This post's title should be Aloha to Megan Mulcahy as she is my guest today! Her creator, C.H. Admirand, lives in New Jersey and has her hands full at the moment. Megan is the heroine from A WEDDING IN APPLE GROVE - Book 1 from Small Town USA series.
Kim: Aloha, Megan! I have family in Dayton, Ohio, but I am not familiar with Apple Grove. What is your favorite sight, sound, and smell?
Megan: Aloha, Kim! Hand’s down my favorite sight is Apple Grove’s bright yellow water tower—where all of my friends read their wedding proposals painted in John Deere Green—except me…I’ve nearly given up hope waiting for my turn. I love hearing Pop laugh. We used to hear it when we were kids, but after mom died…well…my favorite sound is definitely Pop laughing. Favorite smell is one of Mrs. Winter’s hot-out-of-the-oven Cherry Pies!
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| Cherry Pie Image by Benny Mazur from Wikipedia |
Megan: Pop taught us how to use hand tools as soon as we could hold one in our hands. Mom used to shake her head and say what a pity it was that not one of us wanted to stay in the kitchen with her and learn how to cook. J We all wanted to go with Pop and ride shotgun in Grandpa’s shiny black 1950 Ford F1 pickup. Later on, once we proved we knew how to handle hand tools, and what to do with them, power tools! He never regretted that he didn’t have sons to pass the family handyman business to. All of the Mulcahys believe in equality—especially when it comes to work—if there’s work outside or inside, easy or hard—then a Mulcahy is on the job. Cooking’s tough, though, but that’s why there are so many “instant” options: instant rice, instant potatoes…LOL!
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| How about them flowers? |
Kim: Let's remake Tim Allen's HOME IMPROVEMENT with you as the lead in your own cable show. Who would be your sidekick? Who would be the Tool Time Boy?
Megan: My sidekick would be my sister Caitlin, even though she’s six years younger than me, she grew up knowing which end of the hammer to hit the nailhead with…unlike our youngest sister Grace, she hates to get dirty. She runs the office side of the business. Hmmm…Tool Time Boy? Well, as long as my good friend Honey B. Harrington promises not to get into a snit over it, it’d be fun to have Apple Grove’s sheriff—Mitch Wallace. He’s the strong silent type. Honey B.’s had a crush on him since he rescued me as I was about to fall off the railing on the water tower…you’ll have to read my story to find out the details. Anyway, I’m grateful to him while Honey B’s got a serious case of hero-worship that morphed into a crush. Too bad Mitch thinks he’s too old for her.
Kim: Oh, the sparks fly between you and newcomer Daniel Eagan! What would you like to teach him about small town life?
Megan: That everyone in town knows what’s going on—if they don’t they soon will—but that’s only so that in times of trouble, when you think you’ve got to handle it alone…you don’t, because your friends and neighbors will know what’s going on and will be first in line to help you through it. Funny thing is, he instinctively knows this…but if I tell you what happens and why, it might spoil the story. J
Kim: What's next for your creator, C.H. Admirand?
Kim: What's next for your creator, C.H. Admirand?
Megan: C.H. just turned in edits for book 2: One Day in Apple Grove…it’s my sister Cait’s story. She ends up rescuing a little black puppy with former Navy Corpsman Jack Gannon, Doc’s son who’s come home from Iraq to take care of Doc’s patients since Doc and Mrs. Gannon have retired. Jack and I went through school together, and boy, was I glad he was my lab partner in Chemistry. Speaking of Chemistry… whenever he and Cait are together, the sparks just fly…but you’ll have to wait until June 2013 to read their story. C.H. is writing book 3: Welcome Back to Apple Grove…Grace’s story that’ll have someone you meet in my story, Patrick Garahan, former FDNY firefighter as the hero which will release in December of 2013… The Texas Garahan clan has been bugging C.H. to visit Apple Grove, and hearts will be aflutter and tongues will wag when those dark-haired, dark-eyed Texas cowboys arrive for the wedding. In between Cait and Grace’s stories you can step back in time and catch up with what happens next in C.H.’s Irish Western Series. Bring Em Back Alive, which is Michael Flynn and Megan O’Mara’s story told in Digital Comic form (a first for C.H.) which releases in March 2013. A special print version will be available at the Graphic & EBook Expo at RT in April. Oh, and I just found out that my story, A Wedding in Apple Grove, will be released in large print in April. More details to follow! Thanks for inviting me today! Aloha!!
