As promised, Sweet treat!
Today's 2 Beans
Oh this one is to die for! As promised, here is a deliciously decadent treat for you.

This one comes from Taste of Home, and there are no alterations that I've made. So the following is quoted/paraphrased from a Taste of Home Digest (the little ones).

Mud Pie
Ingredients:
3 squares (1 oz each) semi-sweet chocolate
1/4 c. sweetened condensed milk
1 (8 inch) chocolate crumb crust
1/2 c. chopped pecans
2 c. cold milk
2 pkg's. (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
1 (8 oz) carton frozen whipped topping (thawed and divided)

Instructions:
Melt chocolate in a microwave.
Stir in condensed milk until smooth.
Pour into crust.
Sprinkle with pecans.

Whisk milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes.
Let stand until soft-set (about 2 minutes).
Carefully spread 1 1/2 c of pudding mix over the pecan mixture in pie shell.

Fold 1/2 c. whipped topping into remaining pudding mix.
Spoon this mix on top of pudding mix.
Top entire thing with rest of whipped topping.

Chill until set.
Refrigerate leftovers.

Books N Beans notes: This is a relatively fast dessert to make. The original recipe states it only takes about 15 minutes. It's been a while since I've made it, so I can't say 100% for sure, but if I hung onto the recipe then you know it's tasty and doesn't require a ton of time in the kitchen.
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Guest Post
Today's 2 Beans

Thanks for joining me on my blog tour! And thanks to Books N’Beans for hosting me today.

Today I’m blogging about my book obsession.

Flat out I love books. I love reading them, and I love collecting them. As a child we used to go to the
library once, sometimes twice a week to pick out our books to read. I always picked out the most, and
I always read the most. For me it was an escape into far off lands and amazing places, anywhere but
where I was. Every summer the local library hosted a reading challenge. Who could read the most books
in a summer? I won, in my age category, almost every year.

As I grew older I started collecting, I now have hundreds of books, from the ordinary to the
extraordinary. Reading is a huge passion of mine, one I don’t get to spend enough time doing.

The only problem with when I read is I’m obsessive compulsive about it. Just last night I set down a book
I picked up at the RT 2012 convention with about five chapters left, I actually woke up in the middle of
the night and had to go and finish the last chapters.

Normally I can power through a book in an hour to two hours, the problem comes when I pick up a
book, like one of Diana Gabaldon’s monstrosities (which I just love by the way). I go three days with-out
sleeping.

I guess I’m slightly obsessed with books, so seeing my name in print on my own book, for me anyway, is
a huge adrenaline rush. It really feels like I’ve finally made it.

Sometimes It’s Fate was a huge labour of love (as is any book!), and the follow up Boots on the Ground,
which will be available in July is even more so.

I hope you enjoy turning the pages as much as I do!

Xx

Angela
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VBT: Sometimes It's Fate by Angela S. Stone
Today's 2 Beans

Title: Sometimes It's Fate (Canada's Finest, Book 1)
Author: Angela S. Stone
Publisher: Phaze Publishing
Length: 185 pages
Genres: M/M Erotic Romance


BLURB

Jason McCarthy is gay. He’s also a police officer living in a small-minded northern New Brunswick town where
being gay could spell the end of his career. When an impending snowstorm threatens to strand his best friend
and policing partner, David, Jason offers up his spare room for the night - a move that reveals Jason’s secret, and
changes their friendship and lives forever.

David Richard isn’t gay- at least he doesn’t think he is. He knows he loves his best friend, and he admits to
feelings that had started after a tragic accident almost a year before. When David acts on these feelings, it doesn’t
go well, leaving both men alone and hurt. Jason, however, doesn’t think twice about stepping in and rescuing
David’s children when their mother abandons them. The move brings David and Jason back together, but Jason’s
past rears its ugly head and they both have to make difficult decisions that are sometimes best left up to fate.

EXCERPT #1

“I think we should go out to dinner,” Jason told David, his head resting on his partner’s stomach as they watched
the television.

“We just ate dinner,” David reminded him gently.

“I don’t mean now, I mean like this weekend we’re both off. On Saturday we should go out for a fancy dinner,”
Jason said looking up at his partner.

“Fancy? In Bathurst?” David snorted. “Where do you have in mind?”

“What about that place by the theatre?” Jason suggested.

“Over priced, crappy food.”

“The one by the grocery store?”

“The Greek place on Main Street?”

David smiled. “That is a good idea.” Jason settled back on David only to be disturbed when David asked. “Why
do you want to go out to dinner?”

“Because I thought it would be nice.”

Jason slid up David’s body so that he was fully lying on top of him. He kissed the older man. “I want us to go on
a proper date.”

“A date?” David murmured.

“Mmhmm. You know we’ve been together for close to two months, and we’ve never gone on a proper date.”
Jason shifted so that David could feel how much he wanted him.

“Has it been that long?”

“You know the date.” David laughed. “I never gave it any thought.”

“I was thinking about it on Monday,” Jason admitted softly.

David reached around and hugged the younger man tight to him. It had been a rough couple of days. Monday had
been the one year anniversary of the accident.

