Imagine stepping inside a Beverly Hills mansion where romance, mystery, and cinematic moments unfold in short videos. My Imagine Beverly Hills series brings these moments to life across several platforms.
Why am I so intrigued with Beverly Hills? Because my latest book, North of Sunset: A Novel is set there. In brief, it’s about a levelheaded temporary assistant who is sent to the Beverly Hills home office of a demanding and successful action movie producer, only to discover he’s testing her loyalty in unusual ways.
Rather than market this slow-burn romance book with a series of ads, I defaulted to creative mode and made short videos highlighting various scenes in the book or inspired by the book. When I lived in Los Angeles, I was only a ZIP Code away from Beverly Hills. I sometimes even walked there to see a movie or get some exercise. I also had many long and short-term jobs in various companies in and near Beverly Hills.
Some scenes in the Imagine Beverly Hills short video series include:
A romantic rooftop dinner with views of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles
A poolside lunch with Emily’s boss and a renowned movie star
A private screening room
Emily discovers the door to a secret room
A beautiful home library
Step into the world of Imagine Beverly Hills and experience the romance, intrigue, and luxury one short video at a time.
If you love books, videos, and videos about books, explore my three main channels linked below.
In January, I took a one-month-long break from the internet. My goal was to rewrite one of my novels. The events in the book also took place in January, so I was completely immersed in my rewrite. Going over my original notes, reading old books, and researching the last decade of the 20th century, I saw what changed and what hadn’t. I wanted to be certain that “North of Sunset” gave off that 1996 vibe. Back then, the internet was only a few years old.
My passion for this project increased as I was able to stay away from the online world which can be distracting. I made notes in a spiral bound notebook. I remembered how Los Angeles was so different than it is now. I listened to music from that time period and watched movies filmed in the mid-nineties. Research always pays off.
While this book is still a novel with a strong female protagonist, it's a bit more romantic and the ending has changed from the 2015 version. Some of the language has been cleaned up.
Book Description:
1996. Beverly Hills, California.
Sherman Lee is a wildly successful action movie producer with one obsession left: critical respect. But his temper, indulgences, and irrational demands have made him difficult to work for — no assistant lasts more than a few days.
Until Emily Karelin.
Disciplined, grounded, and far removed from Hollywood excess, Emily steps into Sherman’s home office with no industry experience — and no idea what she’s walking into. Navigating his unpredictable demands is challenging enough. But when Sherman’s best friend, internationally adored movie star Wesley Barron, becomes captivated by her, the stakes turn personal.
Will Emily survive Sherman’s loyalty tests?
Can she resist the charm of a renowned movie star?
In a world built on ego, image, and ambition, Emily must decide how much she’s willing to endure and what does loyalty truly cost?
EXCERPT
Emily let herself into the gate that morning. Not since her health food store days had she worked on a Saturday. Last night he’d given her a key to unlock the front door and she opened it and went into the office. No sign of him. Emily made coffee and retrieved several messages, mostly from the pesky media. Which was she to do first, the Rolodex or the scripts? She switched on the computer. Emily went into the kitchen to look for him. Harriet was there, scrambling eggs. “Hi, Harriet.” The older woman looked up and smiled. “Good morning, Emily. You’re just in time for breakfast. Sherman’ll be out in a minute.” Harriet pointed her spatula toward the open sliding glass door. Beyond that was the pool. Emily hadn’t been near the pool. She decided to ask her boss about her first project of the day. She walked out on the large redwood deck and over to the pool that was a natural stone-lined edifice rather than a turquoise oval. Sherman wore black trunks and was swimming the crawl stroke. He finished a lap and went over to the edge, breathing rapidly. He smiled at her and pointed to a towel on a nearby chaise lounge. “Hi Emily. Hand me that towel, will ya?” “Sure.” She picked it up and gave it to him. Sherman dried his face. “Just did thirty laps.” “Thirty? Wow, I’m impressed. I couldn’t even do three.” He pulled himself out of the pool and proceeded to dry himself off with the sheet bearing the Olympic rings. “You can go for a swim...” “No thanks. Besides, I don’t even own a bathing suit.” Sherman smiled as he dried off his legs. “Who the hell says you need a bathing suit to swim?”
