An Interview with Anita

A Marriage in Middlebury

The idea for this book came from my absolute love of tearooms in Texas. In fact, here’s my note to readers on that very subject:

More than a decade ago I met a woman named Linda Becker who opened a tearoom in the Houston burbs called, Tea for Two. Her eatery and gift shop did so well, she opened a second shop. Over the years I’ve enjoyed her wonderful tearoom fare as well as the quaint ambiance. Linda’s tearoom isn’t just a café—it’s a gathering place for friends, a place to eat home cooked food, and a place so cozy you don’t want to leave. As a writer I thought it might be fun to create a heroine who owns a tearoom similar to Linda’s and set her shop in a small town on the gulf coast of Texas. So, that’s how the novel, A Marriage in Middlebury, was born. Even though my story, the characters, and the town are fictional, Linda’s tearooms are real places you can visit and enjoy. Thank you, Linda, for the great food, and the fellowship, and the inspiration.

Everything was going smoothly for the main character when suddenly everything changes with the return of her ex. What advice do you have when life throws a curveball?

As a Christian we should trust in the One who made us, the One who’s known us from the first day when we were being knit together in our mother’s womb, the One who loves us best. Trusting in Him during life’s storms is the only answer, and it’s more than enough.

Charlotte was pressured into breaking off her relationship with Sam by Sam’s father - how should we react to family pressures and difficult relatives?

Bathe the situation in prayer and then talk things through no matter how painful. But once the air is clear, forgive and move on. Don’t keep going back over and over. Forgiveness is not easy, but it’s the only way to live free. It helps to remember that forgiveness is what God offered us when we sinned against Him.

Is there a certain Bible passage or verse that goes along with the theme of A Marriage in Middlebury?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Are any of the characters or events in A Marriage in Middlebury based on your own experiences?

Well, I love art, flowers, quirky characters, and tearooms. And somehow I managed to put them all into the novel. It was a fun ride!

Do you find yourself returning to similar themes in your novels (i.e. forgiveness, trust, etc.) or do you have a new message with each release?

Yes, I tend to go back to the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. These are not only good themes for a story, but they are paramount in living the Christian life.

What do you hope readers will walk away with after they turn the last page of A Marriage in Middlebury?

That with God all things are possible!

Like several of your other books, A Marriage in Middlebury is set in your home state of Texas - what are some of your favorite things about Texas?

Overall, Texas is an inexpensive place to live, it’s a great place to raise a family, and it’s one of the friendliest places on earth. I’ve lived here for about thirty years, and I’m proud to call Texas my home.

Before becoming a writer, you had number of interesting jobs - what was it about writing that drew you in?

I had an incredible need to tell stories. I don’t think I had a choice in becoming a writer—the profession sort of chose me. But I’m content in that truth.

 Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has thirty-six
books published. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

Please visit her website at www.anitahigman.com and drop her a note by clicking the “Contact Me” button. 

Anita is giving away a copy of her book. Answer the question and leave your name with your email address to enter the drawing for the book. Winner will be chosen on Saturday, February 1. Being a follower of this blog will give you an extra entry so please let me know.

Question: What is it sometimes difficult for even Christians to forgive right away?

Review

A Marriage in Middlebury

From the very first chapter, the characters in Marriage in Middlebury will capture your heart and your imagination. Charlotte Rose Hill and Sam Wilder are the star-crossed lovers who parted many years ago. Now he's back in town with Audrey, his bride-to-be, but old flames die hard as Charlotte discovers when asked to plan the reception for the wedding. Using a tea room for the backdrop for many of the scenes, the reader feels as though he or she may be a part of the patrons who drop in for a cup of tea and a special treat. Love is in the air, but will the right people end up with the right partners? Higman takes us on a merry tour of Middlebury with delightful characters and intriguing settings. It's a perfect blend of the sweet with the bitter with a touch of humor and interesting twists. 

About the Book:

Charlotte Rose Hill, who loves serving up country delicacies and uniquely blended teas, discovers that while she's been faithfully caring for her tearoom customers, she'd also been quietly turning into an old maid. Charlotte did fall in love with a young man, Sam Wilder, when she was 18, but his family forced her to walk away from their relationship. Now, more than a decade later, Charlotte finds that she still has feelings for her first love. Initially thrilled to learn that Sam has come home to Middlebury, Texas, Charlotte is then devastated to learn that he's brought someone with him: his fiancée. But all is not lost when one of the loveable but meddlesome townsfolk decides to get involved. Will the next marriage in Middlebury be for Sam and Charlotte? 

