23 March 2023

The Finding of Miss Fairfield by Grace Hitchcock Book Review and Giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: The Finding of Miss Fairfield

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: August 29, 2022

When an engagement of convenience becomes anything but convenient . . .

Forced into a betrothal with a widower twice her age, Charleston socialite, Sophia Fairfield is desperate for an escape. But, while her fiancé is away on business, he assigns his handsome stepson, Carver, the task of looking after his bride-to-be. Much to her dismay, Sophia finds herself falling in love with the wrong gentleman—a man society would never allow her to marry, given Sophia was supposed to be his new stepmother. The only way to save Carver from scandal and financial ruin is to run away, leaving him and all else behind to become a Harvey Girl waitress at the Castañeda Hotel in New Mexico.

Carver Ashton has had his life planned out for him since birth, but when he encounters Sophia Fairfield, he glimpses a new life—apart from his overbearing stepfather’s business. But, when the woman he loves disappears before he can express his devotion, Carver abandons all to find her. However, his stepfather has other intentions for Sophia and will stop at nothing until she is his bride . . . even if it is against her will.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

This is the first book that I have read by Grace Hitchcock. In all fairness, I was wanting to read something different than my normal. The Finding of Miss Fairfield is the first book in the Aprons & Veils series. 

Sophia comes from a wealthy family, but her father forces her into a betrothal from a widower Prescott who is twice her age. The man is one of her father’s business partners. Her fiancé has to leave town for a while and has his stepson Carver look after her while he is away. 

Sophia finds Carver charming and finds herself falling in love with him. Sophia sneaks away one night and ends up in Las Vegas, New Mexico working as a Harvey Girl waitress in a hotel. It was intriguing finding out about the Harvey Girls. Carver decides to go searching for her for his own reasons.

Sophies father and her fiancé left me sick in the pit of my stomach. Money can bring the worst out of people. It seems surreal that a father could do this to his daughter for financial gain. 

Prescott had his own reasons to marry Sophia and is determined to find her and force her to marry him. 

Sophia and Carver are charming. You can’t help but not root for them. There are several twists and turns. It’s filled with romance, danger, adventure, faith, and history.

Not a bad book and the characters and settings was a fun read.

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

About the Author



Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

 

More from Grace


Q: What type of fiction do you write? What is it about this type that appeals to you? 

Grace Hitchcock: I write historical romance with a dash of suspense, unless it was for my true crime books which have a bit more than a dash of suspense  For my American setting novels, The Gilded Age speaks to me as it was a time of change for women. While still having that epic romance feel with balls and dancing and courtships with a sweet romance, women were breaking ground and making history and pairing that with the fact that it was a time of emerging inventions, it is an all-around exciting era to research, read, and write.

Q: Who were the Harvey Girls?

Grace Hitchcock: Whenever I tell people I am writing about a Victorian Harvey Girl romance, they usually assume the Harvey Girls are associated with an old-time saloon, but nothing could be further from the truth. In the 1890s, there were not many respectable jobs for women, so when Englishman Fred Harvey created his chain of fine dining restaurants along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroads, single women without an education, or in need of earning their own way, were given a chance to earn an honest wage without the speculation that they offered anything else but food as a service. With Mr. Harvey’s strict rules about the waitress’s code of conduct, the women were given their independence while still maintaining their good name and place in society under the protective, fatherly arm of Fred Harvey. These extraordinary, brave women became known as the Harvey Girls, the ladies who tamed the Wild West with fine china, good pie, and exceptional service with complete propriety.

While Harvey Houses were built to serve the needs of the passengers on the rail to encourage tourism in the west, the railroad workers and local townsmen also dined at the restaurant, but usually at the lunch counter. At a time when men filled towns and women were scarce, inevitably, a railroad worker or townsman would express interest in marrying a Harvey Girl. In order to marry, she would need to fulfill her work contract or risk paying a fine of a month of salary. The fine was set in place to ensure that Fred Harvey would have enough workers and that he wouldn’t simply train a girl to have her shipped to a town of bachelors and leave him without a waitress.

As you can probably tell, such a set up sends an author’s head to spinning with all the romance that could come from a woman venturing out on her own in a land filled with cowboys, bandits, ranchers, and farmers. The possibilities for romance are endless! There is so much more I could write about these fascinating ladies and their contributions to society, but I hope you enjoyed this taste of history on the Harvey Girls!

Q: What are your publications? And what are you currently working on? 

