Feb 15, 2026 | 2026, Authors Dish, Blog, February 2026, Lizzie C Koz
Welcome to Authors Dish where authors share a little bit about themselves. I’m always so appreciative when they take the time to chat and hang out a bit while writing all the adventures we crave. I’ll be sharing their links and bio so if they are a new author for ya, you’ll have all the info you need to check them out.
If you’re an author and interested in dishin’ comment below or hit me up on any of my social media platforms.
Today we’ve got Romance Author Lizzie C. Koz
Rae: Do you have a “word” of the year to keep you motivated and inspired or are you a monthly planner setting goals as you go?
Lizzie: I do like setting a word for the year. My word this year is Joy.
Rae: If you’re a snow lover, what outdoor adventures do you look forward to? If you prefer sunshine and warm breezes with a little sand beneath your feet where would I find you?
Lizzie: I do love snow but wish we only had it for like a month haha. I love sledding. Snowball fights. Building snowmen. (Top toddler activities). I prefer the beach over snow though. I’d be in Marco Island, FL if I were to travel somewhere warm right now.
Rae: It’s January and we’re all thinking about staying organized and setting our goals, what are the top five things you’ve found to help motivate you and keep you on task?
Lizzie: Inspirational quotes, seeing other people’s success and knowing what’s possible, putting my phone out of reach, having my playlists at the ready, meal-planning (I hate being disrupted when I get in the groove because I need to make something to eat).
Rae: If you could create a winter drink what would you call it and what would be in it?
Lizzie: Maybe a dark-chocolate hot-chocolate. I always hate how sweet hot chocolate is. But a richer, more bitter, dark hot-chocolate would be fantastic to keep warm.
Rae: Do you have a winter bucket list?
Lizzie: I don’t.
Rae: You just found out a snowstorm is headed your way and you need to run to one store to pick up provisions to last for three days. Where are you shopping and what are you putting in your cart? Lizzie: Grocery and Liquor Store. Veggies, Broth, Ground Turkey, Beans, Diced Tomatoes, Seltzer, Wine and Beer.
Rae: To celebrate friendship and love this month what books should I read in your backlist to give me all the feels?
Lizzie: I actually wrote To My Scot, With Love as a Valentine’s Day story!
Rae: What is your favorite meal to make for that special someone, friend, significant other, or family?
Lizzie: Probably chili or lasagna soup. We don’t really have favorite meals.
Rae: What is your favorite quote or poem that inspires friendship or love?
Lizzie: Oh gosh, I don’t have one.
Rae: You have the opportunity to take your special someone or bestie on a dream experience… where are you going and what are you doing?
Lizzie: Back to Italy!
Rae: Are you watching the winter Olympics live, recording everything on the DVR to watch later, or catching the highlight reels on tv and social media?
Lizzie: Catching the highlight reels.
Feb 12, 2026 | 2026, Authors Dish, Blog, February 2026, Samantha Chase
Welcome back to Authors Dish where authors share a little bit about themselves. I’m always so appreciative when they take the time to chat and hang out a bit while writing all the adventures we crave. I’ll be sharing their links and bio so if they are a new author for ya, you’ll have all the info you need to check them out.
If you’re an author and interested in dishin’ comment below or hit me up on any of my social media platforms.
Today we’ve got NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author Samantha Chase ready to dish!
Rae: Do you have a “word” of the year to keep you motivated and inspired or are you a monthly planner setting goals as you go?
Samantha: I tend to forget to pick a word, and then when I do, I never stick to it. I always have an overall plan for the year, but never a word. And I know I’m in the minority on that one. But I’m constantly pivoting too because not all plans go as planned.
Rae: If you’re a snow lover, what outdoor adventures do you look forward to? If you prefer sunshine and warm breezes with a little sand beneath your feet where would I find you?
Samantha: It rarely snows in North Carolina, but it’s definitely cold. But I am an indoor cat no matter what the season. When it does snow, I love watching it fall while sitting and sipping cocoa in front of the fire. We go to the coast once a year for a week – in the off season because I hate the heat during the summer and I’m fair-skinned so I burn easily – and I LOVE being there in October and being able to walk along the beach. It’s not crowded, the temps are cooler, and it just makes me happy.
Rae: What are the top five things you’ve found to help motivate and keep you on task as you stay organized while working on your goals for 2026 and beyond.