Jason snuggled into David’s embrace, grateful for his understanding. David had always understood his feelings
about the crash. He’d always been there for Jason, supporting him. Even in those horrible days after, he had been
a steady hand that guided Jason. It was then that Jason realised that their relationship was much more than co-
workers, much more than friends. He never dreamed it would get to this level. To the point where Jason was sure
that they were in love—even if they hadn’t said those exact words yet.

“Can I tell you something,” David asked.

“Besides the fact that I’m probably smushing you,” Jason replied.

David scrunched his nose and Jason planted a kiss on it. “I think that’s when I realized I loved you.”

Tears welled up in Jason eyes and he blinked them back. “Oh,” was the only response he could manage without
losing it completely.

“It’s crazy right?” David continued. “Something so awful. But somehow this happened. Something good from
something horrendous. I’ll never understand it. But I’m grateful to have found you.”

Tears tracked down Jason’s face as David spoke. He had felt that way for so long. “It’s almost like it was fate.”

“Fate,” David mumbled kissing the tears off of Jason’s face. “I like that.”

They kissed, softly. Jason sat up and pulled David with him. They pushed clothes aside, and David took Jason
on the couch. A slow intense burn that left them both physically and emotionally exhausted. Jason cried during
their love making. Not out of fear or anger or pain, but out of love. Because Jason didn’t think they were in love
anymore. He knew. He knew down to every fiber of his being that he loved this man. He wanted nothing more
than to know that David felt the same way.

EXCERPT #2

“McCarthy,” Jason answered his cell phone sleepily. David mumbled in his sleep next to him and rolled over.

“Where are you?” Craig‘s distressed voice floated over the line.

“Since I‘m at your apartment I highly doubt that.”

“What?” Jason sat up in alarm and slid out of bed. He padded out of David‘s bedroom and into the hall. The clock
read four a.m. “What the hell are you doing at my apartment at four a.m.?”

“I think the question is why aren’t you at your apartment at four a.m. You‘re not working.”

“I—don‘t turn this around. What‘s wrong Craig?”

“Can you come back here, or can I go there or something? Please…”

“Craig you‘re scaring me.”

“I‘m scaring myself Jase.”

“I‘m at David‘s. I‘ll give you directions.”

Jason gave Craig directions to David‘s house and hung up. He went back into the bedroom and pulled on a pair of
pj pants.

David shifted in his sleep. “Jason,” he mumbled reaching out. “Who was that?”

“Craig,” Jason told him sitting on the edge of the bed.

Jason sighed. “I don‘t have a clue. He was at my apartment. I told him to come here.”

“Sorry just—trust me, something is wrong, very wrong. Why else would Craig drive up from Moncton and be at
my apartment at four a.m.?” Jason leaned over and kissed his partner. “Go back to sleep.”

David nodded and rolled over. He fell asleep wondering just what was going on.

“I don‘t know what to do.” Craig‘s voice jolted David from his sleep. He glanced at the clock. It was just after
five.

“I can‘t believe you were so stupid,” Jason hissed back.

“That is fucking different and you know it.”

“I wasn‘t stupid enough to have unprotected sex with someone who I knew was positive.”

“Then you shouldn‘t have been stupid enough to have unprotected sex.”

“You think I don‘t know this Jason? Fuck.”

David rubbed his face and sat up as their conversation continued.

“How many other guys have you lied to?”

“That‘s bullshit and you fucking know it.”

“No it‘s not, okay? Everyone else was fine, you were fine.”

“I thought you were too. When‘s the last time you were tested?”

“I dunno a year, year and a half.”

“How the fuck could you be so stupid? You not only put yourself at risk, you put me at risk.”

“You‘re sorry! You‘re SORRY!”

“I didn‘t wake up and decide to get HIV, Jason.”

BUY LINKS

Phaze Publishing
http://phaze.com/book.php?title=Sometimes+It%27s+Fate

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Sometimes-Its-Fate-ebook/dp/B005IQDRZQ/ref=sr_1_1?
ie=UTF8&qid=1333569581&sr=8-1

ARe
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sometimesit039sfate-595508-237.html

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angela, is a twenty-something Registered Nurse and writer living and working in central Canada. She is a
proud Canadian and an even prouder girl from back east. She thoroughly enjoys writing novels
featuring character that live in or are from the Maritimes. Angela freely admits to living at starbucks
when writing as well as being a bit of a social hermit, when she isn’t busy looking for Mr. Right (or hey even
Mr. Wrong) she is working hard on advocating for persons with disabilities.

Email: angela@angelastone.ca
Website: http://angelastone.ca
Twitter: @angelasstone
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AngelaStone.Writer

To follow Angela on her tour, click the banner below to see where she'll stop next. 
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Let's do dinner
Today's 2 Beans
Well, we seem to be on a roll doing breakfast and then lunch, so I figured why not keep it going. So, let's do dinner this week and we'll enjoy a tasty dessert for next week.

My husband got this recipe from a co-worker when they were temporarily stationed in another state covering training exercises.

BBQ Beef and Bean Casserole: 
I double it to feed to my family of 5, but remember I have a tween girl and 2 teen boys so adjust according to your family's needs.

Ingredients:
1 lb hamburg meat
16 oz can baked beans
10 oz can flaky biscuits
1/4 c. chopped onion
1 c. BBQ sauce
1 T. brown sugar
1/2 c. shredded cheddar

Instructions:
Brown hamburg meat with onion.
Drain grease and replace in pan.
Stir in BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and beans.
Heat until bubbly.

