Search Results

I reviewed this book a couple of years back for Books & Benches, but recently reread it (again) and wanted to update the review to share here. Many Carla Kelly books are on my favorites list, and though this book has been around for a while, it's as delightful now as the first time I read it. The book is well-written, the characters are wonderful, the setting is perfect, and there's enough folly throughout to make the story feel real. Ellen has gumption. She's surrounded by inept family members, but she's not blind to their faults and somehow loves them anyway. Ellen is also determined to fulfill her dreams, even if it means going against the odds and breaking societal norms. Her days in the ladies' "academy" are humorous at times and sweet at others. Her brother Gordon, oh what to say about him . . . you really must read it to understand that there are moments when Ellen should be applauded for her patience. Of course, she has her own motives—remember her dream? James Gatewood is an odd sort of fellow, but I couldn't help but adore him. Perhaps it was his matter-of-fact ways, or the slow understanding the reader gains about his love for Ellen. It's not a bolt of lightning (one of the things I enjoy about this author's Regencies), and we don't have any graphic scenes to help the reader along (trust me, you won't miss them). He's persistent, intelligent, kind, and incredibly generous. As in true romance fashion, he is handsome but in a careless and charming way. The book's last chapters may seem odd to some readers, but considering the characters' oddities, it shouldn't come as a surprise. Kelly stays true to her characters, and that's one of the things that makes her Regencies such great reads. Do you enjoy Shakespeare? They do! (I don't!) Carla Kelly did everything right in this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great read. About the Book Beautiful and brilliant Miss Ellen Grimsley considers it a scandal that she—a female—cannot attend Oxford while her dunderhead brother can. That's why she dons his robes to do his work for him. But when a handsome lord learns Ellen's secret, he decides to teach her a lesson of his own. This delightful period romance will earn high marks from readers everywhere! 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.). My tastes are eclectic, so expect to see everything from sweet, wholesome romance to edge-of-your-seat, sexy thrillers, and more in between.

One moment I wish for snow, and the next, I think about flowers. Well, if I can't have snow, I'd like to be out playing in the dirt. The gardens got seriously injured last summer during the freak hail storm that obliterated flowers, damaged countless roofs and sidings, totaled vehicles, and weakened so many of the beautiful ponderosa pine trees in and around town that it's too sad to think about the ones that won't make it. Many of the flowers, the perrenials especially, sustained enough damage that they weren't strong enough to withstand the frigid winter we just had (I didn't think the winter was too bad, but I get looks when I say so aloud.) The roses were troopers and survived beneath the shelter of burlap and frost cloths, daffodils and hyacinths have brought a touch of spring, and my precious heather plants have proven just how resilient they are. Half the lavender plants were surprisingly not as lucky. I'm not doing anything extensive to existing landscapes this year (mostly annuals while I wait to see what will come back), but even an hour or two of digging, pruning, trimming, and admiring is worth it. While I wait for the rain to subside (terrific writing weather) and all the flowers to get much-needed moisture after a week of scorching heat (can't decide if it's spring or summer here), I'll enjoy pictures of gardens past. I shared some of these images several years back, and have added more. I'm mad about roses. Always have been. Two of the roses had to be cut way back this spring, but they are thankfully showing signs of new growth. The bed below ran the length of a section of the driveway and featured only purples, whites, and Irish and Scotch mosses. Now, what I really want is a garden like this one! This is a photo I took while touring Cawdor Castle in Scotland. Even during the late season (it was September), the gardens were spectacular, with a blend of rustic elegance and natural splendor. The gardens at Ballindalloch were also quite stunning, though they lacked the wild abandon of the Cawdor gardens. Can you imagine being the person who has to keep all that grass manicured (seriously, it was pristine)? We recently made our first trip of the year to the greenhouses to get all the annuals for the front porch pots and railing baskets: pansies in purples, whites, and Frizzle Sizzle mixes, white geraniums, blue lobelia, white alyssum, grasses, ivy, and a couple I can't remember right now. The columbine will have to go into the ground in a month or two, but for now they are in pots. In 2-3 weeks, there will be one more excursion for all the plants that weren't quite ready, including cosmos, annual salvia, and rosemary (great to keep nasty bugs from the gardens), and I'm sure I'll find a few other beauties I cannot live without. The winter battered the blueberry bushes. I'm hoping with some TLC, they'll revive for next year, but their fate is uncertain. Strawberries will be grown in pots this year because wowsers, berries have become expensive. And because I do not think one can ever tire of flowers, here are more garden images to enjoy. Gardens make me happy. How about you? Whether admiring flowers in pots on a porch, in sprawling landscapes, at a nearby park, or growing in the wild, may your spring, summer, and autumn be filled with an abundance of nature's beauty. ~ MK

