These three historical romances by different authors all have something in common—someone in each story either wants a mail-order bride or wants to be one. They have employed the services of Mrs. Mayberry’s Matrimonial Society for Christians of Moral Character in their search.
But sometimes the heart has its own ideas…
I loved the characters in Carrie Turansky’s A Trusting Heart. Annika Bergstrom travels to a Wyoming ranch to marry a widower in need of help raising his young daughter, but Chase Simms is mysteriously absent. Daniel, his brother, wishes their pa had talked to Chase before writing to the mail-order bride. In his brother’s continued absence, Daniel begins to fall for Annika. She can’t help wishing that Chase was more like his brother…
The action in Vickie McDonough’s The Prodigal Groom begins immediately. The main setting is in Cedar Springs, Nevada in 1882. My emotions were engaged early as I wanted Jolie Addams to flee the orphanage where a man the age of a grandfather wanted her to live with him as his maid. Jolie flees to Nevada from Iowa to marry a man she’s never met. She meets Clay Jackson along the way and must face a dangerous situation with him. That event turns her future on its head.
I was delighted when this collection comes full circle in Mrs. Mayberry Meets Her Match by Susan Page Davis. Amelia Mayberry, who has supported herself since her husband’s death by running a matchmaking service, finally has saved enough money to retire. The widow in her early fifties has only one job left—find her husband’s old friend a wife, as she had unsuccessfully tried to do two years before. Lennox Bailey has built a successful business in Sacramento. The widower’s married daughter’s family now includes Lennox’s only grandson. He agrees to a visit from Amelia, but he hopes she will not mention the mail-order bride she’d recommended. It had been a fiasco. Yet Amelia cannot leave a job unfinished…
All of these historical romances are feel-good stories set in the West at Christmas.
I enjoyed this collection of light-hearted, easy-to-read romances. Recommend.
In the fall, I love to make desserts with seasonal flavors. I had discovered this great pumpkin cheesecake several years ago, but then I forgot about it. Last weekend, I made it for two different gatherings. Both friends and family loved it!
In fact, I asked my nephew if he wanted a piece of cheesecake for another day. When he declined, his wife called in from the living room, “What are you turning down?” She wasn’t about to say no to the dessert…and I was happy to leave two pieces with them.
Ingredients
CRUST:
¾ cup finely chopped walnuts
¾ cup graham cracker crumbs (about 12 squares)
¼ cup sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
¼ cup butter or margarine, melted
FILLING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
¾ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup cooked or canned pumpkin
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
The crust takes the longest to prepare. I chose to finely chop the walnuts and the Graham crackers on a cutting board instead of using a food processor. It took only a few minutes.
In a medium mixing bowl, blend the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves into the cracker crumbs and walnut before adding melted butter. Mix well.
Pour the crust into an ungreased 10-inch springform pan. Press the crust into place with your fingers on the bottom layer.
Use a mixer to beat the cream cheese and sugar on a medium speed until smooth, which takes about a minute. Add eggs and beat on low speed until it’s blended. Stir in pumpkin, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Using a low speed, beat the batter until the mixture is combined, about 30 seconds.
Pour the batter onto the crust. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon on top along with 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts.
I typically serve this in the fall when pumpkin is readily available. Everyone gobbles up the delicious dessert whenever I serve it. They enjoy the seasonal flavors in this light, creamy cheesecake. It works well for holiday dinners.
While whipped cream is delicious on this dessert, I’ve noticed that most guests choose not to use it because it’s such a delicious, creamy cheesecake without it.
Enjoy!
Sources
Taste of Home’s Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2002, Remain Media Group, Inc., 2002.
I learned about the holiday tradition of Jesse Trees while digging into the history of Advent candles and wreaths. I had heard of the trees, yet had never seen one.
A Jesse Tree is an Advent tree. It’s another way to celebrate the birth of Christ in the days leading up to Christmas. This tradition has been celebrated at least since the Middle Ages.
The name for this tree comes from Isaiah 11:1 (NIV): A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
Jesse is the father of King David, who is in the lineage of Jesus found in the first chapter of Matthew.
There are only 25 ornaments on the tree, so it’s usually a small tree. It can be an evergreen or one with barren branches. The ornaments are often handmade to signify a certain person or event in the Bible before Jesus’ birth.
In fact, special ornaments are selected because they represent a Biblical event or a person from the lineage of Jesus. A Biblical character who is not in the direct line of Jesus but who played a significant role in the Old Testament—such as prophets who foretold the coming of Jesus—might have an ornament.
Because it may be hard to find ready-made ornaments to fit the day’s theme, some will be handmade. For instance, an apple symbolizes the first sin with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. A rainbow symbolizes The Flood and Noah’s Ark. King David can be represented by a crown, a harp, or a shepherd’s crook. A hammer represents the carpenter Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus.
Matthew lists 42 generations, beginning with Abraham and ending with Jesus. Chapter 3 of Luke begins with Jesus and goes backward to Adam, so there are plenty of possibilities if one’s Jesse Tree highlights people from the genealogies.