Lisa Maliga is an American author of contemporary fiction, psychological thrillers, and cozy mysteries. Many of her works of fiction are set in Los Angeles.
For Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion, this vibrant red velvet hot chocolate is a clear winner for a tasty holiday drink. This kid-friendly caffeine-free version is for those of you who want to enjoy a late night beverage. For an extraordinary holiday season, share this simple yet indulgent recipe with your family and friends. It’s from my latest dessert cookbook QUICK & EASY CHOCOLATE DESSERT RECIPES. Scroll down to watch the video!
Stir well and keep stirring until it just begins to bubble. If using an infrared thermometer, the temperature should be about 150° Fahrenheit / 65° Celsius.
Turn off burner and remove from heat. You don’t want to scorch your milk.
Add the vanilla extract.
Keep stirring as it thickens.
Add the food color[s].
Pour into glass[es] and top with marshmallows, sprinkles, whipped cream, or enjoy as is!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting indie authors!
Buttery, chewy cookies with white chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles are my new favorite! Made with salted butter, pure vanilla and almond extracts, these cookies are sweet and sassy. Make anyone’s birthday a great reason to bake these or just bake them to celebrate any happy occasion!
Have you ever made French hot chocolate in July when the temperature was 100 degrees? Or mixed up a batch of chocolate cake batter well past midnight so the oven didn’t overheat the kitchen? Did you refrigerate your soda glass so it was nice and cold for your chocolate mint milkshake?
Yes, I did all of that and more when creating the recipes that made it into my latest cookbook. And I also learned that having an extra hot kitchen was an advantage when photographing the chocolate treats. Here’s an example of the melting chocolate in the fresh-from-the-oven Baked Chocolate Fudge Bars.
So, if you love chocolate, or know of someone who does, give my latest book a look-see! Here’s the official description.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth with Quick & Easy Chocolate Dessert Recipes!
Desiring something chocolatey and delicious? Look no further! This tempting collection of 37 irresistible, quick-to-make recipes is the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers of all ages. From dreamy hot and cold chocolate beverages to decadent cookies, brownies, fudge, and puddings, this cookbook is filled with mouthwatering recipes that come together in a jiffy.
Each recipe is paired with stunning full-page color photos, so you can easily recreate these chocolatey delights at home. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find simple yet indulgent recipes that satisfy every chocolate craving.
Discover showstoppers like Red Velvet Cookies, Cotton Candy Hot Chocolate, Egg-Free Chocolate Cupcakes, Mini Chocolate Bundt Cakes, and a rich Double Chocolate Parfait—perfect for cozy nights, special occasions, or whenever you need a chocolate fix!
Includes 3 full-length cozy mysteries and four free dessert recipes!
The Great Brownie Taste-off, Book 1
Cat shelter employee Yolanda Carter loves her job, but her dream is to own a bakery. Living in Sherman Oaks, California with her tuxedo cat, her only outlet is baking treats for her friends, coworkers and family. Her situation changes when her high school friend, Teagan Mishkin, drops by to tell her about an incredible job opportunity that will give Yolanda enough money to launch her bakery. The job interview takes an unexpected turn and Yolanda stumbles across a scheme to close the cat shelter. She concocts a sweet plan to save the shelter and share her decadent brownies in the Great Brownie Taste-off. Assisted by her artisan parents, friends, shelter employees and a rising young blogger who gives her much-needed publicity, will she win the taste-off and save the shelter? Includes the winning brownie recipe.
