Leslie Keller Books

I'm including a new monthly feature to keep my readers in the loop about what's been happening in my writing world. These posts will include information about new releases from me, book events and general updates. This year has been exceptional - exceptionally hectic, exceptionally distracting but also productive.  I've continued work on the third book in the Jayne Stanford series. Darn that Jayne who keeps me hopping because she isn't doing what I expected her to do. However, I'm working hard to wrap up the story and get her out of my head. I ended 2018 and began 2019 in Miami Beach with family. I admit I was quite spoiled by the spa treatments, White Christmas performance and amazing food we enjoyed. In February, I participated in the Scottsdale Library's annual Authors event.  This is the third time I've been a part of this event and each time it's as much fun for the authors as it is for the attendees. I followed this event up the follow...

The new book, still tentatively titled No Reservations , is progressing and I hope to have it completed soon. As I write, characters may evolve or change completely. It's not unusual for me to change character names, change their looks or even their sex as I write. Many authors say that the characters drive what happens. I agree in part. Obviously I'm the one who has the final say! For each book, I begin with the setting. Where is the story taking place? Once I've decided on the location I will outline the rest of the plot. In my mind I'll know what the overall premise of the book will be and what I expect to happen. In each of the three books, much of what I planned is changed. Perhaps that is the characters' way of guiding me or it could just be that my mind heads in a direction which I didn't expect. Occasionally, when writing dialog the character says lines which impact the scene and move the story along a different path. In No Reservations I have a new...

Recently I was fortunate to be included in an event in Napa. We dined at two amazing restaurants which included multiple courses. Some may say that ten courses of small bites isn't much. I'll guarantee you that I was more than full by the end. This made me wonder about why many restaurants in the U.S. serve gigantic portions. I'm not opposed to family style dining. In fact, I find it a great way for everyone to taste different things. Generally, if I dine with certain family members, who will remain anonymous, those persons want to decide for everyone in order to share.  If I know in advance the portions are meant for sharing, I'm fine with ordering less.  However, for those restaurants which don't give you fair warning, there is too much food. I'll admit I'm a nibbler. I enjoy small plates of different things. Even desserts are generally bigger than I can consume. This is a fact which drives my girlfriends crazy because they feel compelled to finish wha...

Here's a snippet of my recently released short story. This was my first venture into writing short story romance and my first time participating in a share series event.  I found it difficult to write a complete story in only a few thousand words.  If time allows, I may try another - if Jayne's third book is finished first! You can read the full short story on Kindle. It's available in EBook only. Reunion in the Desert Whoever first said “It’s a dry heat” was crazy Dani thought as she slid onto the scorching seat of the rental car, careful not to touch any metal surfaces. She wondered why anyone ever thought leather seats were a good idea when the Phoenix temperature could easily hit one hundred and fifteen degrees in summer. Her friends back in New York City complained all summer long about the heat but she knew they’d never been sitting in rush hour without air conditioning when you could fry an egg on the pavement. It had been an especially long four hour...

Since my last recipe was for a dessert, I resisted the urge to include another.  Instead I'm giving you one which can be used as a party appetizer or for any meal. These are best right out of the oven but they heat up well.  I like to make a batch and then re-heat for breakfast when I'm in a rush to grab something filling. Since Wild Bronco Steakhouse (the fictional restaurant in my books, doesn't serve breakfast, I'm imagining this was prepared for a catered event (such as when Jayne worked a party for the Mayor of Cave Creek) as these travel well. I created this recipe from a combination of several mini frittatas and added my own twists.  The great thing about this recipe is that you really can't mess it up.  Breakfast Cups aka Almost Quiche 8 large eggs - I use 4 whole eggs and 4 egg whites 1 can refrigerator croissant rolls or large biscuits 1/2 cup whole milk 1/2 cup chopped onion * 1-2 tablespoons butter 2/3 cup reduced fat ham. Canadian Baco...

My friend has been wanting some authentic Greek food for weeks. Lucky for us, I found Greektown which may be my new obsession. Located in an older building on 7th Street, north of Northern Avenue it's a family owned business.  Don't count on sitting at the bar because it only has a few seats and faces the kitchen area. There were already guests seated when the four of us arrived shortly after five pm. We were seated in a booth with extra throw pillows, which I found odd but also comfortable. Décor was dated but the tables had white cloths and nicely folded napkins.  The owner himself waited on us and was delightful.  His sense of humor had a laughing and wondering - wondering what was in the dishes, what the dessert we would get could be, what the red wine was and if he was joking or serious. While some may find that bordered on the rude, we understood it was his sense of humor and he didn't disappoint us. Unable to resist the appetizers we had the Kalamari, ...

This month's book review is actually a short story EBook. This book is part of the shared world series in which I participated. We meet Caitlin, a single parent with her son Alex. Alex is a high-functioning child on the autism spectrum. She's recently transferred to Phoenix for work and is trying to move on with her life after her ex-husband decided he couldn't cope with Alex's autism. Alex is the kind of sweet boy who makes you want to spend time with him, despite his difficulties. Park ranger Josh, wasn't thrilled with his Phoenix assignment until the day Caitlin and Alex come to learn about scorpions. He's immediately attracted to Caitlin but also finds Alex to be inquisitive and a joy to be around. He is smitten with the young boy's desire to learn.  But Josh is waiting for his perfect assignment which he hopes will be coming in the next few months. Despite their attraction, both Caitlin and Josh know an involvement now could have serious consequ...

We are nearing the end of hurricane season so I thought it would be appropriate to have a cocktail. According to my sources,  some brave souls hold hurricane parties when the threat is looming.  That sounds a bit crazy but with the right food and drinks I imagine it would be fun - until it's not! Hurricane 1 ounce light rum 1 ounce dark rum 2 tablespoons passion fruit syrup - you can buy this ready made 1 teaspoon lime juice - fresh squeezed is preferred Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker, half filled with ice. Shake well Strain into a cocktail glass Garnish with a twist of lime For the non-alcoholic version 2 ounces passion fruit syrup 1 ounce lime juice Club soda or lemon/lime soda Combine syrup and lime juice in a mixing glass with ice Top off with soda Garnish with a wedge of lime or a twist of lemon Remember to always drink responsibly. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website ...