Sandra Merville Hart's Blog, page 17

A Miser. A Manger. A Miracle. by Marianne Jordan

This story is a retelling of Charles Dickens’s classic The Christmas Carol, done with creative twist.

Set in the time of Jesus, this novel transports the reader from the manger to the cross. In this beautifully written story, Jordan shows surprising parallels between the characters of Jesus’ day and the time of Dickens.

Reading this book prepared my heart for Christmas. A touching and powerful story.

Highly recommended!

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

Christmas Dinner in the 1870s

by Sandra Merville Hart

Christmas dinner is a big meal at our house. We roast a turkey large enough to feed the family and provide leftovers for pot pies and sandwiches. There are plenty of side dishes with everyone’s holiday favorites. Dessert always includes at least pumpkin and chocolate pies. There are plenty of Christmas cookies too.

I thought this was a big meal until I read suggestions for Christmas dinners in an 1870s cookbook.

Here are the meats:

Clam soup, baked fish, Holland sauce;

Roast turkey with oyster dressing and celery or oyster sauce, roast duck with onion sauce, broiled quail, chicken pie

There were numerous side-dishes:

Baked potatoes in jackets, sweet potatoes, baked squash, stewed carrots, turnips, canned corn, southern cabbage, tomatoes, canned pease (peas);

Graham bread, rolls; plum jelly, crabapple jelly;

Salmon salad or herring salad, pickled cabbage, mangoes, French or Spanish pickles, Chili sauce, gooseberry catsup; and

Beets, sweet pickled grapes, and spiced nutmeg melon.

There were lots of dessert choices:

Christmas plum pudding with sauce, Charlotte Russe;

Pies—mince, peach, and coconut;

Cakes—citron, White Mountain, pound, Neapolitan, and French loaf;

Cookies—peppernuts, ladyfingers, centennial drops, almond or hickory nut macaroons;

Candy—coconut caramels, chocolate drops;

And even ice cream!—orange or pineapple

Beverage choices were coffee, tea, and Vienna chocolate.

If large families (grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins) prepared even a third of these dishes, they undoubtedly had one thing in common with us—leftovers!

Sources

Compiled from Original Recipes. Buckeye Cookery and Practical Housekeeping, Applewood Books, 1877.

 

 

 

December 2023 New Releases

December 2023 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance:
Bidding on a Second Chance by Emily Conrad — His bid for a second chance this Christmas might lead to her most disastrous fall yet. Police officer Graham Lockhart’s life is dangerous enough without accident-prone Piper Wells tripping around in it—at least that’s what she claimed when she declined his marriage proposal two years ago. But he can’t help but wonder if there is more to her refusal. Piper always cared for Graham, but she is incapable of giving him the one thing he wants more than anything—family. All her orphaned self knows about that is how much it hurts to lose. She’s better off focusing on caring for her nephew and running her business. Secondhand furniture doesn’t break hearts. When an injury sidelines Piper leading into the holidays, Graham steps up to help her keep her commitment to a Christmastime auction benefiting a local family. Can they overcome the hurdles between them, or will the past and their warring hopes and fears trip them up for good?? (Contemporary Romance from Hope Anchor LLC)

Home from the Storm by Laurel M. Blount — After a senseless loss, hotheaded Caleb Hochstedler left his Amish faith and his young wife to seek justice. Two years later, he tracks his parents’ killer back home to Johns Mill, where he’s astonished to learn he’s the father of twins. Now he’s determined to protect his children and the woman he still loves—if she’ll let him. Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place. Her church forbids divorce and requires forgiveness, so Rhoda lets Caleb back into their home. But can she ever let him back into her heart? One thing’s for certain sure. This second chance will take all the faith they can find. (Contemporary Romance from Berkley)

The Care of a Cowboy by Elsie Davis — In the sprawling landscape of Crossroads Creek, where the Texan sun paints golden dreams, Max Turner suddenly finds his dream of reclaiming his family’s lost ranch put on hold. To avoid draining his savings account, Max is desperately searching for a new job and a place to live, except ranch foreman jobs weren’t easy to come by. As the scorching summer unfolds, Max’s path crosses with that of Lucy Carrington, a determined young woman whose dreams clash with the expectations of her traditional rancher father. When her father hires Max to secretly oversee the ranch because he doesn’t trust his daughter to handle a man’s job, Max is caught in a web of deceit. As Max and Lucy navigate the complexities of their new roles, including the surprise news that Max is guardian to Crystal…a twelve-year-old niece he never knew existed, they discover the power of love and resilience, and the true meaning of family. (Contemporary Romance from Sweet Romance Publishing)

General Contemporary: Broken Spirit by Sheridan Lee — The dream of motherhood eludes her. Can she find her way back to hope? Belinda Briggs’ life is shattered by losses and crises, shattering her faith and leading her on a quest for renewed hope, faith, and peace in this series finale contemporary Christian women’s fiction tale. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Winged Publications)

Chokecherry Valley Comfort by Jean Rezab — One accident. Two devastated families. Paul Richmond’s life changed in an instant when his wife and seven-year-old daughter die in a car accident. He struggles to move forward with this huge change. As his two-year sobriety anniversary approaches, he knows he’s on the edge of a relapse. He takes a sabbatical from his work as a doctor and heads to his in-law’s farm to get perspective and try to come to terms with his new life. Tyler Garvey is the only survivor of the two-vehicle accident in which his younger brother dies. He feels guilty because he should have been driving. His parents don’t blame him, but he blames himself, and so does Paul. Both families try to put their lives back together. It’s going to take time, a great deal of comfort, and forgiveness on all sides. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

Chokecherry Valley Joy by Jean Rezab — Abby feels like everything is wrong with her life. She’s never dealt with the grief of losing her twin sister, Samantha, and niece, Amy, in an accident. Her marriage to Mark has fallen into the routine of his long hours of work and her erratic schedule as a nurse in a busy Houston hospital. Their failed attempt to have a child puts further strain on their relationship. Unhappy in her current job, she needs a break. She travels to Chokecherry Valley to spend two weeks with her parents at their farm. Mark plans to join her after he finishes his current work project, and she hopes to reconnect with him and discuss their future. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly S. Irvin — Determined to save Sherri’s life, Kristen drops everything to guide her sister on the harrowing cancer treatment journey. When she’s unable to balance the strain of caring for her patients, being a wife and mother, and her frantic efforts to save her sister, Kristen’s carefully balanced life crumbles, starting with her marriage. Desperate to regain her footing, she vows to rebuild her broken relationships . . . as soon she’s sure Sherri will beat the odds stacked against her. Unlike her sister, Sherri Reynolds has worked to cultivate balance in her life. Her children, her job as a teacher, and her strong faith keep her grounded—until her diagnosis sends her spiraling into the scary world of what-ifs and unknown outcomes. Sherri faces the agonizing realization that family history may be about to repeat itself. With the clock ticking, she’s determined to use whatever time she has left to heal old wounds and restore relationships. Together, the sisters are forced to reexamine their priorities, address the still tender wounds of their childhood, and delve more deeply to discover what it means to live each day to its fullest.? (General Contemporary from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Christmas in Ohio by Bettie Boswell, Tamera Lynn Kraft, Penny Frost McGinnis, and Michelle Levigne — Come join us for a celebration of Christmas in the Buckeye State, with snow and mistletoe, a dash of suspense and danger, mystery and reunions, healing and hope. (General Contemporary from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)

Historical Romance:
When Love Comes by Penny Zeller — A woman with a broken heart. A man struggling with the loss of his brother and the subsequent care of his young niece. And two silly aunts who discover it’s never too late for true love. When Charlotte’s and Tobias’s paths cross in Prune Creek, Wyoming, can they put aside their preconceived disdain for each other? Does God have a plan for them and for a young girl in search of someone to take the place of the parents she lost? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Cozy Mystery:
Deadly Burden by Janet Sketchley — Obey the police and stay safe, or follow her heart and help unmask a killer? Landon Smith solved the last murder by accident—and nearly became the next victim. When a shocking death strikes her close-knit circle, can this amateur sleuth discover who wanted the town busybody dead? The dead woman knew too much about too many people. Was she silenced to protect a secret? Or because of one she wouldn’t tell? And how can a dyslexic trauma survivor find clues the professionals miss? Landon can’t afford to be sidetracked by a vindictive guest at the inn or by unexpected family drama. Or by falling for the geeky writer next door—now that he’s over her. With a storm closing in and no leads in sight, Landon’s first Christmas at the Green Dory Inn is shaping up to be anything but merry and bright. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense: Buried Grave Secrets by Darlene L. Turner — Standing guard…with threats on all sides. When bones are found at an unmarked grave site—and then shots are fired—forensic anthropologist Jordyn Miller knows someone wants old secrets to remain buried. She’ll do anything to uncover the truth about these suspicious deaths, including accepting the protection of her ex-boyfriend, Constable Colt Peters, and his K-9. But with targets on their backs, can Jordyn stay alive long enough to bring a serial killer to justice?? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

A Courageous Betrothal by Denise Weimer – A wounded lieutenant, a woman fierce enough to protect her family, and an American Revolution with everything at stake. (Historical Romance)

Another Outer Banks Christmas by Christina Sinisi – She’s a role model for everything good, and he comes from a rough and broken home. (Contemporary Romance)

Finding Baby Jesus by Lynn Weathington – Will Baby Jesus find his way back into the nativity in time for Christmas? (Contemporary Romance)

Hilltop Christmas by Kathleen D. Bailey – When the integrity of the Festival is threatened, Noah must call on his Lord, and Jane on the God from whom she’s drifted, to find justice and restore Hilltop to what it is. (Romance)

Her Christmas Healing by Mindy Obenhaus – With love, faith, a support dog and some Christmas spirit, maybe it’s not too late after all… (Contemporary Romance)

For Love or Money by Susan Page Davis – When he learns where the money probably came from, will it keep their two families apart? (Western)

Hope’s Hills by Ruth Kyser – Will they remain good friends, or has God got other plans for their futures? (Contemporary Romance)

Snow Globe Secrets by Laura Thomas – Shootings, snow globes, and secrets abound when Alexis James witnesses the shooting of a British author outside the local bookstore. (Romantic Suspense Novella)

The Quilting Circle Box Set by Mary Davis – All four books from the Quilting Circle Series in one box set. (Historical Romance)

Five & Dime Christmas

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

In the 1880s, the Woolworth’s Five and Dime department store has a home in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This nostalgic place is the setting for four historical novellas in the Five & Dime Christmas collection.

I enjoyed this collection! Of course, I had my favorites yet each story took me back in time. I thank the authors for the historical glimpses into this store. Likeable characters drew me into their heartache and struggles. I love reading Christmas books during the holiday!

There wasn’t a lunch counter in the 1880s, as the authors mentioned in their notes, yet this feature greatly added to the atmosphere of the stories.

In A Merry Little Christmas by Susanne Dietze, Hattie, a store clerk, discovers that her favorite customer inadvertently threatens her struggling brother’s job.

In A Home for Christmas by Patty Smith Hall, Essie, a socialite working as a store clerk, is intrigued by a pastor who has taken six homeless young boys into his home.

Alone this year, Lizzie’s job is her sole support in The Light of Christmas by Christina Lorenzen. Can she save her home on her salary? The new bookkeeper wonders how to help.

Lunch with Maggie by Cynthia Hickey finds Maggie, who works the lunch counter, making a friendship with a widower and his young daughter, regulars at her counter. Maggie, who’d been jilted on her wedding day, refuses to trust another man with her heart.

An enjoyable, nostalgic Christmas collection!

Christianbook.com

Announcing the Second Edition Release of Six Books!

by Sandra Merville Hart

Exciting news! My publisher, Wild Heart Books, is releasing a second edition of my books today, December 11th, directly into Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited! Each new edition includes new bonus content in the back matter.

They’ll be in Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited library again!

If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, even if you purchased the first edition, it would be so helpful for us if you download the book as one of your free borrows. Flip through it to see the new parts!

Here are the links to the new editions:

Second Chances series

A Not So Convenient Marriage, Book 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPKHVHS5

 A Not so Persistent Suitor, Book 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPKGVHPR

 A Not So Peaceful Journey, Book 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPKLZH2L

 Spies of the Civil War series

 Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPH312KW

 Boulevard of Confusion, Book 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPH1QFDC

 Byway to Danger, Book 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPGLN3PF

We’re working to really give these new editions a great start, so any way you can help would be fantastic!

Each of our readers is important to us. Please share this information with your reader friends.

