I love to read books set during the Christmas holidays. This 1913 book begins in November and ends at Christmas.
Grace Ferguson is more interested in the library at the mansion where her sister Lillias will marry an earl in a week’s time. The arranged marriage will save the earl’s England estate and Lillias is only marrying a man she doesn’t know to please her father.
Frederick Percy is trying to make up for his past by marrying Lillias. When she elopes after meeting him, Grace convinces him to marry her instead.
Attempts have been made on Frederick’s life and soon Grace is also threatened. She dearly loves solving mysteries—and she must solve this one before her new husband is murdered.
I enjoyed the story overall. The growing relationship between the newlyweds is very romantic and perhaps too quick. My interest was snagged by the mysterious attempts to kill Frederick and I tried to solve the mystery along with characters.
Some characters are as full of surprises as the twists and turns. The story left the door open to solve more mysteries in future books!
I am thrilled that friend and fellow author, Debra DuPree Williams, is sharing one of her delicious Southern recipes from her debut novel. I couldn’t put it down! Welcome to Historical Nibbles, Debra!
By Debra DuPree Williams
One thing that will stand out to you as you read through my debut novel, Grave Consequences, is how often and how much the people within the pages eat. Set in rural south Alabama in 1968, the meals they share are typical of the meals I grew up eating.
From collard greens to fried corn to sliced red-ripe juicy tomatoes so well-known in that part of the great state of Alabama, the love of good home-cooked food is one thing we all share. Just writing this makes my mouth water.
I’m an unusual product of the south in that my Mama wasn’t a good cook. Well, she was, but she didn’t make everyday meals. She made party foods. Mama loved to entertain. Big time. I doubt there were two girls in all of Covington County, Alabama, who cut more crusts from little finger sandwiches than my sister and me. Every time we turned around our home was filled with ladies. Garden club ladies, Sunday School ladies, Altrusa Club ladies. And my teachers, both ladies and gentlemen.
Every Christmas, Mama made fruit cake. I hate fruitcake. Any kind. All that horrible candied fruit . . . and raisins. And she made Lane Cake. I hate Lane Cake. All those nasty little raisins.
But Mama made pound cake. The best, buttery-est, yummiest pound cakes. And she made a gorgeous bright-yellow cake called a Butter-Nut Cake. Y’all! It was sooo good. The frosting is to die for.
But, when my sister got married, she brought to our family her mother-in-law’s oh-so-delicious Coconut Pound Cake. In a scene from Grave Consequences, Charlotte fills plates with Granny’s (known as Miss Marge in the book) Tea Cakes and thick slices of Mama Vada’s Coconut Pound Cake. (She’s Aunt Vada in the book.)
This cake is so good, y’all, that my husband, who cannot stand the taste of coconut, loves it. Our sons, some of whom also hate coconut, love this cake. It’s thatgood. Recipes for the Tea Cakes and the Coconut Pound Cake, along with other Southern delights, are in the back of Grave Consequences, but here’s a sneak peek just for you.
Here is the recipe.
Mama Vada’s Coconut Pound Cake
Do NOT preheat your oven!
1 cup butter, unsalted
2/3 cup Crisco (solid shortening)
3 cups sugar
5 eggs
3 cups flour (regular, all-purpose)
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup whole milk
1 ½ tsp. coconut flavoring
1 cup flaked coconut
Cream together the sugar, butter, and shortening. Add the eggs, one at a time. Sift together the flour and baking powder. Add this to the creamed mixture, alternately with the milk and coconut flavoring. Stir in by hand, the flaked coconut. Bake in a tube pan at 325 degrees for 1 ½ hours. (I bake mine in a Bundt cake pan. Take out about a cup or so of the batter if you choose to use the Bundt pan, as this will be too much batter for that pan. Bake yourself a little cake as a treat for being so good to your family.)
PUT INTO A COLD OVEN! Don’t turn it on until after you put the cake inside.
Your home will fill with the aroma of this yummy cake. And it is gorgeous. The outside is flaky and crusty. The inside is moist and so good.
This recipe was given to our family by my sister’s mother-in-law, Vada Cross Foshee Grissett. I’ve made this so many times and it is always a hit.
No wonder Mama, Polly Graves, whipped one up for dessert at Rose Haven.
Back Cover Blurb
Sometimes finding the living is more difficult than searching for the dead.
In 1968, twenty-six-year-old Charlotte Graves wrestles with more than just her decision to return to her hometown, Loblolly, Alabama—she is also fleeing a broken heart, colliding headlong into a second one, and about to stumble onto a deadly secret.
