Vanilla Pound Cake

This recipe is a nice variation of my favorite Lemon Pound Cake. You use only vanilla instead of lemon. It's sweet, moist, buttery and oh-so-good! :-)

Vanilla Pound Cake

1 ½ cups butter (3 sticks)
3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup evaporated milk

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour 10-inch tube pan. Beat butter in large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add sugar ½ cup at a time, creaming well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Stir thoroughly after each addition. Pour into prepared pan. Bake until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 70 to 80 minutes. If cake is not done after 70-80 minutes, bake longer, until wooden pick comes out clean. Cool for 20 minutes; remove from pan.

Enjoy! :-)

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Introducing Author Rose McCauley! :-)

Rose McCauley was one of my critique partners several years ago! Our group was struggling to get that elusive publishing contract! Well, last September, Rose received a nice surprise at ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference! She received her very first book contract from Barbour for a Christmas novella! I received an email from Rose yesterday, telling me about her updated website and she's also received her book cover! Isn't it pretty?


Visit Rose's website and her blog! Leave her a comment and congratulate her on her recent success! I especially like her tag line: Stories from small towns with huge hearts. I know it's a bit into the future, but, when Autumn comes, if you see Rose's book in Walmart or the bookstore, pick up a copy for yourself or give as a gift to a friend or family member! I look forward to reading her Christmas story! I'm sure it's wonderful!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Basic Burgers

I made the best hamburgers the other day! I used an extremely simple recipe in my Southern Living Cookbook. The only alterations that I used were:

1. I used ground turkey instead of ground beef.
2. I used canned/store-bought Italian breadcrumbs instead of homemade bread crumbs.

I'll admit, I've never used Greek seasoning before, and I had to go to the store to buy some to make these hamburgers! But, they were excellent! I pan-fried them, but we'll probably make them again this summer to fry on the grill!

Basic Burgers

Ingredients
1 pound ground chuck (I used ground turkey.)
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 cup soft breadcrumbs (homemade) (I used store-bought Italian breadcrumbs.)
1 tablespoon grated onion
1/2 teaspoon all-purpose Greek seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt (I used sea salt)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
4 hamburger buns
Preparation
Combine first 8 ingredients, blending well. Shape into 4 patties. Grill, uncovered, over medium coals (300° to 350°) 15 minutes or until done, turning once. Serve on buns.

For broiling: Place patties on broiler pan; broil 3 inches from heat about 10 minutes or until done, turing once.

For panfrying: Heat a heavy skillet until hot. Add patties, and cook over medium heat about 8 minutes or until done, turning once.

I served the burgers on toasted hamburger buns. I slapped some mayonnaise and ketchup on the burgers and topped with lettuce and tomato. Add a slice of American cheese if you wish. We had sea-salt potato chips with our burgers.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Fatal Judgment By Irene Hannon

Fatal Judgment by Irene Hannon
From the Back Cover
U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he'd rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward the coldhearted workaholic haven't warmed in the five years since she drove her husband--and Jake's best friend--to despair . . . and possible suicide.

As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, he's forced to revise his opinion of her. And when it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life--and his heart--are in danger.

Full of suspense and romance, Fatal Judgment is a thrilling story that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
==
Federal Judge Liz Michael's life has taken a strong blow. Her sister, who was temporarily staying with her, has been murdered and Marshal Jake Taylor is assigned to protect Liz - what if her life is in danger, too? At first, Liz doesn't think her life is in danger, after all, Liz's sister, Stephanie, was hiding at Liz's, trying to heal emotionally and physically from the abuse that her husband has inflicted upon her. She's pregnant, and she didn't want her abusive husband to hurt their unborn baby. When she's shockingly murdered, Liz thinks the abusive husband has shot her sister.

However, Stephanie's husband's grief seems too raw, and too real. The marshalls conclude that Stephanie's husband can't be the one who shot her...that's when they begin to assume the shooter shot the wrong woman - Liz may have been his intended target.

Throughout this story, both Liz and Jake's faith is tested as Liz is taken into seclusion for her own safety. Jake finds himself smitten with Liz. Liz was his deceased college roommate's wife, and Jake thought she was a cold, unfeeling workaholic, after awhile Jake finds that he's been getting the wrong information about Liz.

Meanwhile, Jake has his own grief. He's still struggling with the guilt he harbors for his wife's death. He holds himself responsible and hasn't forgiven himself for her tragic accident.