*This is where I stop following the instructions*
Pour into baking dish. (Single recipe 8x8 should do it, Double should use 13x9)
Sprinkle with cheese.
Top with biscuits.
Bake 375 degrees until biscuits are golden brown.

Altered instructions:
Why mess up two pans?
I don't care for melted cheese all that much.
And besides the biscuits cook better if you do them separately.
So...
Follow the biscuits' instructions on the can for baking in the oven.
Let them bake while you're cooking the meat.
Follow all meat cooking instructions (above) up to the "heat until bubbly".
Your biscuits should be done by now.
Have your shredded cheddar available to anyone who wants it.

Since my kids are older we usually just leave the skillet on the stove, the cookie sheet with biscuits near it, and the shredded cheddar on the counter on the other side of the stove. Everyone dishes their own particular  desired ratios.


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VBT: This Tangled Thing Called Love (guest post)
Today's 2 Beans

As she exited the lobby of her building, Claire had a funny feeling that she was being
watched – the eerie, nagging sensation one gets when being stared at. She looked around, but
seeing that the street was empty, she attributed her discomfort to the dress she was wearing.
It was new and to her mind, way too revealing – she had bought it at her friend’s Amber’s
suggestion and now, she wished she had opted for a different outfit. Claire pulled on the hem
of her dress that barely covered her mid-thigh – usually she never wore skirts above the knee,
but Amber had insisted that she look super-hot for the party. There would be fashion models
and movie starlets, and if Claire were not careful, David’s eyes just might wonder, Amber had
cautioned her. Claire had laughed Amber off – it took more than flashy looks to impress David,
but she had bought the dress nonetheless, along with a set of Spanx, which was now pinching her
behind mercilessly.
Claire could hardly believe her eyes when she spotted an empty cab heading her way –
she flailed her hand, instantly checking for possible competition – the simple act of hailing a cab
could easily turn into a battle on the Upper East Side.
“Mercer and Houston,” Claire gave the cab driver the directions and leaned back against
the car seat. She opened her purse and checked her reflection in the mirror for the umpteenth
time. Normally, she was not one to fuss about her looks, but when it came to David, she wanted
to look perfect.
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Virtual Book Tour:This Tangled Thing Called Love by Marie Astor
Today's 2 Beans
Our Virtual Book Tour today has lots going on, so make sure you stick around for all the information. There's the book, some excerpts, author information, other books by Marie Astor, an end-of-tour giveaway, and tour information. Like I said lots! So jump on in, and join Books N Beans in welcoming Marie to our crazy little community.


“This Tangled Thing Called Love”


by Marie Astor
Self-Published Contemporary Romance

BLURB

Claire Chatfield has everything a girl could possibly wish for: looks, a promising career, and an
engagement ring from one of New York’s most eligible heir-bachelors! Life should be a dream and yet,
it does not feel like one… When an enigmatic new neighbor, Alec Brunell, moves into an apartment
above from Claire’s, Claire is surprised to find herself wondering whether the choices she has made in
her life are worth following through.

In order to secure his place as his father’s successor, David Lawson must settle down with a wife
befitting the future head of Lawson Enterprises - and who could fit the prerequisite better than the
stunningly beautiful and incredibly bright Claire Chatfield? There is just one glitch – David Lawson is in
love with another woman.

A successful tango instructor, Alec Brunell, has never lacked for women’s attention, but he finds himself
at a loss when faced with his downstairs neighbor, Claire Chatfield. Upon hearing of his occupation,
most women swoon with desire, but Claire runs for the door. Still, her iciness only adds fuel to his fire,
as Alec is determined to change Claire’s view of him.

This Tangled Thing Called Love is about finding one’s perfect match - sometimes following one’s heart
is as convoluted as learning the steps of tango.

EXCERPT #1

Alec put down the paint roller and wiped his forehead on the back of his arm. Man, he was beat – he had
forgotten how grueling physical labor could be. Sure, he worked out six days a week, not to mention
daily dance practice, but painting walls made him discover muscles he did know he had. Every bit of
his body throbbed, but at least he had gotten the job done – the south wall was painted red, and the other
three were white. Now, all he needed was wait for the paint to dry so that he could add a silhouette of
a tango couple against the red background – that ought to complete the ambiance. He opened the small
fridge and reached for a bottle of orange juice. The cool liquid soothed his parched throat; holding the
now half-empty bottle, Alec walked over to the window to check out his new view. All in all he was
happy with his new digs: the rent was reasonable and the view was not bad either – from the top floor he
had an unobstructed view of Second Avenue – not exactly the poshest of locations, but it would do.

One thing he had not counted on was fussy neighbors. Alec smiled, thinking of the unexpected visitor
from the morning. “Claire,” he mouthed her name, remembering her tousled chestnut hair and hazel eyes
- even that bulky bathrobe she had been wearing could not conceal the shapely outlines of her body.

Of course, a girl like that was bound to be a challenge. But he had always liked challenge, and the fact
that he was a professional tango dancer usually played in his favor. Usually, but it might not be so this
time. Alec winced, remembering Claire’s reaction to his innocent question about her music taste. What
was all that about? he wondered - as far as he was concerned, no one could resist tango. Well, he would
get to the bottom of Claire’s music idiosyncrasies in due time, but in the meantime, he needed to think
of a way to become more neighborly.

