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Vicki Stewart

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Two Exciting Events On The Horizon!

Hello my wonderful readers!

I have been so focused on getting ‘The Enlightenment’ ready to publish, that I didn’t realize how much time had elapsed since my last post! The good news is that I should be announcing the release date very soon.

The even better news is that Amazon just announced their ‘2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards’ contest which begins on February 16, 2014. I have decided to enter ‘First Sight’ into the competition, so once I hit the button to submit my entry; I’ll be crossing my fingers. I promise I won’t keep them crossed too long because I still have a lot of work to do!

I’ll keep you updated on both the publish date of ‘The Enlightenment’ as well as the progress of ‘First Sight’ during the contest. That’s two very exciting things to look forward to and I am honored to be able to share them with you.

Have a blessed rest of your day!

Vicki

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The Enlightenment

If you enjoyed getting to know Tori and Ben as much as I did in ‘First Sight’, then I am very pleased to announce that the continuation of their story will be available for purchase on Amazon in the next few months!  Please check back often for updates on the release of ‘The Enlightenment,’ book two in the Tori Cooper Novels.

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Giving Thanks

The phrase, ‘Happy Thanksgiving,’ brings a mixture of memories and emotions to many people.  To some, it is a day filled with a seemingly boundless array of food, family, friends, laughter and joy.  To others, it is a day of service and giving to those in need.  And then there are those, whose day is filled with sadness, loneliness and regret.

The reality of our world is that everyone will experience both days of great joy and days of great sorrow. It’s part of the free will that God gave us.  The key to that free will, is to remember the importance of how we react on those days and whether we use them as opportunities for Grace.

I am very strong in my faith and believe that my God is a God of love.  So for all my friends and followers, I’m sending out a prayer to you today, from 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

 ‘Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’

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There’s Just No Easy Way to Say, “I think I’ll smoke a trout today!”

‘No more rhymes now!  I mean it!’

‘Anybody want a peanut?’

One of the funniest scenes from the movie, ‘The Princess Bride,’ is the exchange between Inigo, Vizzini and Fezzik, while in the boat on their way to the Cliffs of Insanity.

That’s what immediately popped into my head when I read my blog post title out loud.   So, you’re welcome.

My family laughs when they hear me talk about my plans to smoke a fish, because of the visual the phrase puts in their heads.  I get it.

Fortunately, their laughter quickly transforms to appreciative joy, when they take their first bite of the tender, smoky goodness of a freshly smoked trout filet.

First Sight, Chapter 20 “…she picked up a plate and placed some of the capers, fresh dill and the smoked trout on a slice of the bread. Ben watched for her reaction as she took her first bite and was pleased to see hers was exactly as his had been. “Wow! This is really good. Okay, we’re definitely stopping there before we leave,” Tori said, taking another bite. “We’re going to have to buy a cooler so we can bring more of this back on the plane.”

Ben laughed at her reaction and said, “I think that’s probably a good idea.”

Irishman’s Smoked Trout

Ingredients:

  • Trout fillet, cleaned and de-boned, skin on
  • Olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • Fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup Apple wood chips
  • Water

Directions:

1)    Place the apple wood chips in a container and immerse them in water overnight.  Set a glass or heavy jar on top of the chips to keep them from floating.

2)   Rinse the fish fillet and place on a transfer tray.  Season the fillet with the Olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice.

3)    Prepare your smoker to manufacturer’s directions.  I use an ‘Old Smokey’ electric smoker.

4)    Drain the apple wood chips and place them on the smoking tray.  Place the drip pan above the smoking tray and then place the prepared trout fillet on the cooking rack.

5)    Close the smoker and set the temperature to high.  Fillets generally cook within 20 minutes per pound so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

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A Day of Enlightenment

SPOILER ALERT to book two of the Tori Cooper Novels!

‘History is a very subjective term in today’s society,’ Tori thought to herself as she sipped her wine, watching the sun slowly disappear into the evening sky. ‘Having factual events at the touch of our fingertips one moment and then sending them off to the world via a tweet or post the next, enables us to create history in the blink of an eye.’

Imagine yourself researching your family’s history, only to discover a prophecy that began over a thousand years ago, which clearly names you as the future heir to an incredible fortune, one some may consider to be a horrible curse.  You know you have no choice but to accept the responsibility in order to maintain your family’s honor, otherwise innocent lives will be lost for eternity.

‘Can I really do this?’ Tori worried.  ‘Am I strong enough to accept the challenge, even if it means facing off with the devil himself?’

If you were Tori, what would you do?