Whether one highlights Biblical events, people from the lineage of Jesus, prophets or other Old Testament characters not in a direct line, or a combination of them, each Jesse Tree will be unique and personal.
Beginning December 1st, a new ornament is placed on the tree while a scripture or a brief explanation of the person’s or event’s role in God’s plan of salvation is read. Each successive day, a new ornament is added until December 25th.
A Jesse Tree may also be a banner or a poster. These typically feature a stump with a green branch made of fabric or drawn. Every day, symbols are attached to the branch. The colors of Advent are purple or blue, which are used for the background.
The Christ Lutheran Church-San Clemente has a beautiful illustration of this here.
Some churches celebrate this tradition. Children might make ornaments and hang seven for the whole week on Sundays. Scriptures or short stories related to the symbols are shared, adding meaning and anticipation to the countdown to Christmas.
Jesse Trees are one of several Advent traditions that celebrate Jesus’ birth, which was His first coming, and also look forward to His Second Coming when He will return for His followers.
Grace Thornton is new to the small town of Pine Valley. Although a few unruly boys make every day a challenge, she is determined to lead her students in the school’s first Christmas pageant. The younger girls and boys are excited, even as one boy seems determined to sabotage Grace’s efforts. Maybe she should quit.
Ben Hansen, a widower, can’t ignore his daughter’s praises of her pretty new teacher. He decides to lend a hand among his townspeople, who are so resistant to change.
I enjoyed reading this short story, which I finished in about an hour. Ben’s sweet daughter tugged at my heart, as did Grace’s teaching difficulties.
The nostalgic and historic setting added to the charm of this holiday story. I will look for more stories by this author.
A warm welcome to my friend and fellow author, KD Holmberg. She’s here to tell us about the release of her first children’s book, the re-release of her Biblical fiction novel, and share about a delicacy for one of the world’s oldest recipes! Congratulations, KD, and welcome to Historical Nibbles!
KD Holmberg here, author of The Egyptian Princess, A Story of Hagar, and the newly-released What Would Happen? children’s picture book.
What Would Happen? is a colorful, engaging adventure that introduces environmental care in a fun and simple way. Kids giggle with delight as they seek and find the hidden footprint on each page! Perfect for ages 4-8.
The Egyptian Princess was recently re-released with a new cover and offers a fresh take on the 4,000-year-old story of Hagar, Sarah, and Abraham. After learning that, according to Hebrew tradition, Hagar was a princess before Pharaoh—her father—gave her to Sarah, I researched the lives of royal daughters in that era. I discovered that their lives were marked by a unique blend of culture and privilege, including a formal education equal to that of royal sons. Viewing Hagar as an educated, sophisticated young woman rather than a victimized slave provides a compelling new perspective on her story.
One of my favorite characters in The Egyptian Princess is Tamari, a harem busybody who ‘spreads gossip like a farmer spreads manure.’ With a sweet tooth but a sharp tongue, she cares only about herself—until she realizes that her future and Hagar’s may be intertwined.
Tamari’s favorite treat is one of the world’s oldest recipes: Tiger Nut Sweets, a delicacy recorded on an Egyptian pot dating back to 1600 BC. Tiger nuts are making a comeback due to their unique nutritional properties, and are now widely available. Despite their name, tiger nuts are not nuts at all but tubers produced by a plant in the sedge family. You can substitute walnuts or pecans to achieve a similar texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried pitted dates
1 tbs cinnamon (or to taste)
2 tbs roughly chopped tiger nuts (or pecans or walnuts)
2 tbs honey (more if needed)
2 tbs finely ground almonds
· In a food processor, grind the dates with splash of water to form a sticky paste.
· Place the honey and almond meal in separate shallow bowls
· Transfer the date paste to a bowl and add the cinnamon (to taste), and chopped tiger nuts (or walnuts or pecans).
· Mix thoroughly with your hands and roll the paste into small balls.
· Coat balls in honey and then almond meal and serve.
Easy peasy, and a potential new Christmas tradition in your home!
May each day of Advent bring you peace, joy, and special blessings. KD Holmberg
When my husband was a child, his mother would light an Advent candle every evening as the family gathered for supper. She did this for four weeks, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Only one candle burned the first week. On the second week, another candle was lit every evening. There were three burning in the third week and four in the fourth week. The candles were arranged in a wreath prominently displayed. He recalled that, by the end, the first candle was nearly gone.
As a child, my family didn’t celebrate this holiday tradition. How did this tradition begin?
Adventus is the Latin word for “coming”. Advent was a time when early Christians prepared their hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In the 4th century, St. Athanasius wrote of Christians preparing for a period of time leading up to Christmas.
By the time of Pope St. Gregory the Great in the 6th century, Advent started on November 12th, which was the day after the feast of St. Martin, and lasted until January 6th, the Day of Epiphany. St. Gregory shortened the Advent season to four—some historical sources suggest it was five—Sundays preceding Christmas.
Today, Advent traditionally begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. For each of the four weeks, a new candle is lit to focus on a different theme. Saying a prayer, sharing a devotion, or reciting scripture may accompany the candle-lighting.