“Think of the devil,” Alec murmured, taking another gulp of orange juice as he spotted the subject of
his thoughts exiting the lobby. Someone must have a hot night planned, he thought, his eyes examining
every detail of Claire’s outfit, which was far more flattering than the bathrobe he remembered from
this morning. Now, she was dressed in a little black number that fitted her body to a T – his instincts
had been right, from long, shapely legs to firm, flat stomach to wonderfully full breasts, her body was
downright perfect, and the way her chestnut mane bounced down her back made Alec want to get to
know his neighbor better. Heading out for a night on the town, Alec mused – it was Saturday night after
all, and he was glad to remark the absence of a male companion by Claire’s side. Suddenly, his new
building looked even more appealing.

EXCERPT #2

“Hold it!” The elevator doors were about to close when a muscular arm jammed them open.

Startled, Claire stared at the switchboard stupidly, unable to locate the ‘door open’ button.

“Sorry about that.” The owner of the arm slipped inside the elevator. He was dressed in jeans and a
black T-shirt that clung to his lean, muscular torso. His dark-brown hair brushed against the nape of his
neck. In one hand he was carrying a can of black paint and in the other a large paper bag. Two earphone
wires swirled from his neck to his chest and over his taut stomach to the iPod that was tucked into the
front pocket of his jeans. “Could you press twelve please?”

“Sure.” Claire held her breath and lowered her eyes, hoping that she would not be recognized. There was

no place like the elevator to illustrate the theory of relativity – an elevator ride that normally lasted only
a couple of minutes now felt like an eternity.

The man pushed his back against the wall and exhaled as he unplugged his earphones, letting them hang
on his neck. “Crazy day.” He grinned at Claire. “Oh, forgive me – how rude of me. It’s Claire, right?
I’m Alec – your new neighbor – we met before…”

“Hello.” Claire smiled tartly and felt her face grow warm in spite of herself.

“I hope I haven’t been bothering you with the music.” Alec smiled apologetically. “I’ve gotten these.”
He motioned at the earphones.

“It’s fine, really.” Claire forced herself to ignore the distant sounds of tango that were emanating from
the tiny earphones.

“I promise you it won’t happen again. I still can’t live down the fact that I woke you up on a Saturday
morning. May I take you out for a cup of coffee, or better yet, a drink to make up for it?”

Claire ignored the playfulness in his tone. “No worries – already forgotten.” She fumbled with her keys
in order to avoid looking at his face. “So, you’re doing more painting?” She purposely fixed her stare on
the can of paint.

“Just some finishing touches and then I’ll be ready to move in.”

“Good for you. Well, this is my floor – good luck with the painting.” Claire bolted out of the elevator.

EXCERPT #3

Claire’s purchase was almost wrapped up when the front door swung open, blowing in a fresh burst of
May air. Hearing the noise, Claire turned toward the source of distraction and immediately regretted her
decision.

“Are you OK?” Lindsay nudged her. “Your face is all flushed.”

“I’m fine,” Claire murmured. “I’m just really hungry that’s all – let’s go grab a bite to eat after this.”
Claire ducked her head, hoping to remain unnoticed.

She had only heard his voice a handful of times, and yet, it was enough to unleash a flurry of goose
bumps on her skin. “Hi Alec.” Claire widened her lips in a bright smile, attempting to sound nonchalant.

“Hi, I’m Lindsay.” Lindsay stepped in, alternately darting curious glances at Claire and Alec.

“This is Alec, my new neighbor.” Claire swiped away at an unruly strand of hair that fell over her
forehead.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lindsay.” Alec momentarily tore his gaze away from Claire.

“Likewise. So, are you an art fan, Alec?” Lindsay asked, clearly oblivious to Claire’s tense state.

“You could certainly say that, although dance is my first love, as Claire might have told you.”

“Alec is a big tango fan,” Claire cut in, eager to put an end to this unnerving chitchat.

“Actually, I’m a dance teacher – I teach tango and I also compete professionally.” Alec’s dark brown
eyes found Claire’s. “I’m afraid Claire and I had started off on the wrong foot when I inadvertently
woke her up on a Saturday morning by playing my tango music too loud, but I hope that she has
forgiven me.”

Alec kept his eyes on Claire during the entire tirade, and all she could do was blush and mumble a
muffled yes.

“Ah, that’s much better.” Alec exhaled, his muscular chest puffing out. “I’ve always had a good rapport
with all of my neighbors and I was hoping that my good record would not get marred. So, are you doing
some decorating, Claire?”

“I’m buying an anniversary gift for my boyfriend,” Claire snapped, wishing the store clerk would hurry
up with the wrapping.

“Oh, I see. Well, I’m sorry to have bothered you – I’ll be on my way now.”

As Alec walked away, Claire was caught off guard by a sudden sense of regret. “Come, let’s get out of
here.” She grabbed Lindsay’s arm.

“So, are you going to tell me what that was all about?” Lindsay stared at Claire once they stood outside
the gallery.

“Yeah, but I need a drink first.”

