Author: sandramervillehart

What Happened on that First Christmas?

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by Sandra Merville Hart

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18)

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee to a virgin pledged to be married to man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:26-28)

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:19-21)

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (Luke 2:1)

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:4-7)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:8-14)

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another: “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. (Luke 2:15-16)

The shepherds returned, glorifying God for all the things they had heard and seen, which was just as they had been told. (Luke 2:20)

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

All Bible scriptures are from the New International Version.

Christmas Dinner in the 1870s

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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. Side dishes are plentiful with everyone’s holiday favorites with pie for dessert—both pumpkin and chocolate. There are plenty of Christmas cookies too.

I thought this was a big meal until I read suggestions for Christmas dinner 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 plenty of 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;

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.

Christmas Trees Become an American Holiday Tradition

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by Sandra Merville Hart

The French and Germans hung evergreen trees upside down from the ceiling in the twelfth century, a practice that continued for about 200 years.

In December, fir trees, called “paradise trees,” were placed outside Catholic churches during medieval times in Europe’s Baltic region. Apples were hung on its branches for a play about Adam and Eve.

Fir trees were displayed on the ground in homes instead of the ceiling by late in the 16th century.

Martin Luther, after a walk in the forest on a moonlit night, is generally credited with placing the first lit candles on a Christmas tree. To him the evergreen tree represented God’s everlasting love for us. The hope that the birth of Jesus brought into the world was symbolized by the candles or lights on the tree.

Americans of German descent living in Pennsylvania in the 1820s are said to have brought the tradition of Christmas trees to the United States to stay. It took the marriage of Prince Albert of Germany to Queen Victoria of England for the tradition to really take hold in the United States.

Toys, candy, popcorn, and candles decorated those Victorian trees.

As an author of inspirational historical romances, I love discovering when holiday traditions began and incorporating them into my novels when possible.

For instance, part of A Not So Convenient Marriage, Book 1 in my Second Chances Series set in Ohio in 1877, takes place at Christmas. A nostalgic scene where the characters string popcorn and hang ribbons and bows on the tree is an example of historical traditions or events that add authenticity to my stories.

Sources

“Christmas Trees,” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2020/11/12 https://www.britannica.com/print/article/115737.

Collins, Ace. Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas, Zondervan, 2003.

Kennedy, Lesley. “How 25 Christmas Traditions Got Their Start,” History, 2020/11/12

https://www.history.com/news/christmas-traditions-history.

Montana Abduction Rescue by Jodie Bailey

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Mountain Country K-9 Unit, Book 1

US Marshal Meadow Ames is working hard on a case with team when she receives a text for help from Outsider, code name for Ian Carpenter who’d been in hiding from men trying to kill him. They’d nearly been successful two years before. She drops everything to help and takes her K-9 dog, Grace, to rush to Ian’s aid.

Ian Carpenter regrets asking for Meadow’s aid because he’s now placed her in danger. He wouldn’t have risked returning except that his niece has asked for his help. But before he can talk to his niece, she is kidnapped.

This author is a master at building suspense. I can barely turn pages fast enough. I couldn’t put the book down!

The characters were likeable and their emotional past trauma is believable. I was drawn into their plight from the first page. The story gripped me and didn’t let go.

Highly recommended for suspense readers!

Christianbook.com  

Cranberry Sauce Recipe

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by Sandra Merville Hart

When I was growing up, my dad was the only one who really liked cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving so my mom bought it in a can. My husband said the same thing happened at his boyhood home.

As an adult, I love cranberry breads and desserts. This year I decided to make cranberry sauce to serve at our Thanksgiving meal. I read a variety of recipes and created this one that serves 8-10. 

Ingredients

12-ounce package fresh cranberries

½ cup water

½ cup orange juice

1 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon orange zest

¼ cup pecans

¼ cup orange sections, cut small

Rinse cranberries. Discard the fruit that is mushy or has soft spots.

Combine orange juice and water in a saucepan. Stir in sugar until dissolved over medium heat. Add the cranberries and lower the heat to medium low. The cranberries will be ready when they pop and soften. This takes about ten minutes. Stir occasionally.

While the cranberries cook, zest ½ of an orange into a small bowl. Slice the orange in half and remove the membrane from 2-3 orange sections. Cut these into small pieces to make ¼ cup and add to zest. Stir in pecans and cinnamon. Set aside.

Once the cranberries are cooked, remove from heat and allow to cool about five minutes before adding the orange/pecan mixture. Stir until combined.

Refrigerate until serving.

There is a delicious orange flavor that would overpower the cranberries if more juice or fruit was added. Because I like orange and cranberries together, this seemed a good blend to me. Omit the orange sections and zest if you prefer a stronger cranberry flavor. The hint of cinnamon was just enough.

Enjoy!

