Author: sandramervillehart

Announcing Release of Book 2 in Second Chances Novel Series!

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by Sandra Merville Hart

I wanted to share some exciting news with you!  A Not So Persistent Suitor, Book 2 of my “Second Chances” series, releases February 14, 2023! My newest historical romance releases today, on Valentine’s Day!

A Not So Persistent Suitor, Book 2, is set in Cincinnati in 1883—84. Some important events happen in the city at that time and are included in the novel. I loved sharing about locations that modern readers will recognize in this novel. 😊

Here’s a bit 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.

Please pick up your copy today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Books 2 Read!

White Bread and Cheese Bread

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by Sandra Merville Hart

I was looking for a bread recipe to serve with beef stew for guests. I found this wonderful recipe in The Fannie Farmer Cookbook.

With stew as my main course, I wanted a hearty bread as an accompaniment. These loaves did not disappoint any of my guests.

This recipe makes 2 loaves. There was suggested variation for making cheese bread. That appealed to me so I made one white and one cheese loaf.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons shortening

2 ½ teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons sugar

1 cup hot milk

1 cup hot water

1 package dry yeast

6 cups white flour (I used bread flour)

1 ½ cups grated Cheddar Cheese or other cheese (if making cheese bread)

Blend the shortening, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir in the hot milk and water. Set aside and allow it to cool to lukewarm. (The mixture cools within a few minutes.)

Meanwhile, place the yeast into a small bowl and mix it with ¼ cup warm water. Allow it to stand for 5 minutes to dissolve and activate the yeast.

Add the activated yeast to the cooled mixture and stir. Add 3 cups of flour and mix until well-blended. (I used my hands—too much of my Southern grandma in me. 😊) Add 2 more cups of flour and mix it together well. Then turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for a minute or two.

Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes.

You’re ready to knead again. Of the remaining cup of flour, add just enough so the dough isn’t sticky, a little at a time as you knead the dough until it is elastic and smooth. (I might have had ½ cup of flour that wasn’t needed of the 6 cups.)

Grease a large bowl. Place the dough inside and cover with plastic wrap. Set it in a warm area and allow it to rise until the size doubles.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare two loaf pans with cooking spray.

Punch the risen dough and divide it in half. Place one half in one of the pans.

If you plan for one of the loaves to be cheese bread, gently mix in the shredded cheese now with your hands. Then place the prepared cheesy dough into the other loaf pan.

Cover with plastic wrap and wait until it doubles in size.

Remove plastic wrap and bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Then lower setting to 375 degrees and bake for another 30 minutes.

Delicious! I sliced the cooled bread and we ate it with beef stew—what a treat! Crusty bread went perfectly with the meal. Some buttered the slices and others didn’t, but all enjoyed freshly baked white or cheese bread for supper.

My husband and I ate leftovers the following evening and it still tasted just as delicious.

The whole process took about 3 ½ hours from start to finish. I will make this again.

***I made this again for family. They loved the bread! In fact, my sister loved the cheese bread so much that she suggested I sell it! I think it’s delicious too, and well worth the time and effort to make 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.

Endorsements for A Not So Persistent Suitor, Book 2

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by Sandra Merville Hart

I was thrilled to receive the following two wonderful endorsements for A Not So Persistent Suitor  Book 2 in my “Second Chances” series that releases on February 14, 2023. Set in 1883-84, the main location is Cincinnati, Ohio, but it also contains scenes in nearby Hamilton. Modern readers familiar with Cincinnati will recognize a few locations in the book!

Endorsements

In A Not So Persistent Suitor, Sandra Merville Hart crafts a sweet tale of a budding romance on the rocks. One ill-planned choice on Ben’s part releases a cascade of trouble that sets his girl, Cora, on her heels and forces the pair to rebuild trust. Through various lessons, they each learn they have many areas in which to grow. You won’t want to miss this heartwarming story of love nearly lost—and found again—as two wounded hearts navigate turbulent times and circumstances in 1884 Cincinnati.

~Jennifer Uhlarik, author of Sand Creek Serenade and Love’s Fortress

Hart’s careful research and attention to detail catapults the reader into the social stratification of southwestern Ohio in the 1880’s. As both a former kindergarten teacher and a farmer’s daughter, I was immediately drawn into the story of love and the mores of nineteenth century society. I trust A Not So Persistent Suitor will prove to be a satisfying read for generations to come. 

