M.K. McClintock's Blog, page 9

Reading Room: THE ROSE AND THE THISTLE by Laura Franz

It's been far too long since I've added to the Reading Room, and I can't think of a better way to start 2023 than finishing a wonderful book. I'm talking about Laura Franz's The Rose and the Thistle.

I bought this one because of the cover and the author (I do so love pretty covers on the bookshelf.), and it's as wonderful within the pages as the cover might suggest. Everard and Blythe prove that love is often unexpected and can conquer hardships. The Scotland setting is beautiful with vivid desc...

Blackberry Coconut Scones - Writer in the Kitchen

I've been on a healthier baking trend of late, but no one will ever convince me scones, with all their wondrous varieties, are not one of the best foods on the planet. They are a perfect tea pairing, and tea pairs perfectly with writing, so enough said.

Scones are also a great way to add a bit of sweetness to your day without resorting to processed alternatives. Speaking of alternatives, the butter (I'm a Kerrygold fan) can be replaced with a nice vegan alternative like Earth Balance Baking Stic...

Cozy Up in January with Limited-Time Book Discounts

I'm currently reading The Rose and The Thistle by Laura Franz, and so far it's really good. My reading tastes are as eclectic as my writing. I'll share more of my thoughts on the book once I finish, but boy has it been nice to get in some extra reading time while winter continues to grace us with her beauty (and cold).

For those who haven't read these books, now is a great time to grab a copy! Keep reading for discounts on both historical and contemporary books.

Gallagher's Pride

$0.99 Jan 15-2...

Upbeat Authors ~ Generous Heart. Generous Mind.

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." ~Winston Churchill

Do you have a generous heart? I know for me, it's often a struggle. Deep down I want to be a little selfish and think of only myself. It's not wrong to want success, happiness, love, and all the wonderful things to be had in this world, but it's more important to give as much or more than we get. Whether it's our time, our money, our talents, giving leads to an abundance of rewards.

Thank you for sharing p...

New Year Thank-You Giveaway

So many things didn't get done in December after my ankle injury, including my big Christmas giveaway. I'll hold it over and make up for it Christmas 2023, but to start the year off right, we have a random subscriber giveaway! (By random, I mean the mood strikes and a giveaway is born.)

This means that two subscribers (one from the blog and one from the new-release list subscriber) were randomly selected. Each winner of this giveaway will receive a $5 Amazon gift card and a book of their choice...

Upbeat Authors ~ Renewal and Reflection

Envision who you want to be . . .

Everyone needs to recharge and refocus at some point. It's inevitable with all the noise, competition, and . . . did I mention noise . . . in today's world. It's important to shut out the chaos and refocus on our goals. Are you already where you want to be? Have you lost sight of the next step? Have recent challenges veered you off course?

I hope you take time for renewal, reflection, and refocusing on what's most important to you, be it more time with famil...

New Year. New Books. Thank you, Readers.

2022 was supposed to have been a banner year. Instead, it was down-to-the-soul exhausting, and that happens sometimes. We can't control everything despite our best efforts to do so. I don't like to make New Year's resolutions because I believe that goals and dreams should be worked toward no matter the time of year. However, at the start of each year, I do like to look over my lists, see what I've accomplished, and determine what I can do better in the coming year.

Christmas in Crooked Creek ...

100 Questions, Part Three with MK, Clara, and Michael

Updated 12.29.2022 to include Michael Donaghue.

This is part three of 100 Questions I came across at 4 Hats and Frugal. For this next set, I'm going to have a little help from Clara Stowe.

Don't miss reading part one with Brenna Gallagher and part two with Rhona Blackwood.

51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?

MK: By a professional? It has been . . . awhile.

Clara: Before I came to Montana.

Michael: Never

52. Do you think musicals are cheesy?

MK: Depends on the musical....

CHRISTMAS IN CROOKED CREEK has arrived!

The new Crooked Creek installment is here!

Christmas in Crooked Creek is now here to fill your hours (and e-readers) with joy. It's also available in print for those who like to hold paper. Don't waste another minute! Join me and my friends for a snowy, adventure-filled Christmas in Montana (yep, we've been here before)!

Christmas in Crooked Creek will be available in Kindle Unlimited on 12/15, so you have two more days to get the book via your favorite retailer.

For devoted e-readers:

Amazo...

Winter Wonderland Landscapes

This holiday season, I'm resting a nasty sprain that resulted from a lame-brain move, which means no winter activities and tromping around in snow to take new pictures. Instead, I'm sharing some winter landscapes from years past. Most are in Montana and a few are from my time in Vermont. If you're not a cold and snow person, this is a great way to enjoy winter from afar.

May you find great joy in the season, and spend as much time exploring the outdoors or cozied up with a book as your heart de...