EXCERPT #4

I wonder what’s he doing up there? Claire mused, as she recounted her earlier encounter with Alec at
the art gallery: the flirtatious tone of his voice, the playful sparks in his eyes, the way his hair brushed
against his neck. She had been so brisk with him, her voice prim and her lips set, while all she wanted
to do instead was break into a smile and flirt right back. What harm could there be in a little flirtation?
But with Alec, she could not bring herself to say anything other than matter-of-fact remarks – every time
she saw him, something inside her constricted, making her run for the cover of prudishness. The forced
primness felt both as a haven and a jail – a haven from anything that might go awry, and a jail that
precluded anything wonderful from happening, for that was exactly the emotion that stirred in her every
time she ran into Alec – that something incredibly wonderful might happen. It was also the emotion
that sent Claire scurrying for cover, acting as a bona fide ice maiden, leaving her trapped in her own
confusion. Just what was it about Alec that affected her so, Claire had no idea – she barely knew the
guy, and yet, every time she saw him, she felt her breath catch.

The sensible part of Claire knew that nothing good could come out of her ambiguous feelings for
her upstairs neighbor. From what she could tell, Alec was a good for nothing flirt, and Claire had no
intention of encouraging him when she was happily in love with David. I’ll just look up one more time
and then I’ll be on my way, Claire thought. What she saw next confirmed her misgivings. Now, there
were two silhouettes in the window instead of one: a woman and a man. The female shade arched her
back in Alec’s arms as he tilted her back, leaning over her. Claire looked away, as though jolted by
electricity. Even without the music, she could recognize the pattern of tango – Alec was so in sync
with his partner that it looked as though the two were connected by an invisible thread. Oh, what Claire
would give to be able to lose herself to music so completely, and even more, to know that there were her
lover’s arms there to hold her.

Back in her apartment Claire threw her bag on the dresser and sank into her couch. As she closed her
eyes, she could hear faint sounds of a milonga coming through her ceiling – it was more a throbbing
than an actual sound, but it was still enough for her to hear the rhythm of the sensual dance. Right now,
separated by only a couple of feet of flooring above her, Alec held another woman in his arms – to
Claire she was only a faceless shade, an outline, but to him she was flesh and bones, her body pressing
firmly against his. And what a body it was – the glimpse that Claire had caught through the window left
her speechless with intimidation – a willowy, slender flute of a body, a dancer’s body that was full of
grace – the kind of grace that Claire would never dare attempt.

BUY LINK

Amazon Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Me-Stars-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B0078IPNCW/ref=sr_1_1?
ie=UTF8&qid=1333508381&sr=8-1

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which is why she writes
in the contemporary romance genre. Marie is the author of contemporary romance novels This Tangled
Thing Called Love, Lucky Charm, On the Rim of Love, and a short story collection, A Dress in a
Window.

To learn more about Marie’s writing, visit her at:
Website: http://www.marieastor.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marieastorcollection
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4665230.Marie_Astor
Twitter: @marieastor

Books by Marie Astor:

This Tangled Thing Called Love – a contemporary romance about overcoming one’s inhibitions,
learning to tango, and finding one’s true match.
http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Me-Stars-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B0078IPNCW/
ref=pd_sim_kstore_3?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Lucky Charm – a humorous contemporary romance about love, luck and friendship.
http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Charm-Contemporary-Romance-ebook/dp/B005BZL3L4/ref=sr_1_1?
ie=UTF8&qid=1336842915&sr=8-1

On the Rim of Love – a contemporary romance about the unexpected power of love.
http://www.amazon.com/On-Rim-Love-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B005TOWI7K/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?
ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

A Dress in a Window – a collection of short stories about love, coincidences, and fate.
http://www.amazon.com/Chance-Encounter-Other-Stories-ebook/dp/B004E112TO/
ref=pd_sim_kstore_5?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Marie Astor is hosting an end-of-tour giveaway. Here is a picture of the prizes she's offering: 

And here's entry information: 
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Follow Marie on her tour, click the banner to see where Marie is scheduled to 
stop next, and when the tour ends! 
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Try this for lunch
Today's 2 Beans
Last week was breakfast, so this week let's do lunch. I don't have it noted where I got this recipe so I can't offer up any kudos or credit, but I can say it's delicious no matter what variation you try.

Chicken Wrap: Makes 6 wraps
12 fully cooked chicken tenders
6 (8-inch) tortillas
1/4 pound sliced deli ham
12 slices bacon, cooked
1 c. prepared ranch dressing

Books N Beans notes:
Original recipe calls for breaded chicken tenders, but for those who like the non-breaded chicken it tastes just as a delicious.

Tortillas can be flour (as original recipe says) or you can use the other varieties out there such as wheat, whole grain, etc

Deli ham does not have to come from the deli, there are lots of brands that over "deli sliced" options. This term just tends to mean thinly sliced.

I like my lunches quick and easy, so I use the pre-cooked bacon that just requires microwaving.

If, like me, you're not a fan of ranch dressing try these variations: Creamy Parmesan, Greek Vinaigrette, or a flavored mayo meant for sandwiches.

Want a little less meat and a little more vegetables? Just substitute out the ham and/or the bacon and place your choice of veges in there. Myself I love bacon, so I eliminate the ham and add lettuce and thinly sliced tomatoes. Just the chicken with the lettuce and tomato is tasty too. I didn't mention eliminating the chicken, because it's the healthier of the meats, and because if you do then it's no longer a chicken wrap. ;)

Instructions:
Cut each chicken tender lengthwise in 3 strips.
Place 6 strips on each tortilla, in the center so you can fold it.
Top evenly with ham, bacon, and dressing.
Fold the bottom and top, followed by the sides.
Individually wrap the sandwiches in plastic wrap.
Place in refrigerator until ready to serve.
If you need them to be smaller for little hands or easier eating, just slice diagonally in half. 