While a lunatic plots to kill Liz, both Jake and Liz grow closer as Jake hopes not to fail in this assignment.

This book was a real page-turner and I highly recommend it for those who enjoy good, romantic suspense. I was up late into the night reading this novel, and it's rare for me to stay up past my bedtime reading a book nowadays! You really feel for the characters - and the way the villian was portrayed was haunting - he could've been your next door neighbor and you wouldn't have suspected he was plotting to kill. Overall, a very good read.

Many thanks to Baker/Revell for providing me with a free review copy.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Never Been Kissed By Melody Carlson

Never Been Kissed by Melody Carlson

From the Back Cover
New School = New Chance for That First Kiss
Summer is ending, and for once that doesn't seem like such a bad thing to Elise. She's hoping that starting fresh at a new high school will turn her first-kiss prospects around. New guys, new friends, and a new lease on life.

What she wasn't counting on was all the new pressure--to hang with the right crowd, wear the right clothes, and date the right guy. Just when it seems she's on top of the world, everything comes crashing down. Could one bad choice derail her future?

This book will be kind of nostalgic, reminding you how you felt when you were a young, insecure teenager. Elise has moved with her mother to a new town. When she meets the "in" crowd at school, sharing a lunch table with them, she feels that she's on top of the world. Finally, it appears she's being accepted. Wanting to elevate her feelings of self-worth, she lies to her young friend, who lives in her apartment building, telling the story about a fake boyfriend back at home and the booming social life that she used to have.

Now that she's in a new school it appears that Asher, one of the most popular guys in the school, really likes her, however, his girlfriend keeps getting in the way, and Elise just wants them to break up so that she can be with him. When she starts receiving secret emails from Asher, telling of his true feelings, she hopes that things will work out between them.

However, things go awry when Elise is arresting for sexting. Stunned, she doesn't know what to do. Her faith is tested as she comtemplates the worst.

I enjoyed this book. I think it should be recommended reading for all teenagers. I think they can learn a huge lesson from Elise's experiences. Elise finds herself tried and almost convicted, barely giving her a chance to defend herself. The book also shows how seriously the law regards the crime of sexting. I think most young people may not be aware of the extreme nature of this offense, and by reading this book, it will make them more aware.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you have a teenager.

Many thanks to Baker/Revell for providing me with a free review copy.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

My Sister's Blog - Easel And Plate

My sister, an artist named Raquel Dowdy Stallworth, has started a blog entitled Easel And Plate. Stop by and check it out. Become a follower if you wish! :-)

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Question From A Writer

John asked the following question:

I'm interested in themes and plots and directions. I have great characters, settings, dialogs, etc. I'm not so sure how to move it along at a clip a modern reader (and publisher) would like.

I have the same problem. Seriously. All I can suggest is, make something HAPPEN!! Create drama in your characters' lives and have the other characters to react to it. Death, serious illness, pregnancy, etc. Also, you can have one of your characters to receive a mysterious letter...what's in that letter is my guess, but the news will rock the world of your main character, and other characters will be shocked to hear about this happening in their friend(s) life. Your story is one large drama and each chapter is a segment containing a mini-drama. Another good thing to do is to study other writers, see what they do and see if you can learn from their examples.

Give your characters a serious flaw. I've noticed that it's easier for me when I write about the themes of financial dishonesty and alcoholism. What issues are you passionate about? What issues are your characters passionate about? If you know your characters well enough, you'll know what kinds of things could happen to them that would bring them to their knees, seeking God, wanting answers for the traumatic events happening in their lives! I blogged about this subject over at Writers' Rest Blog awhile ago.

I hope that little bit of information helped. Without knowing more about your characters or your storyline, that's about all I can suggest to get you started!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

REMEMBER THE DREAM!!!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Wonderful Words About Chesapeake Weddings! :-)

La Verne Ford wrote the following comment in yesterday's blog post:
The Chesapeake Weddings three-in-one collection is wonderful so far. I am now reading Bittersweet Memeories. They are [an] inspiration to me and very encouraging. They have reached the very core of my heart.

La Verne, thanks for the kind words. I've heard many positive things about Chesapeake Weddings and I'm glad so many people have enjoyed the stories.