It has been my pleasure to enjoy books by these authors, and I look forward to The Castle Keepers. Who could possibly resist traveling through the centuries to uncover secrets and mysteries in an ancient castle? Not me! About the Book Read an Excerpt Meet the Authors Giveaway 'A trio of talented storytellers skillfully brings to life three eras in The Castle Keepers. I found myself yearning to walk the halls of Leedswick Castle to soak up the secrets the walls held and also the whispers of love. Intrigue, a poison garden, and a long-standing curse make for a colorful and rich read.' — Heather Webb, USA TODAY bestselling author of Strangers in the Night The Castle Keepers by Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski, Rachel McMillan Publication Date: May 2, 2023 Harper Muse Genre: Historical Fiction Leedswick Castle has housed the Alnwick family in the English countryside for generations, despite a family curse determined to destroy their legacy and erase them from history. 1870. After a disastrous dinner at the Astor mansion forces her to flee New York in disgrace, socialite Beatrice Holbrook knows her performance in London must be a triumph. When she catches the eye of Charles Alnwick, one of the town’s most enviably-titled bachelors, she prepares to attempt a social coup and become the future Marchioness of Northridge. When tragedy and scandal strike the Alnwick family, Beatrice must assume the role of a lifetime: that of her true, brave self. 1917. Artist Elena Hamilton arrives in Northumberland determined to transform a soldier’s wounds into something beautiful. Tobias Alnwick’s parents have commissioned a lifelike mask to help their son return to his former self after battle wounds partially destroyed his face. But Elena doesn’t see a man who needs fixing—she sees a man who needn’t hide. Yet secrets from their past threaten to chase away the peace they’ve found in each other and destroy the future they’re creating. 1945. Alec Alnwick returns home from the war haunted but determined to leave death and destruction behind. With the help of Brigitta Mayr, the brilliant young psychoanalyst whose correspondence was a lifeline during his time on the Western Front, he reconstructs his family’s large estate into a rehabilitation center for similarly wounded soldiers. Now Alec’s efforts may be the only chance to redeem his family legacy—and break the curse on the Alnwick name—once and for all. Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop iBooks | Books-A-Million | Add to Goodreads 'The Castle Keepers is a fascinating story of love's ability to overcome family curses, scandals, and even war. Told in three parts, this multi-generational tale is wonderfully heartwarming!' — Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London Enjoy an Excerpt from The Castle Keepers CHAPTER 1 ~Rule No. 1~ All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. —William Shakespeare New York City February 1870 Beatrice examined her reflection in the mirror, and though she didn’t risk her mother’s ire by commenting on her own appearance, she knew she was ready to take the stage for one of the most important performances of her life. Daddy wore his best tailcoat with mercifully fewer complaints than usual. For this, Beatrice offered silent thanks. She didn’t need her father’s grumbling and her mother’s resultant henpecking to rile her nerves. Her sweet-natured father’s grousing was a way of flirting with Mama, but Beatrice found it exasperating when it happened at important moments. Tonight they would dine at the home of Caroline Astor. Mrs. William Backhouse Astor, the single most influential person in all of New York society. And Beatrice, if she ever wanted admittance to Mrs. Astor’s good graces, would have to be flawless. Her hope was that if she played the part well enough, she just might secure a proposal from Thomas Graham. Thomas, who actually watched plays when he went to the theater rather than attending purely so he could be seen by those who mattered. Thomas, who was the only company that felt superior to the company of her beloved journal, a pen, and a roaring fire in her bedroom. Thomas, whose piercing gaze made her stomach wobble and her breath stop in her throat with the merest glance. Thomas, who had spent a great deal of social capital to secure this all-important invitation in hopes of advancing Beatrice and her family in society. Beatrice hoped it was so his parents could have no objection to their forming an attachment beyond seeing each other at social events and in the gathering areas at the theater once or twice a week. Thomas, who would be the great compromise: a position to please her mother and the potential for the honest-to-goodness love match Beatrice longed for but had never hoped to aspire to. Until Thomas. Befitting the event, Beatrice and her mother dressed in fine silks and tasteful jewels. Their ruffled bustle skirts were like sugary confections—flowing masterpieces of fabric, rather than meringue— that seemed to defy the very laws of nature. Their restrictive bodices defied nature as well, molding the shape of the wearer into the feminine ideal. Their hair was just as