

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In my previous newsletter, I announced that my romantic comedy, WINNING CHANCE, is available from Whiskey Creek Press in paperback as well as e-formats, and invited you to read a sample chapter at http://whiskeycreekpress.com/chapters/WinningChance_BettyJoSchuler.shtml
Here’s a blurb: Lori Hayes never takes a chance and doesn’t trust handsome men, but when she wins a TV show contest she didn’t enter, and the prize is a Dream Weekend on Magical Island with gorgeous Chance Dawson, all bets are on.

The winner of my related Dream Contest was Ginger of Oklahoma, and her surprise package included a heart-shaped sachet, satin pillowcase, and a dream analysis paperback. Thanks to those who entered and correctly entered the questions.

I’m not running a contest this month. I just finished teaching an online class, “Fundamentals of Writing for Children” two weeks ago, and I’m now teaching, “You Can Write a Romance Novel.” With that, writing a new book, and those beckoning boxes stacked in the garage waiting to be unpacked, I don’t have time to think of an idea!
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This is one of my favorite summertime recipes, and it’s so-o easy!
CUCUMBERS IN SOUR CREAM
2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
½ C. dairy sour cream
1 T. sugar
1 T. vinegar
½ tsp. salt

Combine cucumbers and onion. Stir together sour cream, sugar, salt, and vinegar. Toss with vegetables. Cover and chill, stirring occasionally. Makes 3 cups. (I like to use red wine vinegar and fat-free or “light” sour cream.) Enjoy!

And since I didn’t send a newsletter with a recipe last month, here’s another for summertime. This one is for all you people who’re trying to lose weight!


TANGY LEMONADE PIE *
(low sugar and fat)

1 package (.3 ounce) sugar-free lemon gelatin
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed
1-3/4 teaspoons sugar-free lemonade drink mix (I used KoolAid)
1 reduced-fat graham cracker crust (8 inches)
6 tablespoons reduced-fat whipped topping

Prepare gelatin according to package directions. Refrigerate until almost set. Transfer to a blender or food processor. Add the cream cheese and lemonade mix, cover and process until smooth. Pour into the crust. Refrigerate overnight. Serve with whipped topping.


Until next time, take care of yourselves and don’t forget to buy a copy of WINNING CHANCE to read at the beach. http://whiskeycreekpress.com/chapters/WinningChance_BettyJoSchuler.shtml


Betty Jo
Betty Jo Schuler ~ http://bettyjowrites.com
Children’s website http://bettyjoschuler.net/bettyjo.html
Books We Love http://www.bookswelove.net/schuler.html