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.
William Lewis was born on a plantation in Winchester, Tennessee. Sources disagree on the year of his birth, but it seems to have been either 1810 or 1815. Colonel James Lewis, a Revolutionary Soldier, was his father, yet his son remained enslaved.
Bill learned blacksmithing skills at an early age, becoming so skilled that he earned money for both the colonel and himself. Bill saved his own money toward his freedom.
Emboldened by his success, Bill asked the Colonel’s permission to move to Ross’s Landing—later known as Chattanooga—to start a blacksmith shop, which was granted. He had to pay $350 annually because he was still enslaved. He worked hard and paid installments toward his freedom.
He married Jane in the early 1840s. A son, Eldridge, was born. Both of them were enslaved. Since all of Jane’s children would be enslaved, Bill’s priority was to buy her freedom before they had any other children. Sources disagree whether Bill purchased his own freedom or his wife’s first. He paid $1,000 in installments for himself, which was paid in full soon after he moved to Chattanooga. He also paid $1,000 for Jane’s freedom, ensuring their future children were born free.
Bill’s hard work earned him respect in the community. His focus was on saving enough to free the rest of his family. Eldridge was six when Bill paid the $400 for his freedom. His mother and aunt were freed for $150 each. He purchased both of his brothers’ freedom for $1,000 each and, later, his sister’s for $400.
The townspeople respected Bill as an honest, intelligent man. They began to call him “Uncle Bill”.
After Bill’s family was safely with him in Chattanooga, he bought a large house. His business expanded. He rightly foresaw the fall of the Confederacy. He bought tobacco and sold it for a profit to provide for his family.
By the time of the Civil War, he had hired a crew for the heavy work he was no longer able to do and supervised them.
The war brought hard times. Hugh, Bill’s son, fought bravely with a U.S. Colored Troops regiment beginning in 1864. Unfortunately, in 1865, he died of a fever in Wilmington, North Carolina.
The South suffered many economic losses during the war, which also affected Bill. Union soldiers seized his blacksmith shop when they took over Chattanooga. His holdings that had been worth $7,000 in the 1860 census had dropped to $300 during the next decade.
Bill and Jane accomplished all this without being able to read or write. They encouraged their children’s education—several of their children were sent to northern schools.
Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit was a legacy to his children. His daughter Marion graduated from Oberlin College and later taught there.
Two of Bill’s sons were blacksmiths. One worked as a mail carrier. Another daughter was a teacher. A third daughter worked as a milliner.
Bill’s spirit and hard work through many difficulties are an inspiration to this day.
Sources
Hubbard, Rita Lorraine. Hammering For Freedom, Lee & Low Books Inc., 2018.
Tilda Muirhead came to the Two Harts Ranch in the first book in this series, when she followed the MacKenzie brothers. The teenagers had been in pursuit of their grandfather’s buried treasure and still had found only a portion of it. Tilda’s love of history lands her a job at the California ranch’s orphanage. She’s spent most of her childhood as an orphan, and her deepest desire is to help them. She has never dreamed of marriage—Josh Hart might change her mind.
Josh is part-owner of the large ranch. He took the reins to run it while his brother, Zane, was away. Now that Zane is back, Josh’s struggles to find his way are thwarted by his feelings for Tilda.
When someone claiming to be her family member comes to the ranch, Tilda is fearful. Can she trust Josh to protect her?
Unexpected danger escalates in this historical romance. The story is told through multiple viewpoints, including through characters in the first book with unresolved issues. The author leaves us with reasons to anticipate the next book.
Readers see characters they’ve learned to love in an earlier series.
The author does a good job summarizing what the reader needs to know from earlier stories. Even so, the story builds as a saga. I believe that readers of the earlier series will receive a deeper impact from the stories.
This was a page-turner for me! I will look for more books by this author.
I’m excited to announce a chance to win all these novels through Celebrate Lit’s Thankful for Our Readers Giveaway!
My book in the giveaway is A Not So Convenient Marriage, Second Chances, Book 1—and there are over 25 other books you could win!
We all wanted to take a minute to let you know how thankful we are for each one of you. To celebrate, I have partnered with Celebrate Lit for a giveaway just for you to build up your TBR pile.
Here is your chance to win over 25 ebooks and a $50 Amazon card to buy a ton of books for yourself in Celebrate Lit’s giveaway.
Sandra Merville Hart 