The candles are arranged in a wreath fashioned from evergreens to symbolize everlasting life. The wreath’s circular shape symbolizes God’s unending love for us.
Candle colors are often three purple and one that is rose or pink. An optional fifth white candle in the middle of the wreath, known as “Christ’s Candle,” is lit on Christmas Day.
Each week, the focus is on a different theme that can vary. Below are some common themes.
Week 1, First Sunday, Purple candle, also called the “Prophet’s Candle”: Hope
Even youths grow tired and weary
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)
Week 2, Second Sunday, Purple candle, also called “Bethlehem’s Candle”: Peace
For unto 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 (NIV)
Week 3, Third Sunday, Pink or rose candle, also called the “Shepherd’s Candle”: Joy
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 (NIV)
Week 4, Fourth Sunday, Purple candle, also called the “Angel’s Candle”: Love
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (NIV)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
The Advent season celebrates Jesus’s birth, which was His first coming, and also hearkens to His Second Coming when He will return for His followers.
Lighting the Advent candles brings much symbolism as well as centuries of tradition to help Christians prepare their hearts for Christmas.
All Clare Gaylord wants is a dog from the rescue center for her fifteen-year-old grandson Braden. She didn’t plan on meeting her first husband, a man she regrets divorcing thirty years before. Had she tried to help Lloyd through his PTSD, she wouldn’t have endured a disastrous second marriage. Yet there had been reasons she feared Lloyd’s episodes.
Lloyd Harmon can’t believe it when Clare comes into the business where he supports himself as a dog groomer. Many difficult years have passed. He’s now in counseling, yet still struggles with nightmares sometimes. Should he try to befriend her? Or just allow the past to remain in the past?
I had read other books in this series and was happy to see what happened with them after their stories ended.
Believable, lovable characters, each working through their own difficult pasts, had me turning pages. Surprising twists and turns—some revealed from the past—escalated my interest. I couldn’t put the story down.
This novel of lost love and forgiveness will also appeal to animal lovers and dog lovers.
I recommend this contemporary romance novel, and dog lovers will especially enjoy it.
I was given a copy of the book by the author. A positive review was not required.
My mother made the best pumpkin pie when I was a little girl. Thankfully, she shared her recipe—and her secrets—with me.
I make the pie every year, usually for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year, baking the pie again brought back many childhood memories of cooking the festive meal with my mother, grandmother, and sisters. It’s just as delicious now as it was back then!
Ingredients
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 ½ cups canned pumpkin
¾ cup sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 2/3 cup (13 oz.) Evaporated Milk
1 9-inch unbaked pie shell
Mix eggs, pumpkin, and spices in the order given. I’m never stingy with the cinnamon in this recipe, making it a heaping teaspoon or almost doubling the amount required, just as my mother did.
Another secret she had was adding a teaspoon of Pumpkin Pie Spice. This is a blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Though this is completely optional, it rounds out the flavor of the pie.
Stir together and mix the pumpkin with all the spices before adding the last ingredient, a can of evaporated milk. Stir this together until blended and pour into an unbaked pie shell.
Bake in a preheated 425-degree oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the pie comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing.
May garnish with whipped cream. Most guests prefer a dollop whipped cream with their pie. My husband covers the pie with the sweet topping. 😊
Doubling this recipe makes three 9-inch pies.
My daughter now makes “Grandma’s” pumpkin pie recipe. The torch has been passed!
Hope your family enjoys this pie as much as mine does.
Darcy’s mother wants to arrange for her daughter to marry a widower near her home, but Darcy has no intention of giving up her teaching position to move back home. Her demanding mother had controlled her during childhood. She won’t put herself in that position again.
Reuben, the pastor at Darcy’s church, is determined to remain a bachelor, yet he can’t deny his attraction to her. The couple is thrown together when a tornado threatens their community.
Characters I cared about drew me into the story. They had believable hurdles to overcome. I couldn’t put the book down. However, I didn’t understand why Darcy, as a protective sister, seemingly left her adopted younger sister alone with their controlling mother. The answer might be in an upcoming book.
Another quick edit would have helped minor errors. All in all, I enjoyed the story.
I hosted a party this fall where I served hot apple cider. I searched for my old recipe in vain. I hadn’t made one in several years, so I created a new one.
Simmering the cider on low heat in a crock pot allows the spicy aroma to seep into the home. The aroma welcomes guests and creates an inviting atmosphere.
Ingredients
64 ounces apple cider
¼ cup maple syrup
5 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 orange, sliced
Combine the cider and syrup in a crockpot. Add in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir.
To add a splash of citrus flavor, arrange 6 orange slices over the top. Simmer on low for 2 – 3 hours.
Just before serving, remove the oranges and cinnamon sticks. Strain out the cloves.
The syrup gives a hint of maple while adding a bit of smoothness to the drink.
This comforting, delicious drink brings a warm welcome to family and friends on cold afternoons and evenings.
If you like a little extra cinnamon flavor—as I do!—add another cinnamon stick from the beginning.
Sandra Merville Hart 