Tessa's Teacakes - Tessa & Colin

Hi Mary, this ever repeating countdown must be driving you crazy. How can you let go when they're brought up again and again. These people must seem like family to you!

Well, let's see if we can't spend some quality time with Tessa and Colin today.

The jangling of the bell overhead doesn't bother me so much now that I'm used to it. Several days here in the Sweet Treats Bakery has made me immune to sounds and much more sensitive to smells.

"Good morning, ladies. You're tables all set with today's coffee special and a few of Tessa's teacakes," Mattie said as she wiped her hands on the apron around her waist. "We have a bunch of orders to get ready for today so all of us are around..." She looked around. "...somewhere."

With a smile she gestured toward a table. "Have a seat. I'm sure Tessa will be out soon. I'm pretty sure she has a batch of teacakes about ready to come out."

Mattie stepped to one of the ovens, flipped on the light and peered through the glass. "Mmmhmm." She opened the door to the back room and yelled for Tessa. "Your visitor's are here."

"Oh no, I forgot all about them. I've got to get two more batches done for The Ladies Auxiliary, plus..."

"I know. I know. It's okay. We're right on schedule. I know these ladies won't take too much time. They know we're busy." With a glance she made sure we were paying attention and both of us nodded.

"Okay, okay, I'm coming."

Like a whirlwind she swept through the door and stepped over to their table. "Thank you so much for coming, and for talking with all of us, but today is just really...hectic." She glanced back and took a step toward the stove. "Oh no, Mattie, get those out before they're too brown."

Mattie waved her back and took care of getting the trays out.

"Look, I'm not sure I can concentrate on very much--"

The bells over the door rang and in walked a large police officer. He glanced from Tessa to us and his smile turned serious. "You okay. Are these ladies bothering you?"

That brought a grin to Tessa's face. "Oh, cool it, officer." She brushed a hand to his shoulder. "This is Ms. Manners and her friend. I told you they were coming."

"Okay, so what's the problem?"

She waved a hand in the air. "We're just a little busy, here..."

"Really, I only have one question," I said with a shrug. "How did the two of you meet? I mean other than the old line about cops and their coffee and doughnuts..."

Colin's eyes twinkled. "Nothing wrong with a good cup of coffee to keep us alert."

Tessa glanced up at him with a twinkle of her own. "Nothing so tame as that. We met on opposite sides of crime scene tape, or whatever they call it, and he nearly arrested me."

He wrapped his arms around her. "I should have, too. You scared twenty years off me that day. Thank God you promised to spend the rest of them right here at my side."

Sigh. Nothing like a happy ending, or answered prayers...

Blurb:

Tessa, the youngest Spencer sister--and the most impulsive--rushes into the Mount Ridge crisis center bent on saving her brother-in-law. She's ready to handle Brent's abductor, with or without help. What she's not ready to handle is the effect policeman, Colin Phillips, has on her. Romance is the last thing on Tessa's mind. She longs for the adventure and fast-pace of New York City, not being tied to Mount Ridge and a man who insists she shouldn't be so impetuous. After all "independent spirit" is what Tessa does best!

Colin transferred from the police force in Atlanta in order to find closure after the brutal murder of his younger sister. He wants a nice, safe future, not one filled with caring and worrying about another impulsive woman. His sister was naïve and unpredictable, and while Colin is drawn to Tessa's spunk and vitality, her willingness to rush into danger scares him. No way could he cope with another devastating loss. His heart must remain closed where Tessa is concerned.

But God has His own plans...and His own way of changing hearts and cultivating love.

Excerpt:

“Mattie—Jason Sloane’s up there with Brent.” Tessa stepped forward and dipped beneath the caution tape. “Remember the threats Jason made last week when Brent tried to help his wife?”

“Yes.” Mattie paused as she approached the caution tape. Blue and red light washed over her. “But, Tessa, wait! You can’t just go in there.”

Undaunted, Tessa wiggled from Mattie’s grasp and pressed forward. Her heart pounded, and she shivered as the wind picked up and the spill of rain grew from a spit to a shower. The caution tape fluttered and danced in cadence to her nerves. Jason Sloane had fumed when Brent offered Jason’s wife the childcare job at the center, had said he wanted her home with their kids, not raising someone else’s. If Jason Sloane was up there, Brent was in danger. She couldn’t just stand there and wait for something to happen—for someone to help him. “Of course I can go in there…and I will.”

