Monday, December 28, 2015

The Sugar Free Cakebook

I hope you all had a delightful Christmas! Mine was wonderfully relaxing.

Near the beginning of this year, I began eating sugar free. As someone with a huge sweet tooth, this wasn't always easy, but something that helps is sites like Andrew's that provide sugar free dessert recipes: www.sweetsmarts.com

Andrew recently released The Sugar Free Cakebook, a book of 40 recipes using alternate - but still natural - sweeteners, like agave and erythritol. It's available in digital formats (PDF, ePub, and Kindle) for $20 here.

Friday, December 11, 2015

Tour: The Bartered Bride


THE BARTERED BRIDE


COLORADO 1880


Jem Wheeler has always been a survivor. He just wants to make a fresh start in Colorado Springs after the loss of his wife. But then he happens upon a young mute woman being sold off to the highest bidder. He wasn’t looking for a mail-order bride. He wasn’t looking to rescue anyone either. But desperate circumstances can drive a good man to do things he hadn’t planned on doing... 

When Jem steps into Annie’s life, she’s not expecting anyone to save her. Mute from birth, she’s just using all her wits to survive. All she’s ever really wanted is a family of her own. For someone to see her. To look at her long enough to hear the things she can’t say.

Can a rescued bride who can’t speak communicate her love for a grieving widower and his little girl? Will her love ever be returned?

The Brides Series #3

Note: Each book in The Brides Series can be read as a stand-alone novel, but reading in order will provide a more complete reading experience.


EXCERPT

Jem took the apple core from his daughter and passed her one of the remaining crackers with a piece of cheese on it. Mae munched that down and looked to him immediately for another, the last one.

He gave it to her, then showed her his empty hands.

She frowned. “More?”

“No more,” Jem said, and showed her his empty hands again, making a bigger gesture out of it, as if the little girl was accusing him of hiding some.

If Annie weren’t so intent on eating her share of cheese and crackers she might have smiled at the sight of them, one of the most dangerous men she’d ever seen sitting side by side with that tiny little girl. They made quite a mismatched pair.

Mae looked over at Annie, at the last cracker in her hand and the last bit of cheese.

Annie gulped down the mouthful she was chewing. She looked down at the last of her meal and back at the little girl. To her shame, she didn’t want to give up her last cracker. She could barely remember the last meal she’d eaten.

“That’s Annie’s food,” Jem admonished the little girl. “You’ve had yours.”

Mae bit her lip. She glanced down at her lap, then back at Annie again.

I can share, Annie attempted to tell Mae with her eyes alone. She snapped her cracker in half—simply unable to bear parting with the whole thing—and passed it across to the little girl. Mae took it and popped the whole thing in her mouth, making Annie smile.

“Mae!” her father said.

She looked at him wide-eyed, her mouth full of cracker. “Whaf dafdda?” she said, muffled, spraying a few cracker crumbs onto his trousers.

He closed his eyes briefly and brushed them off. “You didn’t have to give her any,” he said to Annie, “but thanks.”

Annie grunted, her way of saying she didn’t mind that much. She looked down quickly and finished her last bit of food. The crackers had been crispy and the cheese silky and smooth. They’d tasted like heaven.

“You must be thirsty,” he said. “Do you mind sharing?”

She shook her head and automatically lifted two fingers.

“Two’s no?” he asked.

She nodded, pleased, and lifted one finger. She’d grown up sending signals through the floor of the Ruskins’ house, one stomp for yes, two for no. It came natural as rain now.

“And one’s yes,” he said, catching on quick.

Annie drank deep when he passed her the flask of water, amazed he’d let her drink from it. She tried her best to pour it down her throat without touching her lips to the flask, so he wouldn’t regret giving it to someone so dirty. She wished she could tell him thanks, but after Mae had her fill and he took his own swallow, he was back under his hat, likely going over the events of the day.

How he’d stuck himself with her.

How he probably regretted even stepping off the train at the last stop.

She couldn’t say she blamed him.

She hadn’t much wanted to marry a stranger herself.