Thank you SO much for your support! 

Other Wild Hearts books also recently rereleased. This list includes my books. New books will be added to this list as they are rereleased. Be sure to save this universal link so you can find them: 

https://books.bookfunnel.com/wmtseriesbundle

 

The Holiday Arrangement by Dineen Miller

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Joy to the World…until it falls apart

Corinne Carter’s divorce from her alcoholic husband is final. She’s got a fresh start back in her hometown in Florida, near her matchmaking mama.

Jeremy Payne hasn’t dated since his long-term relationship ended a year before and his mother is determined to change that. Corinne and Jeremy had been best friends in high school. When they meet again at a Christmas party, they decide to fake a dating relationship to protect themselves from their mothers.

I loved this well-written Christmas romance! It’s a short, enjoyable read. The characters are likable and the situations they face are believable.  

I enjoy stories set during the Christmas holidays and look forward to finding new ones every year. This one is a gem!

Highly recommended for readers of contemporary romance.   

Amazon

Christmas Tree Veggie Tray

by Sandra Merville Hart

When planning a family Christmas party, I decided to create a Christmas Tree as my veggie tray. It’s a popular appetizer with my family and I thought this would be a fun way to serve it.

Chopping and preparing the vegetables was the time-consuming part of this.

Prepare small florets of broccoli and cauliflower.

Slice a cucumber.

Cut celery into 3” inch stalks.

Slice carrots into discs.

Use grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes as they are.

Slice a red pepper into thin strips.

Hint: If you are taking this veggie tray to someone’s home, put it together there as it will not stay as arranged on the car ride over.

I covered a large cookie sheet with aluminum foil as my serving dish.

Arrange broccoli with a few florets of cauliflower in a tree shape.

Possible ornaments are cucumber slices, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. I have a few family members who don’t like cucumbers or tomatoes, so I only used carrots as my ornaments.

Arrange red pepper strips as garland on the tree.

Celery stalks become the tree trunk.

Vegetables that some folks won’t eat can be stacked at the bottom of the tree to emulate gifts.

Tomatoes became the star on the tree.

As folks begin eating it, replenish the veggies to retain the “tree” shape.

This was a hit at our Christmas party. It’s a fun way to encourage children to eat their veggies at a party!

Christmas in Fair Creek by Cathy Shouse

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Her Billionaire Cowboy’s Twin Heirs

Annie York, a single mother, works at her cousin’s diner to support her daughter. Chloe’s eighth birthday party is a couple of days before Christmas. 

Caleb Galloway doesn’t plan on staying in his hometown very long—until he meets Annie, whom he barely knew in school. He suddenly finds himself as the guardian of his twin infant niece and nephew and is grateful for Annie’s help.

This is a short read. All the action takes place in one day. Everything happens too quickly in the story and I had a hard time getting into it.

I do enjoy stories set during the Christmas holidays. It’s set in a small Indiana town where everyone knows everyone.  

Amazon   

The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Freddie and Grace Mysteries – Book 1

I love to read books set during the Christmas holidays. This 1913 book begins in November and ends at Christmas.

Grace Ferguson is more interested in the library at the mansion where her sister Lillias will marry an earl in a week’s time. The arranged marriage will save the earl’s England estate and Lillias is only marrying a man she doesn’t know to please her father.

Frederick Percy is trying to make up for his past by marrying Lillias. When she elopes after meeting him, Grace convinces him to marry her instead.

Attempts have been made on Frederick’s life and soon Grace is also threatened. She dearly loves solving mysteries—and she must solve this one before her new husband is murdered.

I enjoyed the story overall. The growing relationship between the newlyweds is very romantic and perhaps too quick. My interest was snagged by the mysterious attempts to kill Frederick and I tried to solve the mystery along with characters.

Some characters are as full of surprises as the twists and turns. The story left the door open to solve more mysteries in future books!

Amazon

The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Illustrated by The Fan Brothers

I’m always on the lookout for good picture books for my grandchildren. This book is a wonderful read for children aged 3 – 8.

The scarecrow stands alone in the middle of a field. No friends come to play.

Then one day a bird with a broken wing needs help.

I loved this story about how friendship can heal a broken heart!

Highly recommend this children’s picture book for young elementary grades.

 Amazon