Tea anyone?

Terri Reed here.  Most of my cohorts on this blog are at the ACFW's conference this weekend.  I so wish I was too but September is always busy with the beginning of school and all that entails.  So, I'm home enjoying a beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest.  Mild temps, sunny, not a cloud in the sky.  A perfect Saturday.

Yesterday was a different story, it rained!  I was praising God for the raining.  We need it.  Though personally, I love the rain.

Rainy weather is writing weather!  I love to listen to the pitter patter of rain hitting the window as I type away at my keyboard.

 Rainy weather is also tea weather.  I love tea.  Black, green, herbal, fruity, vanilla, Earl Grey, Irish or English Breakfast.  Teas of all types.  A few weeks ago I was in England and had tea at Highclere Castle.

English Breakfast with a flapjack, an oat cake with golden honey.   It was tasty.  And nothing like the flapjacks we have here in the US.
Are you a tea toteler?  What is your favorite tea?  I'm always looking for new flavors to try.


In just over a week my new book releases!  Didn't the art department do a fabulous job!  That's Chicago in the background.  I was so excited when I saw this because it matched my vision for the cover so closely.

Do No Harm

As a trauma surgeon, Dr. Brenda Storm saves lives every day. But someone wants her dead.  It starts with the anonymous delivery of poisoned cupcakes.  Now the hospital has hired a bodyguard to protect her 24/7.  At first, Brenda doesn’t think too-handsome Kyle Martin is the right man for the job.  Then she discovers his harrowing background—and that Kyle will do anything to keep her safe.  With every attempt on her life, she’s more drawn to the strong and silent man who risks his life for hers.  But their growing feelings could put them both in harm’s way.

Downton Abbey- a must see

Terri Reed here. I recently discovered a PBS show called Downton Abbey.  If you haven't given this period piece a try, you should!  Set in England in the early 1900's, the show depicts the country life of the Crawley family and their staff.  The story starts with the news of the Titanic sinking and the loss of someone close to the family.  From there, life for the Crawley's takes a turn as a new heir is brought into the fold.  As the years past bringing with it change such as women suffragettes, home electricity, telephones, cars,  the phonograph and World War 1, the characters develop and grow, sometimes adapting well to the new inventions and new ways of thinkings and sometimes...not so much.
The dynamics of the aristocratic family and the staff make this a fascinating show to watch.  There are villains who turn out to be heroes, heroes who act villainous, machination galore, touching moments as well as funny moments.  My favorite character is the Dowager Lady Crawley played by the incomparable Maggie Smith.  She has, by far, the best lines.   In fact, the writing is witty, smart and engaging.   The actors all are believable in their roles, which makes the show that much more enjoyable.   I've laughed, cheered, boo'd, clapped and cried through the first two seasons.  And I eagerly await season three.  Supposedly Shirley MacLaine is joining the cast.  This should be fun!

Oh, and on a personal note, my husband and I are taking out daughter to London in August to attend university.  Hubby and I plan on visiting Highclere Castle, the set for Downton Abbey, while in England.  So exciting!!