My newest book, Strong Currents, a WWII sequel to Books Afloat, released February 21st. In this writing journey, I am grateful for the increased interest and encouragement you, my wonderful readers, are giving.
I just had support from my first ever launch team, and thanks to the gifted gals at The Author’s Write Hand, instead of worrying about people resisting what might seem like self-promotion, it turned out to be a positive and enthusiastic experience. I so appreciate that support.
Strong Currents has been welcomed by friends, family, and readers tucked into several countries across this globe. It’s amazing to get emails from people in the US, Canada, Ireland, Germany, and beyond saying their book has arrived and they’re excited to dive into the story.
What’s next for me?
From Mississippi, I’ll head north soon to my publisher’s conference in Hannibal, Missouri, half-way to Minnesota, so I’ll arrive there in mid-April glad to see family and farm neighbors including my Amish friends. Getting to know them has inspired more stories to tell. I’ve started on the first book.
My Next Book Adventure
In January I made my ninth trip to Israel, now totaling 135 days in the land. January was warm, sunny, gave us suntan, but also rain near a desert camel ranch where reports say it never rains. I’ve kept trip notes for thirty-nine years of impressions, memories, and things to do and not to do. I’m doing last edits on that memoir-travelogue, Israel on a Budget for all ages, A Traveling Grandma’s Guide to Israel—Plan your trip for a little over $120 US per day after airfare. You’ll hear more later, but it should be out in about three months, in time for summer travels.
Now It’s Your Turn!
What about you? Spring is almost here. May yours be wonderful. Reply back and let me know what you have planned. I’d love to hear from you!
It’s contest time to say thank you. With Strong Currents’ release in February, my giveaway was an eBook of its prequel, Books Afloat, to refresh you on characters and background. The February giveaway winner was Shannon W.
For this month, I’m supporting a fellow author. Click on the image below to enter my March giveaway to win an eBook of Sara L. Jameson’s amazing 2nd release, Death in High Places.
Before You Go…
Looking for a new recipe? Rhubarb is one of the first plants appearing in northern gardens. Here is a delectable recipe using rhubarb from my Amish neighbors.
Rhubarb Custard Meringue Dessert
From my Minnesota Amish neighbors, this delicious recipe of a shortbread base topped with rich rhubarb custard and peaked meringue is welcome any time of the year.
- Shortbread base:
- 2 C. all-purpose flour
- ½ C. butter
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- Combine shortbread ingredients until mixture is coarse crumbs. Press into ungreased 13 x 9” pan. Bake 7 minutes at 350 F.
Rhubarb-custard filling:
- 2 C. sugar (or less to taste)
- 1 C. heavy whipping cream
- 6 large egg yolks (save the whites for the meringue)
- ¼ C. all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 5 C. chopped rhubarb. (Fresh is nice but frozen also works)
Combine all filling ingredients except rhubarb and beat together briskly until well-mixed and smooth. Then stir in rhubarb. Pour rhubarb mixture over hot, partially baked crust. Bake 40-45 minutes until the filling is firm.
Meringue topping (increase oven temp. to 400 F.):
- 6 egg whites
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ½ – ¾ C. sugar
Beat egg whites in a bowl until foamy. Add vanilla and salt. Gradually stir in sugar, beating briskly, until glossy and stiff peaks form.
Spread the meringue over the hot rhubarb filling, sealing to edges. Bake another 9-11 minutes until the meringue is lightly browned. Stir leftovers in the refrigerator (but there probably won’t be any).
Serve yourself a piece, choose a good book to read, prepare your favorite beverage, and settle in to enjoy! May God bless you with a wonderful month!
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