Film of 1964 Rock ‘n Roll “T.A.M.I. SHOW” Benefit for Plaza Playhouse Theater in Carpinteria

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James Brown and Mick Jagger, courtesy photo

James Brown and Mick Jagger, courtesy photo

Classic rock lovers, are you ready to rock out like it’s 1964? Then, make plans to be at the Plaza Playhouse in Carpinteria for a rare public screening of one of the greatest rock and roll shows you’ve never seen from 1964.  The T.A.M.I. Show features performances from James Brown, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, The Supremes and The Beach Boys to name a few.

TAMIshowPOSTERPlaying one night only Saturday, August 23 at 7:15 p.m., this one-time only presentation of the “T.A.M.I. Show” will serve as a fundraiser for the non-profit theater, which is on track to purchase a new, much wider screen for the venue.  It will be 20’x12’ and allow for the showing of many of the great wide screen classics of the past 60 years as well as contemporary films.

Steve Binder, the producer/director, will be on hand to introduce the film and will stay for a Q&A after the film.  (Running time 100 minutes). He will have copies of his book for sale as well.

Tickets are $20 each and available for purchase at plazatheatercarpinteria.com. Doors open at 6:30pm and tickets (if available) can be purchased at the box office the night of the show. Located at 4916 Carpinteria Ave. the theatre is wheelchair accessible.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 21, 2014.

To The Sea, An Unnatural Journey at Art From Scrap Gallery

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Image courtesy Art From Scrap

Image courtesy Art From Scrap

To The Sea, an unnatural journey opens at the Art From Scrap Gallery at 302 E. Cota St. on Friday. August 22, from 6–8 p.m. Curated by artist Holly Mackay, To The Sea is an all age collaborative installation and playful call to action aiming to empower and engage the community in finding solutions to the growing problem of plastics in our environment, specifically in our water.

“We all make choices that effect our environment and each other. By involving community directly and physically in the intimate details of this problem, my hope is to make this global issue personal and less intimidating, I want people to feel that their actions matter, and that huge triumphs are made of small steps,” says Mackay. “My impulse is to go beyond the fear and repulsion that permeate a problem like this and re-signify the process of cleaning up our environment as positive as opposed to an almighty burden. I think you’ll engage a greater swath of the general public if you present the matter with humor, beauty and kindness instead of lobbing at them yet another barrage of mind numbing statistics of the damage we are doing to ourselves.”

There are three main parts to the installation; a grid of carefully selected trash found on local beaches, a series of collaborative “Instructional Diagram” paintings depicting aspects of the “pollution process” and children’s reaction to it, and a Tidal Zone Diorama which will include a number of creatures made by community members from our very own beach trash.

To The Sea, an unnatural journey will be on view through October 4.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 20, 2014.

Take the Train South to Santa Barbara and save on Amtrak and other SB Car Free Experiences

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Amtrak Coast Starlight train north of Santa Barbara along the California coast. Photo courtesy Amtrak

Amtrak Coast Starlight train north of Santa Barbara along the California coast. Photo courtesy Amtrak

Did you know you can take the Amtrak Coast Starlight south to Santa Barbara—and enjoy what USA Today says “still qualifies as one of the longest ocean-view train rides in America?” Save 15% on your train ticket, then show your ticket for special Car Free experiences in Santa Barbara.

Start the journey to Santa Barbara from any destination (as far north as Seattle) and enjoy unsurpassed views of the Cascade Range, lush forests and long stretches of Pacific coastline. You can board the Coast Starlight to Santa Barbara from Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Eugene, OR; Redding, CA; Sacramento, CA; Oakland, CA, San Jose, CA; San Luis Obispo, CA and many others.

For more information on discounts visit SantaBarbaraCarFree.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 18, 2014.

Delicious Collaborations From Coveted Cakery

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Sweet Lady Cook Blueberry Lavender Cupcakes by Coveted Cakery, Photo by Leah Valentine Photography.

Sweet Lady Cook Blueberry Lavender Cupcakes by Coveted Cakery, Photo by Leah Valentine Photography.

We’re big fans of Coveted Cakery‘s baked goods, so we were very excited to hear about owner Jessica Burton‘s recent collaboration with local artisans on a new specialty cupcake menu.

The initial launch of this collaboration includes pairings with Sweet Lady Cook, a purveyor of seasonal small batch jams made from locally sourced organic fruits; Rock Rose Provisions, which makes small batch handcrafted nut butters using responsibly sourced local ingredients; and Mizuba Tea Company, a Santa Barbara-based tea company sourcing the finest quality Japanese green tea.