Samantha: Hmm…I don’t know. Got any suggestions?? Lol!
Honestly, having my planner and putting up those sticky notes help me more than anything. Other than that, it depends on the day and my mood. I’m not structured at all.
Rae: Do you have a winter bucket list?
Samantha: Nope. Just to stay warm.
Rae: You just found out a snowstorm is headed your way and you need to run to one store to pick up provisions to last for three days. Where are you shopping and what are you putting in your cart
Samantha: I always want to bake when there’s a storm coming. So I buy either brownie mixes or ingredients to bake cupcakes. I make sure we have all the makings for comfort foods: yummy soups, everything for some gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, and pretty much anything I can cook in the crockpot like a beef stew or chili.
Rae: To celebrate friendship and love this month what books should I read in your backlist to give me all the feels?
Samantha: For friendship, I recommend either the Enchanted Bridal series (especially FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES) or the Meet Me at the Altar series.
For love…well, they all fit for that! But if you were looking to get started, I would say the Donovans or the Shaughnessy series.
Rae: What is your favorite meal to make for that special someone, friend, significant other, or family?
Samantha: My turkey chili is a big favorite for friends and family. It was the last meal my dad requested from me before he passed. For my husband, he loves my chicken parm.
Rae: What is your favorite quote or poem that inspires friendship or love?
Samantha: “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” — Oprah Winfrey
*I’m not an Oprah fan, but this quote really spoke to me many years ago*
Rae: You have the opportunity to take your special someone or bestie on a dream experience… where are you going and what are you doing?
Samantha: My husband has always wanted to go to Alaska. We’re not tour-group kind of people, but I know it’s the only way to see all the real sites. I’d love to do it by land, sea, and air. I think it would be so cool and we’d take a couple of weeks to do it right.
Rae: Are you watching the winter Olympics live, recording everything on the DVR to watch later, or catching the highlight reels on tv and social media?
Samantha: Just catching the highlight reels. I honestly don’t enjoy sitting in front of the TV for too long. An hour is my max per day. And there are very few events that interest me.
Website: www.chasing-romance.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SamanthaChaseFanClub
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthachaseromance/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamanthaChase3
Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1034673493228089/
Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than ninety titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017 and WEDDING SEASON which was a Hallmark June Wedding movie in 2023! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire online, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 35 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Sign up for my mailing list and get exclusive content and chances to win members-only prizes!
Start a fun new small town romance series: click here
Dec 24, 2025 | 2025, Authors Dish, Blog, December 2025, Samantha Chase
Welcome to Authors Dish – a time to connect with your favorite authors or discover new ones as they share a little bit about themselves. I’m always so appreciative when they take the time to c hat and hang out a bit while writing the adventures we crave. I’ll be sharing their links and bio so you can check them out.
If you’re an author and interested in dishin’ comment below or hit me up on any of my social media platforms
Today I’ve got New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Samantha Chase ready to dish!
Rae: What’s your favorite winter holiday recipe? (If you’re willing to share)?
Samantha: Fun fact about me: I don’t do recipes. Lol! I definitely have recipes, but they are just basically a list of ingredients and no measurements. I learned from a long line of cooks in my Italian family how to be comfortable in the kitchen and I honestly just know what to add to things. But I tend to stay away from anything overly elaborate.
The one main recipe that we use every year are out Christmas morning omelets. They’re pepperoni omelets and the first time I made them for my husband he thought I was insane. Now they’re his favorite. You need to buy the stick pepperoni (Boars Head is my favorite) and you slice them a little on the thicker side. Each omelet is 3 eggs scrambled with one heaping spoonful (I want to say heaping tablespoon, but I can’t be too sure!) of ricotta cheese, and 12 pieces of pepperoni. You melt some butter in a non-stick pan (and I use cooking spray too), heat the pepperoni first just for like a minute, then add your eggs that are scrambled with the ricotta.
See? I’m terrible with recipes!
Rae: What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Jeanne: Going together as a family to get a Christmas Tree, then decorating while having snacks and telling stories and laughing a lot!
Samantha: Decorating the tree with my family – we’re empty nesters now so it’s just down to hubby and myself – while watching some of our favorite holiday movies/specials from our childhood.
Rae: Is your home all “dressed up” for the winter season?
Jeanne: Yes indeed! Lots of outdoor lights (colors and white lights!) Lots of indoor decor. It looks like Christmas flung itself all over the house!