Grace Hitchcock: After signing with The Steve Laube Agency in 2015, I sold three novellas to Barbour Publishing and then, in March 2019, I released my debut novel, The White City, from Barbour Publishing and signed for a second novel, The Gray Chamber.

My latest release, His Delightful Lady Delia, concludes my 3-book American Royalty series for Bethany House Publishers and hit the shelves in November 2022.

This spring, I signed with Kregel Publications for my first ever REGENCY series!!!! I am thrilled for this dream come true!

While I wait for its release, I’m keeping busy editing and writing book two in my Harvey Girls Aprons & Veils series, The Pursuit of Miss Parish.

The Pursuit of Miss Parish summary:

Love’s gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream.

With dreams of love and a hope for belonging, shy Belle Parish leaves her position as a maid in Charleston to travel to New Mexico with her best friend to become mail-order brides. Colt Lawson’s letters hold great promise and while his devilishly handsome face matches his picture, something does not add up. Discovering his lie only moments before they wed, Belle flees the church and straight into the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House. Giving up the prospect on ever marrying, she dons her nun-like uniform and focuses on her role as a Harvey Girl waitress until a strong, former Texas Ranger rides into her life.

Colt Lawson didn’t want to send that letter to Belle Parish in the first place, but her first response had all but captured his heart. When he is left standing at the altar alone, he is left with two choices—either release his dream of a love marriage, or attempt to win her heart. Wooing her would be a lot easier if that Texas Ranger wasn’t back in town. Who wants a dusty rancher with a past when she could have a shining knight in a Stetson?

While you wait for The Pursuit of Miss Parish to release in Summer 2023, please be sure to check out book one in my brand-new Harvey Girl series set at the historical Hotel Castañeda, The Finding of Miss Fairfield, a tale about Charleston socialite who is on the run from an engagement of convenience.

Happy reading, friends!


Blog Stops


Connie’s History Classroom, March 12

Christina’s Corner, March 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 13

Genesis 5020, March 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 14

deb’s Book Review, March 14

Texas Book-aholic, March 15

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 16

Splashes of Joy, March 16

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 16

Vicky Sluiter, March 17

Cover Lover Book Review, March 17

Simple Harvest Reads, March 18 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 19

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 20

For Him and My Family, March 20

Blogging With Carol, March 21

Back Porch Reads, March 21

Artistic Nobody, March 22 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

EmpowerMoms, March 22

She Lives To Read, March 23

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 23

Pause for Tales, March 24

Holly’s Book Corner, March 24

Mary Hake, March 24

Lights in a Dark World, March 25

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 25


Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of $50 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of the book, a bookmark, and a book magnet!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/24b7a/the-finding-of-miss-fairfield-celebration-tour-giveaway

23 February 2023

Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard Book Review


Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.

As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.

 My Thoughts:

 Another fast-paced adventure from author Elizabeth Goddard. This is book one in the series, “Missing in Alaska”. The series starts out intriguing and keeps you engrossed in the story. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough in this gripping tale.

 

In the small town of Shadow Gap, Alaska everyone knows everyone, and there aren’t many secrets that aren’t known. Police Chief Autumn Long, dad was the former police chief along with other members of her family being in law enforcement.

 

A new resident, Grier Brenner whom everyone likes but, they don’t really know anything about him. He’s handsome and he has his own secrets that he’d like to keep a secret. He is trying to stay low while his name is being cleared.

 

The main characters are well-developed and relatable. The locals you can’t help but not get invested in their characters. Then you have Alaska, with all the intrigue to it. The book makes you want to take a trip there. This book has a movie in the making that I’d like to watch!

 

Things start happening and a series of unexplained crimes and murders have been happening.  This peaceful town has had an onslaught of activity that brings Grier and Autumn together to find the one responsible for the murders, kidnapping, and other unexpected criminal activity. The book has several plot twists throughout and a few surprises.

 

I received this complimentary product through Revell in exchange for my honest thoughts.  

17 February 2023

Be Held by Him by Karen Brough Book Review

 


About the Book

 


Book: Be Held by Him and Companion Guidebook

Author: Karen Brough

Genre: Christian Inspirational

Release date: October, 2021

Seeking light amid a hard journey? Learn ways to take God’s hand and be

Encouraged. Are you weighed down by physical or emotional pain? Trying to survive tough times with no end in sight? Told to “walk with God” but don’t know how?