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Spotlighting A. Sparrow
Today's 2 Beans
The following "about the author" information can be found on A. Sparrow's Goodreads page:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3255361.A_Sparrow

I'm an amateur writer without a whole lot of interest in traditional publishing. I never query agents, but amazingly, so far none have complained about my absence from their slush piles. I have no problem with those who still aim to squeeze a living from this moribund profession. I don't have the time or patience to mess around.

I write contemporary fantasies mixed with heavy doses of reality, as well as the occasional seriocomic anti-thriller. My protagonists tend to be as non-heroic, socially inept and untalented as their creator.

I write because I'm a fussy reader who has struggled and failed to hunt down books worth reading at my local book shops. Maybe it's because I prefer the fresh and unexpected over recycled characters and plots. Maybe it's my eccentricity. Or maybe it's plain old ADD. Whatever the case, my nightstand and bookshelves are littered with partially read hardcovers and paperbacks that have failed to sustain my interest. It reached the point that if I wanted to be entertained by writing, I had to do it myself.


Sorry, there's no picture available. 
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Not a playground for kids
Today's 2 Beans
ASIN: B005CD54HE
Publisher: Author
List Price: $0.99
Though Vultures in the Playground by A. Sparrow is a work of fiction, the subject of the continuing violence and upheaval for Africans is very real and in the present day. I applaud Sparrow for addressing this topic and for bringing into question the corruption that allows this turmoil to continue. It's corruption that isn't just done by African governments or people, but corruption that is manipulated and used by other governments who wish to use the ensuing chaos to further their own ends.

I know it may seem as if this would be impossible. We just don't wish to believe that "evolved" societies would do such a thing, but I assure it happens. You don't have to take my word for it though. If you're interested, I welcome you to take a few minutes and research it for yourselves. I think you'll be astounded at what horrible things are still being done in this day and age.

Again, I nod to Sparrow for broaching a topic that many would prefer to ignore. I only wish I could I say I loved the story as much as the topic of the story. Unfortunately, Sparrow's main character was too weak of a personality to hold up. This is sad because I have always wanted a story where an average person could be the hero. Why do they all have to be some super soldier, or a former spy, or a special forces person, or any number of person who isn't what we all are?

I now believe that the problem may lie in the fact that when we try to place an average person in the story we try to make them so average that they actually end up being below average.

Archie is a traveler of the world, he visits many foreign locale working with a charity trying to provide humanitarian aid to the people. He's described as a flabby, middle-aged man with an ex-wife, who could no longer handle his traveling for work, and no one else whom he's close too. Archie's failure to learn from his past travels, his inability to see the present truth for what it is, and his lack of willingness to understand the path he must now follow is too much to expect the reader to accept.

Overall, Vultures in the Playground deserves high praise for a difficult topic tackled and brought out to be viewed by all, but fails to match that standard with the main character who is showing us this beautiful and dangerous world.

*Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for a review*
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Life, forwards and backwards
Today's 2 Beans

It is perfectly true, as philosophers say, that life must be understood backwards. But they forget the other proposition, that it must be lived forwards. 
- Søren Kierkegaard

I thought in light of some of the posts this week, that this quote seemed fitting. We have to keep living life, time stops for no one. So we have to keep moving forward, we have to live life to make mistakes and successes. But it's only from paying to attention to what's already past for us to learn, grow as a person, and move forward in more positive way.
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Words to live by
Today's 2 Beans
In today's world, I believe that if we all could just live by these words (below) that maybe we could make our world a little nicer. I know it's a fairy tale to believe in, but a person can always dream. Right?

The following definitions were quoted from The New Oxford American Dictionary.

Acceptance: #2 "The action or process of being received as adequate or suitable, typically admitted into a group."

Compassion: "Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others."

Courtesy: "The showing of politeness in one's attitude and behavior toward others."

Open-Minded: "The readiness to consider something without prejudice, to be receptive to."

Tolerance: "The ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with."

My wish, or wishes, is that we could live by these words. Why can't we just accept people who are different than us? Would it really hurt us to show a some compassion and just a little common courtesy? Why is it so difficult be open-minded about other lifestyles, cultures, and beliefs? Would it really be disastrous to learn to tolerate the fact that others don't have to agree with us to be an equal?
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Breakfast for Mom?
Today's 2 Beans
Y'all know Mother's Day is this weekend, right? So if you're going to be with your mom, have little ones that can't do things on their own, or want to give your older kids an idea use this recipe to treat mom to a delicious breakfast.

I found this recipe in Cook's Illustrated, and I haven't made any alterations to it. So the information is quoted/paraphrased from the Cook's Illustrated magazine.

Light and Crisp Waffles
Makes 8 7-inch round waffles

The waffles are best fresh, but they can be reheated and/or frozen for later use.

To reheat: Transfer the cooked waffles to a wire rack set on top of a baking sheet.
Bake 400 degrees, for 3-5 minutes or until waffles are crisp and hot.