“Hold up there.” The cop holding back the line of spectators planted himself like a gigantic boulder, shoulders back, palms clasped tight at his waist. “Move back.” He thrust his head toward the tape. “Get behind it.”

“No.” Tessa sidestepped to dart around him, but, despite his size, he was just as agile and blocked her path. His gaze speared her as she crossed her arms and stretched to her full height. The rain made it difficult to see, and she wiped moisture from her eyes with the back of her hand. “Let me through.”

A flash of shock brightened his eyes as his jaw clenched. A burst of light revealed a shadow of stubble that covered his chin, and Tessa imagined he couldn’t be much older than she was. His hand clasp tightened and his shoulders flexed. The outline of a bulletproof vest beneath his navy blue shirt made Tessa’s heart stutter. For a fleeting moment, she felt as if she’d been swept up into the movie set of the latest blockbuster thriller. Things like this—cruisers on the lawn of the town square, cops in bulletproof vests—just didn’t happen in Mount Ridge.

“No one’s going into that center until we have the perimeter secured—not even me.” The cop took one giant step toward her, his gaze like daggers, and lifted the caution tape as he herded her toward it. “Now move back.”

Review:

Indeed, the family that bakes together, stays together. These sisters define what true family is - standing together and beside each other through thick and thin (and I don't just mean batter).

Tessa certainly seems to have met her match in Sergeant Colin Phillips as she jumps right in to protect her extended family. And in turn, he endeavors to protect her and her sister from jumping in harms way. Sparks fly between Colin and Tessa even as admiration and respect grows.

The empathy and love in this family is a blessing to all who come in contact with them, and a real treasure for all who read about them.

Grace's Gold - Grace and Brent

Hi Mary! Thanks for having me back for Day 2 at Sweet Treats Bakery. I hear I'm going to get some of that famous gold cake today! Mmm mmm mmm I can't wait. But if I keep sampling the treats here I think I'll need a new wardrobe...

"Oh thanks, Kate." Mmm... the scent of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg floated to my nose. "My favorite! I love pumpkin spice coffee."

She grinned and twirled away, glancing over her shoulder. "You'll love it even more with the gold cake." She winked then turned back around, set the coffee on the warmer and headed into the back room.

"Ah, Mary, I'm not sure, but I think they're sabotaging my New Year's Diet resolution."

She laughed. "Oh yeah, they have a way of doing that."

"Of doing what?" Grace asked as she set a tray covered with slices of golden cakein the center of the table, . The scent of lemon had my mouth watering.

"Tempting beyond human willpower. All of you girls do it!" Mary answered. "I don't know how you stay so trim and beautiful working here."

Brent broke off a corner of cake and popped it into his mouth then turned a chair around to sit astride it. "What's the question?" he asked with a grin.

I shook my head and laughed. "How can anyone spend any amount of time here and not end up as round as a pumpkin?"

Brent glanced at Grace and shared a look before turning back to us. "Heck, we hardly ever get to eat the stuff ourselves unless we're slaving over some project or other. None of us sits still long enough to let it settle." He laughed and popped another piece of cake in his mouth, his muscled arms flexing with the movement.

I noticed Mary fanning herself and had to hide a giggle behind my napkin.

"Before we take up too much of your time, I was just wondering if you would share a little about how you two got together."

Brent brushed his hands off and stood up. "That's easy. I was an idiot and I let her get away once." He took Grace's hand and helped her up, drawing her close to his side. "But I'm not dumb enough to make the same mistake twice," he said, his eyes never leaving her face. He leaned down for a heart stopping kiss then turned to us with a wink and headed for the door.

I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks and I didn't dare meet Grace's look - until she chuckled. When I finally dared look there was nothing but laughter on her face.

"He never did know the kind of effect he has on the female species."

Oh, yeah...

Grace's Gold

Brent Peterson returns to Mount Ridge, Tennessee with a single goal-to win back Grace Spencer. He's loved her since kindergarten, and should have told her how he felt, but Dan Turner swooped in and stole Grace away before Brent had the chance. Now Grace is a widow with a young son, and while it's been three years since her husband's death, Brent isn't sure he should make his feelings known. When Brent comes around the family bakery, Grace longs to restore their friendship, but the thin gold wedding band on her finger-and memories of Dan-stand between them. Can Brent's gentle patience coax Grace to let go of her memories...and the ring, or is it time for Brent to move on alone, and leave Mount Ridge forever?