Living with various medical issues for over a decade, author and blogger Karen Brough has

triumphed despite debilitating challenges by learning to listen to the heart of the Almighty. As if inviting you into her lounge room, Karen, passes you a hot drink, welcoming you into her personal, authentic and vulnerable places. You will be encouraged and have hope seeds planted by experiencing along with her, all that He has done! In the conversations, the events and miracles, you’ll find yourself-finding yourself in her stories.

Be Held By Him – Finding God When Life Knocks You Off Your Feet is an inspiring

exploration of the reassurance that can be found in the hardest of places by turning to our

Creator. Through Brough’s own accounts, the Lord’s love letters, and prayers, you’ll feel

unending comfort. And when you learn to hear our Father’s voice for yourself, you will build

a deeper, more satisfying faith to help you persevere.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review:

What a beautifully written book that encourages us and shows that the Maker of the universe cares for us in all things and when we need Him the most.

Each chapter has a scripture and then it goes into the author sharing a personal story about her life after a serious illness developed. Her writing style is connectable and personable to the reader in a gentle style. Then the next part of the chapter gives encouragement from the scriptures and the personal story. Each chapter has several scripture passages and quotes. Other things like Questions to Ponder, recommended playlists, and more. The chapter ends with a prayer.

The Companion workbook mirrors the book but goes into a workbook style to answer the questions. A great tool for journaling with the book.

The book is encouraging and someone who is struggling with pain or being overwhelmed. I don’t usually read this style of book. This was a good encourager. I wouldn’t call it a study book.

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 


About the Companion Guidebook



Looking for action steps to help you connect with God? Learn how to build a loving

relationship with Him and get through the hard times with joy.

Are you struggling to find hope through personal challenges? Longing to hear our Heavenly

Father’s voice but don’t know how? Need a guiding hand to show ways you can lean on Him? Feeling dry in your faith and need a fresh injection of LIFE?

In Be Held By Him Companion Guidebook, you’ll discover:

- Applications based on Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences to provide a learning style that caters to you

- Through inspirational love letters from Father’s heart to you

- Bite-sized wisdom and meditative thought, so you’ll always be encouraged

- Reflective questions that will inspire, encourage and develop healthy life thoughts

- Playlists for each chapter, so you can soak in songs of worship and inspiration that will fill your soul

- Personal blessings, God’s tender care, how He communicates, and much, much more!

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author



Karen Brough is an Australian wife, mother, and former Primary School Teacher & has always had a passion for writing. She is the author of ‘Be Held by Him’ Finding God when life knocks you off your feet.

Ten years ago, when hit by a mystery illness, Karen began sharing the encouragement God gave to her, with others. Her heart loves nothing better than to demystifying how and who God is in the everyday and the miraculous.

She loves spending time with her husband and children. In Summer, you’ll find her enjoying the water and offering gelato to anyone who might drop by. In Winter, she makes soups, breads, and muffins. Often hiding vegetables in sweet recipes, much to her children’s dismay (secretly they love it though).

 

More from Karen

I wrote this book because I was given a dream to do it. I’d had my life turned upside down through medical mystery, and yet in it, God revealed His heart of love for me; and for those who are walking through the tough of life.

At every point, God unveiled every detail of the book, through dreams, verses, songs, life events and so much more. This book series is a testament to His miraculous, hope filled and loving hand, which is ready to pick us up, hold us tenderly and show us the next step. He speaks in ways each one of us understands, and I LOVE this about Him.

Download free art declaration cards based on the chapter themes – 16 ways we hear from God. www.karenbrough.com

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 4

Texas Book-aholic, February 5

Naked and Unashamed, February 5

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, February 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 11

Mary Hake, February 11

deb’s Book Review, February 12

Cover Lover Book Review, February 13

Splashes of Joy, February 14

Lily’s Book Reviews, February 15

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 16

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 17

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the Be Held By Him books!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/23d5e/be-held-by-him-and-companion-guidebook-celebration-tour-giveaway

10 February 2023

What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma Book Review

 


About the Book


]

Book:What I Would Tell You

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release date: January 1, 2023

DNA Test Unlocks a Family Mystery

Sephardic Jew Mathilda Nissim watches in horror as the Germans invade her beloved city of Salonika, Greece. What angers her most is the lack of resistance her people put up to their captors. In secret and at great risk to her life, she continues to publish her newspaper, calling her people to action. She doesn’t trust God to help them. When she and her husband find out they are expecting a child, Mathilda may have to resort to desperate measures to ensure her daughter’s survival.

