August 13, 2007

Hello,

I imagine a lot of you have been sweltering in the heat while others may be coping with torrential rains. Here in Florida, it’s hot! And recently, we’ve been getting a nice shower almost every day.

Romance at Heart interviewed me and did a really nice job with it. So, if you’d like to learn more about my books and me. Go to…
http://romanceatheart.com/interview/bettyjoschuler.html

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In my previous newsletter, I told you that my book, LOVE IN A SMALL TOWN, was one of three fiction finalists in BEST BOOKS OF INDIANA, 2007. (Actually, I said ’06, but that was an error. It was written then but the contest was held in ’07). I didn’t attend the award ceremony, and my book wasn’t the winner. However, I’m honored I was a nominee. I received a lovely big plaque which I have standing on top of the bookcase beside my desk. Here’s what the judges had to say…

"Against the backdrop of a tender love story, the author depicts a realistic commentary of a small town in the Midwest, struggling to maintain its identity. An Illinois representation of small town Indiana at its best. The Hoosier author introduces you to real people, who can become good friends. This romance warms the heart and leaves you wanting more." (Best Books of Indiana 2007 -- Fiction Judges)

Note: The town in the novel was called Browning, Illinois, but I dedicated the book to the people of hometown in Indiana. The people in Connersville are struggling with the same problems—a shrinking population, lack of employment opportunities, and kids growing up and leaving town. Here’s the blurb again…

LOVE IN A SMALL TOWN by Betty Jo Schuler
It's late June when Sam Champion drives into an Illinois town and sees a "Grow Browning" billboard, with the population, 3653, in changeable numbers, like those on a scoreboard. Sam, an Arizona professor, wants to sell the house he inherited, fast, and return to Arizona, for a prestigious promotion. Lily Madison, his red-haired neighbor is an accident-waiting-to-happen, but beautiful, determined, and smart, she has other plans for Sam and Browning. Lily brightens Sam’s life, but he doesn’t realize how much until he tries to walk away.

On the flip side of this Double Delight book is
FINDING MR. ROMANTIC by Betty Jo Schuler
Nick Dennis, a mystery writer who's gone where he wanted and done what he liked, has never had a serious relationship. Celeste Harte, a widow who's always met others' expectations, is looking for a romantic man. Nick is secretly trying to write a romance novel on a bet but can't get inside his heroine's head. She wants to become a free spirit. When he tells Celeste he doesn't understand women, she thinks he's joking. When he offers to turn her life around, she knows he can turn it upside down but can't resist.

http://bettyjowrites.com ~ Combined with FINDING MR. ROMANTIC in DD# 28 HSWF http://www.hardshell.com/
Exact link is http://www.hardshell.com/Search.aspx?Keyword=Love+in+a+Small+Town
Also available from Barnes & Noble online, or ask your B&N or other bookstores to order it from Hard Shell.
B&N exact link http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?ATH=Betty+Jo+Schuler&z=y

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REMINDERS

Sizzling Summer Sweepstakes are still going on at Books We Love. Ends Sept. 1.
http://www.bookswelove.net/sizzlingsummer.html

A new Reader’s Bookstore you might like to browse is Reader’s Eden at http://www.readerseden.com My books published by Writer’s Exchange, GRACIE’S HOLIDAY HERO, for one, is now being sold there. It’s also available at amazon.com.

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.
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RECIPE CORNER—Here are a couple of cool recipes for these hot days.

HOW TO MAKE PERFECT ICED TEA

Measure, don’t guess, both tea and water—1 quart to each 7 tea bags or teaspoons loose tea is a popular strength. Heat water to a brisk boil in saucepan. Take the pan off the heat before adding tea all at once. No need to cover the pan, but time the brewing accurately. Five minutes is just right for most tastes. Strain brew into a big pitcher (or remove tea bags) and let tea cool at room temperature—not in refrigerator. When cool, chill till serving time. Pour tea, clear and sparkling, into tall glasses filled with ice; garnish with lemon and mint; help yourself to sugar if desired.
(I don’t know where I got this, but I think out of a newspaper.)

SPAGHETTI SALAD
1-pound box of spaghetti
1 small each--green pepper, onion, and cucumber--chopped
2 tomatoes and 1 cup celery--chopped
1 - 8 ounce bottle zesty Italian salad dressing
Break spaghetti into small pieces. Cook al dente, rinse, and drain. Marinate overnight with all other ingredients except tomatoes and cucumber. Next day, add those before serving.
(from Deb Reed, my sister-in-law)

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I hope this finds all of you well and enjoying life!

Until next time…
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