Excerpt:

Brent couldn’t pull his gaze from Grace as she

spooned lemon‐scented batter into a greased bread

pan. Blonde hair spilled over her neck in a sassy blunt

cut that kissed her shoulders as she moved gracefully

between the counter and oven. Blue eyes sparkled in

sunlight that cascaded through the front window of the

bakery, but a hint of sadness lurked beneath.

Brent

knew she still thought of Dan, the husband she’d lost

in a construction accident three years ago—Adam’s

father.

And he aimed to change that. A pre‐dawn ride

through cool mountain air in the Cove had cleared

cobwebs from his head and strengthened his resolve.

As the sun had risen over the horizon to kiss a clearblue

morning sky, a need intensified that could no

longer be denied.

He wanted Grace.

He’d had a thing for her since the first day of

kindergarten, when he saw her across the story circle.

Her blonde hair and blue eyes had captivated him,

even though he didn’t know what the odd tugging in

his belly meant at the time. And that “thing” had

roared into much, much more over the years they’d

spent hanging out together, swapping lunches and

swimming in the creek that bisected his horse farm. Theirs was an easy friendship that had grown into something deeper…at least for him.

He’d taken things slow during all the days they’d spent together roaming the pastures that fit together like giant puzzle pieces spanning the farm, assuming he had forever to make his feelings known. Their friendship grew strong as the roots of the old oak that stood as a sentinel behind his parents’ barn. But when Brent was with her, beside her—watching the sun glint off her huge blue eyes as she laughed at a little joke he shared—and he thought of taking it to the next level…of kissing her…his gut squeezed so tight he grew lightheaded and couldn’t seem to gather a breath.

As days eased into months, then years, Grace traded ball caps and pigtails for makeup and a sleek hairstyle, and something else—something wonderful—changed, also. The way she wrapped her arms around him, pressed a warm cheek against his neck while they rode one of his parents’ prized black racing mares through the Cove, told him she felt the same. Yet a little voice niggled…what if he pushed too hard—too fast? Would it ruin everything?

Then Dan Taylor moved to town the spring before their senior year. The star quarterback took one look at Grace and made no bones about what he wanted. He swooped in like a thief in the night and swept Grace away before Brent even had a chance to tell her how he felt. No more lazy summer rides through the Cove.

No more sparkling eyes and laughter.

The scrape of chair legs jarred him from the memory. He glanced up to find Grace staring at him.

Review:

This is one story worthy of a 5 cupcake review!

Oh my goodness, with a simple sweet lemon cake, Ms. Manners demonstrates the deep love from a mother to her child. Grace has traveled a hard road and is happy with the life of mother and baker extraordinaire. When Brent sneaks into her heart by showing his love for her little boy, Adam, her heart melts like the icing on her cakes.

This is such a sweet read! The agony Grace feels, over choices past and present, just makes you want to cry and cheer as this story unrolls.

Kate's Kisses - A visit with Kate and Logan

Well, I'd like to welcome Mary Manners back and take another visit to the Sweet Treats Bakery as she ends this series. For those of you who haven't read any of them you really are missing a sweet treat. Just stop in each day this week and check them out. What a great little series this has been and I'll certainly miss this great family of characters!

"So, Mary, thanks for inviting me in to Sweet Treats to meet everyone! Hi Kate, Mattie...oh hey, Tessa, where's-"

"I'm here I'm here!" Grace announced as she let go of Adam's hand, her other hand leveling the cake she carried. Of course, Adam headed straight for the tray of cookies on the counter.

"Can I have one?" he asked with a smirk, batting his eyelashes.

Everyone laughed and Grace shook her head. "One." She raised her eyebrows. "You don't want another stomach ache."

His eyes went round and he shook his head. He carefully grabbed a napkin and one cookie then carried them to a small round table with crayons and papers on it.

Grace turned back to the group. "Where are the guys?"

Kate shrugged as she set some of her cherry kisses on the table. "Logan's due any minute."