Three generations later, college student Riley Payson and her cousin take a popular DNA test only to discover they don’t share any common ancestors. In fact, the test shows Riley is a Sephardic Jew from Greece. This revelation shakes Riley’s tenuous faith and sends her on a journey to discover what happened to her great-grandmother and how all this relates to her faith and her life today.

 

Click here to get your copy!


My Review:

A heartfelt and riveting story during WWII. We must never forget what happened during that war with the Holocaust. Many Jewish people were lost during the war. This story focuses on the Sephardic Jews in Greece.

This store is a dual-time line that weaves through history and the modern day. A young woman Tessa, in modern-day has her DNA tested and is surprised by the results as she thought her history was different. She goes to Greece to discover the truth.

During WWII we meet Mathilda and Asher. They bring the people together to fight back. A story that covers a dark part of our history but you will find hope and faith in God.

Liz Tolsma never disappoints. This is a powerful story that will leave a lasting impression on you. You may need a box of tissues. The characters are well-written. The story has faith and a lot of thought-provoking moments throughout.

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

About the Author



Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

 

More from Liz


Take a Trip to Greece with Me

I was privileged to travel to Greece last year to research my upcoming WWII novel, What I Would Tell You. God orchestrated it so beautifully. Because of Covid, we weren’t sure my daughter would be able to travel there for the summer internship she had applied for. Eight weeks before her scheduled departure, Greece reopened to foreign visitors. Around that same time, I sold What I Would Tell You, which is set in Thessaloniki, Greece, to Barbour Publishing. I had to go and visit!

Greece is a beautiful country. The pictures you see don’t do it justice. And to someone like me, the history is one of the best parts. My daughter and I explored the old city wall, built in the 1400s, many churches that predated the Ottoman Empire, and many excavated Roman ruins that have been dug up in the city’s process of putting in a subway system.

Because this is a WWII book, we also spent a great deal of time learning about the history of the Jews in the city. The Kapani Market, just down the street from our apartment, was a vibrant mix of colorful fruits, fragrant spices, and a cacophony of languages. I could well imagine what this old Jewish market was like prior to the war with people hawking olives, fish, and oregano.

We wasted no time in visiting the Jewish museum. I was shocked by the heavy security presence with armed guards outside of the building. Once inside, we had to show our IDs and were required to turn in our phones. Antisemitism is alive and well in Greece. But what a place. There were displays after displays tracing the history of the Jewish people in Thessaloniki from 1492 until WWII. The most breathtaking was the room with stone-covered walls, the names of all 48,000 Salonikan Jews killed in the Holocaust carved into the marble. There’s an entire scene in the book that deals with this room.

What saddened me most was what we saw when we visited the trainyard where the Jews were herded into cattle cars and shipped to Auschwitz. Before we got to where the station once stood, there was a wall on which someone had pained a mural covered with black-and-white figures in their striped uniforms, their eyes and mouths wide in horror. As if that weren’t difficult enough to view, what sickened me was the blue swastikas someone had painted over them.

We also trekked to the other side of the city to visit what had once been the Jewish cemetery, now the grounds of Aristotle University. All that remains to testify that half a million people were once buried here is a small, ill-kept memorial. There were two dead Christmas wreaths placed there. We visited in August.

In addition to a moving and thought-provoking story, I hope to also introduce you to the amazing city of Thessaloniki and give you a peek into the people and the culture of this amazing place. If you ever find yourself in Greece, plan some time in Thessaloniki. Many Americans miss this gem, but it’s packed with charm and history.


Blog Stops


Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 28

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29

Blogging With Carol, January 29

Genesis 5020, January 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 31

For Him and My Family, January 31

Cover Lover Book Review, February 1

Lily’s Book Reviews, February 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 2

deb’s Book Review, February 2

Betti Mace, February 3

Connie’s History Classroom, February 3

Paula’s Pad of Inspriation, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 5

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 6

Holly’s Book Corner, February 6

Bigreadersite, February 7

Blossoms and Blessings, February 7

Mary Hake, February 7

Labor Not in Vain, February 8

Pause for Tales, February 9

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 9

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 10

Southern Gal Loves to Read, February 10

Lights in a Dark World, February 10

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/23ccb/what-i-would-tell-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

07 February 2023

Barking Up the Wrong Tree by Janice Thompson Book Review & Giveaway

 

About the Book


Book: Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre:Christian Fiction / Mystery / Romance

Release date: January 1, 2023

Inquisitive, detail-oriented, Veterinarian Kristin Keller prides herself on winning over any dog. But has this self-proclaimed dog whisperer finally met her match in a Sheltie named Remington who has just won the Texas state agility course competition? The champion pooch is acting out of sorts—almost as if he is not the same dog. Has he, by chance, been switched out with another dog just before the next big competition? Kristin and the other Lone Star employees will do anything to help the Atkinson family figure out this mystery surrounding their beloved Remington.