Samantha: A little? I don’t go overboard so we’ll just say it’s sprinkled for the winter season 😉
Rae: Do you put up lights? If so…bright festive colors or classic white?
Jeanne: We sure do and we do both – colors and white lights.
Samantha: Yes! We do white icicle lights on the exterior trim of the house and then we have some colored lights wrapped around the columns. And on the tree, they are festive colors and they blink!
Rae: What is your planning process for 2026? A single planner, multiple planners, sticky notes on a wall…or do you just know?
Jeanne: My planner process is undergoing a change for 2026. Going to try and go back to a pre-printed calendar as opposed to a BuJo – we’ll see how long I last! Plus I’ll have a production planner for my writing and promo.
Samantha: All of the above! I have an old school monthly/yearly planner on my desk, then I have a weekly dry erase one (also on my desk), there are random sticky notes all around, but they’re all in my head too. And in my phone. With so many deadlines and events and travel, I need to make sure there are reminders everywhere.
Rae: If I were to visit your hometown, what sights should I see to experience the holiday season?
Jeanne: My hometown of Asheville, NC (not where I live now…) has so many awesome Christmas Traditions! But the “don’t Miss it” event is the Gingerbread House Competition at the famous Grove Park Inn. Seeing it decorated for the holidays is a treat in and of itself – They have villages and ox-roasting fireplaces and cozy nooks to sit in and drink hot chocolate! – but the gingerbread….oh, my goodness!! You can see photos on the website
Samantha: Our town is pretty small – the main downtown strip is only three blocks long – so other than some festive lights, there really isn’t a whole lot to see. If you want to experience some fun holiday stuff, you’d have to go into Raleigh (which is about 30 minutes away). On New Year’s Eve, they have First Night Raleigh and instead of dropping a ball at midnight like they do in Times Square, they drop a giant lighted acorn!
Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than ninety titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017 and WEDDING SEASON which was a Hallmark June Wedding movie in 2023! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire online, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 35 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Sign up for my mailing list and get exclusive content and chances to win members-only prizes!
Start a fun new small town romance series
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Reader Group
Jeanne Adams has written more than 20 award-winning romantic suspense, paranormal romantic suspense, and urban fantasy titles, as well as space adventure that’s been compared to the works of Robert Heinlein and Jack McDevitt. She’s a sought-after speaker, teaching classes on body disposal for writers, worldbuilding and collaboration, plotting for pantzers and how to write a fight scene that works!
Both traditionally and self-published, you can find Jeanne’s work on most digital platforms. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband and two growing sons, as well as three dogs – two Labs and an Irish Water Spaniel. Don’t tell, but she’s prone to adopting more dogs when her husband isn’t looking.
Feb 7, 2024 | Authors Dish, Blog, January 2024, Regina Kyle
Welcome to Authors Dish – a time to connect with your favorite authors or discover new ones as they share a little bit about themselves. I’m always so appreciative when they take the time to chat and hang out a bit while writing all the adventures we crave. I’ll be sharing their links and bio so if they are a new author for ya, you’ll have all the info you need to check them out.
If you’re an author and interested in dishin’ comment below or hit me up on any of my social media platforms.
While January might be over we’ve got one more Authors Dish too good not to share -are you ready for a little author fun?
Today we’ve got Author Regina Kyle ready to dish!
Rae: With the new year underway, do you have a “word” of the year or do you set monthly goals?
Regina: For the last few years I have chosen a word of the year. This year, it’s “curious.” I picked it because just after Christmas I had a dream about this sleeping bag I used to own as a kid. I was made to look like denim with all these patches all over it—very late 1960s-early 1970s. One of the patches said, “I am curious, but yellow.” As kids, my siblings and I never really understood what that meant, but it always stuck out to us. Then I remembered Ted’s speech to Rupert in one of my favorite shows, Ted Lasso, where he lectures Rupert about being curious, not judgmental (as he kicks his butt at darts LOL). That’s how I want to approach life this year. My writing, my family, my friends, my day job. Curious, not judgmental.
Rae: If you’re a snow lover what is your favorite thing to do outside in the winter months?
Regina: If you prefer the sunny beaches and warm sand …. where would you rather be?—I’ve lived in the northeast all my life and I am soooooo not a winter weather gal. My idea of a winter activity is curling up in front of our gas fireplace with a cup of tea, a warm, blanket, a good book, and one of more of my cats. Or escaping down down south on a Caribbean cruise. Sadly, my next one isn’t until July.