Now settled back in Loblolly, Charlotte is hired to oversee the Woodville County Historical Society, a job she was born for. But no sooner has she banged the gavel to bring order to the first meeting than she is accused of being incompetent to lead the group by her old nemesis, Boopsie Sweets. Later that night, she finds herself arrested by her old beau, the current deputy sheriff, Roan Steele, for killing Boopsie.
After being released on bail, Charlotte uses her skills as a genealogist to leap into the investigation. And when Charlotte goes digging up dirt, she unearths a long-kept family secret. Will it lead to Boopsie’s murderer … or to grave consequences for Charlotte and her family?
About Debra
Debra DuPree Williams is an award-winning author whose work has appeared in Yvonne Lehman’s Stupid Moments, Additional Christmas Moments, Selah Award finalist, Moments with Billy Graham, and Michelle Medlock Adams’s Love and Care for the One and Only You, expanded edition, in addition to other publications. When she isn’t busy writing, you will likely find Debbie chasing an elusive ancestor, either through online sources or in rural graveyards. Debbie is a classically-trained lyric coloratura soprano whose first love is Southern Gospel. She’s been married forever to the best man on earth, is the mother of four sons, mother-in-law of one extraordinary daughter-of-her-heart, and DD to the two most intelligent, talented, and beautiful young ladies ever. Debbie and her husband live in the majestic mountains of North Carolina.
Fannie O’Brien doesn’t want German prisoners of war helping with the work of her family’s Wisconsin farm. Because of her father’s recent death and her two older brothers off fighting the war in Europe, she accepts her mother’s decision. Fannie and her younger siblings can’t handle the workload. They’ll lose the crop without help.
German POW Captain Wolfgang Klonginger knows that he and seven others soldiers—most of them his former students—could have done far worse. He’s grateful for a chance to put in long days at the farm. As the summer passes, Fannie captures his attention. He admires her work ethic and her compassion.
But one of the soldiers isn’t grateful.
Musch has woven another mesmerizing tale that immersed me into the drama from the beginning. Believable characters tugged at my emotions in this well-written story.
The author dug deeply into the emotions of characters on both sides of the conflict. This page-turner gripped my attention. Well-done!
This isn’t the first novel I’ve read by this author nor will it be the last. I love her ability to transport readers back in time.
I highly recommend this novel to lovers of WWII novels.
The Faith & Fellowship Book Festival is a three-evening, online FREE event, with speakers and genre panels. It’s happening on November 1-3, 2023, from 6-8:30 pm Eastern every night.
I’m on the historical author’s panel on Wednesday. Hope you can come!
Jaime Jo Wright is a coffee-fueled and cat-fancier extraordinaire who resides in Wisconsin’s rural woodlands. Her literary vocation involves penning chilling Gothic tales, with a strong preference to the master of dark, Edgar Allan Poe. Jaime’s books will keep you on the edge of your seat, with twists and turns that will leave you breathless. She is a multi-award-winning author, with numerous bestsellers under her belt.
7:05-7:50 pm Stories From the Past (Historical) Panel—Carrie Schmidt, moderator
A Battle Worth Fighting by Sarah Hanks
The Widow’s Cloak by Lynne Basham Tagawa
Loving Lydia by Susan Sloan
Song of the Shepherd Woman by Carlene Havel
A Not So Persistent Suitor by Sandra Merville Hart
The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner (unable to attend)
7:50-8:30 pm Whodunit? (Mystery/Thriller) Panel—Leslie Sherrod, moderator
Muffalettas and Murder by Jann Franklin
Offsides by Lori Z. Scott
Grave Secrets by Elle E. Kay
Ne’er The Twain Shall Meet by Carole Brown
The Gold Doubloons by Suzanne Brachter (unable to attend)
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Thursday, November 2nd
6-7 pm Featured Speaker: Michelle Medlock Adams “The Wind is At Work”
In this inspirational and humorous talk, Michelle shares details of her writing journey relating to the story of Noah’s Ark, and encourages writers to keep their eyes on God and trust that He is at work behind the scenes—just like the wind. It’s a boat ride worth taking!
Michelle Medlock Adams is a best-selling author and an award-winning journalist, earning top honors from the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Hoosier State Press Association to name a few.
Author of over 100 books with more than 4 million books sold, Michelle is also a New York Times Bestselling ghostwriter and has won more than 90 industry awards for her own journalistic endeavors.
