Excerpt from LOVE’S LASTING SONG

Excerpt from LOVE’S LASTING SONG

Ingredients:
8 tostada shells (crisp, whole corn tortillas)
3 medium avocados, pitted, peeled, and pureed
3 cups cooked, boneless chicken, chilled (shredded and sprinkled with salt)
One 14-oz can refried beans (optional)
2 medium diced tomatoes
Shredded lettuce
2 cups grated cheese -- Monterrey Jack, cheddar, Colby, or any combination
1 pint sour cream (optional)
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Directions:
Dice tomatoes and shred lettuce; refrigerate until needed. Mash or puree avocado in a
blender to make a smooth paste. Add salt and pepper to taste. (For smoother spreading
consistency, mix in a dash of evaporated milk and stir well.) Spread each tostada with
refried beans, if desired, and then avocado. (For homemade refried beans, mash well-
cooked pinto beans and fry in bacon grease, stirring frequently, for 2 or 3 minutes, until
the beans form a thick paste.) Spread chilled chicken on top of the avocado. Be
generous!
Add diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and cheese according to taste. Sour cream may be
spooned over the entire tostada for extra taste and elegance. Place left-over avocado,
diced tomato, lettuce, and cheese on the table as extra toppings for hearty eaters.
Tostadas are finger food, but provide forks for those who prefer to keep their fingers
clean. Enjoy as a light meal perfect on a hot day!
Author’s Bio:
I have been writing since my story “Ricky and Tricky’s Christmas” was published
on the school bulletin board. I was six years old. My first romance,LOVE’S LASTING
SONG, provides a glimpse into the unique and colorful border culture of Laredo, Texas,
where I live with my husband, four children, rottweiler, and great dane. Experiences
during my adolescence with a roadside amusement park, an African lion, 25 horses and
ponies, and a large, strange family provide fodder for future works.
My work has appeared previously in McCall’s, Cat Fancy, The Friend, The
Church Herald, and other publications. My second romance, INALCANZABLE,
(UNREACHABLE in English) is currently under consideration while I work on a third
novel, set in the Texas hill country. Please visit me at Diamond Hope Enterprises,
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“MAKE AND RUN" ENCHILADA CASSEROLE
Setting the Scene:
Whitney Paige is worried sick about Morgan’s disappearance, although everyone
who knew her sister swears that Morgan had probably just decided to go help someone in
need. Morgan’s heart shadow, those who know her best explain, is gold, which means
that she finds peace in her faith, and joy in helping other, which always keeps her busy.
What better meal to cook and have on hand for emergencies than Morgan’s“Make and
Run” Enchilada Casserole, perfect for a fast, hearty supper for the hungry, or for an easily
reheated dinner after a hard day’s work? Make this casserole ahead of time, then sit down
and enjoy another twist or turn inHEART SHADOWS.
Excerpt from Heart Shadows:
I hurried through the dark cool house to the front door and opened it. The porch
was empty. No one was in sight. I stepped out onto the front porch. My sandaled foot
touched something soft and furry. I looked down and stifled a scream. A dead cat lay on
the porch. A note fastened to its orange fur with tape read, “GO HOME. FORGET
YOUR SISTER. YOU ARE NOT SAFE HERE.”
The ugly gray house lurched in front of my eyes. The floor seemed to roll up
under my feet, pitching me at the puke-pink trim. I staggered inside, fighting waves of
shock and nausea. I swayed into the hall, dropping leadenly into a chair next to the
phone. Grace’s efficiency was apparent. A list of emergency numbers perched on the
receiver. My trembling fingers managed to make the connection at the Sheriff’s
Department. Dwight Wilson promised to be right over.
Crunching gravel announced Wilson’s arrival. I struggled to my feet and trudged
to the door. Then I gasped. The cat was gone.
“Make and Run” Enchilada Casserole