“I couldn’t put the book down and read it in one day!”
“This historical work of Christian fiction drew me in and caused me to want this family to come together. With strands of forgiveness, mercy, and generosity, the author weaved together a memorable and moving book.”
“WOW, this book is amazing and has really touched my life!”
A spinster teacher…a grieving widower…a marriage of convenience and a second chance with the man she’s always loved.
When Samuel Walker proposes a marriage of convenience to Rose Hatfieldso soon after the death of his wife, she knows he doesn’t love her. She’s loved him since their school days. Those long-suppressed feelings spring to life as she marries him. She must sell her childhood home, quit her teaching job, and move to a new city.
Marrying Rose is harder than Samuel expected, especially with the shadow of his deceased wife everywhere in his life. And he has two young children to consider. Peter and Emma need a mother’s love, but they also need to hold close the memories of their real mother as they grieve her loss.
Life as Samuel’s wife is nothing like Rose hoped, and even the townspeople, who loved his first wife, make Rose feel like an outsider. The work of the farm draws the two of them closer, giving hope that they might one day become a happy family. Until the dream shatters, and the life Rose craves tumbles down around them. Only God can put these pieces back together, but the outcome may not look anything like she planned.
I found this fun picture book at Mazza Museum in Ohio.
The author created a book that puts animals in motion. Turning the page causes a horse to gallop, for example. A child can make the horse continue to gallop by moving the page back and forth.
My young grandchildren love this book, whose target readership is probably 2 – 6 year-olds.
I’m happy to welcome fellow Wild Heart Book’s author, Susan G. Mathis, to my blog! She shares a recipe with us and a bit about her newest historical romance release. Welcome, Susan!
by Susan G. Mathis
Traditionally, the Thousand Islands Shore Dinner was a big fishing party. Several skiffs rallied at one island, dispersed to fish until noon, partook of a shore dinner, and then fished again until late afternoon. Fine folk like George Pullman, Frederick Bourne, and J.P. Morgan—and even President Ulysses S. Grant when he visited the islands in 1872—took time to get away from big-city life and find a quiet fishing vacation in the islands.
The main boat would often be a small steam yacht. They would leave around 7 a.m., towing up to ten skiffs trailing behind them. The captain would choose an uninhabited island to use for a shore dinner, prepare the meal himself or drop off the meal preparers, and send the fishing guides off to row their guests to different fishing spots.
Around noon, the fishing guides row the guests back to the steamer for a relaxing shore dinner, and then take the fishermen back out for an afternoon of more fishing.
Traditional Thousand Islands shore dinners include fresh fish, French toast, and a sandwich with fried pork strips. And, of course, a salad with Thousand Islands Dressing.
Appetizers consisted of fatback and onion sandwiches and a salad with Thousand Islands dressing, of course, and crumbles of fatback. The main meal includes plates of fish and potatoes. And dessert was coffee and French toast.
Then comes the French toast for dessert, also fried in the same pan as the pork and fish, and topped with lots of local maple syrup. Again, one needn’t count the calories; just enjoy the unique flavors of the shore dinner.
Today, uninhabited islands are few and far between, so shore dinners became a little more complicated. But several companies still serve patrons who want a traditional shore dinner. In fact, the NY State parks were, in part, established to provide a place for shore dinners. Maybe one day you, too, can visit the Thousand Islands and enjoy a traditional shore dinner.
Do you think you’d enjoy this meal? Here’s a recipe for Thousand Islands Dressing!
Thousand Island Dressing
2 cups mayonnaise 1/4 cup ketchup 1 tablespoon onion, finely chopped 1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped 1 tablespoon green pepper, finely chopped 1 tablespoon red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped 1 tablespoon scallions, finely chopped
Mix all ingredients together and chill to blend flavors.
About Mary’s Moment:
Mathis’s attention to detail and rich history is classic Mathis, and no one does it better.—Margaret Brownley, N.Y. Times bestselling author
Summer 1912
Thousand Island Park’s switchboard operator Mary Flynn is christened the community heroine for her quick action that saves dozens of homes from a terrible fire. Less than a month later, when another disastrous fire rages through the Park, Mary loses her memory as she risks her life in a neighbor’s burning cottage. Will she remember the truth of who she is or be deceived by a treacherous scoundrel?
Widowed fireman George Flannigan is enamored by the brave raven-haired lass and takes every opportunity to connect with Mary. But he has hidden griefs of his own that cause him great heartache. When George can’t stop the destructive Columbian Hotel fire from eradicating more than a hundred businesses and homes, he is distraught. Yet George’s greater concern is Mary. Will she remember their budding relationship or be forever lost to him?