elaborate—a massive tower of braids and curls that took the skill of a sculptor to achieve. Their money was so new, it was practically fresh from the printer’s, but Mama knew full well how to spend it. End of Excerpt. Shared with permission. Meet the Authors Aimie K. Runyan Internationally bestselling author Aimie K. Runyan writes to celebrate unsung heroines. She has written six historical novels (and counting!) and is delving into the exciting world of contemporary women’s fiction. She has been a finalist for the Colorado Book Award three times, a nominee for the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ ‘Writer of the Year,’ and a Historical Novel Society’s Editors’ Choice selection. Aimie is active as a speaker and educator in the writing community in Colorado and beyond. She lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her wonderful husband, two adorable (usually) children, two very sweet cats, and a pet dragon. Visit her online at aimiekrunyan.com; Instagram: @bookishaimie; Facebook: @aimiekrunyan; Twitter: @aimiekrunyan. J’nell Ciesielski Bestselling author with a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories, J’nell Ciesielski weaves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black-and-white movies. She is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com. Instagram: @jnellciesielski; Facebook: @J’nellCiesielski. Rachel McMillan Rachel McMillan is the author of The London Restoration, The Mozart Code, the Herringford and Watts mysteries, the Van Buren and DeLuca mysteries, and the Three Quarter Time series of contemporary Viennese romances. She is also the author of Dream, Plan, Go: A Travel Guide to Inspire Independent Adventure. Rachel lives in Toronto, Canada. Visit her online at rachelmcmillan.net; Instagram: @rachkmc; Facebook: @rachkmc1; Twitter: @rachkmc; Pinterest: @rachkmc. 'Take one castle and the dramatic tales of three generations of fascinating characters who reside there, and you're in for a treat with The Castle Keepers by Aimie K. Runyan, J'nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan. Every generation has its challenges, but for the owners of Leedswick Castle, their actions will affect their descendants over and over again. Filled with sweet romances, a little humor, and touches of intrigue, this novel written in three parts is sure to delight readers!' —Eliza Knight, USA TODAY bestselling author of Starring Adele Astaire Enter the Tour Giveaway Enter to win a copy of The Castle Keepers by Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski, Rachel McMillan! Enter the Giveaway The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on May 18, 2023. You must be 18 or older to enter. This giveaway is sponsored by the authors and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. Follow the Tour Thank you for visiting and reading! Feel inspired? Want others to experience the book magic? I hope you'll support these authors by sharing with your friends.

This delectable three-layer cake is moist, light, and absolutely one of the best cakes I've ever tasted. It was made in my kitchen, so I'm obviously biased, but it is beyond good. Of course, we all have the talented baker at Sally's Baking Addiction to thank for the original recipe. That's right, our "test" kitchen took this one for a ride, made a couple of modifications, and we're never going to look at coconut cake the same way. If you don't want the berry puree layers, check out her post for the original recipe and a video. I like to use as many natural and fresh ingredients as possible. Quality ingredients make a big difference in the final product, and I've found that using them produces a richer dish with a more robust flavor. This results in greater satisfaction with smaller portions, which also increases the number of servings. Because the berry puree went to the edge of each layer, a little ended up showing through. My goodness, this cake is good. I went with Bob's Red Mill unbleached white fine pastry flour; I prefer it to standard cake flour. Thanks to the hard work on the original recipe, this cake is a fluffy masterpiece. The berry layer was originally an experiment. I don't normally enjoy fruit with cake (there are exceptions), but I wanted something to smooth or balance out the coconut and butter. Going back to the star of this post . . . the cake! The buttercream frosting is not as heavy as one might expect. Her recipe is perfectly balanced so it doesn't taste too buttery or too heavy on the coconut. Yeah, kind of obsessed with this cake. Really obsessed. Chocolate is usually my top pick for cakes, but this one now has a place on my all-time favorite list. Whether enjoy this treat for afternoon tea or an after-dinner dessert (always with a good book at your side), I'm positive you won't regret trying it (except maybe my editor, who doesn't care for coconut). For your convenience, you can download a PDF of the recipe here. Enjoy! Featured Book Clayton's Honor a British Agent Novel Journey to Ireland and England in this dazzling story of danger, honor, and undeniable love. Would you give up duty for the sake of your honor? On the windswept shorts of Ireland, Anne Doyle lost her father to a foolish war and her mother to madness. Left with debt and an ancient family home, she struggles to keep the rest of her family together even as an enemy attempts to take them away. After witnessing a brutal murder, Anne must enlist aid from the only family she has left if she is to save those she loves. Devon Clayton had no intentions of leaving behind his life of adventure and danger, but when he is charged with protecting a witness and her family, he must choose between duty to the country he serves and a woman who tests his honor and willingness to change. Together they will discover that nothing is what it seems and that without honor, love and life are for nothing. Visit the book page →