We're giving away a copy of the book, so leave a comment along with your email address so we can contact you if you win. Being a follower will earn you an extra entry. Also come back tomorrow for an interview with Anita and another chance to enter. U.S. entries only are eligible.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited by law; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. No purchase is necessary and only one entry per interview or post. Winner will be selected next week-end and posted here on Monday, February 3. You must be 18 or older to enter. 

Meet the Hero

Wagons Ho!

Today we have Garrett Cowlishaw as our guest. He is the a friend of Rutherford Wainwright and is in St. Charles to recruit a band of people to travel west to the frontier. 

1.      How would you describe yourself? 
As a disappointment. At least I was to my father, my brother, and  Corliss Huffington back in Virginia.
2.      What is your profession (career, job)? Describe a little about what you do.
Been a hired hand on two excursions west. Then served as a Confederate soldier in the War Between the States, although that assumption has been debated. Now I'm in St. Charles, Missouri, to serve as Captain to The Boone's Lick Wagon Train Company. 

3.      What is the most interesting thing about you?
I limp. I suppose the reason why might be the thing most folks find interesting (or at least confusing).

4.      What do you put off because you dread doing it or don’t want to do it?

Telling the truth about my past.
5.      What is your most important goal in life or what do you hope to accomplish?
Enjoy a fresh start. Is that even possible? 
6.      What causes you the most fear? 
My feelings for Caroline Milburn, or should I say Mrs. Phillip Milburn. Unless she's widowed. Still, my jumbled feelings for the perplexing woman will do neither of us any good. 

7. What thing(s) are most important to you?  The truth. Loyalty. Discovery.
8.      What do you want others to see in you?   A man of solid character--a man worth trusting . . . worth loving.
9.      What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I'm not good at finding or appropriating spare time. I suppose a woman's company might help me resolve that.
10.  What gives you the most pleasure in life? Seeing Caroline Milburn smile, a rarity in my company.
Thank you, Garrett. We all look forward to reading more about you in Ripples Along the Shore, story number three in The Quilted Heart.

Mona Hodgson is the author of nearly 40 books, historical novels for adults and children’s books, including her popular Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series, The Quilted Heart novellas, and Prairie Song, Book 1 in her Hearts Seeking Home Series. Her children’s books include bestseller, Bedtime in the Southwest, six desert and princess Zonderkidz I Can Read books, Real Girls of the Bible: A 31-Day Devotional, and her six I Wonder books.
Mona’s writing credits also include several hundred articles, poems and short stories, which have appeared in 50 different publications. Mona is a speaker for women’s groups, Christian women’s retreats, book clubs and reading groups, schools, and conferences for writers and librarians.
Mona Hodgson is the author of nearly 40 books, historical novels for adults and children’s books, including her popular Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series, The Quilted Heart novellas, and Prairie Song, Book 1 in her Hearts Seeking Home Series. Her children’s books include bestseller, Bedtime in the Southwest, six desert and princess Zonderkidz I Can Read books, Real Girls of the Bible: A 31-Day Devotional, and her six I Wonder books.
Leave a comment and answer the question: Would you have been one of the adventurous ones to head West to unknown territory? Why or why not? Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you.
Connect with Mona:

www.monahodgson.com/blog

https://www.facebook.com/Author.Mona?ref-hl

http://www.pinterest.com/monahodgson

https://twitter.com/MonaHodgson

Special Guest Mona Hodgson

The Quilted Heart

Mona Hodgson has taken the lives of three women and woven them together in the aftermath of the Civil War. Each one has a unique story, yet they blend in such a way that the reader is drawn into one seamless unfolding of events which change the direction of each of their lives by the most unlikely of men for their situation. With distinct personalities that resonate on the page, Mona gives the reader stories of courage and stamina that will capture the heart and keep the pages turning. 

Like a beautiful patchwork quilt, the three novellas in The Quilted Heart tell stories of lives stitched together with love and God’s unending grace. 
 
Once a week, Elsa Brantenberg hosts the Saint Charles Quilting Circle at her farmhouse on the outskirts of the riverside town of St. Charles, Missouri. The ladies who gather there have all experienced heartache related to the intense hardships of the Civil War, and together, they are facing their painful circumstances with friendship and prayer. Can the tattered pieces of their hearts be stitched together by God’s grace? 

