Sharon Wray's Blog, page 16

Louisa May Alcott’s May Day Baskets

I feel like I always say this toward the end of each month, but I can’t believe how quickly this year is flying by. I can’t believe it’s almost May 1st!! So today I want to share with you one of my favorite traditions that very few people have ever heard of–the tradition of the May Day Basket. I first heard of this tradition years ago when I read the children’s book “Jack and Jill” by Louisa May Alcott. But the act of giving baskets filled with flowers on May 1st dates back much further.

May Day Baskets can be traced back centuries to ancient spring festivals celebrating fertility, renewal, and the beauty of nature. In Europe, May 1st was often marked by maypoles, dancing, and the crowning of a May Queen, and in Celtic countries it was celebrated as the pagan festival known as Beltane. As time went on, the early Catholic Church adopted these traditions and declared May to be the month to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus. A month that included many church festivities that fused with secular ones. When these celebrations crossed the Atlantic, they transformed into more intimate gestures, particularly in New England, where both religious and secular communities adopted this sweet custom, but made it less religious and more about the joy of Spring.

By the 19th century in America, the idea of making small baskets filled with flowers, candies, or handwritten notes and secretly delivering them to neighbors, friends, or sweethearts became a beloved May Day ritual. The game was played by leaving a basket on someone’s doorstep, ringing the bell, and running before being caught. Even Eleanor Roosevelt received May Day Baskets from young children who visited the White House.

This tradition was going strong in the U.S. until the Civil War. During the war, many favorite festivities ceased (for obvious reasons) and the tradition of May Day Baskets slipped away… until 1880. That’s when Louisa May Alcott, already a beloved American author, wrote her children’s novel Jack and Jill. In this sweet book, Alcott included a lovely scene that describes May Day mischief and joy in New England:

“Such a twanging of bells and rapping of knockers; such a scampering of feet in the dark; such droll collisions as boys came racing round corners, or girls ran into one another’s arms as they crept up and down steps on the sly; such laughing, whistling, flying about of flowers and friendly feeling—it was almost a pity that May-day did not come oftener.” … from Jack and Jill, by Louisa May Alcott.

This vivid passage captures the giddy excitement and communal spirit around the custom of May Day Baskets. For Alcott, who grew up in 19th Century Concord, Massachusetts (a time and town steeped in transcendentalist ideals and a deep love of nature), the traditions of May Day weren’t just quaint customs. They were expressions of friendship, innocence, and the kind of joy found in simple pleasures.

Today, the art of the May Day Basket has faded from mainstream celebration, but I believe it should be revived. In a world overwhelmed by digital noise and fast-paced schedules, the act of crafting a small gift with your own hands and delivering it in secret to a friend or family member, or anyone else who needs cheering up, carries a timeless charm. Whether it’s a paper cone of fresh garden flowers or a basket of treats for a neighbor or friend, May Day Baskets offer a gentle way to make our communities happier and fill them with joy.

So how does one make a May Day Basket? Gather some blossoms in a basket, maybe add a small treat like a homemade cookie or a tin of your favorite tea, tie a ribbon, and surprise someone with a little kindness. As Louisa May Alcott says, “… it was almost a pity that May-day did not come oftener.”

The post Louisa May Alcott’s May Day Baskets first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Snowed In With You… Cover Reveal

I can’t believe we’re already talking about the 2025 holiday season, but like I’ve mentioned before, publishing is weird. Because of the way book production works, authors are often writing summer beach reads in November and Christmas stories in March. And this year is no different. So today I want to share a holiday anthology project I’m working on with a wonderful group of authors. Snowed In With You is a winter/holiday, snowed-in themed anthology, and today I want to share the cover and blurb. This anthology will be filled with charming and romantic stories that are centered around the popular “forced proximity” trope of being stuck in a remote cabin during the snowstorm. Other tropes included are friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, unexpected proposals (and maybe a secret baby), unrecognized billionaires, brother’s best friend, and more.

My story in this anthology will be a new novella in my Kingsmill Courtships series … but more on that in the coming months! I know it’s early to think about the holidays, and, like me, you may still have some lingering holiday decorations lying about. But if part of your heart is yearning for the romantic feels that only a snowed-in–themed romantic story can offer, you can preorder your copy now!

Snowed In With You

When the snow falls, sparks fly.