BOOK LINKS

THE BARTERED BRIDE

THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE

SLEIGH BELLS & MISTLETOE

AUTHOR BIO

LENA GOLDFINCH writes sweet Historical Western Romance / Inspirational Romance and books for teens. She’s always been a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She enjoys life in a quiet, small town with her husband, two kids, and two very spoiled Black Labs.

SOCIAL LINKS

Website: www.LenaGoldfinch.com
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/lenagoldfinch
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/LenaGoldfinchAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lena_goldfinch
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lenagoldfinch/

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

In celebration of the release of The Bartered Bride, Lena is giving away some awesome prizes! 
  • Grand Prize: $25 gift card (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, or Google Play—winner’s choice) + all three ebooks in The Brides series (Open internationally)
  • Second Prize: Paperback copy of The Bartered Bride (Open to US residents only)
  • Third Prize: All three ebooks in The Brides series (Open internationally)

To enter these drawings, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Winners will be chosen after the end of the blog tour (December 19, 2015).

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Release Day Blitz! While You're Awake

About the Book 

Sweet New Adult Contemporary Romance Novelette 

There’s no rest for the fearful. 

Ava always knew the bees would come. Just when she’s settled into a place of her own, freelance editing and savoring her independence, her rental house is invaded by a swarm of honey bees. And with their arrival, her lifelong fear morphs into a full-fledged panic that steals her sleep—and her peace of mind. 

Keegan knows all about fear. When he meets Ava at the coffee shop where he works, he can’t help but come to her rescue. Together with his German shepherds, Sun and Moon, he sets out to break the “curse” that hovers over Tired Girl. But is it possible to conquer nightmares and live a dream while you're awake? 

This sweet novelette is a contemporary re-imagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale that sheds light on the worries that bind us and the love that leads to peace. 


Author Bio 

Amber Stokes works as a marketing content writer for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home. 

You can learn more about Amber’s books, sign up for her author newsletter, join the Amber’s Gems street team, and more at www.SeasonsofaStory.blogspot.com

Social Media Links 

Goodreads: Amber Stokes 
Twitter: @SeasonsHumility 

Giveaway! 

Enter to win a little something sweet from Ava, Keegan, and the author! One winner will receive a lovely yellow and gold flower necklace & earrings set from Baubles, Beads and Stuff; a $10 Starbucks gift card (delivered electronically); and a Kindle copy of While You’re Awake (can be gifted to a friend, if desired!). Open to US residents only due to shipping costs. 

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MTVjZWUzOTdmNzNhZTBkM2QzNmI4OTkwN2ZjZDVhOjQ0/

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Cover Reveal: While You're Awake

Coffee, romance, and elements of  Sleeping Beauty? This sweet novelette is definitely on my "to read" list!


About the Book


Sweet New Adult Contemporary Romance Novelette

There’s no rest for the fearful.


Ava always knew the bees would come. Just when she’s settled into a place of her own, freelance editing and savoring her independence, her rental house is invaded by a swarm of honey bees. And with their arrival, her lifelong fear morphs into a full-fledged panic that steals her sleep—and her peace of mind.

Keegan knows all about fear. When he meets Ava at the coffee shop where he works, he can’t help but come to her rescue. Together with his German shepherds, Sun and Moon, he sets out to break the “curse” that hovers over Tired Girl. But is it possible to conquer nightmares and live a dream while you're awake?

This sweet novelette is a contemporary re-imagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale that sheds light on the worries that bind us and the love that leads to peace.




Author Bio

Amber Stokes works as a marketing content writer for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home.

You can learn more about Amber’s books, sign up for her author newsletter, join the Amber’s Gems street team, and more at www.SeasonsofaStory.blogspot.com.

Social Media Links

Blog: www.seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com

Goodreads: Amber Stokes

Pinterest: pinterest.com/seasonshumility

Twitter: @SeasonsHumility

Personality Quiz

Are you Sleeping Beauty, a barista, or an angel? This fun and quirky personality quiz takes some of the personality types from While You’re Awake and offers you a chance to discover how you inspire others. Hopefully you’ll be encouraged to keep being awesome, wonderful you!