Maren, Emilie, and Caroline each have a different story, but put together, they become a patchwork of love and courage.

As an added bonus:

Please save the date for a Book Release Party on Facebook, Friday, January 24th! You'll find her in the Notes Section on her "Mona Hodgson Author Page" from 4 pm to 6 pm (Mountain Time). To calculate what time this is for you, click here: http://www.thetimezoneconverter.com. Mona will answer questions, give away prizes, and share photos and behind-the-scenes stories about the three novellas included in The Quilted Heart omnibus, set in Saint Charles, Missouri.

Leave a comment today for a chance at chance at winning a copy of this book then come back tomorrow for an interview with one of the characters from the collection.

Follow the blog for an extra entry into the drawing. Please remember to leave your email address so you may be contacted if your name is selected.

Meet Josh Harper

Today we welcome Vickie McDonough and the hero of her novel, Call of the Prairie. 

How would you describe yourself? 

My name is Josh Harper, and I’m the middle-born of the three Harper brothers. I mostly grew up on a stage stop that my family runs in Kansas, along the Santa Fe Trail. It was a remote place, but it wasn’t too lonely, because stage travelers stopped regularly, so Ma could fix them a hot meal while we caught up on all the news before they traveled on. We also got to see folks when travelers or wagon trains would stop at our place. I enjoyed it, but I was more bookish than my two brothers and always had a hankering to live in town. I got my chance after the train went through and our stage business dwindled. Now I manage my uncle’s bank in Windmill, a small Kansas town. I miss my close-knit family, but at least my young niece and nephew are here with my while they attend school.

What is your profession? 

I’m a rancher-turned-bank president, although my secret desire is to build finely crafted furniture. 

What is the most interesting thing about you? 

Hmm…not sure you’d call it interesting, but I’m much different than my brothers. They’re both taller and more brawny than me, not that I couldn’t take one of them down if I had to. I’m not embarrassed to say I like flowers. I’ve grown a big, colorful garden of them in my back yard. My interest started at the ranch when I got an empty journal for Christmas one year. I started drawing pictures of flowers and then looking up the scientific info on them, when I got the chance. The women of the family love my book, although my brothers still tease me about it every now and then.

What you put off because you dread doing it or don’t want to do it? 

Lately, it’s been dropping off Corrie and Toby, my niece and nephew, at my neighbor’s. Miss Maudie, the elderly lady who watches them after school and on days I have to go in early to work before school starts, had a bad fall. Her niece came to help, but I have my doubts about the tiny woman. I’m not sure the citified gal is up to the task of caring for an ill woman and a houseful of rowdy young’uns. If I had any other place to take them, I would do so. 

What is your most important goal in life or what do you hope to accomplish? 

I’ve already accomplished one of my major goals, which was to leave the ranch and to live and work in town. I love my close-knit family, but I also like being around other people and attending church, which a town offers. The next thing I’d like to accomplish is to start my own furniture-building business. I enjoy working at the bank, except for having to foreclose on struggling farmers and ranchers, but it doesn’t give me the satisfaction at the end of the day that crafting things from wood does. I’d also like to marry and start a family before too long.

What causes you the most fear? 

The thought of something happening to Corrie or Toby. I’ve never been a father, so it’s sometimes been a challenge to keep them inline and on-task, especially with Toby. The children belong to my older brother, Aaron, and he already lost his wife in a tragic event. I don’t know if he could handle losing one of his children, so I feel extra pressure to make sure nothing happens to them, and that’s only increases my anxiety at leaving them with my neighbor.

What thing(s) are most important to you? 

God first. Family second. Then others.   

What do you want others to see in you? 

That I’m an honorable and hard-working, godly man. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I don’t have much free time with the children living with me but there are three things I prefer to do when I get a little time to myself: read, work in my wood-working shed, or spend time in my garden. Lately though, I’ve been looking for way to spend time with Sophie, my neighbor’s niece. She’s starting to grow on me—and she has the most incredible brown eyes I’ve ever seen.10.  What gives you the most pleasure in life? A job well done, an inspiring church service, sitting down with my whole family to one of Ma’s fine-cooked meals, and lately, spending time with Sophie Davenport. Did I mention I’m a bit attracted to the pretty woman? Who knows where that might lead? 

Thanks for stopping by with Vickie today, Josh. You certainly have a full life, and it sounds like it's going to get a lot more interesting very soon.

Book 2 in the Pioneer Promises series. Read more about the book on Amazon.