The mouthwatering new Coveted Cakery Artisan Collaboration menu flavors are:

Sweet Lady Cook Blueberry Lavender Cupcake, a Vanilla Bean Cupcake with Blueberry Lavender Jam Buttercream Frosting and topped with Blueberry Lavender Jam

Rock Rose Provisions Maple Spice Almond Butter Cupcake, a Devil’s Food Chocolate Cupcake with Maple Spice Almond Butter Buttercream Frosting topped with Crushed Almonds

and

Mizuba Tea Company Green Tea Cupcake, a  Green Tea Cupcake with Almond Buttercream Frosting topped with Fresh Drizzled Honey.

Coveted Cakery's Mizuba Tea Company Green Tea Cupcakes. Photo by Leah Valentine Photography.

Coveted Cakery’s Mizuba Tea Company Green Tea Cupcakes. Photo by Leah Valentine Photography.

To start the project off, Burton turned to some local food artisans that she already knew, was friends with, and had worked with at events. “I pitched the idea to them and they were all on board! I decided to start with three flavors to launch the concept and am planning to add artisans/flavors as we make more connections with the community.”

Coveted Cakery's Rock Rose Provisions Maple Spice Almond Butter Cupcakes. Photo by Leah Valentine Photography.

Coveted Cakery’s Rock Rose Provisions Maple Spice Almond Butter Cupcakes. Photo by Leah Valentine Photography.

In addition to offering these special new flavors through her website and at events, Burton is collaborating with Carr Winery (414 N. Salsipuedes St.) on August 23 for a special paired cupcake and wine flight! Coveted Cakery’s top three flavors will be served: Refreshing Lemon, Chocolate Salted Caramel, and Vanilla Blackberry Syrah! Wine Flight and Cupcake Pairing is $15 and the Cupcake Flight Only is $5.

For more information about Coveted Cakery call 805-509-9029 or visit covetedcakery.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 16, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Ginger Infused Libations

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SOMMAI, freedigitalphotos.net

SOMMAI, freedigitalphotos.net

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Ginger is said to have all kinds of healing benefits—including everything from curing gas to firing up the digestive juices and stoking the aphrodisiac  fires in the bedroom. Personally, I like the way it tastes, especially in a cocktail.

I recently sampled Dragon’s Breath, a new imported hard cider from local resident Paul Quackenbush. Made in England and named for the breath of the dragon in which Excalibur, the magical sword of King Arthur was forged, this aromatic cider is refreshing and tasty all on its own, but even better when paired with a splash of tequila. 

Dragon's Breath hard cider from William's Orchards Ciders, courtesy photo.

Dragon’s Breath hard cider from William’s Orchards Ciders, courtesy photo.

Ginger and tequila pair well together. According to none other than Martha Stewart, “fresh ginger adds sharpness and complexity to classic Margaritas.”  Here’s a link to the Ginger Margarita that appears on her site. The Food Network‘s Guy Fieri also has variation on the Ginger Margarita Recipe. His includes freshly grated nutmeg, while Martha adds the more traditional Cointreau to hers.

Ginger flavors also pair well with Rum, like The Wayland’s Bermuda Black from SeriousEats.com or the tropical favorite Dark & Stormy from cocktailsabout.com.

Ginger-infused vodka is another great choice for cocktails. The nibble.com has a slew of recipes to try, including my personal favorite, the Ginger Minx, made with lime juice, Cointreau, grapefruit juice, honey and bitters.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 15, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Pickle Room News

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The Pickle Room's Clay Lovejoy (photo by Leslie Dinaberg)

The Pickle Room’s Clay Lovejoy (photo by Leslie Dinaberg)

We’re big fans of the Pickle Room around here. Did you know that the John Schnackenberg and Cougar Estrada play live jazz the third Saturday of each month at Lovejoy’s Pickle Room? There’s no cover charge, and they play from 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Try the Mai Tai or the Moscow Mule along with the Chinese/Deli Reuben Egg Roll (sounds weird but trust us, it’s amazing!) and the delicious fried rice.

The Pickle Room's Reuben Egg Roll (courtesy photo)

The Pickle Room’s Reuben Egg Roll (courtesy photo)

Lovejoy’s Pickle Room is located at 126 E. Canon Perdido St.

Right next door the sister restaurant Three Pickles Deli has a new incarnation at night. It transforms into a sushi bar Tsukemono (which we hear means “pickled things” in Japanese). Open after 6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, you can eat in the sushi bar, or they’ll bring your favorite sushi to you at the Pickle Room.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 12, 2014.

The Stonehouse Earns Highest Honors From The Wine Spectator

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The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch. Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/sanysidroranch.