The Missing Sea Captain, Book 2
The successful launch of Yolanda’s Yummery in the trendy Brentwood area of Los Angeles has Yolanda Carter working seven days a week. Her delicious desserts are garnering many repeat customers and in just a few weeks the adjoining Beverage Bar will be opening. She’s involved in a budding romance with sophisticated British tea baron, Nigel Garvey. The mystery involves Captain Angus, a regular homeless customer who disappears. Clues point toward Yolanda being involved in foul play. Lead investigator Detective Churchill thinks she’s a murderer, along with her best friend, Teagan Mishkin. Will Yolanda’s name be cleared, and can those bestselling Magical Cakes of Love save her and the yummery? Includes two new recipes!
A Pie to Die For, Book 3
In this cozy mystery, Yolanda Carter is told of her grandmother’s best friend’s unsolved murder. Mildred Overmeyer was an outstanding home baker who was stabbed to death while baking a cherry pie. The story of the 1960s crime touches Yolanda, along with her new friend, Detective Churchill. Her budding sleuthing skills lead her to search for the killer. In between investigating and baking batches of pies in time for her latest product launch, Yolanda discovers more about the sweetness of love. And who is heating up the kitchen with Yolanda? Includes the recipe for Yolanda’s Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!
Macarons, paperback, and teacup are photographed by Lisa Maliga, copyright 2024.
In the heart of Yolanda’s Yummery, love is in the air as macarons are baking for Valentine’s Day. But when someone she knows is found dead in a nearby dumpster, Yolanda Carter’s world crumbles. Teaming up with Detective Winston Churchill, Yolanda sets out to uncover the truth behind the sinister murder.
I’ve included three new reviews from readers who were kind enough to read my ARC.
Yolanda’s Yummery is filled with excitement as she prepares for Valentine’s Day by baking exquisite French macarons. That night’s TV appearance on America’s Best Bakeries will further benefit the yummery. But the festive spirit is shattered when a shocking discovery is made—a friend’s body is found in a nearby dumpster. Struggling to cope with the tragedy, Yolanda Carter partners with Detective Winston Churchill to find the killer. Surrounded by a cast of potential suspects, including her boyfriend, Nigel Garvey, Yolanda balances running her yummery, gearing up for the first anniversary celebration, and uncovering the truth.
With love, betrayal, and hidden agendas swirling around her, Yolanda embarks on a dangerous journey to untangle a web of deceit.This story weaves together elements of romance and suspense. Will she solve the mystery before it leads to her own downfall?
“Macarons and Murder” includes recipes for French macarons and cupcakes!
Book link: Macarons and Murder [A Yolanda’s Yummery Cozy Mystery, Book 4]. Available in eBook, paperback and Amazon Audible formats. The Yolanda’s Yummery Cozy Mystery series can be purchased at most online bookstores, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Kobo and many more.
VIDEO
READER REVIEWS
“A new line of baked goods at the store, new employees struggling to fit in, and another murder mystery to solve; it`s all in a day`s work for Yolanda Carter. What a shame the busiest sales day of the year, Valentine`s Day, is marred by the discovery of a body in a dumpster behind the building, even more so when comes to light that Yolanda knows the deceased, and negative, libelous reviews are threatening to ruin her livlihood. Pace, plot, and action are stepped up in Lisa Maliga`s newest installment, and, although still qualifying as a cosy, it is yet much appreciated. I love following along as the seasons change in the yummery – after reading the fourth book in the series, it`s beginning to feel a lot like home: I care about these characters and their trials and triumphs.” Reviewed by Cindy Topp, GoodReads reviewer
“This was a real ‘feel good’ story. I love the protagonist Yolanda who with her entourage of friends and family, manages to have the most hair-raising adventures. Her ongoing love interests are intriguing too, as is the gruesome murder of someone she knew that she decides to investigate. I really look forward to the next book in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.” Reviewed by Geraldine Lopez, BookBub reviewer
“Yolanda Carter owns a bakery called Yolanda’s Yummery. A dead body is found in her dumpster and competition is trying to use that by ruining her business. She feels she has to find out who killed her friend Mike to stop all the rumors trying to put her out of business. This was a very well written book. Suspenseful up to the very end. Hard to put down. Highly recommend it.” Reviewed by Renee, November 5, 2024
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