Call of the Prairie

Sophie Davenport fears life is passing her by. Her strict, overprotective parents have kept her close to home because of the severe asthma attacks she sometimes endures. She longs to live a normal life and hopes to marry, but that dream seems impossible. When her aunt has a tragic accident and requests someone come to Kansas to help her, no one is available except Sophie. Her father, tied up with business, reluctantly agrees to let her go. Sophie is ecstatic and sees this trip as her one chance to prove to her parents—and herself—that she’s capable of living on her own. But things in the small town of Windmill are not as her aunt portrayed. And her aunt’s handsome neighbor, guardian of two of the children her aunt cares for after school, obviously doubts her abilities. Will the Kansas dust, the drama, and difficulties prove too much for Sophie? Or will she lose her heart to her neighbor and succumb to the call of the prairie?

http://tinyurl.com/lzhnool

Tell us what traits are most important for a hero in a romance and be in the drawing for copy of Call of the Prairie. 

Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you in case you win. Limited to the U.S. only at this time for the free copy of the book. 

Call of the Prairie

Call of the Prairie 

Sophie Davenport has always been "sickly" and confined to limited activities. Heavily protected by her parents and longing for a way to escape her constricted life, she jumps at the chance to travel to Kansas to take care of an ailing aunt. Imagine her surprise to find a run-down house, an aunt in worse health than thought, and five school children in her charge. It's enough to cause an asthma attack and that attracts the attention of Josh Harper, banker and uncle of two of the children under Aunt Maud's care. Because of her petite size, Josh can't see how Sophie will manage the care of the house, her aunt and the children. She begins to wonder the same when she finds mysterious holes in the wall and stairway as well as strange happenings in her pantry.

Sophie's efforts to prove Josh wrong leads to some merry adventures including advances from charming and delightful scoundrel Wade Barnes. With wonderful characters who grab the heart, Vickie McDonough gives the reader a story that will lead to laughter, tears, and some frustration as Josh grows to admire Sophie. But will he be too late and lose her to Wade? Vickie throws in a few surprises along the way that will delight the reader and leave them wanting to know more of the story in the days following the last page.  

Vickie McDonough grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams in her fictional stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen and others living in the western 1800s. Vickie is the award-winning author of 29 published books and novellas. Her books include the fun and feisty Texas Boardinghouse Brides series, and End of the Trail, which was the OWFI 2013 Best Fiction Novel winner. Whispers on the Prairie, which released last July, was chosen by Romantic Times as one of their Recommended Inspirational Books for July.

Vickie is a wife of thirty-eight years, mother of four grown sons, one daughter-in-law, and grandma to a feisty seven-year-old girl. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, antiquing, watching movies, and traveling. To learn more about Vickie’s books, visit her website and sign-up for her newsletter: 

www.vickiemcdonough.com

Leave a comment today, then come back tomorrow for an interview with Josh Harper and you will be entered in the drawing for a copy of this delightful book. If you are not a follower, sign up and you will receive an extra entry in the drawing.

Happy New Year!

Time for 2014. What happened to 2013? The older I grow, the faster time seems to pass. 2013 was an eventful year with a new great-granddaughter and our second oldest granddaughter moving to Houston and living with us for eight months until she could find a full-time job and get settled. What a delightful time that was. I hope you had many happy events in the past year, too.

As the new year approaches, many people are thinking about resolutions. I quit making resolutions years ago and now set goals. I’m in First Place 4 Health at our church and we were challenged to give God a year to work in our lives. We made commitments as to what we would do and then listed the things we prayed God would do for us in that year. I'm doing that for 2014 and those commitments are my goals for the year.

I challenge you to give God 2014 and see what He will do for you. Here's what you do: Use an index card 3x5 or 4x6; on one side head your list: "What I will do this year;" then on the other side list "What I ask God to do this year.  The front side is for personal goals set for yourself, but no more than 5 or maybe 6. The other side is for those things you would ask God to do for you. You don't have to tell me you're doing it, but I would like to hear about any results at the end of the year.

I also find a word I believe God has for me for the year. Last year it was “seek” and the verse Matthew 33:6 became my verse. I filled out my card with my commitments on one side and what I expected from God on the other side. This is my sixth year to do this, and God has not failed me. I haven’t been as faithful to all my commitments, but He is always faithful.