Ms. Manners rose from the table. "I hope the rest of you don't mind, but we'd like a few words with Kate and Logan. After all, they did start all this."

"That's okay. We all have work to do anyway," Grace said as she stood and went behind the counter to grab an apron. "Let's get these orders ready before the crowd shows up."

The bell over the door rang and in stepped Mr. Tall, dark and handsome...and the way Kate's eyes lit up spoke volumes.

"Well, I know I can only take a few minutes of your time--"

Logan popped one of the chocolate covered cherries in his mouth and turned to Kate with a definite twinkle in his eye as he leaned over to kiss her. "Nope, they're still not as good as the real thing."

Ms. Manners fanned herself when Logan winked at us.

"So I here you want to ask us some questions?" he said as he sat next to Kate then lifted her off her chair onto his lap.

I took a quick sip of coffee to get my vocal chords working. "Yeah, I just wondered if you'd mind sharing the beginning of your story with us."

He smiled and glanced at Kate then back to me and Ms. Manners. "Well, that's not really very fun. You see, the beginning of the story had a very sad ending. Now the second half of the story is when it gets interesting."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, the first time around I--"

"We," Katie jumped in and wrapped his hand in hers. "We made some promises to each other when we were too young and we both got hurt." The heart melting look she turned on Logan was enough to set the place on fire. "But when he came back--"

"When I came back, I had to grovel--"

"You did not! You just--"

He turned to us and grinned. "I just had to convince her that this time we could get it right...and prove to her that I was home to stay." His hand brushed her hair back as he gazed into her eyes. "And that we both still loved each other."

I swallowed hard and Ms. Manners and I both stood to go. "Thank you so much for sharing some of your story with us. You are definitely blessed to have found each other again."

They both turned and smiled. "You don't even know the half of it!"

Blurb:

Following the tragic, sudden death of her parents, Kate Spencer broke off her engagement from high school sweetheart Logan Daniels, just weeks before their wedding. She chose, instead, to remain in Mount Ridge, Tennessee to raise her younger sisters and help keep the family together. Now, with her sisters grown, she spends her days at family-owned Sweet Treats Bakery, hiding a wounded heart in the sweet confections she creates. Logan Daniels left town when Kate broke his heart, but now he's come home to claim what he lost four years ago, and he won't stop until he gets what he came for...Kate's kisses.

Excerpt:

Kate smelled the clean scent of Logan. Soap mingled with aftershave so familiar that it hurt. He turned to her, his eyes like two smooth stones beneath a tumble of dark hair. “Hi, Katie.”

“You’re gone nearly four years, and that’s all you have to say?” Tears burned her eyes, and she wasn’t

sure whether she wanted to drench him in a pan of simmering chocolate or throw her arms around him

and smother him with kisses. No one had called her Katie in years. In fact, no one ever called her Katie…except him.

“Wh‐what do you want, Logan?”

His gaze held hers for the longest moment, and then he motioned to the tray of sweet cherry kisses

she’d just finished preparing. “I’ll take a couple of those...for starters.”

Review:

And he means it - that's just for starters!

So what's a girl to do when she's pursued by a determined man who's great at fixing things - including her broken heart!

This is a definite winner. Great story! You don’t want to miss it!

Night of the Cossack

I'd like to welcome a new author friend to my blog. Introducing Tom Blubaugh and Night of the Cossack. This is a bit of a shift from my normal, but I know some of you really enjoy historical time periods. And this one is certainly exciting! What an adventure!

Night of the Cossack is a compelling adventure by Tom Blubaugh about a teenager who is forced to grow up quickly. The main character, Nathan Hertzfield faces many life or death situations during his saga.

Join Nathan on his exhilarating journey through parts of Russia and Europe during the early 1900's. Don't miss the adventure and suspense in the riveting story, Night of the Cossack.

Excerpt:

The Cossack untied his own horse. He mounted, his pistol aimed at Nathan. “We have some distance to cover. Circle around the barn. We’ll ride through the woods to the north of the village then turn east to the road going toward the mountains. Ride slow, I don’t want to draw anyone’s attention. I’ll be right behind you with my pistol pointed at your horse. If you try anything, I’ll shoot him.”