Just wanted to point out that Chesapeake Weddings is still available at christianbook.com. Also, I'm still working on other projects. One is sitting at a publisher, and I'm waiting to hear from them. I'm also talking to a literary agent about another proposal. Hopefully, and prayerfully, I'll get a contract for another novel in 2011! :-)

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Book Giveaway - YOU MUST FOLLOW THE RULES TO ENTER!

THIS BOOK GIVEAWAY IS OVER. SEE THIS BLOG POST TO VIEW THE WINNER! STAY TUNED FOR OTHER BOOK GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE FUTURE! :-)

I'm hosting another book giveaway! ONE winner will receive the titles listed above. IF YOU WANT TO ENTER THE DRAWING YOU MUST DO TWO THINGS:

#1. You must join my mailing list! You can join my mailing list here:

Join My E-mail List!

If you're already on my email list, then you can skip step one.

#2. You must comment on this blog post to enter and LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR BLOG POST - IF YOU DON'T LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR BLOG POST, THEN YOU WON'T BE ENTERED INTO THE CONTEST! I need an email address so that I can contact you if you win!

I'll be drawing the winner within the next few weeks or so! :-)

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Bake Until Golden

Bake Until Golden by Linda Shepherd Evans and Eva Marie Everson
From the Back Cover
Two cups of flour, a cup of sugar . . . and a generous pinch of scandal
The ladies of the Potluck Catering Club may have thought that competing on The Great Party Showdown reality show in New York City would be the biggest adventure of their lives. But they weren't counting on the strange goings-on they would confront when they returned to Summit View, Colorado.

When a shocking event rocks their small town, the ladies are stunned--especially when the fingers start pointing at one of them. Will old friends stick together through their trials? Or will they be torn apart by tragedy?

Full of mystery, friendship, and faith, Bake Until Golden is the final book in this popular series.

Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson are award-winning authors, successful speakers, radio personalities, and avid readers of fiction. They are the popular authors of The Potluck Club, The Potluck Club--Trouble's Brewing, The Potluck Club--Takes the Cake, and the Potluck Catering Club series. They've also led numerous Bible studies and women's retreats. Linda lives in Colorado and Eva Marie lives in Florida.
==
My thoughts? This book was well-written, and I could see a lot of people being intrigued by the storyline. You have a group of ladies who run the Potluck Catering Club, and they're local celebrities in their small town. Each woman is going through an emotional drama. The dramas deal with various topics such as: death of a spouse, a cheating boyfriend, a daughter who has to go to a foreign country to see her husband who's been in a life-threatening accident, and the murder of an old friend. I found it hard to keep all of the characters straight in my mind. But, this is no reflection upon the writers, it's just the way that I'm wired as a reader. I usually have a hard time reading novels where you have a bunch of women (more than 2 or 3) and each character has a point-of-view. After awhile, with so many points of view, I can't remember the names of each character from chapter to chapter, and then I have to try and remember how all these females are connected. I'd recommend this novel if you want a slightly suspenseful read with lots of viewpoints and lots of characters.

On the upside, since this is the Potluck Catering Club, food is mentioned throughout the novel and I loved that! Also, there are many tasty-sounding recipes in the back of the book! I think I'll keep this book and try some of those recipes! The recipe for Sunshine Cake sounds simply scrumptious! Also, the cover is fabulous! I want a piece of that yellow cake with chocolate icing! Yum! :-)

Oh, many thanks to Baker/Revell for providing me with a review copy of this novel.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Stay Tuned....

I will be posting a book giveaway soon. Stop by over the next few days for details...

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Tandem By Tracey Bateman

Tandem by Tracey Bateman

As obsession and loss become dark partners, how far must the people of Abbey Hills go to survive?

Six months ago, brutal murders shook the small Ozark town—murders that stopped after a house fire reportedly claimed the killer’s life. Lauryn McBride's family auction house has taken responsibility for the estate sale of one of the victims—the enigmatic Markus Chisom. Submerging herself in Chisom’s beautiful but strange world, Lauryn welcomes the reprieve from watching Alzheimer’s steal her father from her, piece by piece. She soon realizes that centuries-old secrets tie Abbey Hills to the Chisom estate and a mysterious evil will do anything to make sure those secrets stay hidden. Even the man who grew up loving her may not be able to protect Lauryn from the danger.

