Search Results

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.

Have you ever wanted special powers? I don't mean sixth-sense gifts like heightened intuition or awareness, though those are great. I'm talking about actual magical powers. I'm still on a re-reading marathon with books (always the case when I'm in laser-focus mode on a new manuscript), and a recent book included Key of Light by Nora Roberts from The Key Trilogy. Now, one thing I do appreciate about Roberts's talent is her ability to make magic feel so normal. Her Three Sisters Island trilogy does a great job of this as well, but what it all comes down to is mortals with special gifts. So, have you ever wanted to be magical? Living a normal life, but with an little extra something? I'd want to talk to animals. Healing would be another cool gift, but it's all about the animals for me. Wolves, bears, eagles, and of course my favorite pups and horses. It would be amazing to be able to connect with creatures on a telepathic level, to sense, know, and understand the world through their perspective.

I love to revisit my people and discover what they've been doing since our last adventure. Each encounter is a chance to catch up on their accomplishments, experiences, and the daily joys of their lives. It's like unlocking a treasure trove of memories. Of course, when I say "my people," I refer to the characters to whom I devote a great deal of my life. I first heard the phrase in "An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving" and thought it a far better way to describe characters, because fictional or not, they are people with hopes, dreams, passions, and fears, just like the rest of us. I don't always know which story will ensnare me next. There is always a plan, and yet, I sometimes find myself turned away from one path to embark on another, and this particular trail was apparently one my people wanted me to experience sooner than later. I hope you'll join us. The Trail to Crooked Creek, a new romantic and adventurous book in the Crooked Creek series will release February 20, 2024! Stay tuned for the release! About the Book The Trail to Crooked Creek is a tale of resilience, compassion, and the triumph of the human spirit. 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. Read an Excerpt | Pre-Order Also in the Crooked Creek series

With all the cold and snow (lots of beautiful snow), I've spent a little more time indoors than usual, and today that means a lot of bookish stuff going on, including edits for the upcoming book, The Trail to Crooked Creek, and book shopping (I found so many great new books!) I stumbled from one page to the next and landed on the gift idea page for American Historical Romance. The Women of Crooked Creek is in great company!

After the American Civil War, many sought refuge as far away from where they fought and suffered, and an influx of those seekers found what they wanted in the great American West. The vast and unexplored lands provided the perfect canvas for individuals to start afresh and build a prosperous future with a multitude of new opportunities. And of course they could enjoy a sense of freedom and adventure. The rugged landscapes, vast open spaces, and untamed wilderness captivated the imaginations of many individuals who yearned for a fresh start. The stories in the Whitcomb Springs series share the tales, albeit fictional, of those who sought this new beginning, who wanted great adventures, or those who simply needed something so different that turned away from all that was familiar to see what might await. Without hopes and dreams, without the promise of a better future, life would be devoid of meaning and purpose. Hopes and dreams are the fuel that drive us towards achieving our goals and aspirations, bring light when all around us is dark, and they deserve to be nutured—whether off the page or on.

What point is there to creativity, to the imagination, if we are not allowed to break rules without censure? The wind and rain and snow and sun follow the rules of science, and yet how abominably dull they would be without the occasional surprise, the rule-breaking moments that send us into shock or delight. A sudden thunderstorm in the middle of a hot summer day, or a blizzard in an area that rarely gets snow. Even something as simple as an unexpected rainbow can turn an otherwise ordinary day into one of extraordinary pleasure. So, too, must the imagination be set free to experiment, to challenge, to cast aside what we are told must be done. Words, and the stories they create, have boundaries that creativity continues to conquer.

What is is about New Year's that makes us believe we can reset and change the course of lives? Don't we already have that opportunity every day? And yet, we still wait for that clock to chime midnight and welcome in a new year, when we can put all our plans for improvement into motion. Don't get me wrong, I don't have the answers. These are questions I've pondered as I sit here and type and wait for the loud (Oh, my goodness, loud!) fireworks to end. For criminey sakes, it's freezing outside, there's a weird wet snow on the ground, and we live in an area where wildlife and domestic animals far outnumber humans, so give us all a break. Perhaps in the new year I'll strive not to complain about things I cannot control. Maybe. We'll see. From the ashes of yesteryears, we rise anew, With hearts full of courage, our spirits shine through, From the stroke of midnight, a new year unfolds, With hope as our compass, we tread pathways untold. Rather than resolve to start anew, I will simply continue onward, doing what I already love to do. Writing, baking, gardening, exploring the wonders of nature, and reading many, many books. You'll notice travel is not on the list as I do not have plans to travel anywhere my vehicle cannot get me in a day's drive. I will save more ramblings for a future date. Right now I have pups wary of the booms and in need of comfort. The your new year burn bright with hope.

I have. And many times over the years I have come close to telling myself it really and truly is what I want to do. I've poured over listings, weighed the pros and cons, and have even inquired into a few. Then I think of noise and lack of privacy and change my mind. But the idea lingers. One of my favorite books to read when I get in this mood is Born in Ice, book two of Nora Roberts's Irish Born Trilogy. I get to live vicariously through Brianna Concannon as she plays hostess, spends the day baking, gardening, and enjoying the various and colorful guests who stop off in the quiet Irish countryside for a visit. What a treat to meet new people and then say farewell a few days later. Of course, not every guest would be a handsome writer, and yet, that is the joy of fiction. It can be whatever we want. In books, we can live every life we have ever imagined (which is my favorite thing about writing). For those of us who don't have a yen to travel the world over, books transport us to whever we want to be so we can spend time with whomever we want. Such is the power of words. And so, whenever I long to be an innkeeper, start a Christmas tree farm, or open an antique shop, I read—or write—a book, and live the life I imagine wanting. The best part is that I carry that life with me always, even as I enjoy the blessings of my real one.

