Leslie Keller Books

Here's a teaser from part of Chapter One of Menu for Murder. I hope you enjoy it. To find out what happened before or what comes after, you'll have to read the full book. =========================================== Thankfully, the last hour had kept me galloping from guest to guest so I couldn’t dwell on why my memory for peculiar details amused everyone but me. Remembering facts about people hadn’t done me much good through school but, so far, had kept me working in the restaurant business. Now, I scouted the perimeter looking for stray plates and overflowing ashtrays, crinkling my nose at the smell of leftover cigars. In the semi-darkness I took a wrong turn and jumped at the forlorn howl of a coyote somewhere nearby, which caused me to trip over my own feet and drop my full tray. The fact that nothing broke provided little consolation, since I had to crawl around on my hands and knees picking up saliva-coated cigar butts, and scout under the shrubs for a missing fork

I am frequently asked how I find the inspiration to create my characters. Often I take from the world around me - a funny story told by a friend, a person I pass in the airport, someone I'm standing behind in the grocery checkout line. These snippets may pop up as a full blown character or they may play a very small role. A good example of this shows up in Cocktails at Sunset. I was standing in line at the office supply store behind a petite older lady wearing wide legged, cotton pants embellished with American flags. I was so struck by her confidence, and the joy she exuded by her outfit, that I immediately made notations in my phone. If I hadn't thought it would have been too rude, I would have taken her picture. In one scene in Cocktails at Sunset this outfit is worn by Arlene. It epitomized what I thought she would wear. I think most writers will tell you that we spend a good portion of our time absorbing other people's lives. Writing is a solitary activity. Althoug

I can't imagine a better way to define spoiled.  Not only does Chance hog my side of the bed when I'm in it, but he likes to be under the covers if there is the least bit of chill in the air. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website for news and book updates Twitter           Instagram           Facebook           Menu for Murder

This is the fourth installment of Tilly's story. Tilly grew accustomed to her life as days turned into weeks which became months.   Puppies were born and removed and just as quickly she was pregnant again. She didn't mind the puppies because she longed for their company. In her heart she dreamed of a real family - one who would never leave her and one she could give all of the love for which her heart ached. Tilly's second summer scorched all of the dogs at the puppy mill with a heat so intense it was unbearable.  Metal cages seared their paws and the pungent odor of feces and urine permeated their fur. Tilly was moved to a new cage as she struggled with her latest pregnancy. Her owner didn't want to risk losing the valuable income she provided. Her new enclosure was only one level above the ground and closed with a lever-type clasp. Tilly watched closely to see how it worked. One night, only weeks after giving birth to her pups, when the human closed her pen, she

More often than not, I review restaurants that are higher on the scale than Mimi's Café, however since I've dined at this place for years I thought it only fair to include it. Mimi's is a chain with a French bistro flare. The prices are reasonable, the food generally a good quality and the service is always great. If you plan to dine there periodically, join the E-Club because they will send you two for one meal coupons at least once a week.  How they make any profit doing this I don't know but it's a fantastic deal. Breakfast is consistently good but can be crowded on the weekend. Dinner is only busy during their peak period which ends by about 7PM. It's the early bird dining crowd who probably frequents the restaurant the most. Last time I dined here, there were many groups of six, mostly older than me and I'm betting they used the coupon.  Nothing wrong with that because you get a hearty meal for a reasonable price. Mimi's does have alcohol but

Here are some newly released cozy mysteries. You will see that some of these have been released with the holidays in mind. Deck the Hallways (A Fixer-Upper Mystery) by Kate Carlisle.  Ms Carlisle is a New York Times best selling author of several series. Killer Chef by James Patterson and Jeffrey J. Keys - Everyone has heard of this author but he doesn't write many short novels.  Eat, drink and be murdered might be a fun read. We Wish You a Murderous Christmas by Vicki Delany.  This looks like a cute holiday read by a prolific Canadian author. Twice Told Tail (A Black Cat Bookshop Mystery) by Ali Brandon.  Book six in the series by a new York Times best selling author. Better Late Than Never (A Library Lover's Mystery) by Jenn McKinlay.  I've heard Jenn speak a few times and she has a great sense of humor, which shows in her books. This is only one of her many series. Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue (Gaslight Mystery) by Victoria Thompson. A historical mystery set

