About

A passion to enrich lives through great story-telling.

I have worn numerous hats in my life. I am a proud US Air Force veteran, possess a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and worked as a critical care RN for a decade, and owned a Personal Chef and Catering company for six years. After all of that, I turned my attention back to my family and raised my children. Of all the things I’ve accomplished in my life, I am most proud of the fact that in sixth grade, I was a member of the Young Authors of America club and published my very first book. It was a Nancy Drew-esque mystery in which I did all my own illustrations and meticulously applied the most hideous floral wallpaper for the cover. That book spread like molasses throughout my school district’s library system that I’m sure is still talked about to this very day. It also no doubt sent ripples through the publishing industry, too.

All of my books are free of explicit language and content, but rich in entertainment and the deeper issues of life, regardless of genre.

My stories entertain as much as they inform. I strive to give my readers some laughs, tears, gasps, and a whole lot of smiles. When you close the book after reading the very last page, I want you to know something you never thought about before, but will carry for the rest of your life.

I live in the Midwest with my ridiculously patient husband of thirty-one years. Two of our three children have flown the coup while the third one is flapping his wings in preparation for solo flight. We had two Benevolent Chihuahua Overlords, Snoopy and Stanley McBarker (they are not a couple), who have since crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. I have no doubt they’re living it up together with loud music, exotic drinks, and fire hydrants as far as the eye can see.

I would love to connect with you as a member of My Team. I promise never to share your email or fill up your in box with newsletters and trivial nonsense. We both have better things to do with our time. Personally, I am always working on the next book, so stay tuned!

Blessings,

Cari Schaeffer

P.S. Here’s a Chocolate Pie recipe, just for visiting my page. It’s what I would make for you if you came to my home. Of course, it would be served with a cup of hot tea or coffee – your choice! Is this dorkish of me? Maybe, but I don’t care.

Chocolate Pie

1 3/4 cup whole milk
3/4 cup sugar
4 ounces unsweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
4 Tbsp cornstarch
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 graham cracker crust

Combine the 1 3/4 cup whole milk, chopped chocolate, and salt in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir it occasionally until the chocolate is melted. It may take a while, so be patient.

In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and 1/3 cup milk together until smooth. Increase the heat to medium, then slowly stir the cornstarch/milk into the hot chocolate/milk mixture. Stir it constantly until it simmers, not boils. Reduce the heat to low, still stirring, and cook for about a minute or so. It should be quite thick. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and add cinnamon.

Pour the chocolate filling into the graham cracker crust and allow it to cool to almost room temperature before you put it in the fridge. Refrigerate it overnight then enjoy.