*Disclaimer: This is just a for-fun quiz. The results are designed to encourage but not to diagnose! ;)

Friday, June 19, 2015

Cover Reveal: Water Princess, Fire Prince

Today I got to interview Kendra E. Ardnek, author of the upcoming book, Water Princess, Fire Prince!


Author Interview

What was your favorite scene to write? 

This book ended up with over 130,000 words, which made for a lot of fun scenes that I loved writing, so it's kinda hard for me to pick a favorite. I suppose, if I must, I really liked a scene in chapter 3 of part 3 where she's ascertaining his skills and . . . kinda showing off. It was fun to write. 

Is this book connected to others you've written? 

Pretty much all of my books are connected at some level or another. Of my published books, the short story Saffron's Big Plan has the most direct connection, but even that's difficult to explain at this moment. Although, there is an Bookania Easter Egg or two hidden in part 1 . . . 

Where did you get the idea to write Water Princess, Fire Prince? 

From the shower, oddly enough. I'd been looking for doors to Narnia for several weeks, when, while showering, the thought occurred to me that it'd be really neat if I closed my eyes, and when I opened them, I was standing under a waterfall, and was declared a Water Princess. I later moved her to a swimming pool, added a Fire Prince, and decided it was part of my Rizkaland legends. It grew from there.

Book Description


When the Lady Dragon does come,
Hold fast, do not fear, do not run. 
Your Water Princess will fight, 
Fire Prince will set all to right. 
Each shall come from a Fall, 
Their union will save you all. 

Despite the fact that she's on track for competing in the Olympics, and he's practically raised his younger brothers since they lost their mom in a car accident, Clara Mandras and Andrew Stevenson are pretty much normal teens. They have normal hopes, normal dreams, and they live in a normal world. 

All this is torn away from them when they are thrust into another world and declared Water Princess and Fire Prince. With no experience ruling a country, meeting each other for the first time, and being expected to fight the Lady Dragon – an evil sorceress plaguing the world of Rizkaland – Clara and Andrew are underprepared and inexperienced. Unless they learn to work together despite their standing opposition, Rizkaland's hope will be lost. 

What is to come will change their lives forever. 

Author Bio

Kendra E. Ardnek loves fairy tales and twisting them in new and exciting ways. She's been practicing her skills on her dozen plus cousins and siblings for years, "Finish your story, Kendra", is frequently heard at family gatherings. Her sole life goal has always been to grow up and be an author of fantasy and children's tales that also glorify God and his Word. You can read more about her on her blog, knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com. 



 Available for kindle preorder: $2.99 the 19th and 20th ONLY (regular price: $3.99) 



Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Character Spotlight: Harrison Vane from Dare by Tricia Mingerink


Today we have a guest post from Tricia Mingerink, author of an upcoming book, Dare


Character Spotlight: Harrison Vane


Occupation: First Blade in the King’s Blades
Appearance: Twenty-two years old, 5’10” with brown hair and blue eyes. 

Image found on Yahoo.com
Character: He enjoys his powerful position in the Blades. He likes to have power over others, especially the power of life and death. The more helpless his victims are, the more powerful he feels. 

Author’s Note: Harrison Vane even gives me the creeps. He is a villain who truly enjoys being a villain. Developing his backstory proved difficult because he isn’t the type of person to have a normal conversation with anyone. Or tell anyone the one thing that makes him feel vulnerable. I hinted at a few things, but most of his backstory isn’t fully revealed. I like the mystery surrounding his backstory. It  leaves a lot up to the imagination of the reader. 

First Draft Trivia: Harrison Vane wasn’t the main antagonist. In fact, all of the scenes with him except for the scenes leading up to the climax weren’t in the first draft. I didn’t even have a name for him. When I reached the climax, I realized that Vane had pulled a fast one on me and claimed the spot of antagonist. It took a lot of revisions to add in all the earlier scenes and develop what turned into a duel between Leith and Vane that extended all the way back into their childhoods. Now it’s hard to imagine the book without his creepy sneakiness.