When Amede Dastillon receives an unexpected package from Abbey Hills, she hopes it might be the key in tracking down her beloved sister, long estranged from her family. Visiting Abbey Hills seems the logical next step in her search, but Amede is unusually affected by the town, and when mutilated carcasses begin turning up again in the small community, the local law enforcement isn’t sure if they are confronting a familiar evil or a new terror.

Two women brought together by questions that seem to have no answers. Can they overcome the loss and darkness threatening to devour them—or will their own demons condemn them to an emotional wasteland?
===
This book is the sequel to the novel, Thirsty. Lauryn is the owner of an auction house business. Markus, a vampire who was killed in a fire, has an estate that needs to be settled. Lauryn forwards some old letters found in Markus's house to Amede, a member of an old family who has ties to Markus. Amede comes to Abbey Hills seeking more familial heirlooms, but, in reality, she needs to find her estranged sister, Eden, who did not die in the fire with Markus, as most of the town assumes.

I think I enjoyed Thirsty more than Tandem. I'm not sure why. It could be because Thirsty dealt with an alcoholic and that's a theme that I like to read about in novels. I think the author did a great job with the characterization with Lauryn and her battle with caring for her ill father. As her father's Alzheimer’s gets worse, it's hard for Lauyrn to accept that she may need to let her father go if she's not able to care for him any longer. The battle of caring for an older parent, for an only child, is something that lots of people struggle with, but I felt that the father in this story was a bit selfish. I sensed that he didn't want his daughter to be happy with anybody...except himself. But, that could've just been my interpretation of the situation. I didn't think Lauryn's dad wanted to see her happily married with children, and that's kind of sad when you think about it.

There's a deep, dark mystery woven into this story as people and animals are killed, in an almost ritualistic way. The killings are being done by a vampire, but, it's a mystery as to which vampire is doing the killing. I think it's a bit hard reading about vampires in a Christian novel because such creatures don't exist, but in the book, they do exist, yet, you know they're not a true part of God's creation.

The theme of unrequited love pops up when Billy, the preacher's son, appears, complete with a bi-racial daughter who looks exactly like him. Lauryn has had a crush on Billy since elementary school and that crush has never developed into a full-blown romance. Billy abandons Lauryn on graduation night and she doesn't see him again until his recent appearance. Bits and pieces of backstory are thrown into the book regarding Lauryn's upbringing and her "romantic" moments with Billy.

Also, you'll see the main characters in Thirsty make a few cameo appearances in Tandem, which was nice.

This is definitely a chilling, mysterious book and I recommend it to those who'd want to read a book about the supernatural with a Christian message.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Favorite Books About The Craft Of Writing

I'm blogging over at Writers' Rest today about my favorite books on the craft of writing! Stop by and leave a comment!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

David And Goliath

I was reading the story of David and Goliath to my five-year-old son a couple of days ago. When I was finished, I thought: something's missing. It clicked that I was reading the children's version. Since the Old Testament can be brutal, we must sanitize children's Bible school stories so that we don't traumatize our youngsters.

After my son went to bed, I got my Bible out and read the story of David and Goliath. David cuts off Goliath's head with a sword...how sharp that sword must've been to sever Goliath's head! It sounds so bloody and brutal. Plus, in the Bible I was reading it kept referring to David as being a boy...I wondered how old he was? Around fifteen or sixteen, maybe? Then, I kept thinking of David walking around holding Goliath's severed head in his hand...

What's the point to this blog post? I'm not sure! I know I keep thinking about this story and I have no idea why. Maybe because when people talk about it, they don't recall the brutality of what happened. The Lord was with David and gave this youngster the power to overcome this giant whom everybody feared, but, it was so grotesque and bloody...I don't think people recall that part of the story too much. I'm not sure when kids will be old enough to know the full story of David and Goliath...How old do you think kids should be before they hear the full story of David and Goliath?

I've copied and pasted a few verses from 1 Samuel chapter 17 below.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

1 Samuel 17: 48 So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it.
And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.... 54 And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent.
55 When Saul saw David going out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this youth?”
And Abner said, “As your soul lives, O king, I do not know.”
56 So the king said, “Inquire whose son this young man is.”
57 Then, as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 58 And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?”
So David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”

Unexpected Love

I signed up for this blog tour because the hero in the book is blind and I wanted to see how the author portrayed this character. I'm afraid I haven't gotten around to reading this book yet, but, if you've been reading this blog long enough, you'll know that I do post a review for the books that I feature, for the most part. The review for this book is coming soon. For right now, just sit back, relax, and read the first chapter. Also, leave a comment with your initial thoughts about this novel.