This scrumptious dessert combines the sweet flavors of caramel and apple, creating a mouthwatering combination that is sure to be a hit. Yes, apple pie is more autumn than Christmas (and the recipe comes from a Fall Baking magazine), but I've never been one to limit a delicious treat to only one season. The aroma of the baked apples wafting through your kitchen will make it hard to resist taking a bite before it's even cooled. Whether you're a reader who enjoys curling up with a good book and a slice of pie, or a baker who loves experimenting with new recipes, this caramel apple pie is the perfect treat for you. Its combination of flavors and textures is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Find the recipe in Victoria Classics Fall Baking magazine (Oct 2018). Their periodic baking editions are always filled with wonderful recipes, so you really get your money's worth. It should be noted that there are two pies because there was too much filling for one, so I used the rest in a mini pie and it worked great! Featured Book Christmas in Crooked Creek Will two hearts find a way to leave the sorrows of war behind and embrace a future in Crooked Creek? Join the women of Crooked Creek in a heartwarming tale of survival, hope, love, and an unexpected miracle. As the holiday season approaches, Michael and Clara must find the courage to let go of the past, survive the present, and embrace a future neither envisioned. Learn more about Christmas in Crooked Creek → May you have a wonderful time reading, baking, and enjoying the simple pleasures of the holiday season.

I call it a Muddy Creek Muffin, a name from many years ago when I was going to open a bakery (yes, I almost, as in super close, bought one, but then I went to college and another story was born). My menu consisted of a variety of interesting names, many of which I still use when speaking of those recipes. This is a recipe recently unearthed. Dark or milk, the choice is yours to make, In this sugary world, let your taste buds awake. Oh, chocolate and muffins, a magical pair, A duet of sweetness, beyond compare. The muffins are super rich, so don't try to eat one all by your lonesome unless you really love chocolate and have a glass of milk (or cocoa, coffee, or favorite beverage handy). It comes with two simple variations: one with almond and one with coconut. Muddy Creek Chocolate Muffin Recipe For your convenience, you can download the recipe in PDF, or find it on the Recipes page. Discover just how well love, joy, and chocolate go together. Served here with hot cocoa and a cinnamon stick (because we like to pretend one cannot have too much chocolate). Indulge in a rich chocolately-chocolate muffin and get lost in a heartwarming holiday adventure at Hawk's Peak. An Angel Called Gallagher On a ranch known as Hawk’s Peak, a family celebrates love, joy, and peace at last . . . or so the Gallaghers thought. Brenna is convinced she hears a woman singing to her son. Eliza and Ethan are unnerved by a sleepwalker, and Isabelle swears Hawk’s Peak is haunted. Then an unlikely visitor stumbles into their lives. Enjoy a heartwarming holiday adventure filled with tenderness, hope, and the promise of a better tomorrow for more than one deserving soul. Join us at Hawk’s Peak and fall in love with the family all over again. Haven't read the book yet? Enjoy an excerpt!

Thanksgiving does not end simply because its passing is marked by a single date on the calendar. Its essence lingers, when embraced, well into the Christmas season, shaping the atmosphere and celebrations of the upcoming holidays. We've picked out our tree, have planned some of the delicious treats that will fill the kitchen with tantalizing aromas (some new, some old favorites), and are awaiting a new Christmas cottage puzzle. Each memory is precious in its simplicity and not a single moment passes without giving overwhelming thanks that such things we so often take for granted are possible. Whether it be decorating a Christmas tree, indulging in delicious treats, or solving a puzzle, these simple yet cherished activities remind us to appreciate the little things in life, for those little things often become the most important memories that we carry with us always. And really, really important . . . Don't forget all the wonderful books you can give as Christmas gifts!

Winter, where are you? I've asked this question before, but I've never wanted an answer so much as this year. The weather birdies claim we'll be seeing it soon, but they keep teasing. I know, most people are happy when winter gets delayed, and I LOVE garden season, but come on, it's time for snow to fall, roads to slick over, and the air to get so cold it freezes our noses off. Anyone else with me? No? Well, you can enjoy it from afar. ❄ Stating I love the snow would be an understatement. I don't ski, but I do enjoy snowshoeing and tromping around taking pictures. I love the silence of snow, the scent of the earth as it's covered for the season, the anticipation of spring when the snow melts to reveal lush grass. I also enjoy the shorter days of winter; somehow I seem to accomplish a great deal more. And, I really like an excuse to wear all the scarves I keep knitting. One can only truly find serenity if one listens. Snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and rushing waters along snowy banks. Get lost in the breathtaking beauty of snowy landscapes and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. But I go into nature to escape everything else. Not everyone feels the same. And because I don't think my words can add anything more to the pictures (and also because I need to get back to writing), I leave you with more images of snowy peaks and icy waters. Some of these images I've shared before, but since we have no snow right now (except on the mountain peaks), I'm living vicariously through myself during previous winters. Be well, be kind, and never stop believing something good is about to happen. ~MK While you're here, discover the perfect book to accompany your cozy reading sessions (or as Christmas gifts) amidst the stunning winter scenes. ❄️📚✨