Rae: It’s January and we’re all thinking about staying organized and setting our goals, what are the top five things you’ve found to help motivate you and keep you on task?
Regina: —Top five? Hmmm … 1. Make a daily task list. I’m a big fan of lists and crossing stuff off. This year, I’m trying to get better at making my daily tasks achievable and not biting off more than I can chew. It’s about baby steps, whether I’m writing or decluttering my house. 2. Stay off social media. I love social media and I love connecting with readers, but it can be a real time suck. I try to limit my time on there and use a social media blocker when I’m writing. 3. Use the pomodoro method. Set a timer, work on whatever task I’m working on for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. That seems to work well for me in getting stuff done.
4. Noise cancelling headphones. These are especially useful when I’m writing at home. When they’re on, hubby knows not to bother me unless the place is burning down, and I can listen to music or some mindless background TV show or movie through my phone while I’m working. 5. This isn’t really a productivity tool, but as Becca Syme says, QTP. That stands for question the premise. What it means is that when you see someone post about what they’re doing, or what things help them reach their goals, ask yourself whether that will work for you, too. Everyone is different, and just because something works for someone else doesn’t mean it will do the same for you.
Rae: If you could create a winter drink what would you call it and what would be in it?
Regina: —I’d call it something like the Sleigh All Day and it would have egg nog, kalua and Fireball whiskey. Three of my favorite things!
Rae: Do you have a winter bucket list?
Regina: —not really. Like I said, I’m not really a winter weather kind of gal. My bucket list for this winter is to get through these massive edits on my second Mediterranean Millionaire book, How Not To Marry A Millionaire. At least I get to fictionally spend the cold months in Spain with Miguel and Perri LOL.
Rae: You just found out a snowstorm is headed your way and you need to run to one store to pick up provisions to last for three days. Where are you shopping and what are you putting in your cart?
Regina: —One store? Dang, that’s tough. I’ve already got tons of books at my fingertips thanks to all the reading apps on my phone, so that’s taken care of. We’re pretty stocked with booze, so I’m good there. So I’m going to say that I’d head to my latest obsession, Aldis. Seriously, that place is addictive. Their produce is great, that have lots of good cheeses and dips, all different kinds of trail mix (they have this one with craisins and dark chocolate that I adore), and you never know what you’ll find in the infamous aisle of shame (fleece jammies, socks, Squishmallows, kitchen gadgets, there’s always something you don’t need but really want). And the prices are great, so I know I won’t have to break the bank to stock up.
Website
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
Goodreads
Jan 31, 2024 | 2024, Authors Dish, Blog, January 2024, Jeanne Adams, Mariah Ankenman, Samantha Chase
Welcome to Authors Dish – a time to connect with your favorite authors or discover new ones as they share a little bit about themselves. I’m always so appreciative when they take the time to chat and hang out a bit while writing all the adventures we crave. I’ll be sharing their links and bio so if they are a new author for ya, you’ll have all the info you need to check them out.
If you’re an author and interested in dishin’ comment below or hit me up on any of my social media platforms.
Today we are officially one month into 2024 and with that …. hopefully a month with a planner that is well used, filled with amazing adventures, goals, and tasks. If you’re a booklover than I’m sure you have those stacks of books waiting to fill our shelves with a goal to read them all. Are you ready for a little author fun?
Today we’ve got NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author Samantha Chase, Bestselling Author Mariah Ankenman and Author Jeanne Adams ready to dish!
1. With the new year underway, do you have a “word” of the year or do you set monthly goals?
Samantha: You know, I never got into the “word” thing and I don’t know why. I had to pick a word of the year for this retreat I’m getting ready to go on (and it gave my great anxiety to have to do it), but my word is CONFIDENCE. As for setting goals, it’s a little like making a New Year’s Resolution every month and I can honestly say that I don’t. I know that I have things I have to do, but life seems to really get in the way sometimes – especially these last few years – and I always seem to end up feeling defeated because I didn’t reach my monthly goal. So now, no goals.
Mariah: I don’t really have a word of the year unless you count “panic” lol, just kidding. I’m more of a task person than a goal person. I set out achievable tasks I need to accomplish then get a ton of satisfaction crossing them off the list when they’re done.