For several minutes they rode through the trees. The firelight flickered on the trees, casting weird shadows all around. Nathan looked from side to side straining to see a friend, someone who might be able to help. It was eerie. The only movement were women mourning over their dead. On the north side of the village, Nathan turned his horse east. They came to the road.

The Cossack nudged his horse beside Nathan’s. Without warning, he tossed Nathan’s rifle into the air. Nathan snatched it with his left hand and held Aza’s reins in the other.

“Good reflexes.” The Cossack smiled. “You and your horse make a good team.”

Nathan looked away. He acts as if this is a game.

Review:

Walking with Nathan as he goes through some very dramatic changes is awe inspiring. Sharing in the journey as he becomes a man and learns about true faith is enlightening. What a wonderful coming of age story this is.

Kudos to Tom Blubaugh for writing a story that is not only tasteful and entertaining, but a feast of historical and geographical information.

Great story!

About the Author:

Tom Blubaugh is a freelance writer living in Southwest Missouri with Barbara, his wife. They have six children and fourteen grandchildren. Tom has written non-fiction most of his adult life, but has recently written a historical fiction titled Night of the Cossack, published by Bound by Faith Publishers. This is Tom’s first novel. He co-wrote a devotional journal in 2009 for Barbour Publishing titled The Great Adventure. His other writings include articles for a denominational magazine and an insurance publication. He also self-published a book, Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry in 1974.

Tom started writing poetry at the age of fourteen. His vision of turning them into lyrics for rock and roll songs for popular artists didn’t develop. He considers writing to be a God-given talent and feels led to develop it. His first novel was published at his age of 69. Tom says it’s never too late. He is now writing a sequel.

Tom Blubaugh, Author of Night of the Cossack--Read the first chapter get a signed copy by ordering here. FREE shipping in USA. Published by Bound by Faith Publishers.

You can find Tom at: http://tomyblu.com/

Breathless - Kathryn Bain

Hello Kathryn! Thanks for stopping by to visit my little corner of the web. I enjoyed your story, Breathless, so much, I just have to share it! But first, we'd like to get to know you and your writing a little better.

Is this your first book published? And if so, are there any others in progress? (I'm really hoping there's more to come...soon. LOL) This is my first published book. I have a novella due to come out in March. It's humorous women's fiction. Also, I just signed the contract for Catch Your Breath, the sequel to Breathless. Ooh, wonderful!

Is it difficult to write mystery/suspense? (It's certainly beyond me.) I find it pretty easy because I have a sinister mind. (Mwaahaahaa She laughs a deep menacing laugh.)

Do you do a lot of plotting and laying out the story or does it all fall into place as you write? I usually come up with a bunch of ideas and put them in paragraph form. It gives me a guide. If I'm writing suspense/mystery, I don't know who the killer is until I'm about six chapter into the book. That's amazing!

Is this story based on anything in particular? or just an idea from His hand to you? Toby Keith's song "God Love Her" was the inspiration for my book Breathless. I loved the idea of a Bible on a motorcycle.

Well, let me give a little blurb to my readers so they'll know what it's all about.

Lydia Frederickson is afraid to answer her telephone. Widowed and alone, she only wants to get through another anniversary of her husband’s death without falling to pieces, but a stalker isn’t making that goal easy. The disturbing calls are becoming increasingly personal and threatening, and everyone who knows her is suspect. The only person she knows isn’t making the calls is her new ponytailed, tattooed—and breathtakingly handsome— minister, Matthew Winters. Former-narcotics-agent-turned-minister Matthew Winters knows he’s not what the town expected in their new pastor, but he’s up for the challenge. What he doesn’t expect is the sudden attraction he feels for parishioner Lydia Frederickson. When he discovers she’s the victim of a stalker, he feels God’s intervention has led him—both a cop and a preacher—to her. Matthew knows he’s falling for the beautiful widow, but a secret from his past may undermine their future.

Doesn't that just make you want to dig in and start reading??? Well, if that's not enough, here's an excerpt to tempt you even more...

The police finally left and neighbors returned to their own lives. Only Lydia Frederickson remained. Discomfort crawled into her. Why did she call over such a trivial thing as a prank phone call? But when the voice described what she was wearing, she allowed her fear to rule. She pulled her knees to her chest as she sat in the plush chair next to the window. Lydia couldn’t get his unsettling words from his mind.

“I want you. I need you,” he’d taunted, his breathing loud and quick. “I can feel you near me in that pretty pink gown. Soft, silky, so nice to touch. I bet you’re nice to touch, too.”

The last two evenings, it had only been dead air. Tonight he said disturbing things.

She glanced at the notepad. “Phone with caller ID, also feature that blocks calls without identifying numbers,” it read. Deputy Green had made the suggestions, telling her it might end the calls. She prayed he was right.

Her queen-sized bed welcomed her as she coiled into the safety of the blankets. The house had an eerie silence she hadn’t noticed before. She longed for Justin’s reassurance as she scooted closer to the center. Her hand jutted out to reach for him, but the pillow on the other side lay bare. As empty and lonely as when her husband died almost two years ago. Sadness overwhelmed her as she fought to hold the tears in. She missed the comfort and safety of him next to her.

Review:

Ms. Bain sure knows how to keep a reader in suspense...and knows how to tug at the heart, too! From the start of the story, the author keeps you on the edge of your seat, as scared and worried about Lydia as the heroine is for herself. This story is also full of unexpected lessons in human nature and all its weaknesses. Not judging is so hard when we believe that what we see is all there is. This is a great story full of heart and wisdom. I loved it!

Kathryn can be found at www.kathrynjbain.com

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR - And here's to new beginnings!

Due to computer problems (yes, they're fixed now), being burned out from that December blitz (reviewing a story a day - that was just insane!), and just downright laziness after the holidays, I haven't been around much to spotlight my own or anyone else's work. I look forward to bringing you lots of new stories in the coming months by some of our dear friends, as well as several new authors I've come to know. So for now, here's a peek at my own story. I know some of you have seen and read it and I would love it if you would pipe in!

Do you believe in second chances—I mean giving them to the ones who really hurt you...the ones you truly love.

What did God say to Peter when he asked, “How oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?”

Jesus saith unto him, “I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven.” Matt 18:21-22

No, it’s not in our power to forgive that perfectly, infinitely, the way our Father does, but forgiveness is the answer. Without forgiveness, there is no love. Without love, there is no life.

So, I believe in giving second chances —and that’s what Daffodils is all about. Don't we all hope for a chance at a new start at the beginning of each year? Well, God is certainly the author of new beginnings.

Margaret Ellington and Lukas North have a history to resolve. He's determined to reclaim the love he threw away ten years earlier. She’s afraid to let her heart be broken again.

When the past repeats itself, can there be a different outcome?

Excerpt:

I’m so sorry, Peter. A tear splashed onto the carpet. Margaret took a deep breath, wiped her cheek, and stepped into what had been Peter’s sickroom. She walked to the window seat and stared out into the backyard, arms clutched around her middle. There would be no sound of children playing, no sitting on the glider growing old together. She put a hand on the window. If only I could have loved you more—

“Any more, Megs?” Lukas’ footsteps grew louder as he came down the hall.

She wiped away another tear as it dribbled down her cheek.

“Oh, hey, there you are.” He hesitated in the doorway, resting a hand on the frame. He lowered his voice. “You OK?”

She chewed on her bottom lip and nodded, afraid that if he came near her she would collapse in those arms; arms she knew were strong enough to hold her up. Arms she had missed for years. She hated herself for wanting to feel them wrap around her again.

A glimmer of a smile creased his lips, as if sharing her pain. She remembered other smiles, other glances across different rooms. She sighed and looked back outside.

After ten years, the memory of Lukas disappearing from her life still haunted her. She had worn his engagement ring through the last half of their senior year. Then a month before their wedding day, he left. No goodbye, just a letter—as if that was enough. Then poof. He was gone.

She gave the ring to her mother and never saw it again.

The pain of lost love still lingered. It was best left in the past, but she had never figured out how to let it go. God knew she tried.

The contradiction tore at her heart. Losing Lukas hurt worse than anything else in her life, but the love never died. If only she could have loved Peter with that same fervor, instead of the half‐hearted love she had given him. Oh, she had tried, but it wasn’t the same.

Margaret took a deep breath. Her gaze lingered on the backyard for a long moment. Straightening her shoulders, she led the way down the hall, stepping silently past Lukas.

I hope you enjoyed this little peek at Daffodils!