~Cecelia Dowdy~

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Andrea Boeshaar

and the book:

Unexpected Love

Realms (January 4, 2011)

***Special thanks to Anna Coelho Silva | Publicity Coordinator, Book Group | Strang Communications for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In addition to writing, Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar speaks at writers’ conferences and for women’s groups. She has taught workshops at conferences such as: Write-To-Publish American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Oregon Christian Writers Conference, Mount Hermon Writers Conference, and many other writers’ conferences. Andrea is also co-founder of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization. For many years she served on the advisory board and was also CEO of the ACFW.


Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Realms (January 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616381922
ISBN-13: 978-1616381929

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Chicago, Illinois, September 4, 1866


Do you think he’ll live, Dr. Hamilton?” The gray-haired man with bushy whiskers pondered the question for several moments, chewing on his thick lips as he weighed his reply. “Yes, I think he will,” he finally said. “Of course, he’s not out of the woods yet, but it seems he’s coming around.”


Lorenna Fields breathed a sigh of relief. It had been two whole days with nary a sign of life from this half-drowned man, but finally—finally—he showed signs of improvement.


“You’ve done a good job with this patient, Nurse Fields.” The physician drew himself up to his full height, which barely met Renna’s five feet six inches. “I don’t think he’d be alive today if you hadn’t given him such extraordinary care.”


“Thank you, Dr. Hamilton, but it was the Lord who spared this man and the Lord who gave me the strength and skill to nurse him.” The old physician snorted in disgust. “Yes, well, it might have had something to do with the fact that you’ve got a brain in your

head, Nurse Fields, and the fact that you used it too, I might add!”


Renna smiled inwardly. Dr. Hamilton always disliked it when she gave God the credit for any medical advancement, especially the miracles. Yet Renna’s intelligence and experience weren’t typical of women her age, and she determined to use them to God’s glory.


The patient moaned, his head moving from side to side.


“Easy now, Mr. Blackeyes.” Renna placed a hand on the man’s muscular shoulder. “It’s all right.” She picked up the fever rag from out of the cold water, wrung it once, and set it on the patient’s burning brow.


Dr. Hamilton snorted again, only this time in amusement. “Mr. Blackeyes? How in the world did you come by that name, Nurse Fields?”


She blushed but replied in all honesty. “It’s his eyes, Doctor. They’re as black as pitch and as shiny as polished stones. And since we don’t know his true identity, I’ve named him Mr. Blackeyes.”


“I see.” Dr. Hamilton could barely contain his laughter.


“Well, I had to call him something now, didn’t I?” She wrung the fever cloth more tightly.


“Ah, yes, I suppose you did.” Dr. Hamilton gathered his instruments and put them into his black leather medical bag. “Well, carry on, Nurse Fields.” He sounded tired. “If your patient’s fever doesn’t break by morning, send for me at once. However, I think

it will, especially since we got some medicine and chicken broth into him tonight.”


Renna nodded while the old man waved over his shoulder as he left the hospital ward.


Returning her attention to her patient, Renna saw that he slept for the moment. His blue-black hair, which had just a slight wave to it, shone beneath the dampness of the fever. The stifling late summer heat of the room threatened to bring his temperature even higher.


Wiping a sleeve across her own beaded brow, Renna continued to sponge down her patient. Poor Mr. Blackeyes had been found floating in Lake Michigan after a terrible storm the past Sunday. The crew of the passing ship that found him had thought he was dead at first. But they pulled him aboard anyway. The ship’s doctor immediately examined him and detected a heartbeat, so he cared for him until the ship docked in Chicago’s harbor. As soon as the sailors could manage it, Mr. Blackeyes was deposited at Mercy Hospital and admitted to the second floor and into Renna’s care. Now, two days later, he finally showed some improvement.


Pulling the fever rag from the round porcelain bowl filled with cool water, Renna replaced it carefully across Mr. Blackeyes’s forehead. She could tell this man was different from the usual “unknowns” that the hospital acquired. His dark features somehow implied sophistication, even through several days’ growth of beard. And his powerful broad shoulders and muscular arms indicated the strength of a man accustomed to lifting or hoisting. And he was handsome, all right. A lady’s man, no doubt.