 

Click here to get your copy!
My Review:

 A delightful tail-wagging mystery with a lot of humor and fun. This series is centered around a veterinary clinic the Lone Star Vet Clinic and those that work at it. Each book is a standalone story. This book focuses on Kristen. Let’s just say that she is in love with Tyler who happens to be her boss.

A champion Shelty, Remington is not acting like himself. The family is alarmed by his behavior and takes him to the vet. Then the unthinkable is discovered Remington is actually not their Remington and someone has dognapped him and put in place another dog! They have a dog that has been dognapped and an imposter dog that is sick.

The Lone Star Vet is determined to figure out who has done this. There are a few suspects that could be responsible for Remington’s disappearance. As they begin to look into this mystery Kristen and Tylor find themselves getting closer. All the characters are wonderful and realistic. 

I have enjoyed reading the books in this series.

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 


About the Author

Janice Thompson, who lives in the Houston area, writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage. She is the mother of four daughters and nine feisty grandchildren. When she’s not writing books or taking care of foster dogs you’ll find her in the kitchen, baking up specialty cakes and cookies.

 

More from Janice

Barking up the Tree is book three in the Gone to the Dog series. Kathleen Y’Barbo and I are writing six books, in total, and we’re very excited about this series. I happen to be in the dog rescue business. I’ve worked with multiple Houston-based dog rescues over the past five years and have been blessed to care for over fifty dogs in nearly every shape, size, and breed. I am always interested in dog-themed stories.

As a Texan I wanted to place this series in my neck of the woods. Kathleen and I settled on Brenham, Texas, a town not far from where we both live. It’s the home of Blue Bell ice cream (yum!) a favorite here in the Lone Star state. We created a large fictional cast of characters and placed them in a town we know and love.

Along with writing books I’m also a baker and run a baking blog (www.outoftheboxbaking.com). With that in mind I would love to share a recipe from the book. Enjoy!

Nanny’s Coconut Pecan Cake (aka Italian Cream Cake)

Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE:

  • 1 white cake mix
  • 1 yellow cake mix
  • 6 eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup sweetened coconut (flakes)
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 small box instant vanilla pudding (powder)

 

FOR THE FILLING/TOPPING:

  • Toasted coconut
  • Toasted chopped pecans

 

FOR THE FROSTING:

  • 1 cup (two sticks) salted butter (softened)
  • 1 block cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 rectangle Crisco (can omit if you prefer traditional cream cheese frosting)
  • 1 bag (7-8 cups) powdered sugar
  • Clear vanilla extract

 

Instructions

MAKING THE CAKE:

  • Combine all ingredients except nuts and coconut. Mix well.
  • Work in the nuts and coconut.
  • Grease and flour three 9” pans.
  • Divide batter between the three pans and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes (approximately) until cake springs back to the touch.

MAKING THE ICING:

  • Bring ingredients to room temperature.
  • Mix butter and cream cheese until soft and creamy.
  • Add Crisco and continue to beat until incorporated. (You can leave out the Crisco if you prefer traditional cream cheese frosting.)
  • Add extract and then lower the speed of your mixer to add powdered sugar (more or less to desired consistency).

 

FILLING AND ICING THE CAKE

  • Level all three cakes.
  • Put one cake on your cake board and add a layer of cream cheese frosting.
  • Pipe a ring around the edge of the cake and add some toasted pecans and coconut.
  • Continue to stack and fill.
  • Turn the top cake upside down, so that it’s bottom up.
  • Ice the cake with a crumb coat and chill.
  • Once chilled, ice liberally with frosting.
  • Add chopped (toasted) pecans and coconut to the sides and top then pipe trim or rosettes to add further décor.

Blog Stops


Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 26

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 26

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 27

Remembrancy, January 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 28

For Him and My Family, January 28

Texas Book-aholic, January 29

deb’s Book Review, January 30

Mary Hake, January 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31

Cover Lover Book Review, February 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

Pause for Tales, February 4

The Book Club Network, February 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 5

Blogging With Carol, February 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 7

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 7

Labor Not in Vain, February 8

Divine Perspective, February 8

 

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/23cc8/barking-up-the-wrong-celebration-tour-giveaway

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