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It is time for a new Reading Room post! I have been devouring books of late. Many, many wonderful books. Some have been research, and a lot of them have been rereads because I find them easier while I'm dwelling deeply in a new story. These two historical Scottish romances are both clean reads and great escapes. They are also written by authors whose books I haven't read before, which is always a nice treat. Love Practically by Nichole Van I picked this book up for three reasons: It's historical, set in Scotland, and the cover is lovely. Lucky for me what's inside is just as lovely. 3 Great Things About Love Practically The rich historical setting of Scotland serves as a beautiful and moody backdrop for the protagonists' individual growth and tender romance. The protagonists' personalities, inner conflicts, and apparent chemistry. A satisfying resolution to all elements of the story. Journey to Bongary Spring by Kasey Stockton I picked up this book for the same reasons as the the first one. 3 Great Things About Journey to Bongary Spring A sweet love story set in a captivating historical era with elements of loyalty and sacrifice. The complexities of family and community. A satisfying resolution to the love story (This one does end in a cliffhanger, so you'll want to read the next book, but the love story is complete.) I hope you give these books a try! The Reading Room is where I share books, because authors are readers, too. I don't rate books on my blog, but I do like to share books I've read and enjoyed (My mom recommends a few, too.).

Ignite your spirit with life's adventures. Embrace the unknown, step out of your comfort zone, and savor the exhilaration of new experiences. Dive into the depths of new surroundings, allowing yourself to grow and evolve through each unique opportunity that comes your way. Step boldly into uncharted territories, where growth and self-discovery await. Remember, it is in the moments of discomfort and uncertainty that we often find our truest selves and unlock our full potential. Dare to explore, dare to challenge yourself, and dare to live a life filled with endless possibilities.

A beautiful and windy visit to Glacier reminds, as always, of God and Nature's beauty. The video is not too long because I didn't wear gloves and it was a lot colder than it looked next to the water. I do visit the park most often in autumn and winter as that is when it's quietest. Today was gloriously quiet. Miles without seeing another vehicle, and I was pleasantly left to my solitude while standing on the undulating dock. I know my editor, especially, will wish she was there in the cold, with snow . . . and cold. :) The air is crisp, the chill cuts like a knife, Yet beauty reigns in every frozen view, In this majestic land where nature thrives, A masterpiece of white and icy blue.

Today's recipe is all about one of the most delicious and simple of breads. French bread, with its crusty exterior and soft interior, makes for great eating on its own, as French toast (United States version), broiled or baked as garlic bread, for sandwiches, and much more. The rolls make wonderful soup or chili bowls, with the extra soft interior saved for soaking up broth. The art of bread-making has been passed down through generations, with recipes and techniques evolving to reflect preferences. None of my characters would have made a bread exactly like this one because yeast wouldn't have been readily available. They would have used wild yeast, or sourdough, which can also be used in making French bread! Sourdough or wild yeast really is my favorite way to leaven bread. I've included a link below to a recipe that uses sourdough starter instead of store-bought yeast. The art of bread-making is deeply rooted in tradition and culture, with each region in France boasting its own time-honored methods and recipes (and only four ingredients). From the flour milling processes, water sources, scoring patterns on the crust to fermentation times, every step in the baking process is a reflection of different levels of expertise, regional ingredients, and the local culinary heritage. Despite these variations, one thing remains constant – the undeniable appeal of freshly baked French bread. In every loaf, there lies a story, Of hands that toil and hearts that mold. My variation of French bread contains a fifth ingredient—stone ground flax seed. This is entirely optional, and an ingredient I add to many of my breads, including sourdough, multi-grain, dinner rolls, peasant bread, and yes, the French loaf or baguette. Otherwise, four ingredients is all you need. I also brush the tops with olive oil, which softens the crusty crust a tad. Bread serves as a daily blessing that embodies the spirit of sharing and nourishment. Its presence at the table signifies not only sustenance for the body but also a connection to tradition and culture. As we break bread with others, we acknowledge the simple act of coming together to partake in a meal, creating bonds that transcend language and borders. From ancient times, bread has sustained the weak, A symbol of abundance, love, and care, In every culture, it's the food we seek, A daily blessing, always there to share. You can download a printable PDF of the recipe here. The PDF includes the instructions for rolls. For a recipe that uses sourdough starter (I haven't written mine down), try this recipe from Farmhouse on Boone. Enjoy! Book featured in the first image: The Case of the Copper King, a McKenzie Sisters Series novel. Also in the series is The Case of the Peculiar Inheritance by Samantha St. Claire.

Let your smile radiate love so deeply that every heart you touch learns to cherish every moment, as if the precious breath of life whispers, 'Live and love as though the dawn of eternity glistens on the horizon of today.' May your presence be a beacon of hope, guiding others towards a future filled with love and light. Let your smile be a reminder that life is a precious treasure, meant to be cherished and celebrated every single day. Let your smile radiate love, A beacon of kindness and warmth, A gift freely given, Illuminating the darkness around, Spreading joy and hope, In a world that often feels cold, Let your smile be the light, Guiding others to find their own.