To freeze: Let cool, wrap in plastic, and freeze in zipper-lock bag for up to 1 month.
When ready to eat, follow reheat directions allowing 5 minutes for cook time.

Ingredients:
1 1/4 c. flour (unbleached, all-purpose)
1 c. Rice Krispies
3/4 c. cornstarch
1/4 c. sugar
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
3/4 t. table salt
2 large eggs, separated
1 1/2 c. milk  
1 t. vanilla (recipe says extract, I prefer real vanilla)
1/2 c. vegetable oil

Books N Beans notes:
Now here I'm going to assume that you know how to mix ingredients together, and how to use your waffle maker. I'm only offering the recipe as a tasty idea for breakfast.

If you have a larger waffle maker, for example like my square, large-sized waffle maker, then this recipe will not make 8 waffles. You will need to make less waffles or make more batter. My experience is that this recipe will only make about 4 waffles in a larger, square waffle maker. So doubling it will make approximately 8 larger, square waffles. Please note the use of the word approximately, as I don't know the actual size of your maker.


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Musing with Books N Beans
Today's 2 Beans
Hey everyone! I hope you've topped off your cup and you've put your thinking caps on, because I've got some questions for you today.

Life has had me thinking and pondering quite a bit lately, and over the weekend I got to share a Mom's Night with some girlfriends of mine and that got me to thinking some more. So, I'm going to share some stuff with you, and I'd like your feedback.

Yeah, it's a conversation day. I did warn you that they would happen from time to time.

So, life in general. I, like many people it seems, have reached a crossroads moment in my life. Unfortunately for the ones around me, I'm not quite adept at dealing with them (crossroads moments) and so my life has been in a sort of flux for the past few years. I have swerved all over the road I'm on trying to find that balance between what's right for my family and what's best for me. Let me give you some history, very quickly and very vaguely.

I married my husband 15 years ago. He was in the military when we met, but I had no interest in marrying the military. I grew up a military brat, and I knew firsthand the toll that lifestyle can take on a family. As is often the case though, I found out you really don't control who you love. You can choose to disregard that love and walk away, but you love that person. For me, loving him meant that I wanted to be with him. Still, it was under the belief that he was not going to make a career out of being in the military.

Life has a way of screwing with our plans, and our paths change. Our path was for him to remain in the military. Looking back, I should have realized this was going to be the case, but you know what they say about hindsight. I don't regret the choice I made, as I wouldn't have had the experiences I did, and I wouldn't be where I am right now. I may not know where I'm going, but I know where I am and where I've been. I'm grateful for the people I've met, the experiences I've had, and the path that I'm on.

Anyways, the military lifestyle is not always conducive to the family getting exactly what they want, especially the spouses. I can't fully explain what some spouses sacrifice for their military person, and I can't expect you to fully understand it without a full explanation, but it's a difficult road to be on. Over the years, I have tried my hand at a home-based daycare (licensed, of course), working full-time, doing a home-party business, graduating from college with a degree, trying to find a job using that degree, working from home, doing part-time work, and as of now balancing working part-time out of the house and from the house with my book stuff.

I have had to, because of where his career has landed us, walk away from some of my life's plans. I was bitter, angry, and resentful about this for a a couple of years, but I've moved past that accepting that that path just wasn't really the one I was supposed to be on. I'm glad I made the choices I did for my family, as I've realized that my sacrifices for them have made us as whole as we are today. I can now congratulate myself on doing a bang up job of keeping my family intact, raising a set of really good kids (seriously, I've been told by others), and being an extremely supportive spouse and partner.

Now, as my kids gets older and don't need me as much, I'm striving to find that balance between my family's needs as they shift towards less and my needs in fulfilling my purpose and/or happiness. I am happy with my family life, but I accept that I need something for me. Something that I can do that is for me, my success as an individual, not just as a mom and spouse.

I've been doing a million self-examinations of who I am, what I want, what is my passion, where do I want to go, which direction would I like to head in, etc. It's difficult in the fact that I have to balance these needs with the basic (financial, emotional, physical, psychological) needs of my husband and kids.

Yes, part of this examination has come from almost a full year of ups and downs, to include loss of life of people and pets, close calls with family members, financial hardships with cutbacks at work, etc.

So here are some decisions I've made:
I absolutely need to quit smoking. I've tried many times and failed many times, but I'm taking them all as learning experiences and doing it. So, you're going to see a daily count show up on the page starting May, 12, 2012. Yep, Mother's Day weekend.

I am going to start the business I've wanted to start for over 7 years now. I will use the savings from quitting smoking to help me establish initial capital investment. Of course that means, I won't start the business right away as I save the money, but I can and will be attending small business seminars to start working my idea out and putting a more in-depth plan in place. I'll have to start small and build it up, but that's okay with me.

I am going to make sure that my focus on my family isn't just a matter of I'm available, it's going to be more like it used to be and I'm going to be actively involved.

So, what about you?
Have you found your plans being changed as events in your life made it necessary to alter them?
Have you ever felt negative emotions about where you are and how you got there?
Have you ever faced a decision where the outcome is only limited by you and what you decide?
Have you ever had to make sacrifices for those you love?
Do you have a dream, a vision that's different than where you're currently at?
Or have you already achieved your dream?