A WEDDING IN APPLE GROVE BY C.H. ADMIRAND – IN STORES NOVEMBER 2012
He's not so sure about small town life.
She can't imagine living anywhere else.
Welcome to Apple Grove, Ohio (population 597), where everyone has your best interests at heart, even if they can't agree on the best way to meddle. When the townsfolk of Apple Grove need handiwork done, there's no job too small for the Mulcahy sisters: Megan, Caitlin, and Grace.
Specializing in hard work and family loyalty, tomboy Meg Mulcahy has left behind any girlhood reams of romance. Enter newcomer Daniel Eagan, looking to bury his own broken heart and make a new start. He's surprised-and delighted-by the winsome girl with the mighty tool belt who shows up to fix his wiring.
But Dan's got a lot to learn about life in a small town, and when Meg's past collides with her future, it may take all 595 other residents of Apple Grove to keep this romance from short-circuiting.
Praise for A Wedding in Apple Grove:
“A terrifically fun read... With quick dialogue and a homey feel, this is a wonderful book to curl up with. Small-town romance at its best!” —RT Book Review, 4 Stars
“Raw charm... one to read.” —Publishers Weekly
“Sexy and fun... Admirand’s series will be popular, especially with fans of Susan Wiggs and Janet Chapman.” —Booklist
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
C.H. ADMIRAND was born in Aiken, South Carolina, but grew up in New Jersey. She has been delighting readers with her Secret Life of Cowboys Series, featuring three cowboy brothers with Irish charm, and is now working on the next books in her small town contemporary romance series, featuring the town and quirky characters of Apple Grove, OH. She lives with her husband, who is the inspiration for all of her heroes’ best traits, in New Jersey. For more information, please visit www.CHAdmirand.com.
I posted my review of A WEDDING IN APPLE GROVE on Goodreads at this link. Sourcebooks is giving away a print copy of A WEDDING IN APPLE GROVE to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about apples - do you have a favorite kind? How do you like them best - right off the tree, baked in a pie, or some other delicious dish?
My children and I love Cracker Barrel's Fried Apples!
2. This giveaway is open to US residents ... but I'll giveaway a special Hawaiian pineapple treat!
3. Comments are open through Saturday, November 10, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Sunday, November 11.
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
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| Colorful apples at the Hickam commissary |
I enjoy all apples except crap apples...I love apple pie, apple cobbler, fresh apples cut in quarters...you name it I love it.
ReplyDeleteHi Danielle - everyone in our house does too. I do love to bake and have this really great Apple Pandowdy recipe from my mom...that I've adapted to use apples instead of the original recipe's blueberries :)
DeleteWe have a crab apple tree in our backyard and watching our dogs try to eat them over the years is a sight to behold. You can tell by the way they would chew them that they crab apples were really tart.
Congratulations on the new series!!! I've been waiting for this book! Love apples raw dipped in warm caramel sauce, or baked in a pie or especially apple dumplings with homemade caramel sauce poured over the top!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carolyn...can't wait for March to get my hands on your women's fiction--The Blue-Ribbon Jalapeno Society Jubilee--how am I going to wait that long?:)
DeleteCaramel sauce sounds really good. My mom always made butterscotch sauce with her dumplings. I'm usually short on time, so I just bake the pie, dumplings take more time, but having your own dumpling covered with warm butterscotch sauce is a tasty treat :)
I just learned to appreciate apples nowadays, because it's really true what they say about "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away". I like my apple the simple way. When all of the nutrients are still present.