7:05-7:50 pm Matters of the Heart(Romance)—Paula Peckham, moderator
Forever Home by Hope Toler Dougherty
Six Pack Days of Intention, the “Days of…” Series, Book 3 by Sharon D. Tweet
An Unexpected Gift by Melissa Wardwell
Home Away from Home by Penny Frost McGinnis
New Embrace by Cindy Ervin Huff
7:50-8:30 pm Starting Over Stories(Nonfiction)—moderator Bettie Boswell
Gyspy for God by Yvonne M. Morgan
Letters to My Father by Crissie Ann Leonard
The Choices She Made by Felicia Ferguson
A Spiral into Marvelous Light by Michael Gryboski (unable to attend)
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Friday, November 3rd
6:05-6:45pm Kids’ Corner (Children’s) Panel—Burton Cole, moderator
God’s ABCs by Joan C. Benson
Roxie, the Traveling Rocker by Becky Troyan Van Vleet
Guess How Much God Loves You by Karen Ferguson
Introducing Joyfull Lee by June Coleman (unable to attend)
6:45-7:25pm Keeping it Real (Nonfiction) Panel—Shannel Taylor, moderator
The Crab Mentality Disease by Wanda Currie
It’s Not My Problem…Or Is It? From Nudge to Nonprofit by Bruce L Blumer
Della Mae Wagner answers a want ad for a teacher and heads to Missouri, hoping to heal from a broken engagement.
Widower Hank Lamson doesn’t want a teacher for his three young sons, and especially not a wife, as his parents advertised to provide. Women only wanted his money. He was having no part in it.
I enjoyed Della’s interaction with the children, especially the youngest boy. For someone with no teaching experience, she showed lots of wisdom.
The characters were likable. Some scenes and situations dragged a bit. Hank’s parents had corresponded with Della before she came. I was as surprised at their warm welcome at the first meeting as I was at Hank’s continuing unfriendliness, though that was explained. My interest picked up a little later in the story.
I’m happy that Love Inspired Historical Inspirational Romances are being published again!
There’s a café near my daughter’s house that makes delicious broccoli salad. I decided to create my own version of this salad. It turned out pretty well and took about twenty minutes to prepare.
INGREDIENTS
Salad
5-6 cups small broccoli florets (3 heads)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup brown rice, cooked (optional)
Dressing
¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Stir the mayo and olive oil together until well blended. Then add vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir together until creamy. Set aside.
In a different bowl, combine the broccoli, cheese, and bacon. Pour in the dressing and stir until combined. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
This was delicious! It tasted very similar to my favorite café’s version. The vinegar gives the creamy dressing a nice tangy flavor. I added a cup of cooked brown rice to the salad—it didn’t affect the flavor but made it a more filling, satisfying dish.
Something crunchy like ¼ cup of sunflowers or ½ cup of slivered almonds would be a nice addition.
Piper Gray is glad to leave behind her marriage to a controlling husband. After the divorce, she wants to return to her hometown and raise her daughter. She lands a seasonal job at the Hudson’s apple farm, a place that has always seemed like home.
Lance Hudson has returned to his family’s business looking for a fresh start after his divorce. Piper’s presence there shocks him, for he had dated her years ago before leaving for college. She’s been away a long time. Only Sidney, his twin sister, has met Maelyn.
Piper has a secret she’s keeping from everyone. She’ll do anything to keep Lance from meeting his daughter.
Readers learn early that Lance is Maelyn’s father. Neither he nor any of his family knows. After meeting him and his wonderful family, I must confess I was frustrated that she kept her sweet daughter from him.
The characters tugged at my heart, especially Lance and Maelyn. This book was a page-turner.