The word I have for this year is “Joy.” I choose to find joy in everything I do and in everything that happens no matter whether it is good or bad. Whatever it is, God is in control and will take care of me. My verse for this year is Romans 15:13 NIV. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

One of my commitments is to have a more active blog this year. On Sunday/Monday I will have a devotional thought along with any personal news or comments. On Tuesday thru Friday, I plan to feature two authors who have new releases or are promoting other releases. There will be give aways of books and other items throughout the year, so I hope you will subscribe and drop by often and leave your comments. 

Some posts will be interviews with the author, others will be interviews with characters, and still others will be about the book itself and how it came to be or interesting facts about the book. On Saturdays, I will have brief writing tips for writers and suggestions for great books for readers. I hope to have something for everyone.

What will you choose for this year? Will you accept the challenge? Will you make resolutions you can’t or won’t keep or will you set goals to accomplish in 2014? Will you choose joy and seek Him above all others? Are you willing to commit the year 2014 to Him and see what glorious blessings He has in store for you as a faithful child?

Whatever you decide to do, may you do it with love, grace and faith in our Lord and Savior who gave us the greatest gift ever known to man. Leave a comment and tell me your plans.

Love Stays True is a story of commitment. A young man is committed to God and believes in his future. A young woman is committed to a man, but unsure of how she feels about God. The second book, Love Finds Faith, will be released in early February. 

Your comment will enter you in the drawing for this new book. If you don’t have the first one, let me know and I’ll send both. Be sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you win. Actual books for the US only. 

Christmas In the Air

It's Christmas!!!!

My favorite time of year as we celebrate the wonderful and miraculous birth of our Savior. Every year for the past 40 plus, I've been a part of the Christmas Pageant at Houston's First Baptist Church. Gerald Ray started it all, and his legacy continues today under the leadership of John Bolin. What a privilege to work with both of these talented men. This year the theme of the First Section was classic Christmas movies. I couldn't believe the reality of the scenes from It's a Wonderful Life, Grinch, Charlie Brown's Christmas, Polar Express, Frosty and of course White Christmas. The story of Jesus' birth, life and death never changes, and those are depicted so beautifully in music and drama.

Here's a picture of our youngest son Mike and his three children with  me in front of our Jack-in-the-Box from the show. Drew Walters hid under that big head. I lost my camera so I didn't get any pictures, but lots of people said they'd share with me.

Christmas is a time for families and reflection on God's blessings through the year as we approach the end of one and the beginning of another. Our family is spread out, so we'll have two Christmases in order to be with them all.

Christmas is also a time of giving and sharing with others. One of my favorite things to share is with a shoe box or two full of toys and gifts for some child in the Franklin Graham Operation Christmas Child. We also share with toys for our church mission's Christmas Store where parents can come come in and "buy" toys for their children. It's a time of sharing food and I love giving food gifts. If you scroll down to last Christmas, you'll find some great recipes for sharing this Christmas.

Traditions abound this time of year, and one tradition we had was to put up the tree on our middle son's birthday, December 10, but now, with them grown and in their own homes, our tree goes up the weekend after Thanksgiving so we can enjoy it longer. At the very top are the ornaments from our first Christmas together 54 years ago. Here are my 3 favorite ornaments today.

The gold one goes back a long time and the pewter one to the left of the green one came last year.  

What Christmas traditions do you have? I'd love to hear about them. Do you have any favorite ornaments? Tell me about them and your name will be entered in a drawing for my Christmas book, Christmas at Holly Hill.

Clayton Barlow wants to prove that he’s changed after five years in prison. Even as he is accepted by more and more people in town, he still doesn’t fell worthy of Merry Warner’s love and doesn’t want to hurt her reputation as a fine, upstanding school teacher. His willingness to risk going to jail again in the attempt to free a young girl from bondage finally convinces the town as well as Merry that Clay is a man of courage and deserves their respect. As the trust grows, so does his love for Merry, and the love she once had for him returns as they pledge their lives to one another and to one lonely child. 

Be sure to leave your email address for contact. Sorry, but it's limited to U.S. only.  