Jeanne: I do pick a word of the year – this year is FOCUS! Grins. I’ve had a lot going on in the last few years and finally a lot of that is resolved so now…I get to FOCUS!
2. If you’re a snow lover what is your favorite thing to do outside in the winter months? If you prefer the sunny beaches and warm sand …. where would you rather be?
Samantha: Ooo…I wouldn’t say I’m a snow lover, but I certainly love a good snowy day! I love the quietness of a day when the snow is coming down and just love watching it. I’m not a winter sports person, but I used to LOVE to get on a sled and go down a big hill when I was younger!
And I think I’ve mentioned it before that I do also love the beach, but only in the off-season when it’s cooler! Lol!
Mariah: I love the snow! It gives me an excuse to sit inside and read under a cozy blanket. I used to ski, before it got too pricey. I love a quiet walk in the snowy woods, but my kids prefer making snow forts and sledding. Once I set up my aerial hoop in the snow. It was freezing but I got some really fun photos and video.
Jeanne: I AM a snow lover!! I love to watch it snow from inside the house and make soup and chili and other hearty things. Grins. I do like to have a good snowball fight, however, and I like to ski.
3. It’s January and we’re all thinking about staying organized and setting our goals, what are the top five things you’ve found to help motivate you and keep you on task?
Samantha: Nothing! Lol! My attention span is like a squirrel in traffic – it’s all over the place! Staying organized is hard for me because it never lasts long. My office slowly starts to fill with papers and notes and other random stuff (like snack wrappers!) and I find that I need to work with no chaos around me. I’ve taken to writing more in our bonus room because it’s neat and peaceful. As for keeping me on task? Seriously, nothing does except fear of a looming deadline.
Mariah:
1.My desk calendar where I can write everything down.
2. Coffee
3. Chatting with my agent about the years plan
4. Coffee
5. More coffee!
Jeanne: Getting that new planner set up and ready to go is my number one thing to motivate me and keep me on task. I use a combination Bullet Journal and Sarra Cannon’s HB90 calendar method to keep me on track. Number two is to set aside sacrosanct time on Sundays to plan my week – as Stephen Covey would urge – to put the “big rocks” (writing, family, etc) in first before the days fill up with minutia
Number three would be to add stickers and color! (it helps me!) Four is look at the calendar every night before I go to bed. And last but not least at #5 is plan BIG, stretch goals, Beyond goals and Good goals – the three tiers lets my brain know that Good is good enough, but there’s bigger levels if I have time and energy to streeeeeeetch!
4. If you could create a winter drink what would you call it and what would be in it?
Samantha: I am not an adventurous drinker at all. I’m relatively boring. It’s either water, Coca-Cola, or hot cocoa. No flavors, just the basics. So maybe just a really rich, chocolatey cocoa called Simply Yummy. Lol!
Mariah: I actually made a winter cocktail called the Coco Mint Martini a few years back. It’s peppermint vodka, irish cream, and chocolate syrup poured into a shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass and top with whipped cream. It’s delicious!
Jeanne: If I could create a winter drink….hmmm…Probably some kind of hot coffee toddy with Kahlua and my fav coffee and cream. I’d probably call it something goofy like a Ski Lift (caffeine..get it?)
5. Do you have a winter bucket list?
Samantha: To stay warm. It was really cold last week here in NC, but today, I had to put the A/C on because it was 75 degrees in the house!
Mariah: Not really a bucket list, but we’re going to see the Ice Castles in Cripple Creek next month. We haven’t been in years and I’m so excited to go again.
Jeanne: Always! It only really works if it actually snows, however. As in, curl up with a good book and watch it snow. Pile on extra blankets and read in bed. Make Snow Creme. Build a Snow Fort and have a Snowball fight. You get the idea!
6.You just found out a snowstorm is headed your way and you need to run to one store to pick up provisions to last for three days. Where are you shopping and what are you putting in your cart?
Samantha: I love knowing we’re going to be snowed in! When that happens (whether it’s snow or a hurricane) I love to bake. I don’t know why, but if there’s a storm coming, there will be cake, cupcakes, brownies, and cookies. But when it’s cold out, I’m going to make a batch of turkey chili, a batch of creamy corn chowder, and a big pot of sauce with meatballs and sausage. We may be cold, but we won’t starve! The Italian in me will not allow that to happen 😊.