About the Book

Courage could cost him everything. 

Third Blade Leith Torren never questions his orders or his loyalty to King Respen until an arrow wound and a prairie blizzard drive him to the doorstep of the girls whose family he once destroyed. 

Their forbidden faith and ties to the Resistance could devastate their family a second time. 

Survival depends on obedience, but freedom beckons. How far does he dare go to resist the king and his Blades? 

No matter what Leith chooses, one thing is certain. 

Someone will die. 

About the Author
Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country. 

You can connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, and her blog

Giveaway!

Enter to win a Grand Prize giveaway to celebrate the release of Dare! Prize includes an autographed paperback of Dare, a necklace like the one Renna has in the book with a sterling silver cross pendant, a medieval dagger (not sharp) like the one Leith carries, and Dare-themed bookmarks! (Due to the difficulties in shipping weapons across international borders, this giveaway is open to US residents only). The winner of the giveaway will be announce at the end of the Facebook party on June 10. 



Thursday, April 2, 2015

Book Tour: E. D. Phillips

With a delightful mix of fairy tales, E. D. Phillips captures the genre beautifully.  I'm excited to be part of another Rivershore book tour.


"Truly a spellbinding tale. I cannot recommend it more, and look forward to any future books that E.D. Phillips may write." - By SilverRose on Amazon
Book Description

Phaedra is cursed to sleep until true love wakes her. Hermione has a dark secret. 

When Prince Sheridan discovers the two princesses wandering the woods outside the castle at night, he begins to wonder if there is more to Phaedra's curse than is readily apparent. 

With the help of a minstrel out to prove a point, they must discover the secret before the princesses are trapped forever in the night.

Author Bio

Emilie has been writing stories for the past ten years. Her love for storytelling and fairy tales began when she was a little girl and her dad would make up bedtime stories about a princess named Amichelie; a character based off the names of Emilie and her sisters.

Midnight Captive is her first novel, written during National Novel Writing Month November 2010. She participated in the writing challenge the following two years and produced two more novel rough drafts. Her plan is to work on editing one of those drafts over the summer along with continuing to write a fantasy novel set in the real world.

Emilie lives in Alberta, Canada. In her spare time she enjoys crocheting baby blankets for her nieces and nephews and creating graphic art while watching British television.




Would you like to review Midnight Captive? Send an email to Info@rivershorebooks.com for a free ebook copy in exchange for your unbiased review.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Janny-Friendly Recipe: Pancakes


Most Sundays, my grandma makes us pancakes. Her recipe includes Sprite (to make them more fluffy) and—of course—sugar. Then we top them with syrup and enjoy. They're wonderful. Unfortunately, they're not a Janny-friendly food.

This version of pancakes doesn't taste like Grandma's, but it's still very good.


The original recipe was by Steph. I adjusted it to omit the sugar and make it into a single-serving.


The Recipe

Click to view the full-size photo
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/3 cup flour (any kind)
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/3 egg
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 pint blueberries
Stir baking powder, flour, and salt together. Melt 3/4 tablespoon butter in your pan (medium-high heat tends to work well). Pour excess into bowl with dry ingredients. 


Combine all and pour half the batter into pan.




When bubbles start to form, flip over (about 30 seconds). 



Repeat. (Bubbles don't form on this side, but it takes about the same amount of time.)



Yum! 

Some Notes
  • This makes 2 pancakes that together have 308 calories, 46 carbs, and 10 grams of sugar (natural, not added). 
  • The egg could be replaced with 2/3 tablespoon of water, though I haven't tried it.
  • I like them with whipped cream (heavy whipping cream whipped to deliciousness). But they're just as good on their own - or with your topping of choice.
  • I haven't had a problem, but if you're concerned about the batter cooking completely you could wait with the blueberries, chop them up first, or use them as a topping. (Other fruits could work well as toppings, too.)
  • After the first pancake, the butter in the pan is gone. You could spray it with cooking spray in between orlike I dojust watch it more closely.
  • This recipe leaves 2/3 of an egg. I scramble it up with a little cheese and bacon so it doesn't go to waste, but using water instead would avoid that. Or you could triple the recipe—my family asked me to next time I make these!

