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Time Flies—when cliché speaks to truth…

Book files for The Ghost and the Christmas Spirit are now downloaded on the various vendor sites, ready for its November 21 release. In my mind, Christmas itself, in spite of the fact I have been writing about it for the last three months, is a good ways off in the distance. But alas, I just peeked at a calendar and realize it is about time to bring out the Christmas decorations.

I have a busy few weeks ahead of me. In three days, The Ghost and the Christmas Spirit goes live. I am encouraged by the positive feedback from my beta readers. Some—not all—of the books in the Haunting Danielle series are murder mysteries—some are simply mysteries of another order. This new release—Book 23—is not a murder mystery. While there have been murders—or would-be murders—in past Haunting Danielle Christmas books, this newest one focuses on the true meaning of Christmas.

The day after Book 23 comes out I turn sixty-five. Yikes, where did the years go??? One positive note on turning sixty-five —aside from still being alive—I went on Medicare this month. 

Next week we move onto Thanksgiving. So far, it will be just Hubby, Mom, and me. Oh, and the pups and cat, of course. Unfortunately, our daughter’s family is up in Alaska—and our son and daughter-in-law are in Portland. None can make it here for Christmas or Thanksgiving, and we are unable to travel there. I am thankful for Facetime.

The week following Thanksgiving, I get ready for a visit from my sis, and then our local WNEA Shopping Extravaganza on December 7th, which officially kicks off the Christmas season for me. I’ll be having a book booth at the extravaganza. But more about that later.

Looking for a ghostly Christmas tale?

How about a really good chocolate Christmas cookie?

christmas winter background with wooden planks

Christmas is just eleven days away,  and if you’re looking for a cozy Christmas book to curl up with,  check out The Ghost Who Came for Christmas.

While I advise reading the books in the Haunting Danielle series in order (this is Book 6), it isn’t critical for enjoying the story.

With a house full over the Christmas holiday, Danielle has been spending a great deal of her time baking—recreating culinary memories and holiday traditions from her childhood. One of those is a chocolate drop cookie borrowed from my own childhood.

If you are in the mood for baking, here’s the recipe.

Chocolate Drop Cookies

This cookie was a Christmas tradition when I was a child. During the holidays my paternal grandmother, Madeline, would fill a roasting pan with chocolate chip cookies and the chocolate drop cookie. My father (the original Walt) loved both, yet I believe the chocolate drop was his favorite. These are moist cake-like cookies, a delight to any chocolate lover! But don’t over-bake!

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg (beaten)
1/2 cup milk
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (dissolved in 1/2 teaspoon of warm water)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 squares (2 ounces) unsweetened chocolate (melted)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 375º. Cream together sugar and shortening. Stir in egg, milk, then remaining ingredients, one by one. Blend well. Drop by teaspoonful on cookie sheet. Bake for 8-9 minutes (Do not overcook!) Frost while warm. About 3 dozen cookies.

Chocolate Drop Cookie Frosting

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons cream or milk
2 squares unsweetened chocolate (melted)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Blend together sugar and cream. Add melted chocolate, stir well. Add vanilla, mix thoroughly. Frost warm cookies.