~Rebecca Waters, author of Libby’s Cuppa Joe and Breathing on Her Own 

What reviewers are saying:

“I love the title of this book because it fits so well & so concisely with what the story was about!” ~BookBub Reviewer

“Ms. Hart’s consistent use of Cincinnati’s history in the 1880’s as the backdrop for what happens to the characters is phenomenal. The historical events drive the characters to make decisions and shape their lives. It was fascinating. Their growth throughout the book was enjoyable.” ~BookBub Reviewer

“I feel that reading the titles in order would be beneficial due to the background information provided. Plus, it was nice to revisit Samuel and Rose and their family.” ~BookBub Reviewer

“Faith is a strong component of this story and I really liked how the author wove topics of faith and trust in God as well as forgiveness into a rich inspirational tapestry with more than one story of redemption.” ~BookBub Reviewer

“A beautifully written, redemptive conclusion.” ~BookBub Reviewer

“The historical attention to detail provided by Ms. Hart was extensive and made what happened in 1884 seem to jump off the pages. If you are looking for an inspiring, well-researched historical romance, I would recommend this one.” ~BookBub Reviewer

Rescuing Rose by Susan Pope Sloan

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Rescued Hearts of the Civil War

Book One

This first book in the series was a page turner for me!

Rose Carrigan can scarcely believe it when Union soldiers burn the mill in her small town in Roswell, Georgia. That mill had supplied jobs for both her and sister, not to mention many of her neighbors. What are they to do now?

Union Captain Noah Griffin hates this part of his job. It seems to him that the army didn’t have to destroy the livelihood of an entire town. Two sisters capture his attention, especially Rose, the older one. She’s got spirit but her beauty snags the attention of some of his men. He saves her. Before long, she occupies much of his thoughts.

Rose learns that the workers of the Roswell mills are prisoners. She and her sister must travel north, whether they want to go or not. Noah can’t stop the orders from being carried out. What will become of them? Will she see Noah again?

This book tugged at my emotions from the beginning. The historical events are shared as a natural part of the story. I love learning history as a natural part of a fictional novel.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be the last.

Recommended for readers of inspirational historical romances.

Amazon

A History of the Schools of Cincinnati

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Written by John Brough Shotwell

This book, published in 1902, is over 600 pages. The history of educating Cincinnati’s children and youths in college throughout the 1800s is very extensive.

Included in the volume are the histories of Walnut Hills High School, Hughes High School, and Woodward High School. It also included a section about Woodward in the Civil War. So many sections of the book are very interesting.

I read this book as research for my book set in Cincinnati, A Not So Persistent Suitor in 1883-84. At first, I thought that two of my characters would attend the University of Cincinnati and I concentrated on learning all I could about the school. There is much information about it in this history. However, it turned out that the Cincinnati Kindergarten Training School—also discussed by the author—fit the story like a glove.

It’s obvious the author did extensive research on the schools and left this gem to all of us who want to dig into the city’s educational history. I’m so grateful for the work involved to preserve the information for future generations.

Recommended for readers who love the history of Cincinnati and Ohio.

Amazon

Pinwheel Appetizers

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by Sandra Merville Hart

When trying to decide which appetizer to take to a holiday party, I thought about pinwheels. It had been several years since I made them and didn’t recall the ingredients so I made up my own.

I decided to make two different types, both using flour tortillas as the base.

The first one was a pizza pinwheel.

Pizza Pinwheel

Large flour tortillas

Sliced Pepperoni

Pizza sauce

1 tomato, diced small

Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

Bacon, cooked and crumbled

Heat pizza sauce. Spoon a thin layer of sauce over the tortilla. Arrange pepperoni slices over the sauce.

Sprinkle crumbled bacon and diced tomatoes over the top. Then add a thin layer of cheese.

Fold over the sides and begin rolling from the bottom to the top until ends meet.

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Repeat the process to make as many pinwheels as needed.

If serving this appetizer as hot, heat it in the microwave for 30 – 45 seconds before slicing it.

It also tastes good cold. No need to heat before slicing.

For my second one, I decided to make a pinwheel using veggies from a veggie tray. Chopping/preparing the vegetables was the only time-consuming part of this.