I wanted to feature a cocktail that makes me think of chilly weather, the smell of a scotch pine decorated with holiday balls and strung with lights and something sweet.  This recipe from Sandra Lee of the Food Network met all my requirements. 1 OZ vanilla rum 1 OZ white chocolate liqueur (Godiva is a good choice) 1 OZ peppermint schnapps Candy canes for garnish Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ic. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a candy cane. A little note - peppermint schnapps are also fantastic in a cup of hot chocolate! http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/packages/holidays/holiday-central-cocktails/12-days-of-holiday-cocktails.html Cheers and Happy Holidays, Jayne Visit Leslie's website http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/packages/holidays/holiday-central-cocktails/12-days-of-holiday-cocktails.html

It's obvious by the book title that this is historical fiction. I read this based on the recommendation of my mother, who reads more than even I do. There have been few works of historical fiction that I've really loved and this was one of them. The way the author tells the story reminds of One Thousand White Women, which I think was a classic in historical women's fiction. This novel addresses the horror of slavery, the treatment of Native Americans, religion and women's equality. It would seem too much to squeeze into one novel but the author does it with a gentle hand. Mary is a puritan in 1672 in the Bay Colony. She's no stranger to hard times but they haven't hardened her heart to the perils of others. Despite the fact that her husband Joseph is a minister, she helps those who have been shamed in her religious society. This is our first indication that her beliefs are stronger than what is imposed upon her by the sect. When reprimanded by her husband fo

Since I spent hours creating a floor plan for the Sunset Elderly Living Facility in the next book, Cocktails at Sunset, I thought it might be fun to share it. Then since I was sharing that, I decided to also include a few images I used when writing the scenes. You'll just have to read the book to find out where these are used. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website

Here are a few new mysteries released on Amazon in October which feature an amateur sleuth for you to peruse. And Then She Was GONE by Christopher Greyson. This book has already received more than 300 reviews. I'm adding it to my 'to read' list. Paws and Effect (Magical Cats) by Sofie Kelly.  The name intrigues me, and as a cat lover, I might have to take a peek. This book is part of the Magical Cats Mystery series and the author is a New York Times bestseller. A Terrible Beauty: A Lady Emily Mystery by Tasha Alexander. This is part of a New York Times best selling series. Killing Thyme (A Spice Shop- Mystery) by Leslie Budewitz. This author has written a number of cozies and this is the third book in this series. A Most Novel Revenge: A Mystery (An Amory Ames Mystery) by Ashley Weaver. I've not read any of this author but this book is the third in the series. Masking for Trouble (A Costume Shop Mystery) by Diane Vallere This book is the second in the series

I struggle to write this story.  Although a work of fiction, it is unbearably difficult for me to imagine what Tilly's life may have been. Researching puppy mills leaves the imprint of their distress on my heart and in my head. So the good news for you, my reader, is that after this installment I must move on her with story to a more positive place. As Tilly grew her coat became long and where it should have been silky it was matted. Her vision was sometimes blurry from eye infections and her tummy was always empty.  Eventually, she was moved out of the pen where she had made friends with the other pups into a new space. She could see row after row cages with dogs, some small like her and others like monsters. They howled until her ears hurt. She knew they were tired and hungry just like her. Each day when the man came and dumped food into the little dish she shared with two other dogs, she pounced and gobbled every morsel she could. Despite her small size, her heart was big an

This guy has stopped by a few times to take a drink in our backyard bird bath. We keep it on the ground so that all of the animals can have access to water year round. He's evasive and does move fast so I have to have camera on hand when he pops up. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website. https://twitter.com/leskellerbooks https://instagram.com/lesliekellerbooks https://www.facebook.com/lesliekellerbooks?ref=hl https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-keller-92345052 https://plus.google.com/u/0/104594873863387176091/posts/p/pub https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/LeslieKellerBooks Books2read - universal link:  books2read.com/u/bP1x8d

I recently traveled to Las Vegas just to review this restaurant. Truth be told, there was another purpose, but the side benefit was dining in Casa Di Amore. This restaurant is off the strip about five miles and with traffic and stop lights it took us about fifteen minutes. We weren't sure about the neighborhood when we pulled up. It doesn't have the most inviting exterior and there were no cars visible in the parking lot - however our fault because we parked on the wrong side and had to climb down over a half brick wall. The food was fantastic, the service excellent. I had the crostini with prosciutto/mozzarella and the Baked Mostaccioli - yummy. The proscuitto was perfect and the crostini crisp but not too hard and crumbly. The Mostaccioli with marinara sauce was amazing as leftovers the next day too. I did ask for extra marinara which I think helped offset the abundance of cheese.  My friend had the house salad and Eggplant Parmigiana.  Both delicious. I will absolutely

This book moves away from my regular cozy mystery into historical women's fiction. It's the first book I've read by this author. The Valley is the first book in a trilogy set in colonial times Virginia. The setting grabbed my attention since that is the state I grew up in and love dearly. This review does have some spoilers and the book has a large cast so take notes. Sophia Grafton is a wealthy and spoiled child with homes in London and the countryside. She is raised by her adoring father who lavishes everything on her and allows her to run wild. As she reaches the marriageable age of sixteen it becomes apparent she needs a firmer hand. After no prospect is agreed upon by Sophia and her father, he moves her to their country home while he recovers from illness, in the hope that a local lad will catch her eye. Despite a marriage proposal Sophia remains single until her father's death. She soon finds she is penniless with no option but to travel to the new world and

I didn't have a really good cocktail recipe for Thanksgiving so I'm borrowing one from Tyler Florence of the Food Network. I've included a link in case you want to want a video of how to make it.  As with most cocktails, this isn't rocket science! 1 OZ Cranberry Juice 1 wedge Lime Champagne or Sparkling Wine Cranberries - frozen In a chilled Chapagne flute, add cranberry juice and a squeeze of lime (this helps cut the sweetness of the juice). Top off the glass with sparkling wine Garnish with 3 or 4 frozen cranberries Personally I think this migh be lovely with a twist or wedge of orange http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/cranberry-champagne-cocktail-recipe.html Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving, Jayne Visit Leslie's website https://twitter.com/leskellerbooks https://instagram.com/lesliekellerbooks https://www.facebook.com/lesliekellerbooks?ref=hl https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-keller-92345052 https://plus.go

Here are a few newly released cozy mysteries you may want to check out.  Of course, I hope that Cocktails at Sunset is at the top of your list. These books were released on Amazon in September: Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd by Alan Bradley - yes, very odd title Muffins and Mourning Tea by H.Y. Hanna Small Town Focus: A Reed Ferguson Mystery by Renee Pawlish Winter's Child (A Wind River Mystery) by Margaret Coel Movie Night Murder (Merry Wrath Mysteries Book 4) by Leslie Langtry Killer Karaoke (Cruise Ship Christian Cozy Mysteries Series Book 7) by Hope Callaghan Bylines & Skylines (An Avery Shaw Mystery Book 9) by Amanda Lee A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia (A Freddy Pilkington-Soames Adventure Book 1) by Clara Benson (this title is a bit long winded for my taste) Lacey Luzzi Suckered: a humorous, cozy mystery! (Lacey Luzzi Mafia Mysteries Book 9) by Gina LaManna Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Brash Blonde: a modern take on an old legend (Mary

I decided to include the second ten books in the top mystery books on Goodreads.  There are so many great books that I can't decide which one to read next. Check out my September post for the first ten on the list. 11.  Mr. Kiss & Tell, Veronica Mars #2 by Rob Thomas & Jennifer Graham - I didn't read the first book in this series so I think I'll start with that one first. 12.  Memory Man by David Baldacci - I read one of his books years ago and this prompts me to pick up another one. 13.  Lamentation, Matthew Shardlake #6 by C.J. Sansom  - this is a historical mystery set in 1546. 14.  The Girl in the Spider's Web, Millenium #4 by David Lagercrantz - are you starting to see a pattern of series? 15.  The Escape by David Baldacci - two books in the top twenty! 16.  The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson 17.  Gathering Prey by John Sandford - just the title makes me think I might be up late at night and locking my doors. 18.  The Cartel by Don Wi

When Tilly reached the ripe old age of ten weeks, she was yanked from her momma's side. Crammed into a new cage with eight other females, she howled for her family. She didn't know these other pups. They smelled different. They tasted different and they didn't like to play the way she had with her siblings. Tilly howled until her little throat was so sore she could only whimper.  She clawed at the bars and tried to dig her way out. "You may as well get used to it here." whispered a sable colored miniature poodle. "I want my momma!" Tilly wailed. "You won't see your momma again." "She'll find me." "This is your new home. Exhausted and shaking, Tilly crammed herself into a tiny ball in the corner of the cage. Minutes ticked by until Tilly finally gave in to restless sleep, plagued by dreams where she searched for her family to no avail. She woke with a start as the other pups howled. Everyone was hungry and