The Return of Cassandra Todd

The Return of Cassandra Todd is a story of forgiveness and being willing to do whatever it takes to help someone in great need. As Taylor Caldwell goes about his daily routine of maintenance work at the Mountain View Motel and attending class, a flash from the past visits him. Although he’d nursed a crush on Cassandra during their high school days, she and her friends found great pleasure in demeaning and embarrassing Turner. He’d lived through it, grown six inches and put on weight. Cassandra doesn’t recognize him, but something causes her to turn to him when trouble follows her to the motel. Cassandra is a victim of abuse and has fled with her young son, Justin, to escape the injuries and threats from her husband. When Turner hears her story, his heart goes out to her and in a story of courage and determination, Turner, with the help of Loretta, owner of the motel, faces the dangers and the enemy. He sets Cassandra free from her past and directs her feet on a path to the future. What is Turner’s place in that future? That my dear friends, is for you to find out as you read this new story from Darrel Nelson. You won’t be sorry.

Answer the question and leave a comment for a chance for a either a copy of Darrel's book or an Amazon gift card. Also follow the blog and get another chance for the book.

Drawing will be on Sunday and the winner announced on Monday.

Congratulations to Cheri Swalwell. She is the winner of Gift Package #3. Your box is in the  mail, Cheri. You should receive it by Monday.

Today I'm posting a poem I wrote for our writer's group meeting several years ago. I want to share it with all of you today. I shared it on VOTW (Verse of the Week) for the ACFW loop last week. It's my Christmas gift to you.

O Worship the King

Toys, Christmas trees and candy canes

A hint of frost kissing window panes,

Santa Claus with his sleigh bells ringing,

Carolers their noels singing,

People scurrying store to store

In an effort to buy gifts galore

With a frenzied haste to get it all done.

Children are laughing, having great fun.

They know Santa is on his way

To bring them gifts and toys that day.

One star outshining them all

Comes to rest over a simple stall.

A mother's prayer, whispered low

As shepherds come and bow.

Angels sing in the sky above

Proclaiming the arrival of peace and love.

Three Kings see the star one night

And travel far to see the source of light.

Bowing down with gifts they brought,

They worship the babe as they ought.

As Christmas comes this year,

Which scene will you hold dear?

Will you see a baby small

Lying in a manger stall?

He came to heal our sorrow

And give us hope for tomorrow

Bow down and worship the King

Who gave His life so we may sing

Of a Savior willing His life to give

So all who believe may eternally live.

O worship the King, born this day!

May each of you have a blessed Christmas.

Gifts from the Kitchen

First, Congratulations to Nancy Kimball. She's the winner of Christmas Box #2. I'll be in touch, Nancy.

Welcome to Christmas Party #3. In addition to the great ideas below, I'm featuring Anita Higman's book, Merry Little Christmas. This one is warm and cozy, just right for the holiday season. Fall in love with this  story about two people from different worlds. Franny Martin is an Oklahoma farm girl who’s preparing to spend the holidays alone…again. Then Charlie Landau shows up one day, all wealth and polish, and offers to buy Franny’s farm. Franny has no money to speak of, but she is clever and spirited, and she’s more than happy to sell the farm and move to the city.

As Sinatra croons from the radio and Christmas descends upon her charming farm, Franny teaches Charlie the curious and sometimes comical ways of country life. In the process, they unearth some discoveries of the heart—that sometimes love comes when you’re least ready for it. Will the holidays bring their most impossible dreams within reach?

Show More

Show Less

Today I'm featuring ideas for food to give as gifts. I love giving gifts from my kitchen for Christmas. I make mini loaves of nut bread or little bags of homemade candies for the ladies in my Sunday School class every year as well as give the same to friends. Food gifts say the giver spent time and effort to make something, and it can be eaten and out of the way instead of being put on a shelf somewhere or tucked in a drawer.

Dollar stores and craft stores have decorative plastic bags in which to put such goodies as well as tags to tie onto them. After wrapping mini-loaves in plastic wrap, they slip right into these bags and are ready to go.

Another good thing about food gifts is that you can make so many at one time. One good shopping trip for supplies will net you gifts for those you want to honor with a gift from your kitchen.

The recipes I’ve included here are traditional recipes people expect from me. Some are from my grandmother and others from friends through the years. I begin the first week of December and usually have it all done in one week. The breads and candies keep well when wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated or stored in airtight plastic containers.

One food gift item is chocolate dipped candy canes and plain spoons. Melted chocolate chips make the coating. After dipping crook part of candy cane or bowl part of spoon in the chocolate to coat it, roll the cane or spoon in colored sprinkles or tinted sugars. When fully set, wrap in red or green plastic wrap and tie with a bow. The spoons are great for stirring hot chocolate or coffee. Chocolate and peppermint make the candy canes a real treat.