Snowed In With You is a collection of contemporary romances, filled with unexpected love and the magic of winter. When blizzards hit and temperatures drop, strangers, friends, and even enemies are forced into close quarters, discovering that sometimes being snowed in is exactly what they need to find their happily ever after.

From secluded cabins to bustling lodges, each story captures the feeling of being snowed in—where the world slows down and love takes center stage.

Perfect for readers who crave romance with a dose of forced proximity, crackling fireplaces, and cozy winter settings, Snowed In With You will warm your heart even on the coldest of nights.

This book releases on November 12, 2025.

Preorder Now!

Participating authors include: Linda G. Hill, Anna Allen, Cynthia Terelst, Élodie Garroway, Michelle Moncrieff, Gracin Sawyer, Emma Lynn Everly, Toni Denise, Deaia Sanders, Kalli Dean, MacKade, Ebony Snow, Sofia Aves, Cara Dion, Chelle Pimblott, Skylar M. Cates, Lexi Haven, Clarice Jayne, Chele MacCabe, Bonnie Poirier, Sharon Wray, and Laura M. Baird

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Sarah Munro’s Rose Petal Bath Bombs

I can’t believe Spring is finally here and that means I’m spending more time in the garden. But it also means that I’m taking more baths afterwards. While I love adding bath bombs, many are filled with chemicals, too many weird scents, and dyes that can stain my white tub. They’re also really expensive! So I’m learning how to make my own Rose Petal Bath Bombs using organic and natural ingredients, most of which are available from Amazon and Mountain Rose Herbs.

For those of you new to this series, Sarah Munro, the heroine in ONE DARK WISH, the second book in the Deadly Force series, is an 18th century historian who inherited a collection of colonial-era herbal and homeopathic remedies. And, in this blog space, I’ve been sharing her recipes with you all. I’m adding this recipe to this collection because these Rose Petal Bath Bombs contain coconut oil which softens the skins and can lock in hydration. The coconut oil, as well as the essential oils, also have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. And the Epsom salt (aka magnesium sulfate) may help relieve muscle soreness and reduce inflammation when used in baths.

Note: I am not an affiliate of Mountain Rose Herbs. I just love their website and buy most of my herbs and other special ingredients from them.

Ingredients:

1 cup baking soda1/2 cup cornstarch1/2 cup citric acid powder1/2 cup Epsom salt4 teaspoons beet powder 1/2 cup dried rose petals (food-grade, if possible)3 teaspoons high-proof alcohol3 teaspoons coconut oil, melted20 – 30 drops rose geranium essential oil20 – 30 drops vanilla essential oil blend4 large stainless steel bath bomb molds Directions for Rose Petal Bath BombsPlace a sieve over a large bowl and sift together the baking soda, cornstarch, citric acid powder, Epsom salt, and beet powder. Once all the ingredients are sifted, use a large spoon to gently stir, to add more air. Prepare the molds by putting 1 Tablespoon of the dried rose petals into one half of the bath bomb molds. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil. Remove from the heat and quickly stir in the rose geranium essential oil and the vanilla essential oil blend.Using a wooden spoon, stir the heated oils into the dry ingredients. Then slowly drizzle the alcohol into the mixture. If you see a lot of fizzing (a chemical reaction), slow down the drizzling of the alcohol. Stir quickly to avoid the fizzing.Spoon the mixture into both sides of the bath bomb molds. Using the back of a spoon, firmly pat the mixture into the mold and press the molds together. Place the molds on a baking sheet and allow to cure for NO MORE THAN 3 HOURS. If they cure any longer, they will be really hard to remove. Remove the molds, but then put the bath bombs back into one half of the mold and allow them to dry for at least 24 hours. Once they are dry, wrap them in plastic or muslim and store in a cool, dry space.To use: drop a bath bomb into your bath water next time you want to treat yourself to a nice, relaxing tub experience. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING , AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:

I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).

It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.

If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.

Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.

Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.

Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.

Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.

I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!

The post Sarah Munro’s Rose Petal Bath Bombs first appeared on Sharon Wray.

An English Tea for St. George’s Day

It seems like dragons are everywhere these days. In fictional novels like Fourth Wing, and on TV with Game of Thrones. Even in children’s books like How to Train Your Dragon and Voyage of the Dawn Treader. But dragon lore has been around for a long time, and one of the most famous dragonslayers is a man known as St. George.