The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch. Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/sanysidroranch.

Congratulations to The Stonehouse.

This beautiful, romantic gem of a restaurant recently won The Wine Spectator Grand Award, the highest award given to restaurants that show a passionate devotion to the quality of their wine list, food, ambiance and service.

The Stonehouse, which is part of the historic San Ysidro Ranch,  is one of six new restaurants in the world to receive the coveted award in 2014.

Located in a 19th-century citrus packing house, The Stonehouse features a relaxing lounge with full bar service and a separate dining room with crackling fireplace and creekside views. Guests can dine under the romantic gaze of a star-filled sky on the ocean view deck, where a wood-burning fireplace and heated stone flooring provide year-round comfort.

The Stonehouse regional cuisine is prepared with a palate of herbs and vegetables harvested from the onsite chef’s garden for a blend of “organic inspiration and culinary artistry.”

Menu highlights include the “Classic Steak Diane Flambéed Tableside,” Pan Seared Santa Barbara Abalone, and Miso Glazed Channel Islands Black Cod, which complements an impressive wine list of 2,100 selections and an inventory of 12,500 bottles, according to The Wine Spectator. The wine list strengths are California, Bordeaux and Burgundy wines, reports the rating guide.

According to magazine’s 2014 Restaurant Awards announcement, the magazine’s editors “carefully assess each candidate, rigorously inspecting the wine program, cellar, service, ambiance and cuisine of the restaurant.” Sounds like a fun job.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 11, 2014.

iSurf Block Party Launches Watergirl Initiative

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Courtesy iSurf

Courtesy iSurf

Santa Barbara’s women’s surf program, iSurf School, has launched a new Watergirl Fund to help introduce girls to the joys of surfing. The fund is a scholarship program that will provide needs-based scholarships for surf instruction and will introduce the wonders of surfing to girls, ages 5-15, who would don’t have access to the sport.  The fund will also provide 100% scholarship and sponsorship funded surf programing to Girls, Inc. throughout the year, according to a statement from Alelia Parenteau, the owner of iSurf School.

The Fund will officially launch on Aug. 17 at the  iSurf Block Party, produced by WA Event Management & Consulting and hosted by The Valley Project (AVA Santa Barbara) and Pali Wine Co. The festivities include a silent auction, raffle, music, pig roast, ice cream stand and beer and wine.

Parenteau says “The goal is to raise $15,000 to provide needs-based scholarships up to 30 girls to attend a quarter of after school program. The girls selected would not have been able to attend without the invaluable support of the community.”

“Everyone has their own unique way of surfing,” says Gabi Turnbull, age 9 and an alum of the iSurf After School Program, “some surf schools teach the “one” way to surf but at iSurf you’re encouraged to develop your own style and explore your interests. Plus, I feel like a part of something bigger – a connection with the environment and the global surf community. My life IS surfing now, that’s how much I love it.”

iSurf has already partnered with prominent businesses in the Santa Barbara community to make this event a success.  Donors include Lole Atelier, SeaVees, Horny Toad, The Valley Project, Pali Wine Co, the Canary Hotel, and many more (for a complete list please see the Watergirl Fund webpage).

“We are completely humbled by the support of the community to make this event a major success,” says Parenteau, “it’s amazing to see how many people think this cause is important and see the value of this program and of surfing in general to the young girls in our community.”

The event will be held on Sunday, August 17 from 5–9 p.m. at the Valley Project and Pali Wine Co, 116 E. Yanonali St. in the Funk Zone. For more information click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 10, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Going Sideways

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We indulged in a "Pig Pickin' Party" tradition by drinking bourbon toast in salute to our dinner at the Sideways 10th Anniversary Winemaker Dinner. Photo by Krista Kennell.

We indulged in a “Pig Pickin’ Party” tradition by drinking bourbon toast in salute to our
dinner at the Sideways 10th Anniversary Winemaker Dinner. Photo by Krista Kennell.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

It’s been 10 years since Miles and Jack’s wine-soaked romp  through the vineyards of Santa Barbara wine country, and the impact of these memorable Sideways characters—created by by author Rex Pickett and brought to life by director Alexander Payne and a top-notch cast and crew—is still being celebrated throughout the region. This Academy Award-winning movie introduced the world to the incredible Pinot Noirs of Santa Barbara, and has forever changed the wine world’s perception of the bounty that Santa Barbara County has to offer.

The 10th anniversary celebrations for the movie Sideways kicked off last weekend with a wonderful party at Clenenden Ranch. Hosted by restaurateur and winemaker Frank Ostini (The Hitching Post II Restaurant & Winery) and winemaker Jim Clendenen (Au Bon Climat), this “Pig Pickin’ Party” was quite the shindig, featuring director Payne and movie star Paul Giamatti, an impressive roster of local winemakers, as well as special guests Jim n’ Nick’s BBQ of Birmingham, Alabama.

