Skip to main content

Advent day 4 - Sandra Sookoo

Todays post comes from author Sandra Sookoo



The Christmas season to me means cookies. I know that’s kinda funny to say, but every year, I go to the store and buy loads of ingredients to make cookies. Growing up, we always made cookies, but now, since I don’t have any kids and it’s just my husband and I at home, I still make cookies—I just have to deliver them to people around the area. Otherwise, I’d be buried under baked goods!

So, what’s better than a short Christmas story about two brothers who own a cookie shop? Here’s the blurb and excerpt for EXILES FROM CHRISTMAS. It’s the first book in my Holiday Magic series. I’ve also brought you a recipe for one of Landon’s favorite cookies! You can find out more about this series by visiting my website: http://www.sandrasookoo.com Be sure to click on the Holiday Magic tab.

Blurb:

Santa’s nephews have come to Crystal Falls to run a cookie business. If they fail, they’ll have to go back to the North Pole and fill their uncle’s black boots when he retires. But sick of toys, elves, and the North Pole’s influence, that’s the last thing Landon and Aaron want. They’re looking for love.

Jayne isn’t much for sentimental family holidays and she certainly doesn’t believe in magic. Working in the Crystal Falls post office, she is mystified when she handles mail bearing a North Pole postal mark.

When Landon and Jayne meet, their attraction for each other is undeniable, but will the truth about Landon’s life make Jayne a believer, or will it be his love that finally melts her heart?

Excerpt:

“Here.” Jayne thrust the small stack of envelopes into his hands. “I’d better get going. The closer it gets to Christmas, the busier we are.” She took a step backward then stumbled when she teetered off the porch.

The man chucked the mail onto a wicker rocker and rushed forward to clutch her upper arm. “Careful now.”

“I’m fine.” As Jayne regained her footing, the man held her closer than necessary. “You can let go now.”

Someone cleared his throat at the door. “Hi again.” She recognized that voice.

“Hi.” When she spied Landon Bernhart, Jayne’s cheeks heated anew. He leaned a shoulder against the door jam, an amused grin lifting the corners of his lips. However, Jayne’s heart fluttered when her gaze fell to the 1950s-style white ruffled apron tied around his lean hips.

The man in red dropped her arm and stepped away. “I see you’ve already met my brother, Landon. I’m Aaron.” He retrieved the abandoned mail. “I don’t think you’ll need to bring the next batch over. I’ll be sure to make time to come see you.” With a suggestive wink, he vanished inside.

“Don’t mind him.” Landon moved from the doorway. “He’s got an unresolved Casanova complex.”

“Most men do.” Recovered from her lack of grace of a moment before, she allowed herself a tiny moment to admire him. Dark-wash jeans hugged his legs like an infatuated lover while a cherry-red mock turtleneck graced his solid upper half. But Jayne couldn’t get past the apron. “What’s cookin’?” Her lips twitched in an effort to stifle her laughter. “Nice outfit.”

With a laugh, Landon undid the strings and whipped the piece of fluff from his waist. “It was the only one I could find on short notice. My manly apron collection is at the shop.” A small grin lit his face as the tips of his ears turned pink. “So… Dropping off the mail?”

“Yes.” She let her gaze travel down the long, tall length of him. “I’d better go now.” She remained rooted to the porch, reluctant to move. Whereas Aaron exuded a powerful physical presence and an over-the-top sexual appeal, Landon had a quiet dignity and gentle reserve that hinted at masculine strength. She stifled a sigh. Not to mention a chest she wouldn’t mind exploring with a bottle of lemon-flavored massage oil…

“Why don’t you come in for a cup of coffee? It’s cold out here.”

With a mighty effort, Jayne focused her attention on his face. The sensual curve of his lips sidetracked her and a sudden rush of desire slithered through her gut. “Uh, I’m afraid that won’t be possible. I’m still on the clock.”

This time, Landon’s smile was slow and dazzling. “Then how about dinner this evening? I’m sure you need to eat.”

“True. I’m usually at the diner around six-ish every night. You could stop by.” She ignored the heat in her face. “I really have to go.” North Pole postmarks danced through her brain and she narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “I’m curious about where you’re from, actually. Maybe we can discuss that tonight.”