Did you know that "March Madness" is not all about sports? Perhaps these days it is, but since I'm not one to watch sports (I know the basics, and then I'm lost.), so I went searching for the origins. Tickled I was to discover that it dates further back than collegiate sports—some sources claim people went mad from the weather, others say it has something to do with hares and breeding season. No matter it's origins, madness seems to describe this month well. That time before taxes (in the US; always maddening) and the first transition between winter and spring with the month having one foot in each season. It seems appropriate to turn all that madness into a perk for book lovers! Hence, the e-book deals. This month, watch out for the titles below going on sale (starting March 10). Be sure to check the price in your country. Books are the joy that bring light and life, In their pages, worlds unfold and stories thrive, Words dance like fireflies in the night, Guiding us through darkness, shining bright. Their stories hold secrets and dreams untold, A world of wonder waiting to unfold. With every turn, a new adventure begins, Books are the joy that feeds our souls within.

Three things I wish someone would have told me before I started writing: 1. It's hard. Like, really, really hard. Sometimes you'll want to pull out your hair. Other times (like a lot), you'll want to quit. And when you want to quit, you'll call yourself a fool because you can't imagine not writing, which means the cycle continues, round and round until you don't know your own thoughts from the voices in your head. It's pretty cool. 2. Everything is a distraction. All those wonderful things you love about life: family, hobbies, exercise, free time, well, it's all distracting. Sometimes it's distracting to where you wish none of it existed, and then you feel guilty about feeling that way, but you keep feeling that way until you don't know if it's really guilt or just what you think you should feel. Follow me? 3.  It's not healthy. Okay, the embracing of one's imagination and living any life I could ever want to live. Those are cool. Super-duper cool. By unhealthy, I mean physically. It's mentally and emotionally draining. And one has to work twice as hard to stay in decent shape because there is a lot of sitting and reading and more sitting, so you have to find extra time somewhere for more physical activity, and you have to watch what you eat (which is tough when you love to cook) even more than before because of all the sitting and reading. Would I have started writing even if I had known what I know now? You bet! Writing is awesome. Plus, books are magical, so it's worth every moment of angst and joy.

So easy. So good. What is it? Cinnamon-Kissed Apple Crisp. Actually, I added the cinnamon-kissed part, but that's how it tastes, which is why I'm sharing the latest treat from my self-proclaimed professional test kitchen. Baker tested, writer approved. Cast-Iron Apple Crisp Apple Crisp and Apple Crumble are terms often used interchangeably, and yet they are different desserts, most notably with the use of oats and/or nuts in the crisp topping. Apple Cobbler is another similar dessert, and yet quite different. If one of these desserts were to show up in the kitchen at Hawk's Peak ranch, or in Clara Stowe's inn, then it would have been Apple Cobbler or even Apple Brown Betty. And now I'm hungry. In the 1860s or 1880s, if a yen for apple desserts hit in Februrary, they would pull out a jar of apples, carefully canned during harvest before winter's first snow coated the ground. And even though an apple crisp recipe did not appear in a proper cookbook until the 1920s, who are any of us to say that some industrious cook somewhere didn't have their own version of it two hundred or more years ago. I'd be willing to bet that Briarwood and Crooked Creek had such talented bakers in their midst. Ready to have fun in the kitchen? Get the recipe here, pour yourself a cup of delicious herbal tea (or beverage of choice), and induge in this tasty and easy-to-make treat. This is really a Tart Apple Crisp from Paula Deen's Cast-Iron Favorites (2019). The recipe I found on her website is different. What does Jane Austen have to do with Apple Crisp? Not a thing. Although, the many variations of baked apple desserts we enjoy today were adapted from recipes originating in England. It's wonderful how food alone can connect the world across the centuries. Actually, I enjoyed this movie, and therefore I'm sharing it. An American in Austen If you're a fan of fun and Hallmark movies with a Jane Austen twist, then it's possible you've already watched An American in Austen. It really is more than I had expected going into it (thanks to Eliza Bennett). The cast is fun, even ridiculous at times, but fun and they did a charming job in each of their roles. Lots of laughter and an escape into Pride and Prejudice await. I've only ever seen Eliza Bennett in Julian Fellowes's From Time to Time, and she was great in there, too!

We're still basking under the gray skies of winter's gloom in my corner of the Rockies, but come mid-July to mid-September, if one wants to risk battling bears, one can venture into the wild and pick their own huckleberries. Wild Huckleberry Muffins Would Wesley and Leah have had huckleberry muffins on the trail? Unlikely given they traveled in spring and they lacked an oven on their journey. Having said that, it's quite possible huckleberry muffins awaited them at Clara's inn in Crooked Creek. Not everyone picks their own huckleberries, myself included. For more than twenty years, I have bought a gallon of huckleberries every other season from pickers who kindly share the spoils of their foraging with locals and tourists who stop at their roadside stand. These huckleberries are then baked into something sweet or portioned off and frozen to use throughout the year. Served here with Winter Spice tea from Mountain Rose Herbs, this muffin is great at breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Download a PDF of the recipe. Enjoy! Featured Book Snippets from The Trail to Crooked Creek