ReplyDeleteHi Lory Lee...yes ma'am...I agree that old adage is true! I've never been a fan of Red Delicious apples (I like the Golden Delicious ones)...and love cooking with Rome, MacIntosh, Northern Spy, and Granny Smith apples.
DeleteI'm so used to your cowboy stories, how will I cope? :D How does it feel to stretch your wings a bit with a different genre?
ReplyDeleteOMGoodness, LilMissMolly...The Garahans will be flying to Apple Grove for their cousin Patrick's wedding...in book 3 :) I'm on deadline with that book right now. Hearts will be all aflutter when those dark-haired, dark-eyed Irish cowboys come to town. :) Unfortunately for the ladies in Apple Grove...all of the Texas Garahans are spoken for.
DeleteI enjoy new challenges and a chance to stretch my wings, but on the other hand do worry that readers won't enjoy the new direction...here's hoping :)
I'm giggling at Danielle's comment about the apples that she doesn't like. LOL
ReplyDeleteI like the Fuji and Golden Delicious apples. I enjoy them as they come in their natural way. Although, I'm quite partial to them in a pie.
Congratulations on your new series.
I agree, Diane D...and can say from experience (years and years ago) that crab apples taste awful picked right off the tree (OK it was my brother's fault and it was on a dare)...but our neighbor did make crab apple jelly and it was really tasty.
DeleteOur daughter got me to try Fuji apples...and I agree with you. :)
Thanks :)
I like any kind of apple. I especially like apple pie and apple cobbler.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...maybe I could set up a recipe swap here on Kim's blog LOL! Birthdays in our house don't include cake...they've always included pie. Blueberry for my DH, our daughter and youngest son and Apple for our oldest son...me I LOVE cherry pie...and sweet potato praline, squash, buttered pecan...
DeleteTwo of my recipes are in each of the three books in the series...well three books so far...I've got these ideas for a few more :)
I like all types of apples. As long as they are fresh, they all taste good. Not a big fan of them in baked pastry though.
ReplyDeleteI agree May, apples do taste great fresh...I'm not a fan of mushy apples...but they make great applesauce. I slice them and cut out the core, but keep the skin on to cook them, then put them through this ancient food mill that my mom gave me years ago. So our apple sauce is usually pink :) LOL!
DeleteI love apple cider. I like Fuji apples.
ReplyDeleteOMGoodness, Jane...our oldest is a BIG fan of apple cider. My DH is more traditional and likes it the way his grandfather always had it warmed up with a 'shtick' (Canadian Club Rye). :)
Deletei used to love good old apples right off the tree bur I am no longer allowed to eat them,
ReplyDeleteOh Debby, I'm sorry about that, but it sounds like you have great memories of eating them right off the tree. :) I love old gnarly apple trees and have often wondered about the stories they would tell...about the kids that have climbed their branches. :)
DeleteI like apples fresh off the tree, apple cider, apple crumb pie.
ReplyDeleteOoohhh...apple crumb pie? I think I ask Kim about a recipe swap on her blog...sounds yummy. Have you ever made Dutch Apple Pie? The recipe I have tells you to pour heavy cream through the slits in top crust of the pie before serving. :)
DeleteLast year my husband found a place nearby that grows and sells their own apples - a large variety too and they are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few places here by us because we live ten minutes from the New York State border. Hug your DH for finding that place. Fresh is always best :)
DeleteI like apples many different ways, including the Cracker Barrel apples Kim mentioned. Fresh is always great, especially in the fall.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I've never had fried apples...or been to a Cracker Barrel...they don't have them up here where we live. BUT...it is a really old way to serve up apples. I've always wanted to dry out apple slices and see just what a dried apple pie tastes like.
DeleteThe new series sounds fantastic and I like the small town feel of it. My favorite kind of apples are Fujis.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Na :) I agree with you about the Fujis:)
DeleteI like any kind of apple.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to have an open mind...especially where apples are concerned. :)
DeleteThe books look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite apples are Fuji. So very sweet & crisp.
You know, Mary, I've never had one that wasn't crisp. I do like that about them. They do taste different than my old-time faves, but they are great for just eating.