Today, April 23rd, is St. George’s Day, a celebration of England’s patron saint, the slayer of dragons, and a powerful symbol of courage and chivalry. While the day might not boast the parades of St. Patrick’s or the fireworks of Bonfire Night, it’s the kind of holiday that calls for a traditional English afternoon tea. So this year, instead of serving a roast beef or a steak and ale pie, I’m using the good china and serving a St. George’s Day Afternoon Tea. It’s all about celebrating the quintessentially English spirit—polished, a little romantic, and best served with jam and clotted cream. Below is the menu I’m working on… if only I had all the time in the world.

[image error]St. George’s English Afternoon Tea Party

The Tea
A strong pot of Yorkshire Gold or Earl Grey, poured into proper cups with saucers. Add a little milk and sugar if you like, or serve it black and brooding, like a knight in a rainy novel.

 Savories
Cucumber sandwiches on soft white bread, lightly buttered, with a sprinkle of sea salt
Coronation chicken salad on mini brioche rolls
Egg and cress on rye, cut into triangles
Mini sausage rolls, warm and flaky, with a touch of mustard on the side

 Sweets
Scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam
Victoria sponge cake, feather-light and filled with raspberry jam and whipped cream
Treacle tart or Bakewell slices, for a taste of classic comfort
Red velvet cupcakes with tiny St. George’s crosses piped on top

 A Touch of Red and White
Decorate the table with red roses—the flower of England—and white linens or lace. Add a few paper dragons, and let the tea party feel like a celebration that could happen in a cozy cottage by the sea or the corner of an old inn.

St. George’s Day may not be the loudest holiday on the calendar, but it holds something gentle and timeless. A reminder of valor, tradition, and the beauty of sitting down to tea with the people you love. So raise your teacup, eat the second scone, tell your favorite dragon story, and celebrate like an English rose with a sword at her side.

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Spring Cleaning the Writer’s Space

I’m so happy it’s Spring. It’s the season of blooming daffodils, pollen-induced sneezing fits, and that irresistible urge to scrub everything down to the bones. Here in Virginia, this time of year is affectionately called “The Pollening”. But while most people are out power-washing their decks and alphabetizing their spice racks, I’m staring down a different kind of chaos: my desks. Yes, I have two!

I hate to admit that even though I’m a librarian, my writing spaces are often more “creative tornado” than “inspiring haven.” Coffee-stained notebooks, half-melted candles, an alarming number of pens that may or may not work, planners that were supposed to start in January but haven’t even been opened yet… Does any of this sound familiar?

If it does, then it’s time to talk about really spring cleaning your work area—dust bunnies and all. This isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about reclaiming your space, reviving your creativity, and making your writing nook feel like a place you actually want to spend time in (instead of just collapsing into like a Victorian ghost, with all the accompanying drama and moans).

Spring Cleaning the Writer’s Space1. Clear the Decks (Yes, All of It)

Start by removing everything from your desk or table. Including the stacks of sticky notes you’ve been ignoring since February. Wipe the surface down—dust, crumbs, glitter, existential dread—whatever has settled there. Why? Because clutter doesn’t just take up physical space; it takes up mental space too. If you’re feeling blocked or scattered, your environment might be part of the problem.

2. Purge the Paper Trail

Sort through your piles of notes, notebooks, planners, scribbles, and abandoned plot bunnies. Be ruthless. Do you really need that napkin with three lines of dialogue you no longer understand? Probably not. Keep what sparks something. Toss what doesn’t. Bonus points for creating a dedicated “Idea Graveyard” folder for the things you can’t quite let go of.

3. Tame the TBR Tower and Book Chaos

Books are essential. But if your office is starting to resemble the lost wing of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, it might be time to curate.

Move/donate unread books you’re no longer excited about.Re-shelve research books that aren’t relevant to your current project.Display your favorites or inspirations where you can see them.

A well-loved book within arm’s reach can be more motivating than any productivity app.

4. Audit Your Supplies (and Your Mug Collection)

Test your pens. Toss the ones that are dry, leaky, or write like they’ve been possessed. Sharpen pencils. Refill sticky notes. Untangle cords. Do you really need 11 notebooks with only three pages used in each? What about all those planners you bought in October and are gathering dust beneath your unfolded laundry? Don’t feel guilty. Just audit, purge, donate… whatever feels right for you.