“But who are you, Mr. Blackeyes?” Renna murmured, gazing down at him.


As if in reply, the man groaned.


Renna settled him once more and then slowly stood. She forced her mind to dwell on her other patients as she made her rounds through the sick ward, a large room with whitewashed walls and a polished marble floor. Eight beds, four on each side, were neatly lined in rows, leaving a wide area in the center of the ward.


Moving from bed to bed, Renna checked each patient, thankful that this ward wasn’t full: only Mr. Anderson, suffering from a farming accident in which he lost his left arm; Mr. Taylor, who had had pneumonia but had recovered and would soon be released;

and, finally, young John Webster, who had been accidentally shot in the chest by his brother. It appeared the wounded young man wouldn’t live through the night, and his family had gathered around him, his mother weeping.


Taking pity on the Webster family, Renna set up several wooden screens to allow them some privacy. Then she checked on John. She could see death settling in. She was somewhat accustomed to the sight, as she’d trained in a Union military hospital in Richmond, Virginia, during the Civil War. Still, watching a life slip away never got easier. But in this case Renna took heart that the Websters were people with a strong faith. Young John would soon go home to be with his Savior.


“Can I get anything for you, Mrs. Webster?” Renna asked the boy’s mother now.


A tall, very capable-looking woman, she shook her head. Several brunette curls tumbled from their bun.


Renna asked the same thing of the boy’s brother and father, but both declined.


“I didn’t mean ter shoot ’im, Ma!” the brother declared. He suddenly began to sob.


“Aw, I know ya didn’t mean it, son,” Mrs. Webster replied through her own tears. “It was an accident. That anyone can see!”


“Tell it to Jesus, boy.” His father’s eyes were red, his jaw grizzled. “Give the matter to Christ, just like we done gave John over to Him.”


Renna’s heart was with the family, but she suddenly felt like an intruder. The Websters needed their privacy. Stepping back, she gave them each a sympathetic smile before moving away.


Walking to the other side of the room now, Renna sat down on the edge of Mr. Blackeyes’s bed and sponged him down again. Afterward, she checked his head wound—nearly a three-inch gash above his left ear. It had needed to be sutured, and Dr. Hamilton

had seen to that when Mr. Blackeyes was first admitted. “Unknown Male” was the name on his chart. Most “unknowns” didn’t survive, so Renna was heartened that Mr. Blackeyes’s prognosis seemed promising.


Now if only his fever would break. If only he’d regain consciousness and pneumonia wouldn’t set in.


Momentarily closing her eyes, Renna prayed for God’s healing of this man. She had been praying earnestly for the last week. Why she felt so burdened for him, she couldn’t say, but she was.


Suddenly an abrupt command broke her thoughts. “Nurse Fields? Nurse Fields, you may go. I’m on duty now.”


Renna glanced at the doorway where Nurse Rutledge, the night nurse who was also her supervisor, stood. A large woman with beady, dark eyes, she had a no-nonsense way about her. That same stern disposition kept her lips in a perpetual frown.


“As usual, your charts are in order.”


Was that a hint of a smile? Renna guessed not.


“You’re excused.”


Renna replied with a nod. She didn’t dislike the night supervisor, although she wasn’t fond of the woman’s overbearing manner. Still, Nurse Rutledge was in charge. “Thank you, ma’am. I’ll just finish up here, and then I’ll be on my way.”


The older woman came up alongside her. “The first rule in nursing is, do not get emotionally attached to your patients. You know that.”


Renna rinsed the fever rag once more and draped it across Mr. Blackeyes’s forehead. “I’m not getting emotionally attached.” Renna felt her conscience prick. “I’m just . . . well, I’m burdened for this man. In the spiritual sense.”


“Humph! Call it what you will, Nurse Fields, but I happen to think you’re much too emotional and far too sensitive. It’s a wonder you’ve lasted in nursing this long. Why, I heard from the other nurses on duty today that you were crying with the Webster

family over their boy.” She sniffed in what seemed like disgust. “A nurse must never let her emotions get in the way of her duty, Nurse Fields.”


“Yes, ma’am.” Renna endured the rebuke. She’d heard it many times before.


Nurse Rutledge squared her wide shoulders. “Now, may I suggest that you leave your burden right here in this hospital bed and go home and get some rest? You’re due back here at six a.m., and I’ll expect you promptly!”