ACFW New Releases December 2024

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December 2024 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance:


Always In My Heart by Iola Goulton — Broke solo mother Maya Allen is raising her daughter, Sarah, as well as her dead best friend’s daughter … who just happens to be her own daughter’s half sister (thanks, cheating college boyfriend). When her lowlife landlord doubles her rent, she realizes it’s time to make a new plan and return to New Zealand with her children. First she has to do the unthinkable: make contact with her ex and compel him to relinquish his parental rights so they can legally leave the country … and not let her still-strong feelings for Trent get in the way. Trent Thomas is an intern competing for a role in a prestigious Seattle law firm known for their family values. He figures he’s got the job sewn up when his firm sends him to his hometown of Trinity Lakes to research a dodgy property deal under the guise of offering the townsfolk pro bono legal services. After all, no one will know the ins and outs of small-town Trinity Lakes gossip better than a lifelong resident. But he hadn’t bargained on Maya, Sarah, and Kacey stealing his chance to get his dream job, stealing his opportunity to leave Trinity Lakes behind forever, or stealing his heart. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


Nutcracker Cottage by Stephanie Guerrero — Telling prima ballerina, Cynthia Andrews she could no longer dance haunted Dr. Zachary Newcomb, but when a surprise encounter pulls them together, her can-do attitude, hard work and faith in Christ cause him to lose his footing and his heart. (Contemporary Romance, BubbleBath Fiction)


A Very Chapel Falls Christmas by Amanda Lauer — An epic breakup finds a world-famous musician back in his hometown at the same time his ex-fiancée comes back home, making for a holiday with its share of surprises, calamity, laughter, and love—if the two of them can learn from the mistakes that drove them apart in the first place. (Contemporary Romance from Feminine Genius)

General Contemporary:


Kept for Her by Joy L. Melville — Two people clinging to secrets and plans, unaware how God will use both to further His plans. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

General Historical:


River of Life by Carol Ashby — When a young Roman and his Greek best friend travel up the Nile in pursuit of their dream career, a Christian Egyptian woman rescues them from certain death, and their time with her opens their eyes to more than they ever imagined. (General Historical from Cerrillo Press)


Even If We Cry by Terrie Todd — Nina’s one task is to keep her family together while a world war threatens to rip them apart. (General Historical from Mountain Brook Ink)

Historical Romance:


Love in Store by Penny Zeller — In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)


Once Upon a Christmas by Penny Zeller — It’s Christmastime in Poplar Springs, Wyoming. Will Sheriff Ambrose Miller Eliason have the courage to ask the girl he’s always loved to court him? Take a break from the hustle and bustle and settle into this short heartwarming story. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:


Tracking the Missing by Sami A. Abrams — A search for three abducted teens…and a K-9 on the case. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])


Corralling the Cowboy by Elle E. Kay — A widow placed into WITSEC gets to know a famous author while he masquerades as a cowboy to research his latest novel, but her past catches up with her endangering her newfound love. (Romantic Suspense from Faith Writes Publishing)


Ambush on the Ranch by Tina Wheeler — A cowboy deputy sheriff must safeguard an amnesia victim and her twin sister from an art thief who is murdering witnesses. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])

Young Adult:


The Mysterium by Jerry Schultz — Arthur Gilchrist travels to a prestigious island school, only to discover that students are being trained to suppress an ancient order whose beliefs and powers he shares. (Young Adult, Independently Published)

 

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

Lewis: The Beloved by Lauren H. Brandenburg — Lewisia Anna has returned to the Amharclann with a new chapter in her Story—a chapter she doesn’t want the citizens to hear. As Lewis tries to figure out how to delay the writing of her Story, she realizes a lot happened in the Amharclann while she was in the Mines. (Middle Grade Chapter Book)

A Civil Murder by Joan Hetzler — Derek and Megan, a married couple with a knack for solving mysteries are on the case again. An elderly law school professor and his wife go missing, unintentionally leaving their little Snickerdoodle dog with Megan and Derek. (Cozy Mystery)

Cornered by Lynn H. Blackburn, Lynette Eason, and Natalie Walters — Prepare for three times the thrills with these nail-biting page-turners from your favorite romantic suspense authors! (Romantic Suspense)

Line of Fire by Taylor S. Newport — On the run from a relentless enemy, a mercenary must protect a life-saving narcotic coveted by a spy. (Military Suspense)

Who Touches that Mountains by Deborah Raney — How can you ever be sure if the one you’re falling in love with is the right one—the one God intends for you? (Contemporary Romance)

Powhatan’s Power by Ora Smith — From a friend helping Pocahontas establish peace to an indentured and orphaned nobody, Thomas Savage yearns to make his own way in the world. (General Historical)

Fragments by J.A. Webb — A thrilling Christian epic fantasy adventure- “They’d do anything to seek the truth . . . the Order will do anything to stop them.” (Speculative Fantasy)

An Amish Thanksgiving by Beth Wiseman — As two romances blossom, Catherine finds hope in her circumstances, and an opportunity to have the Thanksgiving she’s always wanted. (General Contemporary)

The Choice by DL Wood — When Sadie Miles receives a mysterious letter, she’s drawn into a high-stakes journey aboard a luxury yacht, where fortune and deadly secrets await—and she must survive the treacherous waters and dangerous company to uncover the truth about her past. (Psychological Suspense)

Second Chance Christmas by Betsy St. Amant

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Baker owner Charlie Bussey loves dogs and a portion of her baked goods cater to pets. She often donates cookies to the local animal shelter that is struggling to stay afloat.