From K.T. Blakemore . . . Pip Quinn and Ruby Calhoun, the stars of The Good Time Girls, have decided to take over authorial duties for this guest post. Ruby told me in no uncertain terms that my own attempt was “too stuffed full of serious nonsense and too many words.” I reminded her she was a fictional character with questionable morals, to which she just guffawed and shoved me aside. “We are in a complex and disorienting time,” she said. “A nice blessing will be helpful in making people’s days more optimistic and smooth-running. Pip agrees with me on this.” Pip, who’s more reticent with her words but quick of temper, gave a nod and waved at Ruby to hurry it up. Without further ado, here it is: The Good Time Girls is the first in the Wild-Willed Women of the West series by K.T. Blakemore. Think Westerns with a twist. Women's fiction full of adventure. Historical fiction with a dash of humor. It features women who take no prisoners and succeed through sheer grit, determination, and a parcel of luck. Join the ride and subscribe to her monthly newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/jointhegoodtimegirlsride You can purchase The Good Time Girls at your favorite bookshop, Bookshop.org, and Amazon. “Magnificently written, Good Time Girls is a tough, gritty and often humorous wild ride of danger, death, narrow escapes and yes, love. K.T. Blakemore owns the time period as if she had lived through it, and the characters as if she knew them personally. Open up the book, but hang onto your hat.” – James Robert Daniels, bestselling author of The Comanche Kid The Good Time Girls (Historical western and women's fiction rolled into one wild adventure.) by K.T. Blakemore Publication Date: April 4, 2023 Sycamore Creek Press Genre: Historical Fiction/Western Series: Wild-Willed Women of the West A novel of wild women, the bonds of friendship, a harrowing road trip, and help found in the least likely places. In 1905 Kansas, ex-dancehall girl and outlaw Ruby Calhoun has settled into a (mostly) quiet and (mostly) lawful life. But out of the blue her past comes hustling into town when her ex-friend and ex-dancehall partner, Pip, shows up with a grim message and dangerous mission: Cullen Wilder, an old enemy with a long memory, wants them dead and the only way to survive is to kill him first. With Cullen’s henchman hot on their heels, Ruby and Pip hightail into the hinterlands of Kansas to save another friend from Cullen’s vengeance. Unprepared for the journey, their trip is filled with mishaps and mayhem, blunders and bounders, con artists and the circling noose of the law. Through it all, Ruby is tormented by the memories of her life years ago in Arizona Territory, when the upstairs girls at the Paradise Saloon and Dancehall kept her safe, and the dreadful day when it all went wrong. Will Ruby have the guts to face her turbulent past, or will she cut and run like a coward one more time? Available in eBook and Paperback “The Good Time Girls is an expertly crafted tale of two women whose endearing friendship aids them in conquering their fears and the men who made them. Told in humorous, and sometimes touching, McMurtry-esque prose, this book will keep you entertained and glued to your chair far into the night. If you like bold women and stories of the West, you will love this literary adventure!” – Kari Bovee, award-winning author of the Annie Oakley Mystery Series and the Grace Michelle Mysteries Meet Author K.T. Blakemore K.T. Blakemore grew up in the west and never left. Her novel THE GOOD TIME GIRLS is the first in the Wild-Willed Women of the West Series, featuring women who take no prisoners and succeed through sheer grit, determination, and a parcel of luck. She also writes award-winning historical suspense and young adult historical fiction under the pen name Kim Taylor Blakemore. Awards have included a Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award, Tucson Festival of Book Literary Award, and a WILLA Award for Best YA Fiction. Memberships include Historical Novel Society, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and Women Writing the West. She has hung her hat in California, Colorado, and currently the Pacific Northwest. The rain does not deter her research whether it be train timetables from 1905 or the best way to catch a loose horse. K.T. also runs the Novelitics ranch, providing developmental editing, workshops, and a writing community for novelists. WEBSITE | BOOKBUB | AMAZON | GOODREADS FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST Limited-Time Giveaway Enter to win an eBook of The Good Time Girls by K.T. Blakemore! This giveaway has ended. Boring Legal Jargon: The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on April 26, 2023. You must be 18 or older to enter/at the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. The winner will be contacted directly by the author or blog tour host. Thank you for visiting and reading! Feel inspired? Want others to experience the book magic? I hope you'll support this author by sharing with your friends.

