When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock, you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin’ turkey-cock…

Hello Readers and Fellow Authors:

October in Oregon is by far one of my favorite months of the year. While some trees burst with fruit and seeds, others display a stunning kaleidoscope of color. Birds provide the soundtrack for the woods and rushing rivers. Squirrels scamper about, burying acorns in anticipation of winter’s bare branches. This is a time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. To draw in fresh, cleansing air. To slip into sweaters and hold the ones you love a little bit tighter.

“The great blessing of mankind are within us and within our reach; but we shut our eyes, and like people in the dark, we fall foul upon the very thing we search for, without finding it.” – Seneca

Another review for Flaherty’s Crossing:
“There are plenty of love stories that can whisk us away from the less-than-perfect reality of our lives. Flaherty’s Crossing not only entertains, enlightens and inspires, but returns us to Earth with a new appreciation for those we love and what we have. I am delighted to have the privilege of adapting Kaylin McFarren’s impressive first novel for the screen.”  Kathy Slevin, Screenwriter, Los Angeles, California .”

Upcoming Book Signing Events: (Be sure to add these to your calendar!)

October 30th, 2010; 1 – 3pm
Gateway Fred Meyers, 1111 NE 102nd, Portland, Oregon
November 14th, 2010; 1 – 3pm
Sunset Fred Meyers, 22075 NW Imbrie Drive, Hillsboro, OR
November 20th, 2010; 1 – 3pm
Gresham Fred Meyers, 2497 SE Burnside Rd, Gresham, OR

Kaylin’s Recommended Reads for August:

• The Oath by Frank Peretti – Although this book is on the larger side (550 pages), it grabs you from the start and keeps your interest. Some readers have criticized this book for its “unreal” aspects, but in my opinion, this is plain old-fashioned entertainment. Enjoy!
  
• The Heiress by Jude Deveraux – This was perhaps one of the the funniest historical romance I’ve ever read. The characters are genuine, very unique and well formed. And the plot is surprisingly smooth. I did not detect any forced or uncomfortable devices, leaving the story a fun, light read.
• The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Steig Larsson – The final book of Stieg Larsson’s “Dragon Tattoo” series is a wonderful conclusion to the story of his heroine Lisbeth Salander. After reading the first two books in the series this one is a must! So sad that Stieg Larsson died just as his books became sensations, but we can still appreciate his genus.

CURRENT GIVEAWAYS

Don’t forget to post your review of Flaherty’s Crossing on Amazon.com and/or BN.com for your chance to win an autographed, custom-designed T-shirt!
Names will be randomly drawn and announced in next months’ e-newsletter.

(No special requirements to qualify. Names will be randomly picked, so be sure to visit
Kaylin’s  website at http://www.kaylinmcfarren.com to find out if you’ve won.)

Also, new photos have been added to my website at http://www.kaylinmcfarren.com
So be sure to stop by for visit!

Kaylin’s Recipe of the Month: Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin soup, pureed to velvet creaminess, might be one of the most comforting soups known to mankind. Served piping hot on a long day, it can ease any tired mood. When served cold, this soup can be a refreshing zest of sweet and salty flavors. It’s also perfect for an invigorating lunch.

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir with a wooden spoon until thick and light golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Add sugar, salt, ginger, pepper, and nutmeg; stir to incorporate.
2. Add chicken broth and cream; bring to a boil over high heat, whisking constantly. Add pumpkin puree and whisk until smooth.
3. Add ham and stir to mix. Heat until warmed through, adjust seasonings, and serve.

So remember … Stay positive. Give happiness away and be sure to recommend Flaherty’s Crossing to everyone you know!

Have a great month!

Kaylin