I took this picture when I was in my walk at 5 am phase.  It was lovely to see the sun come up, especially when nature added the drama of a few clouds.  Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website

Here's a snippet of Cocktails at Sunset, Chapter Two.  This is the unedited early version. I hope you enjoy getting an early peek. ============================ Despite having my pillow over my head and the blinds closed, the sun still forced its way into my room and pried open my eyes. During my sleep, I had twisted my sheets into knots around my legs. I tried to untangle myself and the leftovers of my late-night snack of potato chips crunched under my back. A few remnants    dropped out of my tangled black wavy hair. In times like these, I wished I had a dog to lap up the crumbs to save me from the tedious job of stripping the bed and washing the sheets. On the other hand, I could simply brush them onto the floor and deal with them another day. I usually had Sunday nights off at the restaurant, but I picked up an extra shift to cover for another server. That still left me most of the day to decide whether to be productive or lazy. Productive meant I would wash my sheets

Recently I had the opportunity to dine at Roy's restaurant at the J.W. Marriott at Desert Ridge. It was a birthday party for a friend and there were eight of us.  First, let me say that this hotel is beautiful. The grounds are lovely, the lobby impressive and the staff friendly.  You descend a grand staircase down to the lower restaurant level where there is a bar and outside seating around fire pits. I can't wait for cooler weather to sit under the stars with a toasty fire and an adult beverage.  But I digress - back to the restaurant. We were seated with a view of the open kitchen. Fortunately, it was not so loud that we couldn't have a conversation and we weren't overwhelmed with the clang of pots and pans. Our server was prompt and attentive and fun, without being intrusive. I ordered the grilled Caesar salad starter, my friends had the crispy chicken spring rolls, calamari and Caterpillar roll.  My salad was perfect - not too much garlic or anchovy but the ri

We meet Trudy when she's at her Aunt Gert's funeral and desperate to use the ladies room. Once in the stall, her two cousins slip in (late for the funeral) and their conversation is the impetus which changes Trudy's life forever.  Her happy marriage and family life are flushed, figuratively, right down the toilet. Later, when she inherits her aunt's home, it is the opportunity for her to change her life for the better. She leaves behind the marriage and the bratty grown daughter and starts on a project to renovate the old house. Fortunately, it turns out that her aunt was wealthy and paid the hunky neighbor to do some of the work.  It seems the plan was always to push Trudy into the right direction. This was a sweet story that kept my attention throughout. It was funny and made you root for Trudy to figure out what she really wanted and needed.  I never like to give away too much of the story in my reviews so I'll stop here before you figure it all out.  I wil

Since Halloween is only weeks away and I'm guessing most of you may have already started 'testing' the treats, here's one for the adults. Devil's Tail is easy to make but packs a kick so it's best to combine it with a few doses of candy corn. 1 1/2 oz light rum 1 oz vodka 2 tab apricot brandy 2 teas. grenadine 1/2 oz lime juice - fresh is best but you can use bottled Combine all of the ingredients in a blender with ice. Blend thoroughly Serve in a champagne flute Cheers and happy Halloween, Leslie Visit my website

I try to keep up with all the new releases in the cozy mystery genre. If you follow my blog you know that I read a little of everything but my main focus is what I write - cozies.  It still surprises me when I meet other authors and they don't know what a cozy is. Okay, maybe not every author needs to be as groovy as me, but that's life :) Here are a few recently published or soon to be published cozies: 1.  A Spell of Trouble by Leighann Dobbs - USA Bestselling Author Released August 23, 2016 2.  Mrs. Fix It Mysteries: The Complete 15-Books Cozy Mystery Series by Belle Knudson Released August 2, 2016 3.  Murder on the East Coast, a Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery by Dianne Harman Released August 25, 2016 4.  Happy Homicides 4: Fall into Crime: plus Happy Homicides 3: Summertime Crimes by Joanna Campbell Slan and Linda Gordon Hengerer Released August 24, 2016 5.  Grilled Rye Murder: Book 16 in The Darling Deli Series by Patti Benning Released August 22, 2016 Happy Tra