Answer the following question to enter the drawing for Christmas Box #3 pictured below. This box will have a loaf of the Banana Nut Bread as well as a tin of pralines. An added bonus is a copy of Anita Higman's new Christmas book, A Merry Little Christmas. Don't forget to include your email address.

(Necessary little disclaimer) This contest void where prohibited by law and is available in the US only. Odds of winning depend on number of participants.

What is your favorite food gift to give or receive? How much baking and such do you do at Christmas?

Easy Pralines (It wouldn’t be Christmas without these)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar

Dash of salt

2/3 cup evaporated milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1 ½ cups pecan halves

Combine sugars, salt and milk in saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thermometer reaches softball temp. on candy thermometer. Test by dripping a small drop from a spoon into ice water. When the mixture forms a soft ball when rolled between the fingers, it is ready. Stir in vanilla and pecans and stir briskly until mixture thickens and sugar crystals form on the edges of the saucepan. Drop quickly by spoonfuls onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet. Refrigerate immediately. If mixture becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of hot water and stir then continue make patties on the wax paper. The number of candies will depend on how large you want to make them. If the mixture doesn’t begin to set within a few minutes or by the time you drop all the mixture onto wax paper, it can be scraped off, returned to the pan and reheated for a few minutes then begin again with stirring and dropping.

Microwave Peanut Brittle (Our three sons demand this in their Christmas stockings)

1 cup sugar

½  cup White Karo syrup

2 cups raw peanuts

Dash salt

Place all ingredients into a microwave safe bowl with a handle. (I use an 8 cup Pyrex measuring bowl)  Cook on high for 3 ½ minutes. Stir with a wooden spoon then cook for another 3 ½ minutes.

Stir again and add:

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp. butter

Stir again and cook 1 minute 20 seconds on high.

Quickly stir in 1 tsp. baking soda then pour onto a buttered cookie sheet. As brittle cools, stretch it with your fingers coated in butter. When thoroughly cool, break into pieces and store. Does not need to be refrigerated.

Chocolate Pecan Clusters

1 12 oz. pkg. Hershey’s special dark chocolate chips

1 can sweetened condensed milk

2 cups pecans lightly chopped

Melt chips over hot water or in a microwave bowl just until they can be stirred smooth. Immediately add milk and nuts. Stir well and drop by spoonfuls into mini-muffin liners. Refrigerate for several hours until firm.

Banana Nut Bread (My grandmother’s recipe)

½ cup shortening                                             1 tsp. soda

1 cup sugar                                                      3 bananas, mashed

3 eggs                                                              ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

2 cups sifted flour                                           1 tsp. vanilla

Add soda to flour and set aside. Cream sugar and shortening until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Beat well after each egg. Add flour 1/3 at a time and mix well after each addition. Stir in bananas, nuts, and vanilla until well mixed. Pour into mini-loaf pans sprayed with Bakers Joy or pour into one large loaf pan sprayed with Bakers Joy. Bake large pan at 325 degrees for 40 minutes, mini-loaves for 30 minutes or until pick inserted into center comes out clean.  

                                                                        

Cranberry Nut Bread

4 cups sifted flour                                                       2/3 cup orange juice

2 cups + 4 Tbsp. sugar                                                ½ cup water

2 ½ tsps. baking powder                                             4 Tbsp. butter

2 tsp. salt                                                                     1 ½ cups chopped nuts

2 eggs                                                                          1 bag fresh cranberries

1 tsp. soda                                                                  

Grease bottom and sides of 4 large or 12 small mini-loaf pans with oil or Baker’s Joy. Sift flour and add baking powder, soda, sugar, salt. In another bowl beat eggs and orange juice, water and melted butter. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add egg mixture. Stir with wooden spoon until blended then fold in cranberries and nuts. Do not over mix. Pour into prepared pans and bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes for large loaves, 45 minutes for small ones or until a pick inserted into middle comes out clean.

Christmas Crafts for Young and Old

Congratulations to Janet E. for winning Christmas Gift Box #1. It'll be on its way to you on Monday.

Christmas crafts are fun to make with your children or for yourself. Simple ornaments and even more detailed ones can be made in a afternoon of fun with your children or just because. You don't have to be "artsy-craftsy" to enjoy making these ornaments. The ones pictured were made by me and my three boys at various ages. We had fun doing them and I still use them on the tree because they bring back happy memories. I did the sewing and they did a lot of the gluing and some cutting as they started school. Planning an afternoon to make ornaments or other decorations can be a most rewarding time with your children or grandchildren.