I would love to hear your story, if you're willing to share it. I think we've all had moments in our lives that make us capable of relating to this experience. But I could be wrong.
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Had to finish it
Today's 2 Beans
ASIN: B005OAHNZQ
Publisher: Manana Press
List Price: $0.99
The action is back! As I've already said, Blake never disappoints in his stories. Even during book 2, the reader is highly entertain while the story builds around Steven's investigation. However, we all want the story to end on a high note, enter the action!

Luckily for readers looking into the Zero Sum trilogy now, the books are sold as a bundle or as one book in its entirety. So you'll get the benefit of buying one and getting to read all the way through the 3 all at once. Trust me, you'll be thankful it is so.

A third book (Checkmate) in a trilogy is difficult to review, because you really sum up the story as this is by definition the story's conclusion. However, I can say Blake will not disappoint you. You will be enthralled and will enjoy the twists that are still to come. He will keep you on the edge of your seat with action and suspense as Stephen looks for a way to use what he now knows to take down Griffen.

Steven's membership in The Group will come into play a bit more. Which is fantastic as they are such an intriguing collection of people and personalities. It was fascinating to learn a bit more about them as well.

So, find some free time, sit down with Zero Sum and plan to have your day swept away as you plunge into the world of Steven, Wall Street, the government, the crime lords, and an action-packed adventure.

*Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for a review*

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Jumping right in
Today's 2 Beans
ASIN: B005OAHNZQ
Publisher: Manana Press
List Price: $0.99
Enter Antonia. Sigh, reading a series out of order definitely takes a little something away. You meet a character that you already know what the outcome will be for them. But Shhhh, I'm not telling and neither should you. Let those who haven't read out of order have their story in its entirety.

Typical of the mid-section of a trilogy, Zero Sum, Book 2: Focal Point takes a slight step back from the high-paced action of the first book and puts its energy into building the story.

At the end of book 1 Steven has vowed to continue with his battle against Griffen, in part to exact revenge for the losses that Steven has suffered at Griffen's command. However, in order to do that Steven has to find out more about Griffen and just how he has the power to inflict so much harm in Stephen's world.

Let the globe trotting begin, as Steven sets out on his journey to discover the truth behind Griffen and his illegal activities.

*Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for a review*
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Couldn't put it down
Today's 2 Beans
ASIN: B005OAHNZQ
Publisher: Manana Press
List Price: $0.99
I had originally scheduled reviews for Zero Sum to be on Wednesday, Saturday, and Wednesday. But I forgot to take into account that I can't stand to set down a Russell Blake novel once I've picked it up. Once I started Kotov Syndrome (book 1) I just had to continue onto to Focal Point (book 2) and naturally, as I was already 2/3 of the way done, I had to keep going to Checkmate (book 3) all in the same day. Well, it more was like into the night, but I HAD to finish what I'd started. What this means, is I altered my review schedule so you too could jump from one to the other. All 3 books in the trilogy will be posted back to back (Friday, Saturday, Sunday).

Do you remember Steven Cross from The Voynich Cypher, which was reviewed on March 14th? Well, he's back. Sort of. He's not Cross yet, and Kotov Syndrome is actually part of a series that came before The Voynich Cypher, but the Zero Sum trilogy gives you Stephen's background. Though you don't need this trilogy to read the newer Stephen Cross book, it's nice to have the full details of how he got to where he is.

Zero Sum, Book 1: Kotov Syndrome is typical of Blake's style. It's a fast-paced, edgy, thrilling, action-packed,  suspenseful read. Stephen takes on a Wall Street mogul, not understanding the bigger picture, and thrusts his life and those of whom he loves into a world of corruption, deceit, and violence. Steven soon finds out just how much money can buy and that corruption knows no bounds.

Another great Blake story to keep you on the edge of your seat, that also examines our society and multiple systems in it, as he asks the questions that need asking. Blake will always entertain you while he creates a world that requires you to open your mind to the very possibility of "Could it be true?"

*Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for a review*

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To what degree and how relative is it?
Today's 2 Beans
ISBN: 9781475161182
Publisher: CreateSpace
Cover Price: $12.99

ASIN: B007Y9ZU78
Publisher: Authors
List Price: $4.99
Some Degree of Murder by Frank Zafiro and Colin Conway couldn't have a better title. There are so many implications just in the name. Everything is a matter of degrees. All things are relative to where you are at any given point in your life.

There is always some good within bad and some bad within good. Sometimes good intentions cause people to do bad things, sometimes bad people do things that are actually good, sometimes bad things happen to good people, and sometimes bad things that are done are actually for the good of everyone.

The characters alone personify the degrees of good and bad that makes us human. A mother seeking vengeance for a daughter brutally raped and killed. A absentee father trying to do right by his child because of his career choice. A cop who toes the line of right and wrong so often that's only a minute step to crossing over the threshold permanently. Prostitutes and strippers trying to survive on the streets, but wanted to do the right thing for one of their own. The streets themselves teeming with people stereotyping all the "bad" people: biker gang, pimps, drug dealers, etc. 

Some Degree of Murder entertainingly examines people, what human nature is, and just what people will do when they're pushed right to the edge of a cliff, whether it's anger, grief, greed, or simple survival. Once someone takes that final step over the edge, there's no telling how far they'll fall, and all their decisions are relative (a degree) of where they're currently at.

*Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for a review*
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