Enjoying the festivities (L-R), Gray Hartley of Hartley Ostini Hitching Post wines; Sideways star Paul Giamatti, Frank Ostini of Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Wine; Sideways director Alexander Payne, Sideways producer Michael London and Jim Clenenden of Au Bon Climat wines. Photo by Krista Kennell.

Enjoying the festivities (L-R), Gray Hartley of Hartley Ostini Hitching Post wines; Sideways star Paul Giamatti, Frank Ostini of Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Wine; Sideways director Alexander Payne, Sideways producer Michael London and Jim Clenenden of Au Bon Climat wines. Photo by Krista Kennell.

As you might imagine, Ostini and Clendenen served some amazing hand-selected Sideways original era 2004, 2005 and 2006 wines from Au Bon Climat, Hitching Post and Clendenen Family Vineyards—and other vintners also brought along some specially selected bottles to pair with Jim ‘n Nick’s southern-style barbecue feast, which included flying in their own heritage breed pig that was then slow roasted overnight for the party.

In addition to the party at the ranch, which I was fortunate to be able to attend, the following evening the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation continued the festivities by celebrating the Sideways milestone anniversary partnering with Direct Relief  (a 14-year partnership) on the Santa Barbara Wine Auction, a biennial gala event that since 2000 has raised $3 million in support of Direct Relief’s mission to provide medical aid and relief to people facing emergency situations around the globe.

“At this year’s auction, through the generosity of local vintners and Direct Relief supporters, we were able to raise $1 million,” reports Foundation president Jennifer Williamson Doré.  “A significant component of that number was contributed by bidders desiring the chance to come together to celebrate the anniversary of the release of Sideways at a 10 Year reunion dinner, generously donated by Frank Ostini and the Hitching Post II and Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat Winery.” To Jack and Miles we say, “Well done!”

Sideways star Paul Giamatti and Frank Ostini of Hartley Ostini Hitching Post wine skyped with Giamatti's co-star Virginia Madsen at the benefit event for Direct Relief International. Photo by Krista Kennell.

Sideways star Paul Giamatti and Frank Ostini of Hartley Ostini Hitching Post wine skyped with Giamatti’s co-star Virginia Madsen at the benefit event for Direct Relief International. Photo by Krista Kennell.

In addition to the gala Santa Barbara Wine Auction, the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation raises funds annually through silent auctions at both the Vintners Festival and Celebration of Harvest in support of local nonprofit organizations including Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People, sponsorship of Vino de Sueños annual event, FoodBank of Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation Scholarship Program, Annual Scholarships to qualifying high school seniors in northern Santa Barbara County and Annual Scholarships to qualifying students in the Allan Hancock College Enology and Viticulture program.

In what’s sure to be one of many more Sideways celebrations to come, the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau is holding a  Merlot Taste-Off event on September 13 to  pay homage to wine variety made famous in the Oscar-winning film.  As may recall, in the movie the character of Miles has the memorable line: “If anyone orders merlot, I’m leaving. I am not drinking any (expletive) merlot!”

Tracy Farhad, executive director of the Solvang CVB retorts, “No more denigrating merlot! Come taste these marvelous wines for yourself.”

Participating wineries include Baehner Fournier, Buttonwood, Carivintas, Core, Dascomb, Happy Canyon Vineyard, J. Ludlow, Lions Peak, Lucas & Lewellen, Point Concepcion, Sagebrush Annies, Sevtap and Sunstone. Local restaurants will provide gourmet appetizers.

The tasting will take place in the garden courtyard of the Solvang Festival Theatre (420 Second St.), and proceeds will benefit the nonprofit theater. For information and tickets call 805/688-6144 or visit SolvangUSA.com. 

Stay tuned, there are many more Sideways celebrations to come.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Jim Clenenden greets guests at his ranch in Los Alamos. Photo by Krista Kennell.

Jim Clenenden greets guests at his ranch in Los Alamos. Photo by Krista Kennell.

 

Winemakers enjoyed a special "Pig Pickin' Party" bourbon toast in salute to the pig at the Sideways 10th Anniversary Winemaker Dinner. Photo by Krista Kennell.

Winemakers enjoyed a special “Pig Pickin’ Party” bourbon toast in salute to the pig at the Sideways 10th Anniversary Winemaker Dinner. Photo by Krista Kennell.

Just a peek at the fabulous fixings at the Sideways 10th Anniversary Winemaker Dinner. Photo by Krista Kennell.