Readers of Christian historical romance will enjoy this exciting tale set in 1912 Thousand Island Park, NY.
ABOUT SUSAN:
Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty-five times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has ten in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Peyton’s Promise, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Rachel’s Reunion, and Mary’s Moment. Her book awards include two Illumination Book Awards, three American Fiction Awards, two Indie Excellence Book Awards, and four Literary Titan Book Awards. Reagan’s Reward is a Selah Awards finalist. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for links to buy and more.
I have wanted to write a story set in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the 1880s for several years. It seems that it was on my heart to write even when writing was but a dream for me.
In A Not So Persistent Suitor, Book 2 in my Second Chances Novel Series, twins Cora and John had been living on their family’s farm before moving to Cincinnati to attend college. John went rogue on me (he does that in Book 3 too 😊) and got a job at a newspaper working with Ben, and decided not to go to college. Meanwhile, Ben begins to court Cora.
When our story begins, Cora is in her second and final year at the Cincinnati Kindergarten Training School. Kindergarten is still in its infancy in 1883, when our story begins. In fact, the demand for kindergartens grew in the 1870s. There were about four hundred kindergartens by 1880, and the need to train teachers for them was a natural part of that growth.
A training school in Cincinnati was organized in March of 1880. At first, kindergarten students (aged four – six) learned the 3 R’s –reading, writing, and arithmetic. Before long, principals in higher grades complained that kindergartners also needed a basic knowledge of music, drawing, and manual training.
This led to greater training for kindergartener teachers, who learned teaching tools that included games, songs, and handwork.
I imagine that incorporating games, songs, and activities engaged the children’s interest in a new and fun way for them.
Part of my research included The Songs and Music of Friedrich Froebel’s Mother Play by Fro. Bel. Friedrich. Early training schools used Friedrich Froebel’s writing extensively in their training so I mentioned his Mother Play book within the story.
Though demand for kindergartens was growing, most schools didn’t address the needs of these four to six-year-old children by providing a kindergarten class. Cora has to fight for a local school to start a new class to open the fall after she graduates.
Another fun thing about this novel is the places I’ve included that the modern reader familiar with Cincinnati will recognize: Fountain Square, the Suspension Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and the Zoological Gardens to name a few.
Follow characters you’ve grown to love in A Not So Convenient Marriage, Book 1 in the “Second Chances” series into A Not So Persistent Suitor, Book 2!
More about A Not So Persistent Suitor
He’s fighting for his career…She’s bent on achieving her own goals…Will their love survive a second chance at happily ever after?
Cora Welch dreams of a future teaching kindergarten, which is in its infancy, and marriage to Ben Findlay, her beau and her twin brother’s best friend. But she returns to college from summer break to learn of Ben’s unwise choices in pursuit of his career—choices that destroy her trust in the man she thought she knew and loved.
Ben is working hard toward his dream to become the best reporter in the city. He’s no stranger to fighting for a goal against all odds, ever since he was orphaned at age thirteen. Even though Cora has captured his heart, he makes the mistake of escorting the boss’s daughter to a fancy banquet to further his career—with far-reaching repercussions. Now he’s hurt Cora and botched his career goals.
Winning Cora’s trust again proves harder than Ben expects, especially as they both face struggles of their own. When events spiral out of their control, catapulting them into hardship and even danger, only God can restore their dreams—though the outcome may look far different than either of them planned.
The rise and fall of the waters from Pittsburgh to Cairo together with useful and important information and statistics. Also, the work of the Gallipolis relief committee.
A cold, snowy January led to warmer days by the beginning of February. Sunshine and then rain melted the ice. Then more rain came.
And so did the floodwaters.
Widespread, disastrous flooding across West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, brought loss of property and loss of life.
The author wrote this book in 1884 when the tragedies were fresh in the minds of those who survived it.
I read this book as part of my research for A Not So Persistent Suitor, Book 2 in my Second Chances series. The author provided wonderful details for many areas affected by the flood including Cincinnati, Ohio, the setting for my book.
This nonfiction resource book shows details of the rising water, risky water rescues, and how an entire town was washed away.
The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone
My sister is the first one who suggested I read this book. In fact, she lent me her copy.
Before I found time to read it, I’d heard of this author from multiple people.
This nonfiction book shows that we all want to be connected. We go to great lengths to belong, sometimes even when it goes against who we are deep inside.