As for mugs… we’re writers. Mugs are part of our soul. But maybe you can limit them to two on the desk at a time. (One for coffee. One for pens. Trust me, it’s still cozy.)

5. Add Something Fresh

Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to delight. Make your space feel a little magical, and make it yours. Here are a few ideas:

A small plant.A new candle.Fairy lights.A quote that lights your fire.A postcard from a place your characters would visit.A business card from a local bookstore where you hope to sign your own books one day.6. Define Your Zones

If you’re lucky enough to have a room, great. If your writing nook shares space with a dining table, a guest bed, or a rogue cat tree, no worries. Just define your space however you can. Maybe it’s with a tray that holds your tools, or moving a desk mat that marks your territory. A little boundary-setting can help shift your brain into writing mode.

7. Celebrate the Ritual

Spring cleaning your work area isn’t just about getting tidy—it’s a reset. A seasonal ritual. A way of saying to yourself, “I take my work seriously. I deserve a space that supports it.” Light a candle, put on a playlist, and make a cup of something warm. Maybe even have a stash of chocolate nearby. When it’s all done, take a moment to sit, breathe, and admire your freshly polished little world.

You did that. And now? You’re ready to write. And if you’re still battling the frog and the devil, here are a few ideas on how to handle that situation.

The post Spring Cleaning the Writer’s Space first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Rainy Day Romantic Reads

There’s something magical about a rainy spring day. The world slows down, the air smells like blooming lilacs and wet sidewalks, and suddenly, it feels completely acceptable to slip on a cozy sweater, make a cup of tea, and savor a book that feels like a warm hug. And now that April is here, with May following closely, the rain has begun in earnest. So if you’re craving stories that pair beautifully with raindrops on the windows and the rustle of pages, I’ve listed a few suggestions below. These are the novels that whisper, “Just one more chapter,” until you realize your tea is cold and you forgot to eat lunch. I hope you enjoy these cozy, contemplative, heart-swoony reads as much as I do!

All book blurbs courtesy of Amazon (I am not an affiliate so there are no affiliate links in this post).

Women’s FictionThe Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman

AMAZON BLURB: Lilian Girvan has been a single mother for three years—ever since her husband died in a car accident. One mental breakdown and some random suicidal thoughts later, she’s just starting to get the hang of this widow thing. She can now get her two girls to school, show up to work, and watch TV like a pro. The only problem is she’s becoming overwhelmed with being underwhelmed. 
 
At least her textbook illustrating job has some perks—like actually being called upon to draw whale genitalia. Oh, and there’s that vegetable-gardening class her boss signed her up for. Apparently, being the chosen illustrator for a series of boutique vegetable guides means getting your hands dirty, literally. Wallowing around in compost on a Saturday morning can’t be much worse than wallowing around in pajamas and self-pity. 

Contemporary Military RomanceThe Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros

AMAZON BLURB:

Beckett,

If you’re reading this, well, you know the last-letter drill. You made it. I didn’t. Get off the guilt train, because I know if there was any chance you could have saved me, you would have. I need one thing from you: get out of the army and get to Telluride.

My little sister Ella’s raising the twins alone. She’s too independent and won’t accept help easily, but she has lost our grandmother, our parents, and now me. It’s too much for anyone to endure. It’s not fair. And here’s the kicker: there’s something else you don’t know that’s tearing her family apart. She’s going to need help. So if I’m gone, that means I can’t be there for Ella. I can’t help them through this. But you can. So I’m begging you, as my best friend, go take care of my sister, my family.

Please don’t make her go through it alone. 

Ryan

Cozy MysteryThe Secret, Book and Scone Society (Book 1) by Ellery Adams

AMAZON BLURB: A quirky club in small-town North Carolina holds the keys to health, happiness, friendship—and even solving a murder—all to be found within the pages of the right book…

Strangers flock to Miracle Springs hoping the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. If none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked “comfort” scone, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That’s Nora’s special talent—prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person’s deepest pain. So when a visiting businessman reaches out for guidance, Nora knows exactly how to help. But before he can keep their appointment, he’s found dead on the train tracks.