The Trail to Crooked Creek, a new romantic and adventurous novella in the Crooked Creek series is now here to fill your hours (and e-readers) with joy. It's also available in print for those who like to hold paper. Join me, Leah Tennyson, and Wesley Davenport on a journey of strength, selflessness, and the profound impact of love. For devoted e-readers: Amazon Kindle (in KU) For the paper people: Paperback Large Print About The Trail to Crooked Creek Everyday heroes who find the courage to believe in extraordinary love. Two years after the devastations of war left their mark on a country torn apart, Wesley Davenport, a former soldier haunted by his experiences on the battlefield crosses paths with Leah Tennyson, a teacher who helps him heal his emotional wounds—and discovers unexpected love in the most unlikely place. The Trail to Crooked Creek is a novella set in the breathtaking and sometimes unforgiving landscape of post-Civil War Montana Territory. A note . . . I knew in my heart that I was not ready to say farewell to my people in Crooked Creek, and even now this won't be the final story in the series. Wesley and Leah became so much more than I anticipated, and their adventures ended quite differently than I had planned. They are both, in a word, beautiful. Beautiful souls and beautiful hearts, albeit a bit bruised and in need of direction to overcome their own tragic pasts. May you always have a fire to warm your body, a book to warm your mind, hope to warm your soul, and love to warm your heart. I hope you enjoy the book. —MK McClintock

The day began with me not wanting to get out of bed, so I started Laura Franz's The Seamstress of Acadie. I'm not too far in yet, but so far so good. I'm really drawn to the setting and way of life, and Blackburn. I'm excited to read more! Coffee Cake, anyone? Before we get to more books, let's have a look at this super delicious Cinnamon-Roll Coffee Cake. Now, it tastes nothing like a cinnamon roll except that it has cinnamon, a delicious topping, and is good enough to want all the time. I've had it for breakfast and dessert, and seriously, it doesn't get old. Then again, I'm a sucker for good coffee cake. I just can't think about all the sugar, which is why this is not an all-the-time treat. This delectable creation features a tender cake base, generously swirled with a cinnamon mixture. As it bakes, the aroma of spice fills the air, creating an irresistible scent that will have everyone eagerly awaiting a slice. One of the highlights of this coffee cake is the topping, which, when baked, it forms a crumbly and slightly crunchy caramel layer that adds a delightful texture to each bite. To make this treat even more decadent, a cream cheese glaze can be drizzled over the top, but since I don't want to go into sugar shock, I haven't tried it that way. Like most coffee cakes, this is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Its warm and comforting flavors make it ideal for cozy mornings, for a brunch, or when you simply want to treat yourself. And, it freezes well! For your convenience, you can download a PDF of the recipe below. It comes from Cuisine's Holiday Baking Volume 1 (I couldn't find the individual recipe online.). Find more of Cuisine's Holiday Baking editions. Download Recipe in PDF. Featured Book Hopes and Dreams in Whitcomb Springs High in a mountain valley, a place for those who have loved and lost becomes a home for those who wish to hope and dream. Set in post-Civil War Montana Territory, in the town of Whitcomb Springs, is a community of strong men and women who have worked to overcome individual struggles faced during and after the war. Amongst the majestic mountains, clear-water lakes, and hand-hewn homes, you will meet widows, heroes, mountain men, and others who seek a place of peace and renewal. Meet a brave group of settlers whose stories and adventures celebrate the rich life of the American West with their tales of adventure, courage, mercy, tender romance, and hope for a good tomorrow. Learn more about Hopes and Dreams in Whitcomb Springs → Book Recommendation The Winter Witch This recommendation comes from my mom, who is savoring every word of The Winter Witch by Paula Brackson. She tells me that Morgana is a fascinating character and that I'm a fool not to have read this one yet. I'm a great fan of Brackston's writing, and she does a wonderful job at both character and world-building. I have read, and recommend, The Silver Witch, also a part of the same series. May you always have a fire to warm your body, a book to warm your mind, and love to warm your heart. —MK

Snow is falling. Again. Though not a lot. Again. This morning there was a layer of ice everywhere. Again. It's been an odd winter. Thank goodness for baking and books. Cakes, cobblers, muffins, breads, and more have filled the house with delicious scents all winter long. Studies (somewhere, and no doubt super scientific) have shown that engaging in baking activities can reduce stress levels, improve focus and concentration, and even boost overall mood and well-being. I'm in 100% agreement. The aroma of freshly baked bread, the sweet fragrance of muffins just out of the oven, and the tempting smell of a warm slice of cake will always be a cherished part of my childhood memories, and they are kept alive by the making of new and everyday kitchen adventures. These memories are what prompted me to attend culinary school with dreams of opening a French bakery or becoming a world-renowned pastry chef. Thank goodness I started writing and discovered a new, deeper dream that allows me to be chef, baker, rancher, duchess, agent, and so much more across so many times and in a variety of places. It is never too late to discover a new dream.