I hope all of you are enjoying your Labor Day weekend! Relax and have a wonderful holiday!

Fizzy Drinks

Do you enjoy carbonated beverages (sodas)? If so, which ones are your favorites?

I love Cherry Coke or Cherry Pepsi with a wedge of lime! I put ice cubes into a glass, squeeze the lime juice over the ice, then add my soda! I then plop the freshly squeezed lime into my drink! So delicious!

I’m still hard at work writing The Blacksmith’s Bride. I have a scene where two of the characters are drinking a soda – in the 1800s it was most likely called soda water. These carbonated beverages were served at the apothecary. The customers would sit at a soda fountain. The druggist or soda fountain operator would serve the drinks cold – usually without ice. The beverage was flavored with syrup – such as root beer, lemon, orange, sarsaparilla (tastes similar to root beer) or ginger. Bottled carbonated beverages were also available back then, especially in cities such as Philadelphia.

I love researching new things as I work on The Blacksmith’s Bride – which is set to be released at the end of October.

So, do you enjoy carbonated beverages (sodas)? If so, which ones are your favorites?

More Trouble on the Homefront – Bathroom

I mentioned in last week’s newsletter that we’re having our bathroom remodeled. Well, we’re still getting estimates. Hopefully, we’ll decide on a contractor before the end of the week! Here’s a pic of some of the damage. We’re anxious to get this done. We’re fortunate that we have another shower to use while we get the master bathroom redone. Thanks to all of you for your wisdom and suggestions about remodeling.

School Days

In last week’s newsletter, I mentioned back to school time! Well, my son has returned to college. Here’s a pic of him on campus!

Broken Foot

Thanks to all of you for your thoughts, prayers, and kind words! During my last doctor visit, she gave me the go-ahead to start driving again! So, I can now put on a regular shoe on my injured foot! I can only wear the shoe if I’m driving or going someplace. While at home, she still wants me to wear my boot! I was so glad! I can also take the stairs now! So, do you know what I did last Saturday? I went to the hairdresser! I really needed to get my hair done! I’d been wearing a scarf for a few weeks, too tired to get my hair to behave!

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! After you sign up for my email list, a download link will be provided to you for your FREE eBook!

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.

A Delicious Summer Treat!

Want a late-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!

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