Spring is a time of renewal and beautiful change, and though the official first day of spring has come and gone, we are still waiting for snow to melt and winter's leftover brown to turn green. We still have a bit of a wait. The emergence of new flowers and the awakening of buds reminds us that there is more beneath the winter snow than frozen earth. There is an abundance of life waiting to be reborn and shower our lives with color, and until the gardens bloom, we'll force bulbs and indulge in some store-bought bouquets. It is also a time for baking with fresh berries and fruits! The colors bring to mind not only the vivid energy of the season, but also the crisp freshness that spring represents. In some places, like the northern Rockies (and I'm sure others), there is plenty of mud while we await a final snowfall or another freeze, but we prefer to focus on the flowers. Press your face to the petals and soak in their sweet fragrance. Can you almost smell the delicate aroma from the roses? When the small breakfast table is not in use or set up for a meal, we often display books. Books fill shelves and have special places on a variety of surfaces. They are fuel for the mind while we partake of fuel for the body. Rutherford's Ireland books are usually prominent on my favorites shelf. The loose-leaf Berry Bramble tea from Mountain Rose Herbs is a favorite, and especially lovely in the afternoon. The honeybush blends nicely with the variety of berries used. I have been a Mountain Rose Herb fan for fifteen+ years, and every tea I've tried has been fantastic. Their teas are a go-to beverage for writing sessions. The pleasure derived from relaxing with a cup of good tea, a tasty treat, and fresh flowers is simple, yet powerful. Add an entertaining story, and you are certain to feel relaxed. There is a berry in every bit of these muffins, and I do so love fresh, delicious berries. We're lucky to live in an area where we can get fresh, organic berries year round. Growing your own berries is a great option, or buying from a local grower. The most important thing is to use fresh, not frozen berries, for this recipe. For your convenience, you can download a PDF copy of the Three-Berry Muffin recipe here. Featured Book The video may take a few seconds to load depending on your browser speed. Welcome to Briarwood and Hawk’s Peak, where friendship, love, and hope conquer overwhelming odds. A man with a healer’s touch. A woman with a healer’s heart. Doctor Finnegan Brody tends his patients, keeps to himself, and vividly remembers the heartaches and trials from the Civil War and why he devoted his life to healing. He watches the townspeople live their lives, loving and laboring alongside one another, and wonders if one day he will give a woman as much time and dedication as he gives the people of Briarwood. Katharine Kiely has a deep-rooted stubbornness to never give up, even if it means leaving behind her comfortable life by the sea to protect her father’s health and help expand his empire. When she finally arrives in Briarwood to convince the Gallaghers a spur line should cross their land, nothing goes as she expected. Finn, with his knowledge of healing the people, and Katharine, who learns how to heal with her heart, join together as the townsfolk of Briarwood face challenges and choices that could alter their way of life forever. View book page and read excerpt →

Writer in the Kitchen returns with another variation of peasant bread. You might remember the delicious peasant bread recipe adapted from alexandracooks.com to include a 7-grain and honey topping. Well, it's been adapated further into a sandwich loaf, or as I call it, my new favorite rustic Whole-Grain Peasant Wheat-ish Sandwich Loaf Bread. Yeah, it's a mouthful, and so good. It came about largely because I don't always have time to make the regular wheat-ish loaf that I use for sandwich bread and dinner rolls, and I don't always want to bother with the big mixer. I needed something quicker, and in addition to being tasty, it had to make a great toast to go with my morning oatmeal breakfast. “Good bread is the most fundamentally satisfying of all foods; and good bread with fresh butter, the greatest of feasts.” —James Beard, cook book author Ta-da! Now, there are several great peasant bread recipes out there of varying kinds, but at the end of the day, peasant bread is peasant bread. This just happens to be my favorite (to go along with so many other favorites). This bread is great for toast, sandwiches, as a salad side, or freshly sliced with a drizzle of honey. It's shown here with Kerrygold unsalted butter and Breitsamer Honig raw honey. Even if you are not a baker, this bread is worth trying. It is so easy! Enjoy with your favorite beverage and a good book. “Bread is the king of the table and all else is merely the court that surrounds the king.” —Louis Bromfield, American