FORGIVE THE MOON

This month we had our first author attend our book club- Maryanne Stahl who wrote Forgive the Moon. In August of 2002 we had the time of our lives getting to share a meal and discussion with the actual author of our book selection!
EMAIL to Maryanne:
"Dear Ms Stahl,
 I just wanted you to know that I picked up your book at Barnes and
Noble a few weeks ago as I was looking for a selection for our book club. The title drew me- I am a songwriter and love words and "Forgive the Moon" piqued my interest. I loved the book and decided to make it my selection for August. I did not realize you taught writing at Kennesaw University right down the street until I finished the book. We would love to have you join us for dinner and discussion on August 20th at my home. We always do a meal based on the book so it will be crab cakes. If you can't join us, we understand , but would love to discuss the book with you.Thanks again for an enjoyable read.
                                                                        Donna"
EMAIL to Donna:
"Dear Donna,
I'm delighted Forgive the Moon "struck your eye" and delighted you have chosen it for your book club selection. Yes, I would love to join you, crab cakes sound lovely. I will be out of town for a few weeks, but August 20th suits my schedule so lets plan on it. Looking forward to meeting you all, Best, Maryanne"

'During a vacation on Long Island, Amanda Kincaid hoped to sort out the many changes in her life, including her crumbling marriage. Instead, she discovers some shocking things about the past-and meets a wonderful man. Forgive the Moon is a novel of family and forgiveness, betrayal and renewal-and the many ways the seasons of our lives can change.'

Donna and Joanne decorated with a beach theme, lots of sand and candles and tiny beach chairs.
The door prize was a beach tote bag with a beach towel, sunglasses, a book, and jewelry. Donna's friend, Monika, also made our Dinner and a Book, est 2001, chalkboard for us to write the book and author down and display with our appetizers...I will put a picture of it up later...

The menu was crab cakes, creamed corn, Lisa's famous salad (recipe in an earlier blog), and pound cake with fresh berries and whipped cream.

Donna's Crab Cakes

1 pound crabmeat, picked free of shell
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
3 green onions, finely chopped (use all)
1/2 cup finely chopped red or green bell pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 egg
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dry mustard
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
Dash of cayenne pepper
Flour for dusting
1/2 cup peanut oil

Mix all ingredients together except flour and oil. Shape into patties and dust with flour. Panfry in hot peanut oil over medium heat until browned, for 4-5 minutes. Flip and panfry other side until golden brown. Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.

Tartar Sauce
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/2 cup chopped dill or sweet pickle
1 cup mayonnaise
salt, pepper, and garlic salt to taste

Combine and mix well.

                                                                  Jeanne and Joanne

Next blog will be about our second road trip( to Sanibel Island, FL). Look for it soon....