Book Tour: Jennifer Wirey

Jennifer's book, published by Rivershore Books, is one of the sweetest memoirs I've read; it's a beautiful tribute to her precious daughter. Today, I'm part of her book tour.

"No child can ever replace the one you lost and no one can take that child’s place in a parent’s heart. But, by writing this story and sharing Kaitlyn with readers, mothers, families and parents, I hope all parents will understand that children make mistakes, sometimes they say and do the wrong thing, and it is your job not to yell, hit or scream but to teach them the right way or the right thing to do. This book is a must read for all parents and young adults."
Book Description

You never think it could happen to you. You have heard the stories from someone who knows someone who has had it happen to them. You see on the news about tragedies, heartbreaks, unexplainable events, cruel individuals, medical complications, or accidents. The thought of losing a child is an unexplainable feeling that brings instant panic. It is an unexplainable feeling that makes several thoughts cross your mind. How could this happen? Why would God let this happen? How could medicine or procedures fail with all the technology we have? Why does it happen to such good people? Why did such a good parent lose their child when so many children are being mistreated, going without food, or being pawned off because the parents put their needs first? 

I knew this could never happen to me—until it did.




Would you like to review For the Love of Kaitlyn? Send an email to Info@rivershorebooks.com for a free ebook copy in exchange for your unbiased review.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Book Tour: Nikki Min Yeong Abramson

Nikki published her first book, an inspirational autobiography, through Rivershore last year. I'm excited to be part of her book tour this week!

"Abramson does a good job of describing why and how she chooses hope to deal with her many issues, and her faith shines through all the way. It is a lesson for others dealing with seemingly hopeless challenges, and a joy to read about how positivity can change the most dire situations."
Book Description

Being told by doctors at the age of five that she would die in her teens, Nikki Abramson learned how to live in the present. Mentors taught her how to overcome challenges and obstacles through faith and believing in the power of positivity. Nikki addresses what it is like to want to 'fit in' with society through her struggles as an international adoptee and battling serious rare disabilities. Her courage to go on when life is challenging is an inspiration to all. Nikki spells out what hope means to her. Finding hope is not easy and is an everyday battle. "Struggles are a part of life. We can either go through it with a cloud over our head, or we can look at it as an opportunity." She sees life as an opportunity: to help others discover their potential and to make a difference in their lives. This book includes pictures of Nikki’s life, beautiful illustrations, and journal and discussion questions to reflect upon one’s own life experiences.

Author Bio

Nikki Abramson is passionate about encouraging people to find hope and achieve success in their life journey. She is a Korean American adoptee who battles several rare and severe medical conditions and is overcoming many obstacles. Nikki resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her parents, younger brother, and two cats. Nikki is a proud alumnus of International School of Minnesota (Eden Prairie, MN) and Bethel University (St. Paul, MN). She holds a B.A. and teaching license in elementary education, early childhood, and computers, keyboarding, and technology. Ms. Abramson is a performer and teaching artist, teaching others acting, improv, and choreography. She also has a company, Renew Hope, LLC, that offers motivational speaking and life coaching. Her desire in life is to change the world by inspiring others through her story, changing one person at a time. For more information, you may contact her via her websites at www.nikkiabramson.com or www.renewingyourhope.com or by "liking" her on Facebook.




Would you like to review I Choose Hope? Send an email to Info@rivershorebooks.com for a free ebook copy in exchange for your unbiased review.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Janny-Friendly Recipe: Mocha (or Hot Chocolate)



In my last Confessions for a Tuesday, I mentioned the part of my health journey has been to temporarily give up sugar. One of the hardest parts of this decision has been my morning coffee routine. I used to enjoy it from home with 1-2 teaspoons of sugar, or (even better) from Caribou as a sugar-laden mocha. Naturally, both options had to go.