Pictured from top center and clockwise:
Spool Thread Drum (made by a 6 year old.)
Felt Scrap Snowman
Christmas Fabric mini-stocking for candy or cookies
Mini-wreath
Styro-foam and felt stocking (Made by a 7 year old)
Six diamond point star
Two mini-clothespin angels
Three mini clothespin reindeer

Drum Supplies: Empty Thread spool, grosgrain ribbon, felt scraps, braid trim, gold cord and glue.
The drum is an empty thread spool wrapped with a piece of grosgrain ribbon and trimmed with a braid trim. Felt circles complete the ends and a gold cord glued to the top for hanging.

Snow Man Supplies: One large white felt square, felt scraps, sequins, seed beads and paint or embroidery thread in colors for the face.
The snowman is made from piece of white felt with two cutouts of a snowman. The scarf, hands, buttons and hat with trim are scrap pieces cut in any color you might have. The hands and buttons are sewn by hand onto one piece of felt. The face may be embroidered or painted on. The hat is cut from a scrap of black felt. A red band and a felt holly leaf or then sewn on with matching sequins and beads then sew it by hand to the head. The snowman's body is outlined with silver sequins and beds. The two pieces are then sewn together by hand with an opening left in the bottom for stuffing. After stuffing, sew the opening closed. The red scarf is a long piece of red felt decorated with red sequins and beads then sewn around the neck by hand. Cut slits in the ends to form fringe.

Stocking Supplies: Christmas fabric, solid red or green felt, gold rick rack, three inch strip of felt
Draw a 8" and a 8 1/2" stocking pattern on paper then cut out a front in the Christmas fabric using 8 1/2 pattern then cut out the felt back with the 8" one. Turn edge of Christmas fabric down 1/2 inch and sew on rick-rack trim by hand or machine. Sew the two pieces right sides together and turn. Press to make edges flat. Hand sew the strip of felt to the top of the stocking to make a hanger. The hanger can be omitted if you don't want to use it on the tree.

Mini Wreath Supplies: Mini-wreath, narrow red and green ribbon, miniature ornaments, glue gun and sticks.
Wrap the wreath with the ribbon in the two colors as shown. Glue on miniature ornaments. Glue on bow made of the ribbon then loop a piece of ribbon and glue it to back of wreath for hanger.

Styro-foam Stocking Supplies: Foam paper plate, felt, gold cord, gold braid or fringe trim, sequins and glue.
Draw a stocking outline on the foam plate then cut out. Use the foam for the pattern to cut out the felt, one piece red and and a smaller white piece for the cuff. Glue onto the foam. Glue on the trims as shown then glue on the sequins in a random pattern or a set pattern.

Six Point Diamond Star Supplies:
Christmas fabric, red or green solid fabric, iron on interfacing. thread, red or green extra narrow ribbon for hanging
Cut six diamonds from Christmas fabric. Sew bottom halves of diamonds by machine as shown. Using sewn star as a pattern, cut out the interfacing and the back. Iron interfacing onto the diamond pattern piece. Cut ribbon to desired length then sew the two stars right sides together with the ribbon sewn to one point. Leave one star point open for turning. Press star flat then hand sew the opening.

Clothespin ornaments supplies: Mini clothespins, cardboard, cotton, pom-poms, paint, gold cord, ribbon and fabric scraps.
For Angel, paint one clothes pin white for wings, then paint the other one pink or blue or any desired color. Using a magic marker draw in any detail. Paint face pink then draw in mouth and eyes with felt tip marker. Glue the two clothes pins together at the round ends leaving the prongs at either end for wings. Glue on yellow fuzz or cotton for air. Glue cord to back for hanger then glue the figure onto an oval shaped piece of white card board. Glue cotton clouds around angel.
For Reindeer glue two mini pins side by side as shown then glue third one sideways and upside down for head and antlers. Use black magic marker to color feet and antlers. Eyes may be drawn on or the small beaded eyes from a craft store may be used. Cut felt scraps into a design for the back of the reindeer and trim with gold cord. Glue gold cord in a loop to the back of the reindeer. Then glue on pom poms for nose and tail.

Leave a comment about something you and your children or grandchildren do together for Christmas and be entered for Christmas Box #2. Follow my blog for an extra entry. U.S. entries only please. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

Here's Christmas Gift Package #2
Enter again for a chance at this gift.
Disclaimer: Void where prohibited by law. Chances of winning depends on number of entries.