The smile slid from his face. “You’re just like all the rest of them, aren’t you?”

“The rest of who?” Jayne’s earlier warm fuzzies evaporated in the face of his erratic behavior.

“Every woman—actually, every person I’ve decided to share this part of my life with. You label me a freak before you know anything about me.” His lips set into a tight line.

“Then explain instead of flying off the handle.” What was this guy’s problem?

“Forget it. I thought you might be different.” He yanked open the screen door. “Well, I don’t need your mockery or your teasing.”

Jayne ended her visit to the Bernhart house much as she started: with her mouth open, confusion swirling through her mind.

Landon’s Coconut Snowballs from Exiles From Christmas

1 1/3 cups flaked coconut

1/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 egg whites

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a small bowl, combine the coconut, sugar, flour and salt. Stir in egg whites and vanilla; mix well.

Drop by rounded teaspoons onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 325 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.


--------

Don't forget to check out the holiday extravaganza at Pelican Books. Either a new book or special offer every day til Christmas.

http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/extravaganza-bundle

http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/holiday-specials

Comments

LoRee Peery said…
These cookies sound really yummy. I don't think I've stopped eating since Thanksgiving, though, so I won't be making anything extra for a couple weeks. The story sounds just as yummy.
Sandra Sookoo said…
Thanks for coming out LoRee :-)
Laura Briggs said…
Sounds like a fun story! And thanks for sharing the cookie recipe--they sound perfect for a winter afternoon :)

Popular posts from this blog

Falling Forever by Katherine Robles

  Blurb Hillary is stifled by an entry level IT job in the Virginia suburbs and longs to move to Washington D.C. where she can make a difference in the world. When Javier comes to her rescue in Great Falls National Park, Hillary likes everything about him except for the gorgeous fiance hanging on his arm. But things are not as they seem and he enlists her help to renovate a homeless shelter. Romance blossoms over paintbrushes and pipes until a career launching opportunity arises. Hillary can chase her dreams, but they might cost her Javier’s heart.       Excerpt Javier cast a shadow over her placemat as he delivered her glass of water. He rounded the table, apparently unaware that the whole family was watching him with interest. When he got to the other side of Mom, Hillary willed him to make eye contact and gave a little wave in greeting. “Hi,” she said. Javier retracted the hand that was lowering Coryn’s water. His lips parted like a curtain to reveal his pearly whites. “Well, if it

Author interview - Nicola Beaumont

Today we have author Nicola Beaumont with us. Nicola has written several books including The Lighthouse which I am spotlighting today. BLURB: DANGEROUS LIAISON... Rachel is in love with her best friend, but when Malachi doesn't seem interested, she turns to an international stranger whom she meets on the internet. At first, conversation is just a pastime, but soon, romantic fantasies form in her mind. Why not consider a man who travels across an ocean to meet her-a man who makes her feel wanted? After all, Malachi might as well be a world away-even if his concern does seem genuine when he warns her about the intriguing Frenchman. RESCUE ON THE WAY... Malachi has sworn not to interfere in Rachel's relationship, but he's in love with the head-strong woman who is determined to continue her budding romance...Yet, Malachi senses something isn't right about the playboy who has suddenly consumed Rachel's time, so he vows to save her from the stranger-and herself-even

Wooing Gertrude by Jodie Wolfe

  Blurb   Enoch Valentine has given up finding peace for his past mistakes. He throws everything he has into being the new part-time deputy in Burrton Springs, Kansas while maintaining the foreman position at a local horse ranch. But when trouble stirs on the ranch, he questions whether he's the right man for either job. Peace has been elusive for most of Gertrude Miller's life, especially under the oppressiveness of an overbearing mother. She takes matters into her own hands and sends for a potential husband, while also opening her own dress shop. Gertrude hopes to build a future where she'll find peace and happiness. Will either of them ever be able to find peace?   First Page Peek   Burrton Springs, Kansas August 4, 1877   Gertrude Miller’s life couldn’t get any better. She grinned, patting her pocket. Her fingers traced the two skeleton keys. After months of planning and preparing she finally had moved into her own place a week ago, away from the overbearing reach of he