October 2023 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
Children’s: Road Trip Rescue by Becca Wierwille — After spotting a photo of her lost dog, twelve-year-old Kimmy embarks on a wild road trip to bring him home with her pink-haired, adventure-hungry aunt who makes some unexpected detours. (Children’s/Middle Grade/Chapter Books from Beloved Chronicles LLC)
Contemporary Romance: A Christmas Romance by Annette M. Irby — A wannabe novelist with writer’s block. A best-selling children’s book author with a knack for story. And the romance they brainstorm together. Can they deny their attraction, or will they live their own Christmas romance? (Romance Novella from Prism Effect Publishing)
A Country Christmas by Lisa Carter — The rancher and the city girl have nothing in common…except the wedding that brings them together (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin) A Deeper Love by Heidi Gray McGill — There’s no such thing as going “too deep” where spiritual things are concerned. But I’ll stay at the surface and snorkel rather than dive into the depths when it comes to relationships. (Contemporary Romance from Celebrate Lit Publishing) A Horseman’s Mission by Sandra Ardoin — A guilt-ridden horseman works to establish an equine therapy center for veterans with PTSD while attempting to ease the fears of an overprotective widow whose son suffers panic attacks. (Contemporary Romance from Corner Room Books) Fields of Glass by Alyssa Schwarz — A rancher facing bankruptcy and a corporate sales rep who wants to buy his family land. Sparks fly when they are forced to work together toward a common goal, and discover what they’re willing to sacrifice to save those they care for most. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Mama Dated Santa by Amy R. Anguish — Trudy McNamara doesn’t do Christmas anymore. But Trudy finds herself tangled up with the toy store Santa and Christmas when she discovers her mom … dated Santa. Nick Russo, manager of Russos’ Toy Emporium, is at a loss as to how to save his family’s store. When Uncle Paul, the Santa and part-owner, hires Trudy to revamp their store, Nick’s life turns upside down. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivening’s Press) Their Holiday Secret by Betsy St Amant — Preston Green will do anything for a fake girlfriend—even bid on one at a charity auction. Sweet and quirky baker Lulu Boyd is the perfect choice to stop his mother’s constant matchmaking. And it’s just for one holiday family dinner—until his father’s failing health makes ending their ruse impossible. Soon it feels all too real…but another secret might make this their last Christmas together. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)
General Contemporary: Secret Mercy by Lynn Waite Chapman — Talk to Liberty Cassell and you will hear her extoll all the advantages of living in her hometown of Twin Fawn. Little traffic. Easy parking. However, in this little town, when Harley Ottenweller failed to show up for dinner one day, most residents failed to notice. Those who did take note seemed grateful not to meet up with him on the street. His wife Willow and son Johnnie went on with life. No questions. No search. Does the tiny woman with wispy white hair and wild imagination know more about her husband’s disappearance than she’s telling? (General Contemporary from Winged Publications)
General Historical: Appalachian Song by Michelle Shocklee — A young pregnant woman bonds with the midwives who take her into their Appalachian home. Decades later, a famous country singer heads to the Appalachian Mountains to search for the midwife who holds the truth about his past. (General Historical from Tyndale House)
The Kidnapped Groom by Susan Page Davis — Riding through the Flint Hills on his way to Dodge City, cowboy Sam Cayford finds himself the kidnapping victim of two children. When he meets their lovely mother, Maggie Piner—whom the kids insist he should marry—Sam starts to question God’s plans versus his own. (General Historical, Tea Tin Press)
Historical Romance: Abounding Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart — Poland’s looming defeat forces an American teacher to escape with children wanted by the Nazis. (Historical Romance, Independently Published) Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot — When a female doctor-in-training saves a handsome stranger’s life, little does she know that he’ll bring both love and danger into her life. (Historical Romance from Revell) Angelina’s Resolve by Cindy Ervin Huff — Architect Angelina DuBois isn’t looking for love as she builds a town run by businesswomen. Carpenter and Civil War veteran Edward Pritchard’s dream of building homes for Chicago’s elite must be put on hold until he gains references. Serving as a contractor under Angelina’s well-known DuBois name provides that opportunity. But can Angelina trust her handsome new carpenter to respect her as his boss? Will the project take Edward one step closer to his goals, or will it make him a laughingstock? Can these two strong-willed people find love amid such an unconventional experiment? (Historical Romance from Iron Stream Media) Chiseled on the Heart by Kelly Goshorn, Elaine Marie Cooper, Cynthia Roemer, and Candace West — Four generations carve out a journey of faith. The Gift of a Lamb by Elaine Cooper; A Lasting Legacy by Cynthia Roemer; Healing within the Pieces by Candace West; The Christmas Carving by Kelly Goshorn (Historical Romance from Revell) The Case of the Missing Detective by Rebecca Hemlock — A spin off series of The Granton House Mysteries. We follow sixteen-year-old Dorothy Corbin as the family secrets are passed to her. She’s ready to discover her grandfather’s past, but nothing could have prepared her for what she’d find there. (Historical Romance from Bluecap Publishing)