I know this seems like a late post to include 2015 books but I only just found it on Goodreads. This partial list in the mystery/thrillers category should keep me busy for at least a few months - or maybe that's years!  I hope you find something you like. 1.  The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (I read this and loved it). 2.  Finders Keepers by Stephen King - I'm not sure I have the courage to read another Stephen King as I'm still feeling the aftermath of the one I read ten years ago. 3.  Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowlings).  I loved the first two books so this is definitely on my 'to read' list. 4.  Obsession of Death by J.D. Robb - I haven't read this author so I'm looking forward to picking this one up. 5.  Pretty Girls by Karen Slaughter - this author is new to me as well 6.  Marrow by Tarryn Fisher - the title is enough to make me turn on all the lights. 7.  The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny 8.  The English S

This is my version of Tilly's story - it is completely fictionalized as we will never know what really happened to this little "Velcro" dog. It may have been dark when she was born, but even if the sun had been blaring, she came into this life under a cloud. Her tiny body revealed no indication of her royal ancestry - her family tree descended from the Bichon and bred as companion dogs for Cuban aristocracy. Her bloodlines certified as pure, despite the cross breeding through recent generations. No one would have guessed by the many dogs kenneled near her that the breed had almost reached extinction before the Cuban revolution in 1959 brought a few of the dogs to the United States. When Tilly's eyes opened the first time she saw her mother with overgrown coat, matted with feces which pelted them all from the cage above. There wasn't much room for her Momma, two brothers and sister but it still felt good to snuggle in together. Tilly didn't know there cou

I found this picture on the internet of an old metal shed. It provided me the visual for a significant scene in Cocktails at Sunset. You'll have to read the book to find out where this is featured. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website

Here is a snippet of the second book, Cocktails at Sunset.  I hope you enjoy seeing what trouble Jayne will get herself into this time. If you want to start at the very beginning, read my earlier post. CHAPTER ONE “Good evening. My name is Jayne and I’ll be your server tonight.” I repeated these words at the Wild Bronco Steakhouse about ten times a night, if I was lucky enough to have guests in my section. Ten tables usually meant a good night in tips. It also meant I could pay my bills and maybe have funds left over for the extras, like groceries. I’m not complaining—I savored even a bad night at the restaurant after what I'd been through recently. A few weeks ago the mayor of my small Arizona town of Cave Creek was murdered. As the old cowboy saying goes, timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance and, in my case, it put me at the scene of the crime.  As the only suspect, it took  perseverance (some may call stubbornness) to clear my name, and a dash of help

I dined at Bucca di Bepo about twelve years ago in Scottsdale and then again recently in Peoria, AZ. I don't think this casual, family-style restaurant has changed in all those years. As part of a large group, we had several dishes pre-ordered by our host, so I wasn't able to make my own selection. We started with the mixed green salad and Caesar salad, accompanied by garlic bread. Both were fresh and crisp.  Our entrees were the chicken parmigiana, baked ziti and chicken carbonara. They were flavorful and hearty. The service was slow and the food was warm, but not hot. Keeping in mind that this is a chain restaurant and on level of Olive Garden, it was good. Would I pick it for a nice Italian dinner - no. It's not as good as Maggianos, which is also a chain but it's also very reasonably priced for a group. Since the portions are sizable and everything is served family style you have the opportunity to share. However, if you're the only one at the table who want

This is book one of the Rose Garner Mystery series and is a cozy mystery. We meet Rose with a great opening line, "It all started when I saw myself dead."  That definitely makes you want to read the next line to find out if she knows who and how she is killed.  Luckily, Rose makes it through the first book in one piece. Rose works for the Division of Motor Vehicles and the author is adept at making us feel her 'pain'. She also has a sixth sense which makes her feel like the town oddball. Throw in her overbearing mother and a hunky neighbor and we have a fun mystery. In keeping with my vow to never give away too much of the book in my review I am not going to state more here but I definitely recommend this fun character to see where she winds up. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website

