Dear ,

You know, I'm so thankful for everyone who has given my books a chance. I hope you feel like it was worth it. Thanksgiving was last week, but I think taking a moment every day to appreciate something helps keep you hopeful. I'm hoping you love my next book out. Keep your eyes peeled!

Right now, I'm also appreciating this dairy-free hot chocolate recipe. (Hot Chocolate was the reader moniker of choice, by the way, by 64 percent!) If you love Almond Joys, you can substitute 1/2 cup of almond milk with coconut milk, just be careful. Coconut-based drinks require moderation. They can be harsh on the stomach, especially if you're not used to them.

Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate by the Cup

Add the following to a sauce pan:

1 cup almond milk

2 TB unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 TB brown sugar

1 tsp maple syrup

1 splash vanilla extract

1 dash salt (optional)

Whisk and warm to perfection. Serves one.

While you're taking a sip, consider purchasing one of these enjoyable reads:

Paradise Dead

by D.B. McNicol

Ten friends gather at the C'Mon Inn B&B on Kaua`i for a reunion vacation to fulfill the final wishes of an old friend and coworker - the scattering of his ashes. One by one, they are beset by accidents. Is Hawaii really paradise ... or a death trap?

Vanilla Bean Vampire

By Selina J. Eckert

Pie witch Reese is living her dream: running the bakery she’s always wanted, selling magical pies, and landing a date with handsome Prince Forrest of the Autumn Court. But then people around her start vanishing, returning hours or days later with no memory of their missing time. Can Reese bake up a plan to save the town? Or will she be the next to disappear?

Until next time,

Katie O'Keene ☆