I needed a "Janny-friendly" alternative. I call it Janny-friendly, rather than diabetic-friendly or sugar-free, because while this fits into my personal diet choices, it may not fit into yours. That's something you'll need to decide for yourself.

This recipe is so simple, yet so good. I didn't discover it until a few weeks after I'd given up sugar, so for me it's sweet enough on its own, but your tastes may be different. My mom, who hasn't given up sugar, likes it as it is.


The Recipe

Ingredients:
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (Trader Joe's has an organic option for under $3)
  • Your choice of one of the following:
    • Milk
    • Half and half
    • Heavy cream
  • Coffee

That's it! You can heat the milk/cream in the microwave or on the stove, then add the cocoa powder to taste. (The powder mixes better when the base is heated.)

1/2 cup milk or 2-4 tablespoons of cream mixed with 1 teaspoon cocoa powder is a good ratio for me. The amount of coffee I add depends how strong it is, but it's usually less than half a cup.

To turn this into hot chocolate, just omit the coffee. Sometimes I add more cocoa powder—up to a tablespoon—to increase the chocolatey flavor and use a full cup of milk.

It usually ends up being under or around 100 calories, with relatively few carbs (there are fewer carbs in cream than in skim milk but more calories).


Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Confessions for a Tuesday

Confessions for a Tuesday is a blog series I'm starting. Today's deals with my health; many will relate to writing, motivation, work, or balancing this beautiful life. Don't worry; they won't all be this long.


Last month, I visited the doctor for the first time in about ten years. Clearly, having regular checkups isn't something I've prioritized.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I consider myself a mostly-healthy person. In the past year, I've only been sick once (and I blame my sick brother, two plane rides with him, and two all-nighters within 72 hours for that). I exercise "regularly" (if between one and five times a week is "regular") and try to eat well. But I'm overweight. It's an ongoing journey—and an imperfect one.

Confession: I have a sweet tooth. A big one. 


Although I don't often eat candy, I do enjoy cookies, cake, peanut butter, all things chocolate, and lots (and lots) of sugar in my coffee. Sugary coffee was a daily joy, the rest was a once- or twice-a-week treat. I worked those into my 1200-calorie diet, even if it meant skimping on the more-important food groups. That all changed last month.



The doctor diagnosed me with pre-diabetes. That means I'm at risk of diabetes, but they caught it early. It's reversible. 

I'm counting this as a praise.

Her instructions to me were vague: "Exercise regularly, eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day, and lose weight."

I wanted to shout, "I've been trying!" but my computer screen and the people nearby wouldn't have understood the outburst. (Ohthe diagnosis arrived via email.) Instead, I did some research and made some changes.

In short: I gave up added sugar until Easter (when I'll have it in very moderate amounts), and I limited my carbs to 100 grams a day or fewer.

The first day, I looked in the fridge, pantry, freezer, and cupboards, and I sighed. There was nothing for me to eat. Everything, it seemed, had sugar.

I settled for plain tuna and celery. It wasn't great.

This is all I'm allowed to eat now, thought Dramatic Janny.
The next day, though, I went grocery shopping. I stocked up on all kinds of Janny-friendly foods: vegetables and fruit, lean meats, low-carb and sugar-free crackers and bread (to have in moderation), eggs, and cheese. I even found some peanut butter made from only peanuts—no sugar and very few carbs (made by Smucker's). It's thick, but it's sweet.

There is actually plenty of food I can eat.
I'm learning new recipes every day—most are savory, but some cater to my sweet tooth. I miss sugar, but I'm finding ways around that. Stevia is a Janny-friendly option when I really need one (though I don't love the aftertaste). Coffee was a struggle, but I found a way to make a sugar-free mocha, even without stevia (recipe coming soon).

Papa helps with even trivial things.

The best part, though, is that giving up sugar helped me to overcome a weight-loss plateau. I hit a 12-pound loss (since Christmas) this week. The journey continues, but these little victories will keep me motivated.