Renna nodded. Then, with a backward glance at Mr. Blackeyes, she left the sick ward. She gathered her things and made her way to the hospital’s main entrance. Outside, she paused and breathed deeply. The air was thick and humid, but it was free from the chloroform and antiseptics that she’d smelled all day.


She spied a hired hackney, and within minutes, Renna rode the mile to the home she shared with her parents. She was the oldest child in the family, but at the age of thirty, Renna was what society termed “a spinster.” Her two younger sisters were married and

producing children galore, and her one younger brother and his wife were now expecting their first baby.


Renna loved all her nieces and nephews. They filled her empty arms when she wasn’t nursing, and Jesus filled her heart. Time and time again, however, Renna was asked by a young niece or nephew, “Why didn’t you ever get married, Auntie Renna?” And

her reply was always, “I never fell in love.”


But the truth of the matter was no man would have her—even if she had fallen in love. The large purplish birthmark on the left side of her face deterred every eligible bachelor. The unsightly thing came down her otherwise flawless cheek to the side of her

nose and then around down to her jaw, like an ugly purple horseshoe branded into her face. One would think she’d be accustomed to the gawks, stares, and pitying glances sent her way at social functions, but they unnerved her. All dressed up and looking her

prettiest, Renna still felt marred and uncomely under the scrutiny of her peers—especially when she was in the company of eligible men to whom she was supposed to be attractive and charming. Renna never felt she was either of those.


Nursing, however, was different. In the hospital Renna felt confident of her abilities. Moreover, her patients were usually too sick or in too much pain to be concerned with her ugly birthmark.


Rather, they just wanted her care and sensitivity, and that’s what Renna thought she did best . . . in spite of what Nurse Rutledge said about her being too emotional and too sensitive. God in all His grace had given Renna a wondrous work in nursing, and it pleased her to be used in that way. What more could she want? And yet lately—lately Renna desired something more. Was it a sin to feel discontented after so many happy years of nursing?


The carriage stopped in front of Renna’s house. She climbed out, paid the driver, and then turned to open the little white gate of the matching picket fence around the front yard. A slight breeze blew, and Renna thought it felt marvelous after her sweltering day on the second floor of the hospital.


“Well, there you are, dear.” Her mother, Johanna Fields, stood with a pair of shears in her hand. She had obviously been pruning the flowers that graced the edge of the wide front porch. “You’re late tonight, Renna.” She studied her daughter. “Mr. Blackeyes? Is he . . . ?”


“He’s still alive.” She stepped toward her mother. “Dr. Hamilton thinks he may even live, except he has an awful fever now. We’re hoping it breaks by morning and thatpneumonia doesn’t set in.”


“Oh, dear . . . ” Mum shook her head sadly. “Well, we’ll keep praying, won’t we?”


Renna gave a nod before Mum hooked arms and led her into the house.


“I’ve made a light dinner tonight, Renna. Help yourself.”


“I appreciate it, but I’m too tired to eat.”


“But you need some nourishment.” Mum fixed a plate of cold beef, sliced tomatoes, and a crusty roll. “Here, sit down at the table.”


Renna allowed her mother to help her into the chair. After one bite she realized how ravenous she was and cleaned the plate. Minutes later her sister Elizabeth walked in with her twin daughters, Mary and Helena. Delight spread through Renna as the girls toddled into the kitchen.


“Hello, darlings.” She gave each a hug before smiling up at her younger sister.


“Renna, you look exhausted.” Elizabeth shook her head vehemently, causing strands of her light brown hair to escape their pinning. “You’ll be old before your time.”


“And what would you have me do? Sit around the house all day, twiddling my thumbs?” Seeing her sister’s injured expression, she softened her voice. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m more tired than I thought.”


Elizabeth smiled. “All’s forgiven.”


Renna struggled to her feet. Her entire body ached from her long shift. “I’ll have to visit another time. I’m going up to bed.”


After bidding everyone a good night, Renna climbed the steps leading to the second floor. In her small bedroom she poured water from the large pitcher on her bureau into the chamber basin and then washed away the day’s heat. She pulled her cool, cotton nightgown over her head then took her Bible off the nightstand and continued her reading in John chapter 9. Renna realized as she read that physical ailments allowed God to show His glory, and she marveled as she read about the blind man who by simple faith and obedience regained his sight.