Military Suspense: Havoc by Ronie Kendig — Former Special Forces operator Sergeant Crew Gatlin is putting his life back together after a career-ending incident that separated him from the Army, half a leg, and his beloved working dog, Havoc K027. When he takes a job and is unexpectedly reunited with Havoc, it’s too good to be true. Their first assignment is to work as a K-9 team for a TV drama. Being a stunt double allows Vienna Foxcroft to fulfill her acting dream—with a side of MMA—and stay out of the limelight. Then in walks Mr. Mountain-of-Muscle and his tough-as-nails dog, and Vienna has a bad feeling her life is about to turn upside down as they head overseas for a location shoot in Turkey. When an attack sends the cast fleeing into the streets of Turkey, Vienna must face the demons of her past or be devoured by them. And Crew and Havoc are tested like never before. (Military Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)
Romantic Suspense: Crime Scene Conspiracy by Jessica R. Patch — A string of staged deaths forces Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell on a covert mission to investigate a governor’s connection to the deceased women. She doesn’t trust anyone—including crime scene cleaner Stone Spencer. But when Emily’s questioning makes her the serial killer’s next target, she must turn to ex-ranger Stone for help. With threats at every turn, outrunning a merciless villain could be the last thing they do. (Romantic Suspense from Loved Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)
Christmas in the Crosshairs by Kate Angelo, Kelly Underwood, Sami A. Abrams — Christmas is about to get dangerous! Get ready for three brand new Elite Guardians romantic suspense stories from Sunrise Publishing in this exciting anthology. (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing) Grave Secrets by Elle E. Kay — In the historic city of Philadelphia, a mystery begins to unfold that will lead to the tranquil beauty of Ricketts Glen State Park and the dark secrets hidden just beyond the park’s borders. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Holiday Menace by Jerusha Agen, Mary Alford, Lori Altebaumer, Danielle Grandinetti, Sarah Hamaker, Kendall Hoxsey, Karen Kirst, Pat O’Brien, Hope Welborn, and Terri Weldon — Will Christmas be merry and bright? Lives are in danger when menacing pressures threaten to derail Christmas in this heart-pounding suspense—plus a little romance—collection of 10 brand-new novellas from some of the genre’s most popular Christian romantic suspense authors! (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) Running to You by Robin Patchen — She dumped him, ghosted him for five years…and then showed up on his doorstep with bruises and a head injury she can’t explain. She has no memory of the years since she left him–or their breakup. She also has no idea why men are chasing her. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard — A missing person. A murder victim. And two hurting people seeking justice, connected in ways they could never imagine. (Romantic Suspense from Revell) Skye Fall by Paige Edwards — The dirty cop who left her for dead now lies in wait to silence her once and for all. (Romantic Suspense from Covenant Communications) Snowbound Escape by Dana Mentink — After months tracking a colleague falsely accused of a double homicide, officer Tanner Ford and his K-9 partner finally locate crime tech Mara Gilmore—but the real murderer is closing in. Now they must run into a frozen wilderness to survive. Evading the killer is the only way for Mara to clear her name. But will the harsh winter conditions cover their tracks…or bury them forever? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)
Western: Another Christmas Story by Susan Page Davis — Beryl’s father is badly injured, and the wagon train leaves her and her little brother behind and at the trading post. They are at the mercy of the trading post manager, his wife, and their adult son, James. Grieving after her father’s death, Beryl sees that James loves her young brother. Soon she comes to care for James too. Come spring, Beryl will have to decide whether she and her brother will continue on to Oregon or go back East. (Western from Tea Tin Press)
Young Adult: Royal & Ancient by Amanda Lauer — When a lightning strike transports a high school senior from modern-day America to 1600s Scotland, she must learn the ways of the Scots before a battle between England and Scotland decimates the land her true love is destined to rule. (Young Adult from Chrism Press/WhiteFire Publishing)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
April’s Promise by Terrie Todd — As a world war wages across the globe, the Kimball family faces a different kind of conflict at home. Will their personal battles drag them down and tear their family apart? (General Historical)
Heart Restoration by Regina Rudd Merrick — A renovations expert and a contractor come across a corpse on the job site, along with a series of tunnels beneath the property. (Romantic Suspense)
Malia’s Courage by Pamela Harstad , A Native Hawaiian interior designer and her architect co-worker encounter murder and threats after a company plans to build illegally on Hawaiian sacred land. How will they uphold their relationship and others’ rights, while trying to survive? (Romantic Suspense)
Speaking Through the Silence by Linda Sammaritan , Will Debbie continue to keep quiet under the Mean Queen’s snarky abuse, or will she screw up the courage to speak through her self-imposed silence? (Young Adult)
Sandra Merville Hart 