Stunned, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, a group of damaged souls yearning to earn redemption by helping others. To join, members must divulge their darkest secret—the terrible truth that brought each of them to Miracle Springs in the first place. Now, determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman’s demise, the women meet in Nora’s cozy bookstore. And as they untangle a web of corruption, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge—proving it’s never too late to turn the page and start over…

Women’s FictionEvvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

AMAZON BLURB: In a sleepy seaside town in Maine, recently widowed Eveleth “Evvie” Drake rarely leaves her large, painfully empty house nearly a year after her husband’s death in a car crash. Everyone in town, even her best friend, Andy, thinks grief keeps her locked inside, and Evvie doesn’t correct them.

Meanwhile, in New York City, Dean Tenney, former Major League pitcher and Andy’s childhood best friend, is wrestling with what miserable athletes living out their worst nightmares call the “yips”: he can’t throw straight anymore, and, even worse, he can’t figure out why. As the media storm heats up, an invitation from Andy to stay in Maine seems like the perfect chance to hit the reset button on Dean’s future.

When he moves into an apartment at the back of Evvie’s house, the two make a deal: Dean won’t ask about Evvie’s late husband, and Evvie won’t ask about Dean’s baseball career. Rules, though, have a funny way of being broken—and what starts as an unexpected friendship soon turns into something more. To move forward, Evvie and Dean will have to reckon with their pasts—the friendships they’ve damaged, the secrets they’ve kept—but in life, as in baseball, there’s always a chance—up until the last out.

Women’s Historical FictionThe Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey

AMAZON BLURB: Four women. One family heirloom. A secret connection that will change their lives—and history as they know it.

Present Day: Julia Baxter’s wedding veil, bequeathed to her great-grandmother by a mysterious woman on a train in the 1930s, has passed through generations of her family as a symbol of a happy marriage. But on the morning of her wedding day, something tells her that even the veil’s good luck isn’t enough to make her marriage last forever. Overwhelmed, she escapes to the Virgin Islands to clear her head.

Meanwhile, her grandmother, Babs, is also feeling shaken. Still grieving the death of her beloved husband, she decides to move into a retirement community. Though she hopes it’s a new beginning, she does not expect to run into an old flame, dredging up the same complicated emotions she felt a lifetime ago.

1914: Socialite Edith Vanderbilt is struggling to manage the luxurious Biltmore Estate after the death of her cherished husband. With 250 rooms to oversee and an entire village dependent on her family to stay afloat, Edith is determined to uphold the Vanderbilt legacy—and prepare her free-spirited daughter Cornelia to inherit it—despite her family’s deteriorating financial situation. But Cornelia has dreams of her own, and as she explores more of the rapidly changing world around her, she’s torn between upholding tradition and pursuing the exciting future that lies beyond Biltmore’s gilded gates.

Romantic ComedyMeet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson

AMAZON BLURB: Savannah Cade’s dreams are coming true. The Claire Donovan, editor-in-chief of the most successful romance publishing company in the country, has requested to see the manuscript Savannah’s been secretly writing. The only problem: she’s an editor for a different company, and their philosophy is only highbrow works are worth printing and romance should be reserved for the lowest level of Dante’s inferno.

But when Savannah drops her manuscript during a staff meeting and nearly exposes herself to the whole company–including William Pennington, the new boss and son of the romance-despising CEO herself–she has no choice but to hide the manuscript in a hidden room.

When she returns, she’s dismayed to discover that someone has not only been in her hidden nook but has written notes in the margins–quite critical ones. But when Claire’s own reaction turns out to be nearly identical to the scribbled remarks, and, worse, Claire announces that Savannah has six weeks to resubmit before she retires, Savannah finds herself forced to seek the help of the shadowy editor after all.

As their notes back and forth start to fill up the pages, however, Savannah finds him becoming pivotal not just to her work but her life. There’s no doubt about it: she’s falling for her mystery editor. If she only knew who he was.

Romantic ComedyThe Flat Share by Beth O’Leary

AMAZON BLURB: Tiffy and Leon share an apartment. Tiffy and Leon have never met.

After a bad breakup, Tiffy Moore needs a place to live. Fast. And cheap. But the apartments in her budget have her wondering if astonishingly colored mold on the walls counts as art.

Desperation makes her open minded, so she answers an ad for a flatshare. Leon, a night shift worker, will take the apartment during the day, and Tiffy can have it nights and weekends. He’ll only ever be there when she’s at the office. In fact, they’ll never even have to meet.