Blake Bryant has returned to his hometown after several years of absence for two reasons—to purchase a shop to expand his boss’s coffee shops and to adopt the niece whom he’s just learned about. And maybe to see if Charlie, his former best friend who had rejected his heart, could return his love.

Charlie was devastated when Blake left nine years before. She’s filled the empty years by starting a bakery and becoming a child advocate for foster children. When she learns that Blake’s company wants the animal shelter’s building, she is determined to fight to save it.  

The characters were likeable. The plight of the foster children enhanced the story for me, but the heroine’s continued anger toward the hero bothered me. Fundraisers and Christmas events kept the story rooted in the holiday season, which I enjoyed.

I love happy endings and this was a nice story set at Christmas.

Christianbook.com  

The First Christmas for Joseph

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by Sandra Merville Hart

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee to a virgin pledged to be married to man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Matthew 1:26-28 (NIV)

Joseph paced back and forth in his carpenter’s shop, hardly knowing what was best to do. Mary had promised herself to him … yet she had returned with child from her aunt’s home.

She had been gone three months. Did it take so little time for her to forget her promise to marry him? To be true to him?

Never had he considered this possibility, that his sweet Mary would return as a pregnant woman. He raked his fingers through his dark hair. How he loved her.

Did she really expect him to believe that an angel had visited her? She said the child she carried was the son of the Most High and that He was to be called Jesus. Really? She had obviously fallen in love with another man and blamed her indiscretion on the Lord.

Yet Joseph loved her, even though she had betrayed him. He would not bring public disgrace upon her. He’d divorce her quietly.

With a heavy heart, he lay down on his mat expecting sleep to be a long time in coming. He fell asleep and an angel of the Lord appeared to him.

“Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Joseph awoke with a sense of wonder. Mary had been telling the truth … the angel confirmed it.

His head spun to marvel that he, a poor carpenter, was being entrusted to raise Jesus along with Mary. God’s own son.

Highly favored, indeed. Just as the angel told Mary.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)

Pecan Pie Recipe

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by Sandra Merville Hart

My daughter requested that I bake a pecan pie for Thanksgiving dinner this year. It’s a favorite for my son-in-law. Because he rarely eats dessert, I hoped this meant he’d allow himself to splurge at the meal. I’ve made the pie using this recipe before and it’s always been a hit.

Ingredients

3 eggs, beaten

2/3 cup sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ cup butter, melted

1 cup dark corn syrup

1 cup pecan halves

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Prepare pie crust for 9” pie. Line the pie plate with the pastry.

Blend together the sugar, salt, and butter. Stir in the beaten eggs. Add the corn syrup and stir until blended.

Beat with an electric mixture for one minute. Pour mixture onto prepared pie crust.

Lay the pecans in a circle on top of the filling. Don’t press the nuts into the pie filling. Then add another circle inside the outer ring. I placed 1 pecan in the center that submerged during baking.

Bake at 375 degrees until set, about 40-45 minutes.

Refrigerate until serving.

This deliciously sweet and nutty pie was a hit with the adults. The children were happy with Jello.

The pie filling only takes about 5 minutes to prepare. The longest part is arranging the pecans on top and that doesn’t take long either.

Enjoy!

Sources

Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book, Macmillan and General Mills, Inc, 1950.

Several New Books in 2024!

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by Sandra Merville Hart

My fellow ERASER admins and I have had a productive year for our books. We invite you to consider these books for the reader on your list or as a gift for yourself. 😊

Waiting for Sunset is a contemporary romance by Starr Ayers that released on September 28th.

When Olivia Houston’s need to let go collides with her reason to move on, she finds herself thrust into a tomorrow she didn’t see coming.

A Certain Man, Book 1 in A Certain Future, is a Biblical Fiction novel by Linda Dindzans that released on August 13th. This is Linda’s debut novel and we’re grateful it won’t be her last!

There was a certain man…He offered an outcast—a shunned, shamed woman—a new life.  

What would Happen? is a Children’s book written by KD Holmberg that will release on January 13, 2025. It’s geared to ages 3-8.

Imagine a world where every “What Would Happen?” becomes an adventure!

The Case of the Stolen Memories, Book 3 in A Mac & Sam Mystery, is a contemporary suspense novel by Deborah Sprinkle that released on August 20th. Death Under the Ice, Book 4 in Trouble in Pleasant Valley, is her newest book set to release on December 17th!

Here’s the hook for Death Under the Ice:

What happened to Homeland Security Analyst Claire Green’s brother, and why is someone coming after her now?

Three of my books—Sandra Merville Hart—released in 2024. Streams of Courage, Book 4 in Spies of the Civil War, released on March 26th.  A Spring at The Greenbrier, Book 6 in Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts, is a nostalgic inspirational story set at the beautiful The Greenbrier resort. River of Peril, Book 5 in Spies of the Civil War, released on October 15th. (Tides of Healing, Book 6 in Spies of the Civil War, is the last book in the series—that one will release on February 11, 2025.)

Here’s the hook for River of Peril:

Amnesia stole his memory, and now he’s fighting for the wrong side.