Just a peek at the fabulous fixings at the Sideways 10th Anniversary Winemaker Dinner. Photo by Krista Kennell.

 

A view worth turning sideways to see, at Clenenden Ranch in Los Alamos. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

A view worth turning sideways to see, at Clenenden Ranch in Los Alamos. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 8, 2014.

Local Lowdown: Books of Local Interest

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Tis the season … for reading! Here are a few books you’re sure to enjoy this summer!

Title

Moonlight Sonata at the Mayo Clinic

Author

Nora Gallagher

What

A lyrical and honest memoir of a woman who almost loses her vision and the surprising ways it changes her life.

Favorite Quote

“Vincent and I decided not to use certain metaphors. Blind drunk. Blind as a bat. We don’t see eye to eye. We used deaf as a bat, until I started to lose my hearing.”

Title

A Pig for Friendship

Author

Mukta Cholette, illustrated by Sommer Roman

What

A playfully illustrated children’s book about a young girl and her relationship with her family, the environment and her barn-loving animal friends.

Favorite Quote

“All the animals will be our friends! We will always treat them well and be grateful for their contribution to our farm.”

Title

The Beauty of Zentangle

Author

Suzanne McNeill and Cindy Shepard

What

A look at the Zentangle method of mindful pattern drawing, which is designed to calm the mind and spur creativity.

Favorite Quote

“Anything is possible, one stroke at a time.”

Title

Dark Venus

Author

Jinny Webber

What

Volume two of a trilogy of historical novels set in William Shakespeare’s England teams series protagonist Sander Cooke with Amelia Bassano Lanyer, the presumed dark lady of Shakespeare’s sonnets.

Favorite Quote

“Mischievous Will Shakespeare…He and she have a confederacy that has served them well, creating ever more varied women in his play scripts, ever more complicated roles for her to play.”

Title

Salade, Recipes From the Market Table

Author

Pascale Beale, photographs by Mike Verbois

What

A beautifully photographed cookbook made up of deliciously lovely studies on the salad in its countless forms.

Favorite Quote

“There are few foods I would happily eat every day of the year. Salad is one of them. I enjoy the ease with which they can be put together, the endless variations—from light mixed greens to more substantial salad-as-a-meal types, and the fact that I always feel so good when I eat them.”

Title

Broad Assumptions

Author

Starshine Roshell

What

Whether attempting naked yoga, exalting hot soccer dads or critiquing 50 Shades of Grey, this book of columns is insightful and audacious, playful and literate.

Favorite Quote

“I don’t love yoga. But I’m supposed to. Women my age, in my town (and let’s just say it, with my name) are supposed to swear by the practice’s tush-tightening, mind-loosening properties. …But yoga mostly makes me…uncomfortable.”

Title

Healing Afghanistan: Hope for the Children

Author

Judy Duchesne-Peckham

What

Local photographer and teacher Duchesne-Peckham shines a light and a lens on one of Afghanistan’s bright spots, a small Montessori-based orphanage school called The House of Flowers.

Favorite Quote

“(The House of Flowers) was beautiful and quiet and peaceful. I just fell in love with the kids. If they had let me take them home I probably would have been an instant mother of about seven children.”


Title

Say This Prayer Into the Past

Author

Paul J. Willis

What

A thoughtful book of poems from former Santa Barbara Poet Laureate Willis that reckons with cadavers in the family closet, a house lost to wildfire, the beauty of the Sierra Mountains and more.

Favorite Quote

“Since I saw your grandpa die/I like to watch you breathe. Mornings especially, /to see the air move easily/across your lip hung down in slumber, /poised to waken, ripen, bleed.”

Title

Trash Can Days

Author

Teddy Steinkellner

What

The middle school adventures of four very different kids.

Favorite Quote

“If you’re not checking Facebook every five seconds, you’re going to miss something huge. And if you’re the last person to hear the big news, you’re going to look like an idiot.”

Title

The Inner Traveler’s Guidebook to MOYO

Author

Linda Newlin

What

Moyo, the Swahili word for “heart,” is the focus of this workbook, which inspires people to discover their hearts’ desires and make their dreams a reality.

Favorite Quote

“Everywhere we go, there are people who are making rainbows as they shine their unique light that was woven into them.

Title

The Shadow Tracer

Author

Meg Gardiner

What

Gardiner’s mystery about a woman accused of murdering her sister is a page-turner of a plot-driven cat-and-mouse game.

Favorite Quote

“Sarah had found that, with effort, she could remain comparatively anonymous. Nobody got suspicious if she protected her privacy.”

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 2, 2014.