She bowed her head. Oh, Lord, that You might heal Mr. Black-eyes. That You might show Your power to those who don’t believe by healing him. Renna paused to remember her other patients then. And please rain down Your peace that passeth all understanding on the Websters tonight.


Despite the fact her eyelids threatened to close, Renna finished her Bible reading. She turned down the lamp as a breeze ruffled the curtains. Somehow Renna knew that John Webster would not be in her sick ward tomorrow morning. Nor would his family be there. Somehow Renna knew that John was with the Savior already.


But Mr. Blackeyes . . . why, he might not be a believer. It pained Renna to think of him spending an eternity apart from God.


Please heal him, Lord, she prayed as she crawled into bed. She allowed her eyes to finally shut, and the darkly handsome stranger who lay fighting for his life was the last person on Renna’s thoughts as she drifted off to sleep.

The Thing About Beauty By Donna Riemel Robinson

The Thing About Beauty by Donna Reimel Robinson

Being beautiful has its drawbacks.
Tonya Brandt wants to marry a handsome man, someone who will complement her own beauty. But she’s dated every hot guy in town without finding someone who loves her for her mind and talents.

Murray Twichell knows his chances with Tonya are about as big as a snowball in July, but somehow, he can’t get her out of his mind. He’s not very handsome, so he figures she would never date him. If only he could get to know the real Tonya without her discovering who he is.

When a secret admirer begins sending Tonya gifts and letters, she is excited. But who is this mystery man? She loves his personality, but what does he look like?

When Tonya finally discovers her secret admirer’s identity, will she reject him? Or will she learn that true beauty is more than skin deep?

===
This book was a light, endearing read that wasn't heavy on conflict. Tonya is beautiful and she's not getting any younger. She's involved in her singles group at church, and finds herself smitten with one of the members of the singles group. BUT, Murray Twichell, a nightmare from her childhood, keeps popping up in her life. A cop, Murray makes a habit of giving Tonya speeding tickets, and she's not very attracted to him, either. Whenever he's around, Tonya finds herself bristling as she recalls the horrid time that Murray dropped a frog down her shirt when she was a youngster.

Then, Tonya's life takes a drastic turn when she starts receiving expensive gifts and cards from a secret admirer! The secret admirer also gives his email address and she begins having conversations with this man online. She finds herself falling for her secret admirer and Tonya, and the rest of her small town, wonder who this secret man is? What will happen when she finds the identity of her admirer?

This is a good book to read if you want a story that's breezy, light, and not too thought-provoking.

Occasionally, when I read a book, and if it reminds me of another title, I'll mention it. The premise of this book reminded me of a Robin Jones Gunn book that I read ages ago called Echoes. So I wanted to add that if you enjoyed Echoes, you'll enjoy The Thing About Beauty.

Tonya Brandt also wanted to pen her own cookbook and The Thing About Beauty often mentioned Tonya's secret cream cheese brownies. Several characters in the book loved these brownies and the recipe was provided in the back of the novel. Here's the recipe. I haven't tried them yet, but I do plan on trying them sometime in the future:

Tonya's Terrific Brownies
Chocolate Layer:
6 ounces semisweet baking chocolate
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspooons vanilla
3 eggs
3/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chunks

Cream Cheese Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease an 8-inch square pan; dust with flour.
Melt baking chocolate in a double boiler over boiling water, stirring while melted. Remove from heat and whisk in oil, sugar and vanilla. Whisk in eggs, one at a time. Stir in flour and salt until just blended. Fold in chocolate chunks.

In another bowl, beat cream cheese wtih sugar and egg. Spread 2/3 of the chocolate mixture in the baking pan; spoon tte cheese mixture over the chocolate layer; spoon the remaining chocolate on top. Drag knife through to swirl.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Insert a toothpick to test. Let cool in pan for 20 minutes for warm brownies that y ou can eat with a fork, or cool completely for terrific finger-held brownies. Enjoy!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

HAPPY NEW YEAR! :-)

Happy New Year to all of my blog readers!

Question: What are you doing on this New Year's Day?

I'm going to be baking chicken and I placed black-eyed peas in the slow cooker. I might watch a movie with my family later on today, too. I might even get some writing done! The Twilight Zone Marathon is on the Science Fiction Channel today, so I might catch a few hours of that, too!

Have a great New Year's!

~Cecelia Dowdy~