DeleteI don't to really like apple but i like pie apple :)
ReplyDeleteI can definitely agree with you about liking apple pie, Eli :)
DeleteI love the HoneyCrisp apples.. but wow ! they seem to run about $1 more per pound than the rest in the stores...
ReplyDeleteFried apples at Cracker Barrel are wonderful... do they actually count as a fruit/veggie for the day?
You know, there are times when I do pass by certain brands of apples because of the price and depending on whether they are for eating, baking, or being made into applesauce, it doesn't matter if they are a little overripe.
DeleteThey most definitely DO count as a fruit for the day!
A few years ago while dieting I came across a type of apple called 'Jon Gold'. They were so wonderfully delicious that I would have one for lunch each day. The store that I bought them from ran out of them and I haven't been able to find any since. Oh, but were they good!
ReplyDeleteHi Betty...I found them up here at Pennings Orchard in Warwick, NY...but because it wasn't in the budget to try something that I didn't know how they'd taste I passed them by. Next time, I'll give them a try. :)
DeleteI love apples and eat at least one apple a day. But I also love apple pie.
ReplyDeletetessa.bamberg@kolumbus.fi
Yay...another vote for apple pie :) Pie...it's what's for breakfast. When we were little my mom would bake 4 at a time and sometimes cover them with crumb topping. She'd store them in the oven and always wanted a 'real' pie safe to keep them in.
DeleteThanks for the great post! I love apples, but they've gotta be sweet. My mom makes her apple pies w/ granny smith apples... yuck! It's funny cuz my dogs also love apples and their after walk treat is sliced apple bits ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erin :) Kim does an amazing job with interviews and tying them in with wonderful pictures, she is a genius :)
DeleteLOL to the comment about Granny Smith's being a YUK in your mom's pies! We like our pies on the tart side, but with 2 tsps or more of cinnamon. I like to use a combination of brown and white sugar. Maybe you could ask your mom to use Rome or MacIntosh apples in her next pie...they definitely make for a much sweeter pie.
My mom had her dog Murphy on a green apple diet...cutting down on giving him 'meat treats' he really loved his apples!
Cute cute post. I am in the mood for some apple pie now!
ReplyDelete(no need to enter me in the drawing, having fun commenting!)
Hi Lexi thanks for stopping pie...there's nothing like the scent of apple pie baking...makes the house more homey :)
DeleteI like jona golds!
ReplyDeleteHmmm...that's two people who like jona golds...I'll have to give them a try the next time I go to Pennings or Ochs Orchards. :)
DeleteCongratulations on your new series I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteThe best apples I love are the big fat ones form Washington.
Penney
Hi Penney - thanks :) I agree...I love an apple that you can make a meal out of. For some reason our shop-rite doesn't always get Washington state apples, but that's probably because we are so close to New York state.
DeleteFun post! I like Gala applies. I like to eat them raw.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy...Kim is a whiz at creating a blog that readers just love. :) Gala apples are good...but not in a pie. IMHO LOL!
DeleteHoneycrisp apples are my favorite,
ReplyDeletesummergal05(at)gmail(dot)com
Hmmm...now that's two people recommending Honeycrisp...I'll have to break down and try them and ignore the fact that they are so pricey here in NJ. :)
DeleteRed Delicious are my favorite! I like to eat them cold from the fridge. Don't like any kind of cooked apples.
ReplyDeletemlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Hi Martha...hmmm...doesn't the cold apple make your teeth ache? Maybe mine are just sensitive. I like to keep our apples at room temperature. :)
DeleteHi Kim - thanks for your patience and understanding while we were dealing with 10 days without power and 13 days without internet. We just got the internet back yesterday, and I've made it through my inbox and am going through my virtual tour stops one-at-a-time.
ReplyDeleteWe are so grateful to finally be back to semi-normal, but my heart and prayers go out to all of those who lost so much more. Both of my aunts that live at the Shore are fine and only lost power...and their power was restored before ours...and we're up here in the wilds of North Jersey. :)
Thank you my friend...You are THE BEST!!!