Month: August 2018

New Release-Audiobook for A Rebel in My House!

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I’m thrilled to announce the release of an audiobook for my Civil War romance, A Rebel in My House!

Tom Campbell, the narrator, does a fantastic job of drawing in listeners with his storyteller style. The novel is set during the turbulent days of the Battle of Gettysburg. when the War Between the States came to a small borough in Pennsylvania.

A Novel of Love and Sacrifice set during one of our nation’s most famous battles

Jesse has promised his sister-in-law that he’d bring his brother home from the war. Sarah has promised her sister that she’d stay clear of the enemy. Can the two keep their promises amid a war bent on tearing their country apart?

Buy it today on Amazon!

The Miracle Women of WWII

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Today’s post is written by fellow author and sweet friend, Carole Brown. Welcome back to Historical Nibbles, Carole!

World War Two was raging across the seas. Women were lining up to answer the United States call for help in the factories. Patriotism and loyalty flew high and strong. They were determined to do their part, not only for their military men, but also for their country. Rosie, the Riveter was an encouraging figure for mothers, wives and women everywhere to do their duty.

Housing at times, for the women in certain parts of the country, was hard to find. Many of them shared beds, one going to work as the other went to sleep. The patriotic appeal had two aspects: The positive: “do your part” and the negative: “a soldier may die if you don’t do your part.” The Germans and Japanese already had a headstart on weaponry, so the pressure—as the war continued—increased as time went by. Stockings, certain fabrics, metals, etc. were all sacrificed.

Abigail, the young wife in Christmas Angels, is a mother to Sarah Beth, her baby. In the top apartment of a boarding house filled with elderly and middle-aged people, she spends her days caring for her daughter. But when the checks from Patrick, her husband, cease coming, when the letters aren’t in the mail box, and the bills are piling up, what is she to do? Prayers are shakily breathed to God, but the reader can easily sense her doubts and timid faith. Her mother called her a failure but her husband had always called her strong and brave. Was it wrong to fear the unknown?

Is she strong enough to get through her fears and doubts? What happens that gives her the courage to carry on? Miracles do happen, but does one occur for Abigail?

–Carole Brown

Carole’s Short Story Christmas Angels in From the Lake to the River:

Her mother called her a failure, and maybe she was. Her husband was gone—in the service, yes, but if he loved her—really loved her, why didn’t he write? Or call? Or send the money she needed?

She loved this sweet little bundle of joy—her baby—but she was scared. Was she smart enough and strong enough to raise her?

Watch for this book’s release on September 1st!

 

Bio:

An author of ten books, Carole Brown loves weaving suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy. She and her husband have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, and the simple life.

 

Buy Link:

Amazon Author Page

 

 

 

 

A Patchwork of Promises by Gayle Ottemiller

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30 Devotions for Quilters

This devotional book is an inspirational read. Each day begins with a scripture reference. Then the author gives an inspiring story, often revealing a glimpse into her past. She ends with a promise from the scripture.

But the last part of each day’s reading is the reason that it’s geared to quilters. “Sew On” gives helpful sewing tips. Sometimes these are specific to quilters and sometimes not, so I believe anyone who sews would relate to this devotional.

Dealing with such topics as the fruit of the Spirit, God’s love, and safe havens, I found this an easy read. Some sewing devotions are also nestled in there.

Each day’s devotion takes only about 5 minutes to read so it is good for busy folks.

The sewing tips included set this apart for me. I really enjoyed the book and will watch for other books by this author.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas  – Use coupon code SandraMHart for a 20% discount on Lighthouse Publishing books!

Mom’s Pie Crust Recipe

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I have to confess when baking pies I usually save time by purchasing pie crust, but sometimes I make it from scratch. My mind goes back to childhood days and my mom’s pies. She made her own pie crust. She taught me how to make it.

This is her recipe for an 8 or 9-inch double pie crust.

Ingredients 

1 ½ cups sifted flour

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup shortening

4 to 5 tablespoons water

Sift together the flour and salt. Cut in the shortening (she always used Crisco … so do I) with a pastry blender or a fork until the pieces are the size of small peas.

Stir in 4 tablespoons of water. Add another tablespoon of water if ingredients are too dry. (I always need the extra tablespoon of water.)

Divide the dough in half.

Sprinkle clean counter surface lightly with flour. Rub a little flour over a rolling pin to prevent it from sticking to the dough.

Plop the dough in the middle of the floured surface. Flatten it a bit with your hand to get it started. Then take the rolling pin and, starting from the center with each stroke, roll smoothly toward the side. Alternate strokes to each side and top and bottom.

Roll dough until it is the right size for your pie dish. Layers will be thin. I’ve found that it helps to gently fold the crust in half before picking it up and arranging in on the pie dish.

If you’re like me, you have a little more on one side than another. After the crust is in place, follow the edges with a fork to cut off the excess.

My mom usually dipped a fork in flour and made a pattern with it around the edges. I use my thumbs to make a pattern.

Poke a few holes in the bottom crust and around the sides using a fork.

Hint: Save the excess dough to clean the flour off the counter. That’s another hint from my mom.

Enjoy!

-Sandra Merville Hart

 

Announcing Next Book Release for Sandra Merville Hart

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I’m thrilled to announce my next book release! From the Lake to the River: Buckeye Christian Fiction Authors 2018 Anthology releases on September 1, 2018.  Nine Ohio authors writing novellas/short stories set in Ohio. What fun to be part of this anthology!

 

My novella in the collection, Surprised by Love, is set during the 1913 Great Miami River Flood in Troy, Ohio. Here’s a blurb about my story:

Lottie’s feelings for an old school crush blossom again during the worst flood her town has endured in years.

Lottie shoulders the burden for her siblings after their mother’s death. Her seventeen-year-old brother’s disobedience troubles her, especially since she also cares for the boarders in their home. When the flooding river invades not only the town of Troy but also her home, Lottie and her family need to be rescued. 

Desperate circumstances throw Lottie and Joe, her schoolgirl crush, together. Can tragedy unite the couple to make her long-buried dream of winning his love come true?

And there are eight other stories in the anthology!

“Whether you like romance, young adult, women’s fiction, a touch of mystery or danger, some humor, some holiday cheer, a second chance at love, set in Ohio’s colorful history or the present–there’s something for nearly everyone in this collection.”-per the Editor at Mt. Zion Ridge Press, Publisher.

The collection From the Lake to the River is available for preorder on Amazon!

 

 

Learning the Lingo by Cindy Sproles

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Cracking the Code (and secrets) of the Writing and Publishing Industry

 A great book for new writers!

The author acknowledges that there is a lingo associated with writers. Those new to writing can get lost just trying to understand what workshop teachers are saying at writers’ conferences.

This book can help.

There is also a section on 15-minute meetings with agents and editors that outlines the etiquette, what to take with you to the appointment, and helpful hints about what to share.

The author gives a brief description of many topics that writers need to know, making this a handy reference tool.

Recommended for new writers!

-Sandra Merville Hart

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas   – Use coupon code SandraMHart for a 20% discount on Lighthouse Publishing books!