novelist For your convenience, you can download a PDF copy of the Whole-Grain Peasant Wheat-ish Sandwich Loaf Bread here. Enjoy! Featured Book The video may take a few seconds to load depending on your browser speed. Wild Montana Winds What happens when a mountain man tries to tame the heart of a Highland lass? Ainslee McConnell turns down every eligible bachelor who asks for her hand, for she knows none can quiet her adventurous spirit. When she travels from Scotland to visit family and seek new experiences, she discovers a life more rewarding than she could have imagined. Raised in the wilds of the Montana mountains, Colton Dawson lives as rancher, mountain man, and tracker. He is content . . . until one day a spirited Scottish lass crosses his path on her way to Hawk’s Peak. When a moment in Colton’s past revisits him, he fights to keep safe those he loves most.

There are a few places I'd like to visit, however, when anyone asks me where I'd most like to go, the answer is always Scotland. I've been there, walked the Highland hills, sat among the wild heather, and explored castles and ruins. When I left that September morning years ago, I carried Scotland with me in my heart. I wasn't there long enough to visit the Isle of Skye, so that would top my list next time around, along with many of their other islands. Most of the places I long to visit no longer exist. They endure only in history books and imaginations, for they are in times long gone by. Life would have been more difficult without all the conveniences today, and yet, those are the times I yearn to experience. Since physical time travel is not possible, I continue to escape into stories that transport me time and again to my favorite times and places. It's nice to dream about faraway places, and when we can't get there in person, we are blessed with the opportunity to trek there within the pages of a fascinating story that carries us away to the place our heart most desires. I believe it's good for the soul to dream, to unleash our imagination and allow ourselves to be swept into a story that stirs the heart, quickens the pulse, to laugh and cry, and simply feel as much as possible. Fiction is no substitution for real life, but there are times when fiction is exactly what life needs. Where would you go tomorrow, if you could go anywhere? Featured The video may take a few seconds to load depending on your browser speed.

It's still snowy and gloomy in my corner of the Rockies, but that doesn't mean I can't brighten things up with some super sweet treats. Yes, in my last post I mentioned something about baking healthier desserts, and if you break out one or two of the ingredients, then these cupcakes might be considered adjacent to healthy. Or not. Who cares! There is a lot of lemon in this post and a lot of poppyseed, both of which are delicious apart and together. Lemon is one of the most delicious flavorings in the kitchen as it works equally well in both sweet and savory dishes. I was on the lookout for a light lemon poppy seed cupcake (or cake) with an equally light frosting. I tried a few and they were all failures. Sure, they tasted good, but lacked the close-your-eyes-and-melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. Then these happened, all decorated up for St. Patrick's Day . . . These cupcakes are a nice balance of lemony tartness and sugary sweetness. They aren't too sweet or too tart, and are both light and rich. How does that happen? I'm not a scientist, so I'll refrain from researching the exact chemical makeup. I only care that they taste great. Prep Tip: Before you get started, make sure you take out the eggs and butter at least 30 minutes in advance so they are at room temperature when you begin (1 hour is great). Also, make sure you have all your ingredients ready to ensure you aren't missing anything. If you're using fresh lemon juice, which I recommend, squeeze the juice ahead of time. Quick Notes: Once you've mixed everything together, your batter should have a whipped consistency—light and airy. When you remove the cupcakes from the pan, allow them to cool tops down. Once completely cooled, turn over to frost and decorate. These freeze well, too, so don't think you'll be wasting anything. The trick to defrosting sweets like this is at room temperature. Don't try it in the microwave because you'll melt the frosting and dry out the cake. Baking is really quite easy. Sometimes there are a lot of steps, or the recipe itself appears overwhelming, but if you break it up into parts, prepare in advance, then it won't seem as daunting. Cupcakes are one of those wonderfully versatile baked goods that are crowd pleasing without being too time consuming. Enjoy! For your convenience, you can download a PDF of the Lemon Poppyseed Cupcake recipe here. Find more recipes here. Stay tuned because I'm not done with lemon or poppyseeds. Enjoy!