I am not a fan of gin. I wish I could say the smell makes me sneeze and the taste makes me cry. Sadly, the truth is my first hangover came after a smidgen too much gin and I've never had a drop since. However, since there's a scene early on in Cocktails at Sunset, where Jayne makes this drink I decided to include the recipe. 2 oz gin 1 oz pineapple juice 1 tablespoon Cointreau 1/4 teaspoon fine sugar Combine ingredients in a shaker, half filled with ice. Shake well Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a wedge of pineapple or slice of orange. Drink in moderation or your hula may turn into more of a prayer session. Happy Dining, Leslie Visit my website

This is the final sequence of the story where everything is tied up and the reader gets resolution. This is also called the denouement from the old French meaning to unknot. I love that description because it's what should happen at end of a story. If you have been following these blog posts, you will know that the climax has occurred and now the reader needs to know what happens after the big scene. How does the author leave our main character?  If it's a romance, what happens after the two become lovers and resolve their conflicts? I used to read John Grisham. His books thrilled me all the way to through the climax. At that point, I always felt cheated. It was as if the author wanted to wrap up the story - as if he suddenly became bored and wanted to move on to the next book. After honing the story to perfection, it's disappointing to the reader if the ending loses all momentum. Yes, the reader wants resolution but not at the expense of the story.  Have you ever read

I must start this story at the beginning, well actually, it's the ending which makes it a backward way to begin. Once there was a very handsome fellow named, Parker. He had a rough few years before Julie came along and took him into her loving arms. She drove for hours to rescue this chap from California and the years slipped by quickly - too quickly, in fact, for his time in this world was short. He left his print on her heart, his bed cold, his things neglected. How do you know when you can stop the grieving?  How long is long enough when you miss your best friend? How do you fill the empty space he left behind? Many would say you wait and let time heal. Some would say to run out and find a new love. I believe that your heart knows when it's ready, long before it registers on your brain. And so began Julie's mission - she didn't know if she was ready. She only knew that she had an ocean of love to give and a drive to give it to one who needed it. Thus, the sea

I'm always on Amazon - yes, I'm addicted to it, even more so than Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Since I read everything on my Kindle, it's my walk through the book store. As a cozy mystery author, I love seeing what books I may have missed by authors who have been around for a while or discovering new authors. Here is a list of a few cozy mysteries which have received great reviews on Amazon that you might want to check out. Some of these I've read and some I've gotten to - yet. Louisana Longshot by Jana DeLeon - this book has over 4000 reviews. Queen of the Trailer Park by Alice Quinn. I've read this book and enjoyed it. Armed and Outrageous - by Madison Johns and Robert Walker. I haven't read this but with almost 1000 reviews, it's on my list. Lethal Bayou by Jana DeLeon Soldiers of Fortune by Jana DeLeon Okay I'm starting to hate her Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke.  Ms Fluke has written a number of cozies and I'

Here is a very small snippet of the first chapter of Cocktails at Sunset. You'll have to read the book to find out what happens next. CHAPTER ONE Candlelight flickered against the faded wallpaper and bathed the room in a gentle glow. Two place settings balanced precariously on the doily covered table which tilted on uneven legs. Miniature screw-top bottles of blush wine waited beside chipped crystal wine glasses. Covered in foil, well-worn Wedgwood china held tonight’s special of processed turkey with instant mashed potatoes. The scent of lavender bath salts and Ben-Gay wafted through the air and Frank Sinatra crooned softly on a cassette player. The door swooshed open. Giggling, a petite woman in her golden years tiptoed in leading a gentleman by the arm. “What is this, Delores?” the man asked loudly, confusion in his eyes.  “Shhh, someone will hear us and I’ll be in big trouble,” the woman whispered. "Where are we?" Delores knitted her eyebrows lightly an

I recently forced myself to enjoy a spa day with my girlfriends. Okay, I admit there wasn't any coaxing involved - who doesn't want a day of pampering at a fantastic price with your favorite friends? We started out having breakfast at Zuzu, which is located inside the lobby at the Hotel Valley Ho.  I saved up my calorie count in order to eat whatever I wanted and looked forward to indulging my sweet tooth on the homemade cinnamon roll. This is the second year that I've spent a Sunday morning at the restaurant prior to a spa treatment. The restaurant is relatively small and has a nice view of the patio. The menu has a variety of breakfast and lunch items. Both times I was very disappointed in the service. We waited for coffee, then waited for the cream and then waited some more for refills. The food didn't come out together which is a huge no-no for a party of six. The food was good but not great. I've had better meals at Mimi's or even IHOP.  The cinnamon