Tiffy and Leon start writing each other notes – first about what day is garbage day, and politely establishing what leftovers are up for grabs, and the evergreen question of whether the toilet seat should stay up or down. Even though they are opposites, they soon become friends. And then maybe more.

But falling in love with your roommate is probably a terrible idea…especially if you’ve never met.

Women’s FictionFriends with Secrets by Christine Gunderson

AMAZON BLURB: What you see isn’t always what you get.

Take Ainsley. The gorgeous mother of two lives a picture-perfect life with her husband, Ben—aspiring politician and heir to a candy fortune—in suburban Washington, DC. But in reality, Ainsley has no idea what she’s doing and is terrified someone will figure out who she really is and where she came from.

Nikki’s fighting to keep afloat as a stay-at-home mother of four, subsisting on chicken nuggets and very little sleep. She’s a mess on the outside, and inside yearns for the validation—and the paycheck—of the television news career she left behind.

When a dangerous figure from Ainsley’s past becomes a coach at her kids’ school, she fears the worst and confides in Nikki, spilling every detail of her former life.

Together, they devise a plan to expose the coach and safeguard their kids. But can they protect their own lives—and their new friendship—in the process?

Women’s FictionThe Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

AMAZON BLURB: Meet Nina Hill: A young woman supremely confident in her own…shell.
 
The only child of a single mother, Nina has her life just as she wants it: a job in a bookstore, a kick-butt trivia team, a world-class planner and a cat named Phil. If she sometimes suspects there might be more to life than reading, she just shrugs and picks up a new book. 
 
When the father Nina never knew existed suddenly dies, leaving behind innumerable sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews, Nina is horrified. They all live close by! They’re all—or mostly all—excited to meet her! She’ll have to Speak. To. Strangers. It’s a disaster! And as if that wasn’t enough, Tom, her trivia nemesis, has turned out to be cute, funny, and deeply interested in getting to know her. Doesn’t he realize what a terrible idea that is?
 
Nina considers her options.
1. Completely change her name and appearance. (Too drastic, plus she likes her hair.) 
2. Flee to a deserted island. (Hard pass, see: coffee). 
3. Hide in a corner of her apartment and rock back and forth. (Already doing it.)
 
It’s time for Nina to come out of her comfortable shell, but she isn’t convinced real life could ever live up to fiction. It’s going to take a brand-new family, a persistent suitor, and the combined effects of ice cream and trivia to make her turn her own fresh page.

Historical Biographical FictionThe Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar

AMAZON BLURB: When Hollywood auctioneer Emsley Wilson finds her famous grandmother’s diary while cleaning out her New York brownstone, the pages are full of surprises. The first surprise is, the diary isn’t her grandmother’s. It belongs to Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh’s sister-in-law.

Johanna inherited Vincent van Gogh’s paintings. They were all she had, and they weren’t worth anything. She was a 28 year old widow with a baby in the 1800s, without any means of supporting herself, living in Paris where she barely spoke the language. Yet she managed to introduce Vincent’s legacy to the world.

The inspiration couldn’t come at a better time for Emsley. With her business failing, an unexpected love turning up in her life, and family secrets unraveling, can she find answers in the past?

The post Rainy Day Romantic Reads first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Happy Easter!

For all of my readers and followers who are celebrating today, I hope you have a Happy Easter! [image error]

The post Happy Easter! first appeared on Sharon Wray.

An Easy Easter Brunch

As usual, I’m doing things at the last minute, including making deviled eggs to bring to my sister’s house tomorrow. But I’m excited to make them because Easter Brunch is one of those joyful gatherings that is both relaxed and celebratory. Between the pastel colors, fresh spring flowers, and delicious food, it’s the perfect way to gather with friends and family. If you’re hosting this year, and like me you’re behind, don’t stress. Here’s a simple plan to serve a wonderful meal and have fun with your guests at the same time.

An Easy Easter Brunch

1. Plan Your Menu Ahead of Time
Don’t go overboard. Choose a mix of sweet and savory dishes, like deviled eggs, a quiche, or sliced ham. Include a veggie, maybe some fruit, and a yummy coffee cake or cinnamon rolls. Bonus points for anything you can prep the night before!