Mariah: Bread, soup, canned food, water, cheese, firewood, sidewalk salt, coffee, vodka, batteries.
Jeanne: Thankfully, I can get books online if I run out of reading I already have, right? For me, it’s the local grocery to be sure I have eggs, sourdough bread, the makings for chili and chicken soup, coffee and Diet Coke. I’m good!
Click here for a link to ALL of Samantha’s Books on Amazon
Click here for a link to ALL of Mariah’s Books on Amazon
Click here for a link to ALL of Jeanne’s Books on Amazon
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Associates Program. Should you decide to click on the provided link(s) and purchase the featured book(s) and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small commission.
If you use our links, thank you in advance for your continued support of my 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐬 & 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬.
Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than eighty titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 32 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Website
Bestselling author Mariah Ankenman lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her two rambunctious children and loving spouse who is her own personal spell checker when her dyslexia gets the best of her. Mariah loves to lose herself in a world of words. Her favorite thing about writing is when she can make someone’s day a little brighter with one of her books. To learn more about Mariah and her books, visit her website http://mariahankenman.com/ follow her on social media, or sign up for her newsletter.
Jeanne Adams is an award-winning author of more than 20 thrilling suspense, wicked Urban Fantasy, paranormal romantic suspense, and dramatic space adventures which have been compared to the works of Robert Heinlein and Jack McDevitt. Both traditionally and independently published, Jeanne is a sought-after speaker for her Body Disposal for Writers Worldbuilding for Writers, Plotting for Pantzers, and her workshop on Fight Scenes in Fiction.
Jeanne helped create the Nora Roberts Writing Institute at Hagerstown Community College; served on the Board of Directors for Romance Writers of America; was featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine; and is a showrunner on ConTinual, the online Con that Never Ends. She’s currently completing her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction and has won numerous awards for both her fiction and non-fiction work. Jeanne lives in DC with her sports-mad husband and sons, as well as three large, boisterous dogs. Find links to her latest work on her website or through most online purchasing platforms!
Find her at:
www.JeanneAdams.com
Twitter: @JeanneAdams
Facebook: JeanneAdamsAuthor
Instagram: @JPAGryphon
Pinterest: JeanneAdams (Especially her Writerly Things board!)
Dec 22, 2023 | Authors Dish, Blog, December 2023, Jeanne Adams, Mariah Ankenman, Samantha Chase
Welcome to Authors Dish – a time to connect with your favorite authors or discover new ones as they share a little bit about themselves. I’m always so appreciative when they take the time to chat and hang out a bit while writing all the adventures we crave. I’ll be sharing their links and bio so if they are a new author for ya, you’ll have all the info you need to check them out.
If you’re an author and interested in dishin’ comment below or hit me up on any of my social media platforms.
To everyone celebrating Christmas I hope your house is filled with laughter, friends, family, pantries are full, your table filled, and friendships forged. May we all have plenty of books to keep us company and friends to share them with. As Christmas Eve approaches and the new year is almost here we’ve got NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author Samantha Chase, Bestselling Author Mariah Ankenman and Author Jeanne Adams ready to dish!
1. What’s your favorite winter holiday recipe? (If you’re willing to share )
Samantha: Funny story – I don’t use recipes! I’ve been cooking since I was five and just cook from the heart. True, we tend to stick to the basics, but sadly, no recipes.
Mariah: Swirled Mint fudge. It’s so tasty and simple:
1 bad of milk chocolate chips
1 cup of white chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon of mint extract
Green Food coloring
8×8 pan lined with parchment paper
Put the chocolate chips into two microwavable bowls and add condensed milk to both bowls (slightly more for the milk chocolate chips). Alternate microwaving the chocolate chips for 30 seconds each (or less, keep an eye on how fast they melt) Stir until smooth. Add the peppermint and food coloring to the white chocolate chips and stir. Add milk chocolate to pan and spread out evenly. Place spoonful’s of the mint chocolate in the corners and middle then swirl with the back of your spoon to desired effect. Place in fridge until solid (usually a few hours). Take out and cut into bite sized pieces. Enjoy!
Jeanne: (Don’t really have one)
2. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Samantha: We used to always go and pick out our tree together with our boys. This is the first year that’s not going to happen and I’m extremely devastated by it ☹ We used to make it a little competition and it was such a fun way to spend a Saturday.
Mariah: Seeing all the lights on the houses around town and singing carols.