What goes great with tea and treats (both of which I love and share much of on this blog)? Books, of course, but you already knew that. The tea is steaming and there's something crumbly and chocolate waiting to be enjoyed, so that leaves the book! I'm pleased to welcome author Pat Wahler to the blog and to showcase her beautiful book, The Rose of Washington Square. I've started reading this one, and my enjoyment began with the dedication. Scroll down for a look and enter the limited-time giveaway while you're here. Enjoy! “From start to finish, this story honors the talent, devotion to family, and the success that was such a huge part of Rose O’Neill’s life.” —Readers’ Favorite The Rose of Washington Square: A Novel of Rose O'Neill, Creator of the Kewpie Doll by Pat Wahler Publication Date: January 20, 2023 Evergreen Press Genre: Historical Fiction She set out to make her way in a man's world, rising from obscurity into one of the most famous women of her era. Self-taught artist Rose O'Neill leaves the Midwest for New York in 1893, determined to become an illustrator in a field dominated by males. Mindful of her duty to the impoverished family she left behind, Rose’s obligations require her to yield to the men who hold the reins of her career; as well as the men she grows to love. Yet despite every obstacle facing her, she excels at her craft, eventually designing a new character, the Kewpie. Her creation explodes into a phenomenon, but Rose’s disenchantment with the status quo fosters new ambitions. She must decide whether to remain within the boundaries dictated for her, or risk everything she’s gained to pursue the creative and personal passions that ignite her soul. With grit and tenacity, Rose O'Neill blazed an unforgettable path during the tumultuous times of the early 20th century. Available in eBook and Paperback “Rose O'Neill was a trailblazer of her time, and her life is a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of impossible odds.” —Kathleen Grissom, New York Times bestselling author of The Kitchen House "A classic reinvention of the life of Rose O'Neill, the woman who created the iconic Kewpie doll." —Nina Romano, award-winning author of The Secret Language of Women Meet Author Pat Wahler Pat Wahler is a Missouri native and avid reader. She is winner of Western Fictioneers' Best First Novel of 2018, a Walter Williams Award winner, and the winner of Author Circle Awards 2019 Novel of Excellence in Historical Fiction for I am Mrs. Jesse James. Pat has also authored a three-book contemporary romance series-the Becker Family Novels, and two holiday-themed books; all named Five-Star Readers’ Favorites. A frequent contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies, Pat is an avid reader with a special passion for historical fiction, women’s fiction, and stories with heart. She makes her home in Missouri with her husband and two rescue critters—one feisty Peek-a-poo pup and a tabby cat with plenty of attitude. WEBSITE | BLOG | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM Limited-Time Giveaway Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! The giveaway has ended. Boring Legal Jargon: The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on March 6, 2023. You must be 18 or older to enter/at the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. The winner will be contacted directly by the author or blog tour host. Thank you for visiting and reading! Feel inspired? Want others to experience the book magic? I hope you'll support this author by sharing with your friends.