2. Set the Table the Day Before
Of course this means today. LOL. But a little pre-planning can go a long way. So set the table with your favorite dishes, napkins, and silverware ahead of time. Add a pretty centerpiece with spring flowers or a bowl of dyed eggs, and you’re done.

3. Keep Drinks Simple and Self-Serve
Set up a drink station with coffee, tea, lemonade, orange juice, and maybe a mimosa bar (or other cocktail) if you’re feeling festive. That way, guests can help themselves while you finish things up in the kitchen.

4. Make a Timeline
Work backward from when you want to serve. Figure out when things need to go in the oven or come out of the fridge so you’re not scrambling last minute. (except for the eggs, of course) Don’t forget to build in time for yourself to get ready!

5. Enjoy the Moment
The best brunches are the ones where you’re having fun, too. So light a candle, put on a playlist, and enjoy the food and company. After all, Easter is about renewal, joy, and connection.

6. Menu Ideas Below are a few brunch recipe ideas that can be made or prepped ahead of time and are sure to make even the pickiest eater happy. There’s even an easy mustard sauce recipe to dress up a simple sliced ham.

Host your own Easter Brunch! Blueberry Crumb Cake Egg& Crabmeat Scramble [image error] Asparagus Quiche Spinach & Strawberry Salad [image error] Spring Equinox Cocktail [image error] Greatest Ham Sauce

The post An Easy Easter Brunch first appeared on Sharon Wray.

The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Deviled Eggs

It’s almost Easter and this year I’m having brunch with my mother, stepfather, and my sister’s family. Since we all bring food to share to make the hostessing easier, I’m bringing Deviled Eggs. I can make them ahead of time, and I rarely have leftovers. The recipe below is from my mother and it’s still one of my favorite version because they aren’t too “spicy” or “hot” which makes them perfect for all (fussy) ages. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter/Spring weekend!

PrintThe Hungry {Romance} Writer: Deviled EggsThese deviled eggs are easy to make and I usually make them in two parts. I boil the eggs on one day and chill them. Then the next day I peel them and "devil" them. You can make the finished eggs ahead of time, although I wouldn't make them too early as the filling can begin to "sweat" or they may mysteriously disappear from the refrigerator.Course AppetizerPrep Time 20 minutes minutesServings 12Calories 196kcalIngredients12 whole hard-boiled eggs peeled1/2 cup mayonnaise2 Tablespoons brown mustard1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt1/4 teaspoon ground black pepperGround paprika for sprinklingChopped parsley leaves for garnish optionalInstructionsWash and dry the peeled, hard boiled eggs. Cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks from the eggs and place the yolks in a large bowl. Put the egg white halves on a serving dish or egg plate. Cover and set aside.Mash the yolks with a fork until they are broken into small pieces. Using an electric mixer, blend in the mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy. Taste and adjust the flavorings as necessary. Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg white halves (or use a pasty bag with a pretty fluted tip). Sprinkle the top with paprika and garnish with a small parsley leaf. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

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The White House Easter Egg Roll: The Sweetest Tradition

History of the White House Easter Egg Roll.

Every spring, children and families gather on the South Lawn of the White House for one of the most charming American traditions—the White House Easter Egg Roll. This year, the Easter Egg Roll will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 on the South Lawn of the White House. And it is open to the public if you prepare ahead of time. (That means filling out security forms, getting on mailing lists and waiting lists, etc.–but it is totally doable and doesn’t cost anything other than your transportation to the event.)

The origins of the Easter Egg Roll date back to the early 1800s when children would gather on the grassy slopes of Capitol Hill to roll their eggs on Easter Monday. However, in 1876, Congress passed a law prohibiting the use of the Capitol grounds for such games due to concerns about the grounds’ upkeep.

Two years later, in 1878, President Rutherford B. Hayes opened the White House lawn to local children, and the Easter Egg Roll found its new home. Since then, it has become an annual celebration—except during wartime, periods of construction, and a few other interruptions. Over the years, the event has grown, incorporating music, storytelling, costumed characters, and celebrity guests. While the egg rolling is the heart of the event, the day has evolved into a full celebration of spring, family, and fun.

The White House Easter Egg Roll is a cherished (non-political) American tradition and offers delightful memories for generations of families. For more information about this event, and information on how to join the mailing list so you can snag an invite, please visit the White House Historical Association’s website for more information.

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