Jeanne: I’m an early December birthday, so one of our traditions is to go the weekend closest to my birthday to a wonderful brunch, then go get our tree, then spend the evening decorating it and telling stories on one another. Grins.
3. Is your home all “dressed up” for the winter season?
Samantha: – – YES!! Always!! Three trees, lots of light, a Christmas village, stockings on the mantle…I love it!
Mariah: Oh yes, absolutely! We have a blow up frosty and lights outside and the inside is filled with holiday cheer and my wintertime village which I love setting up.
Jeanne: Once the Amazing Adams Family Halloween décor comes down, our house gets dressed right back up in its winter finery! We celebrate alllll the winter holidays because I believe you can’t get enough celebrating at the Yuletide!
4. Do you exchange gifts or gather for a destination event (or gather at a destination)?
Samantha: We have been gathering here at our house for almost 30 years – Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – and exchange gifts. We’ve talked about going somewhere instead and making it an event, but my boys both said they’d much rather be at home with us.
Mariah: We exchange gifts multiple times because we usually have our own Christmas, then one with my in-laws, then one with my family. There’s so many of us it’s impossible to get us all together at one time, lol.
Jeanne: We blessedly stay HOME for the holidays! Yay! And yes, we exchange gifts – “something to read, something you need and something you want” are the gifting rules around our house.:>
5. Do you have a new year goals list you are finalizing?
Samantha: To take better care of my health. I’ve made great strides this year and want to continue into the next. I’ll be traveling a LOT in 2024 for book events, and want to be my best.
Mariah:I do. I have some unfinished projects I’m hoping to finish this year..
Jeanne: I so! I consider my options all fourth quarter, but I spend the week between Christmas and New Years considering what I want to get done personally and professionally, and for and with my family in the new year. Not so much resolutions as plans and ideas. Then I start assigning them a timeline… I love me a good plan!
6. If I were to visit your hometown, where should I go to see the holiday spirit at its finest?
Samantha: That same farm that does wonderful things in the fall, does a wonderful job making it a festive wonderland in December!
Mariah: Christmas in Color light show. There’re a few locations in the Denver area. It’s the best! Beautiful lights, holiday music, and the best part is it’s a drive thru show so you get to stay warm and toasty in your car while enjoying holiday cheer.
Jeanne: Oh! Downtown DC is dressed to the nines for the holidays! The national Menorah is lit, the national Christmas tree, stores and shops are decorated, it’s a glory. Nothing like DC during the holiday season!.
Click here for a link to ALL of Samantha’s Books on Amazon
Click here for a link to ALL of Mariah’s Books on Amazon
Click here for a link to ALL of Jeanne’s Books on Amazon
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Associates Program. Should you decide to click on the provided link(s) and purchase the featured book(s) and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small commission.
If you use our links, thank you in advance for your continued support of my 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐬 & 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬.
.
Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than eighty titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 32 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Website
Bestselling author Mariah Ankenman lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her two rambunctious children and loving spouse who is her own personal spell checker when her dyslexia gets the best of her. Mariah loves to lose herself in a world of words. Her favorite thing about writing is when she can make someone’s day a little brighter with one of her books. To learn more about Mariah and her books, visit her website http://mariahankenman.com/ follow her on social media, or sign up for her newsletter.
Jeanne Adams is an award-winning author of more than 20 thrilling suspense, wicked Urban Fantasy, paranormal romantic suspense, and dramatic space adventures which have been compared to the works of Robert Heinlein and Jack McDevitt. Both traditionally and independently published, Jeanne is a sought-after speaker for her Body Disposal for Writers Worldbuilding for Writers, Plotting for Pantzers, and her workshop on Fight Scenes in Fiction.
Jeanne helped create the Nora Roberts Writing Institute at Hagerstown Community College; served on the Board of Directors for Romance Writers of America; was featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine; and is a showrunner on ConTinual, the online Con that Never Ends. She’s currently completing her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction and has won numerous awards for both her fiction and non-fiction work. Jeanne lives in DC with her sports-mad husband and sons, as well as three large, boisterous dogs. Find links to her latest work on her website or through most online purchasing platforms!
Find her at:
www.JeanneAdams.com
Twitter: @JeanneAdams
Facebook: JeanneAdamsAuthor
Instagram: @JPAGryphon
Pinterest: JeanneAdams (Especially her Writerly Things board!)