“The horse. Here is nobility without conceit, friendship without envy, beauty without vanity. A willing servant, yet never a slave.” — Ronald Duncan Whether as friend, companion, worker, or wild and free, horses are, as stated above, noble and beautiful. I happened upon The Last Ark Orphanage rather by accident when searching for horse rescues (part personal and part research), and the first images I came across were difficult to view. They don't shy away from showing the suffering the horses endure, but it's worth watching as the triumphs come to light. The Last Ark Orphanage About The Last Ark Orphanage (from their website) "The Last Ark Orphanage is a safe haven and sanctuary for animals and humans. Where horses that have endured abuse, neglect, trauma and suffering are given the space, freedom and love to heal and reconnect with the herd in the lap of nature herself. Nestled within the blanket of a 400 acre native ecosystem in the Sierras of Uruguay, The Last Ark Orphanage homes rescued and rehabilitated horses. (The following images are copyright by The Last Ark Orphanage, and used with permission.) These horses would otherwise have ended up in the slaughterhouse for meat and human consumption - the horse meat industry having doubled in demand from three to six thousand horses per MONTH from 2021-2022 - after lives of slavery, maltreatment and abuse (the ‘Blood Mare’ industry that extracts the blood from artificially inseminated pregnant mares who are repeatedly impregnated and used until they either die or are sent to slaughter)." (The Last Ark Orphanage) Visit The Last Ark Orphanage online ↓ Website | Instagram “The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and freedom.” —Sharon Ralls Lemon A couple of weeks after I wrote the original post, prior to publishing it, I saw a notice on The Last Ark Orphanage IG page about the passing of Grace, who was truly a beautiful shining light. And then on February 16, Gaia, one of their beautiful spirits, welcomed a new life, and so the circle continues. Their Instagram page shares truly inspiring messages, and for everyone who cherishes these remarkable souls, it is worth time to read and share. There are many wonderful organizations around the world and amazing people behind them, who give so much of their time and resources to saving, nurturing, and loving horses. A simple search online will likely bring up a horse rescue near you, and even if donating with time and money is not an option, spreading the word so that others may discover and help will make a difference. Since I'm in the Rockies, I'll share a few horse rescues found here, but again, there are so many all over the world. Montana Horse Sanctuary Deerwood Ranch Wild Horse EcoSanctuary Great Escape Mustang Collaborative I'm sorry to say that too many of the Rocky Mountain states do not have as strong of animal protection laws as they should, even sadder still considering how many glorious creatures—domestic and wild—live in these states (thank you Colorado for standing out from the rest). I'm not in favor of the many new laws we constantly find ourselves facing, except for when it comes to protecting those who cannot protect themselves: two-legged, four-legged, those in the sea and those in the air. Here's to hoping laws continue working in their favor, and that those who abuse them get their comeuppance. Now, there was originally a Horses in Fiction section here, but after learning of Grace's passing, I opted to separate the posts. The Last Ark Orphange and the horses who live there don't need embellishment from fiction, so if you want to read that part, it's in a separate post: Horses in Fiction: From Black Beauty to Prince.

From Black Beauty and Pegasus to Spirt and Seabiscuit, and horses from the beginning of books and movies, these magnificent animals have been featured as powerful allies, stubborn foes, and regrettably at times victim of evil or nature. Horses always serve a purpose in fiction, and each horse breed serves a different purpose. From the Irish Draught and Mongol to Thoroughbreds and Mustangs, they each have a time period, setting, and climate where they thrive. Friesians happen to be a favorite of Hollywood, and for good reason. They are stunning in beauty, strength, and gait. However, no matter how beautiful, you wouldn't give every cowboy a Friesian in a historical western romance or give a Mustang to a medieval knight. Some breeds, like the Thoroughbred, can be easily placed in different settings and periods. If I had a British Agent ride over the Northumberland hills on an Alberta Mountain Horse or put a Gallagher atop a Shetland Pony, I'd hope someone would take issue with my choices. Whether the hero of the story or destined to meet a tragic end, horses so often steal the scene, in movies and books. One of the most difficult scenes for me to watch in a movie was in the Return to Snowy River. Both it and The Man from Snowy River are wonderful. Watch them if you haven't yet, and if you haven't, stop reading because a big spoiler is coming. The mountain scene in the second movie that results in the loss of Jim Craig's beloved friend still causes me to tear up. It's not real according to the horse owner (who assures the horse lived a long and happy life) but it looks so real and feels so real that I have often wished it wasn't the horse who died in the fall. It's a powerful scene, and one I would not have the courage to write into one of my books. The loss would be too heartwrenching, even for a fictional horse. "There is a legend that fallen knights return as great horses. He has seen what awaits you, and he will protect you." —Lancelot's father in King Arthur One of my favorite scenes in a movie is at the end of King Arthur (Clive Owen version) when the four horses portrayed as fallen knights are running over the hills. Of course, this is done in a way to make us watch in awe for the horses are glorious, but I love the reverance given to them. I always appreciate when horses, and all creatures, are treated with the respect they deserve, when they are shown as more than animals, but as cherished beings with beautiful spirits. Love horses? Love books? They go so well together. Check out these curated lists of books featuring these remarkable creatures. Top 10 Horse Books (Cowgirl Magazine) Top 10 Horse Books - selected by Jane Smiley, author of A Thousand Acres (and more!) 30 Best Horse Books (Horse Illustrated