Veggie Pinwheel

Large flour tortillas

Broccoli, chopped small

Cauliflower, chopped small

Celery, sliced thin

Carrots, diced small

Tomato, diced small

Ranch dressing

Cheddar cheese, shredded

Combine the broccoli, cauliflower, celery, and carrots in a bowl.

Spoon a thin layer of Ranch dressing over the tortilla. Arrange a small amount of the veggie mixture from above over the dressing.

Sprinkle diced tomatoes over the top. Then add a thin layer of cheese.

Fold over the sides and begin rolling from the bottom to the top until ends meet.

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to slice and serve.

Repeat the process to make as many pinwheels as needed.

Both of these were a hit with the guests. 😊

Illustrated Cincinnati by Daniel J. Kenny

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Pictorial Hand-book of the Queen City

I love this book!

Published in 1875, the author jam-packed this book with descriptions and sketches of hotels, places of entertainment, public buildings, schools, colleges, banks, parks, and churches. It gives details about transportation, club houses, boat clubs, and charities.

The sketches of early buildings include the people and modes of transportation on the streets. Perhaps the author did not realize that such sketches would provide details about clothing, omnibuses, railcars, and landaus pulled by horse teams to readers long after such things were not even a memory for those still living.

A sketch of the Burnet House shows what an impressive hotel it was—and Abraham Lincoln is on its register!

I read this book during my research for my book set in Cincinnati, A Not So Persistent Suitor. I used some wonderful information from the book about the Tyler Davidson Fountain on Fifth Street in my story. I referred to the book time and again while writing my story set in 1883-84.

Recommended for readers who love the history of Cincinnati and Ohio.

Amazon

Historic Downtown Cincinnati

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Written by Steven J. Rolfes and Kent Jones

Images of America

This book begins with sketches in 1788, when Cincinnati (originally named Losantiville) began. The early sketches included one of Fort Washington, the city’s first fort. It illustrates how much the city has grown!

The author includes some history of the Civil War as well as a section of the city’s famous businesses. Photos for early clothing stores paint a picture of what it must have been like to shop in those early days.

Books in this series are always very well done. They have old photographs and sketches that are so helpful in my historical research for my novels.

I read this book during my research for my book set in Cincinnati, A Not So Persistent Suitor in 1883-84. Studying old photographs often brings a sense of what it must have been like in those bygone days.

Recommended for readers who love the history of Cincinnati and Ohio.

Amazon

Marshmallow Snowmen – Fun for the Family

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by Sandra Merville Hart

I made Rick Krispie Treats over the holidays and had leftover marshmallows that I decided would make a fun treat for our young grandchildren.

There were plenty of the larger marshmallows for the 3 sections. I made a batch of icing, thinking that icing would be necessary as edible “glue” to stick the sections together.

Either the icing doesn’t work well, or the young artists require more patience than ours possess to allow it to dry. 😊

Anyway, we discovered that pressing the marshmallows together without icing actually bonded the sections quite well.

Next, I set out bowls with candy eyes, pretzels, chocolate chips, and pink, green, and white icing to decorate. A potato chip became a snowman hat. Icing worked well to glue the candy to the marshmallow creation.

Even Grandpa got in in the fun!

When the children are decoratimg, their imaginations go wild so that no two snowmen look exactly alike.

This is a fun winter activity for the family.

Coming Soon! Book 2 in Second Chances Novel Series!

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by Sandra Merville Hart

I wanted to share some exciting news with you!  A Not So Persistent Suitor, Book 2 of my “Second Chances” series, will release February 14, 2023!

This series begins a dozen years after the end of the Civil War. The first book, A Not So Convenient Marriage, is set in 1877 in three Ohio locations: Hamilton, Harrison, and the train town of Bradford Junction.

The second book, A Not So Persistent Suitor, is set in Cincinnati in 1883—84. It was fun to share a few recognizable locations in this novel. 😊

Book 3, A Not So Peaceful Journey, takes place on a train journey from Ohio to San Francisco in 1884.  

Here’s a bit 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.

Available on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Books 2 Read.

A bit about Sandra

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known facts from American history to include in her novels. In fact, many of her stories are inspired by visits to historical sites such as battlefields. Sandra treats all her vacations with her husband as an adventure for she never knows where inspiration for a story willarise. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. Sandra is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher.