Progress and Birthday Cakes!

I hope all of you are enjoying your week!

Birthday Cake

When you were growing up, did you celebrate your birthday? If you celebrated, what did you do?

In last week’s newsletter I mentioned that my son and I have birthdays back to back. This year, he had to cancel his birthday celebration since I was camped out in our living room due to my broken foot. When he was growing up, he often had birthday celebrations with his friends. These celebrations took place at our home, or, at a local venue.

When I was growing up, we didn’t celebrate our birthday since my mom was a Jehovah’s Witness. As a child, I would remember when my birthday was, but often longed to have a party, just for myself, where I’d have a cake and gifts. As I got older, there were times when I’d not give my birthday much thought. A few times, on my birthday – it would be mid-day before I would even remember that it was my birthday! Currently, I usually celebrate with cake and we have a special meal. I no longer care about gifts since I already have too much stuff in my house!

I’ve often been fascinated with the subject of birthdays. I suppose my interest stems from my not celebrating as a child.

In my historical novel, The Blacksmith’s Bride, one of the characters attends a children’s birthday party. The year is 1867. I had to do some research for this scene, so, I thought it would be fun to let you know what I found out about birthday cakes in 1867!

Back then, the practice of placing candles on the cake was not widely used in the US. It appears that the birthday candle tradition began in 1700s Germany – mostly wealthy household participated. Birthday candles weren’t widespread in the US until 1880’s and 1890’s – the practice was made known via women’s etiquette magazines.

The cake served at an 1867 birthday party was much different than what we know today. The cake was usually plain. If icing was used, it wasn’t the decorated confection to which we are now familiar. The icing may be a thin sugary glaze, or, the cake might be dusted with sugar. The cake was a simple pound cake, or, the cake might contain caraway seeds. Gingerbread was also a popular option. The plain cake may have looked something like this:

So, how did you celebrate your birthday when you were growing up?

Order  The Blacksmith’s Bride  today!

Broken Foot!

I’ve been making progress with my broken foot. I went to the podiatrist and they gave me a walking boot! Thankfully, I’m now able to get around on my own with a walker! That’s progress!

Graduation

My lovely grandniece graduated from pre-school! She was praised as being a wonderful student! She is now on her way to kindergarten! This is a pic of her with her grandma!

A Delicious Summer Treat!

Want a summer treat? Check out my  Christmas Holiday Romance Book Bundle  – continental US only! Grab a bunch for yourself and a friend! These are paperback books that make great gifts for yourself and your friends and family!

I’m sure you’ll enjoy these wonderful stories as much as I enjoyed writing them!

Enjoy the rest of your Summer!

Want a nice emotional treat during the last few weeks of summer? Check out my Candy Beach Series! These are heartwarming delicious stories that you can read all summer! All are beach themed! Perfect for reading during your summer vacation!

The Blacksmith’s Bride

As stated previously, I’m still writing The Blacksmith’s Bride – a historical novel set a few years after the Civil War. The Blacksmith’s Bride is the third book in the Romance Bride Series.

I’m enjoying writing The Blacksmith’s Bride as each character goes through an emotional journey of change and faith. Pre-order a copy for yourself and a friend!

Writing Services

As a reminder, I offer writing-related services. I work with writers who may need help with their fiction. Interested in working with me? Details here.

Events​

I will be participating in the Eat Local Read Local event at the Cascades Library in Virginia on October 18, 2025. I currently have other events in the works. Once my plans are finalized, I will update you with details!

Our Country!

Remember to keep our country in prayer as all/some of these changes take place! At times, our country does not run smoothly! Also, remember to pray for all that are suffering in our nation! Be sure to check on your friends and loved ones to be sure they are okay!

Enjoy your day!

​If you’re reading this newsletter on my blog then you’re probably not signed up for my mailing list! When you sign up, you’ll receive BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS, a free e-book! BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS – the eBook version – is currently only available when you join my mailing list!

Raquel’s father died when she was a baby – that’s what she thought…
She receives a mysterious phone call – stating her father is alive and in hospice. He must see her before he dies. Why has her mother lied to her for all these years about her father’s “death”?

She must rely on Patrick, her ex, to help her to make the trip to see her father during a massive snowstorm. Patrick has his own set of problems – he never told Raquel the real reason why he abandoned her three years ago.

BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS is a tasty Christmas unforgettable romance!

Join my email list today to get your free copy!