Holiday Event: Pamela Sherwood, Waltz with a Stranger (Guest Post/Giveaway)

On the third day of our Holiday Event, Reading Between the Wines gave to me... historical romance author, Pamela Sherwood and Walt with a Stranger! 

These stovetop-made cookies are rich, decadent, and thoroughly addictive. They’re also very easy to make. Serve them chilled--they hold their shape best when they’re cold--with a glass of milk. I’ve found they go very fast, even when you make them on the small side so they’ll supposedly last longer.

For a fancy touch, try stacking them in a pyramid before serving. But they’re irresistible even as single layer on a large plate.  Enjoy!

Pamela Sherwood

COCONUT DATE BALLS

2 tsp. Butter (or a little more)
1 c. granulated sugar (or a little less; the dates are already very sweet)
2 well-beaten eggs
1 c. chopped, pitted dates

Mix in saucepan, cook over low heat for 12-15 minutes until dates are melted, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add:

1 1/2-2 c. Rice Krispies
1-1 1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1/2-1 tsp. Vanilla

Shape into balls (of whatever preferred size).  Keep hands dipped in cold water to prevent sticking. Roll balls in shredded coconut, and place on wax paper on cookie sheet to cool.

Yield: About 3 dozen medium-sized cookies.

Waltz with a Stranger

by Pamela Sherwood

Mass Market Paperback, 448 pages

Publication: December 4th 2012 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

ISBN 1402273223

Crippled after a riding accident, shy heiress Aurelia Newbold shuns Society--until a dashing stranger draws her into a secret waltz and awakens desires she has long thought dead. After a year abroad to regain her health, she comes home to find the one man she’s been dreaming of--now an earl--engaged to the one woman she would never betray: her beloved twin sister.
One night James Trelawney took pity on a girl he saw as a wounded bird. Now the Earl of Trevanan, he is not prepared for the vibrant woman who returns to London, intent on reclaiming her life. Nor is he prepared for his growing desire for that woman--especially after he has proposed marriage to her dazzling twin.
As the scene shifts from London's glittering ballroom to Cornwall's windswept coast, forbidden desires resurface, and inhibitions begin to melt beneath the summer sun. But even as James struggles to resolve his feelings for both sisters, the secret that killed his predecessor reaches out from the grave to threaten his life--and that of the woman he loves.

EXCERPT:

A moonlit encounter, a magical moment . . .

But, at first glance, the conservatory appeared to be deserted. Moonlight poured in through the glass-paneled walls, bathing the plants and stone benches in an otherworldly glow. Loosening his collar, James inhaled the warm, jasmine-scented air and felt himself relax for the first time that evening.

Hands clasped behind him, he strolled along the nearest walkway. Feathery ferns, sinuous vines, potted palms . . . he could not identify more than a few of the more exotic species, but it scarcely mattered: here, at last, were peace and tranquility.  Then he rounded a corner, came to a halt at the sight of the figure standing in the middle of the conservatory, the moonlight frosting her golden hair and casting a silvery sheen upon the skirts of her blue ball gown. Her eyes were closed, her slim form swaying gently in time to the waltz music drifting in from the ballroom.

James wondered if he’d lost his mind. Hadn’t he just seen her mere moments ago, dancing in the arms of an earl? Then, looking more closely, he saw that the shade of her gown was closer to turquoise than azure, her hair dressed a touch less elaborately: subtle differences but telling nonetheless. What had Thomas said?  “She and her mother and her sister . . .”

He must have made some sound, some movement, because the girl suddenly froze like a deer scenting a hunter, apprehension radiating from every inch of her.

James spoke quickly, seeking to reassure her.  “Pardon me, Miss Newbold.  It is Miss Newbold, is it not?”      

Pamela Sherwood grew up in a family of teachers and taught college-level literature and writing courses for several years before turning to writing full time. She holds a doctorate in English literature, specializing in the Romantic and Victorian periods, eras that continue to fascinate her and provide her with countless opportunities for virtual time travel. She lives in Southern California and is currently at work on her second novel.

http://pamelasherwood.wordpress.com/

~*GIVEAWAY*~

Sourcebooks is giving away one copy of Waltz with a Stranger to one reader (Open to the US and Canada only please. ) To enter, just leave a comment or question for the author on this post and then fill out the Rafflecopter below! Additional entries are available but not required. Good luck!

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