There are many insights in this book that will make you think. Even if you might not agree with a particular point the author is making, you will likely respect her and her journey for true belonging.
Insightful. Honest. In fact, the author shares that after writing of a personal experience, she cried. It was difficult, painful to be so honest.
There is some strong language in the book.
Like my sister, I can recommend this book. You may want to read it with your highlighter handy.
I had some bananas I needed to use so found a new recipe for muffins in The Fannie Farmer Cookbook that I wanted to try. It took less than 10 minutes to prepare for baking and I had all the ingredients on hand, which is always a win for me.
Ingredients
2 cups white flour (I used bread flour)
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup milk
½ cup melted butter
2 bananas
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Lightly spray muffin pans with cooking spray.
Slice the bananas. I used a pastry blender to get the slices into smaller pieces for easier blending. Set aside.
Mix the dry ingredients. Stir in the egg, milk, banana, and butter just until blended.
Spoon the batter into the muffin pan, with each individual cup about 2/3 full. It makes 12 muffins.
Bake 20-25 minutes.
These muffins were my breakfast a couple of days. Nice banana flavor. Next time I will add a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to enhance the flavor, but they are also delicious without it.
I’d love to hear if you try it.
Sources
Revised by Cunningham, Marion and Laber, Jeri. The Fannie Farmer Cookbook, Alfred A Knopf Inc., 1983.
I’m thrilled to announce that Byway to Danger, Book 3 in my Spies of the Civil War series won the Gold Illumination Award for Romance Fiction!
I love the hero and heroine in this book and I hope you have grown to love this fictional family in the whole series who live in the turbulent times of the Civil War where the way isn’t always clear. Though this series is about a fictional family, there are actual historical spies who touch the stories.
Byway to Dangeris set in the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, in 1862. Because Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy, the Union army was often threatening the city. One might suppose that all of Richmond’s citizens supported the Confederacy, yet there were a lot of Union supporters and Union spies in the capital. Other book settings include Williamsburg and Fort Monroe.
Here’s a bit about the book:
Everyone in Richmond has secrets. Especially the spies.
Meg Brooks, widow, didn’t stop spying for the Union when her job at the Pinkerton National Detective Agency ended, especially now that she lives in the Confederate capital. Her job at the Yancey bakery provides many opportunities to discover vital information about the Confederacy to pass on to her Union contact. She prefers to work alone, yet the strong, silent baker earns her respect and tugs at her heart.
Cade Yancey knows the beautiful widow is a spy when he hires her only because his fellow Unionist spies know of her activities. Meg sure didn’t tell him. He’s glad she knows how to keep her mouth shut, for he has hidden his dangerous activities from even his closest friends. The more his feelings for the courageous woman grow, the greater his determination to protect her by guarding his secrets. Her own investigations place her in enough peril.
As danger escalates, Meg realizes her choice to work alone isn’t a wise one. Can she trust Cade with details from her past not even her family knows?
The book contains the key components of a devotional:
Unleash the Truth—Bible verses
Digging Deeper—Thought-provoking questions
Fido 411—An interesting fact about the featured breed
Weekly Tail-Waggers—Challenges to put lessons into action
I also loved that each section focused on different breeds and their characteristics. The authors weave inspiring lessons from the dogs. What an interesting way to learn!
A few of the topics covered are: Faithful to the End; Beautifully Reliable; We Walk by Faith; and Super Sleuths.
I really enjoyed this fun, insightful book! I believe this devotional will appeal to pet lovers.
Ellie Hastings has been tasked by her aunt to discern the character of the wealthy bachelor, Lewis Thornton. Aunt Florence has the young man in mind for Ada, her youngest daughter.
Lewis has seen all the tricks that young women determined to meet him have used over the years, but Ellie seems different. Her cousin and her parents fit in perfectly at the White Queen. There’s some mystery about Ellie.
He hatches a plan to aid a friend that will allow him to spend more time with Ellie.
I was drawn into the setting of the Gilded Ages Resorts from the beginning. My interest was quickly snagged by this unlikely couple—a wealthy bachelor accustomed to pursuit by single women and the poor relation woman at the beck and call of her high-society aunt.
The lonely little girl, Cora, tugged at my heart. Our heroine has long been taught not to value herself and many misunderstandings arise from this mindset. Twists in the action moved the story in a direction I didn’t expect. I became invested in the plight of the characters, making this book a page turner for me.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the collection!
Sandra Merville Hart 