Don't send fruitcake; send bread in a can!

Christmas is coming. Instead of fruitcake, why not send bread in a can?

I like modern technology and that includes the oven and range, but when it comes to making bread, I don’t mind being old fashioned. Neither does Ashlyn. She’s the sheriff’s daughter in my new release, Still Life in Shadows. Ashlyn makes bread. Not just any bread, but bread steamed inside a can.

Generations ago when there were no stoves and only fires to cook over, bread was made this way. A coffee can was used to pour flour, milk, and other ingredients into and then the can was sealed and steamed in a kettle of water. As the water boiled, the bread inside the coffee can, baked.

After two hours, the can was removed from the pan and if greased well, out slid a round bundle of bread. Often known as Boston brown bread due to the color of the flour and the molasses, some cooks also added raisins as an ingredient.

The recipe Ashlyn uses has molasses, buttermilk, raisins, cornmeal, whole wheat and rye. It’s truly a tasty and healthy treat. Her finance Luke, an ex-Amish man who left the Old Order lifestyle and now works as a car mechanic, likes it when she brings the bread to his shop.

Sound good? It is! Slice a round of this bread, warm it in the toaster oven or microwave and serve with butter or a dab of cream cheese. Tastes great at breakfast!

If you like the flavor of gingerbread, you'll love bread in a can!

Orders for Bread in a Can will be taken the whole month of November. Place your order by November 30th. The bread will be packed and shipped to you or to a friend's and arrive between December 11th and 15th.

Simply use Pay Pal or send a check to the address below. Also, you can order a round of bread and a copy of Still Life in Shadows. Pricing is as follows:

* 1 delicious loaf (actually in the shape of a round coffee can) of bread -- $14.00 (includes priority shipping)

* 1 delicious loaf plus an autographed copy of Still Life in Shadows -- $27.00

PAYMENT
Send check to:
201 Monticello Avenue
Durham, NC 27707

OR
Use the PayPal tab below

Bread in a can

Bread in a can $14.00 USD Bread in a can and Still Life in Shadows $27.00 USD

Book Review: Straight Pipes

Devotions for bikers---I wasn't sure whether or not it was appropriate to laugh. I imagined a bunch of burly men and women tearing through a town, tossing beer cans as they sped. I guess I never associated these being the types that would stop to pray or ask God for wisdom. (I know, I do have my stereotypes.)

As I read Straight Pipes: Devotions for Bikers by Barbara Ann Derkson, I decided that it was okay to laugh at myself, and in the process pause to enjoy the richness of her words. With clear explanations and in an easy-to-read style, Barbara gives insight into many biblical passages we might have once glossed over. This devotional has words of wisdom for us all. One paragraph that spoke volumes to me is: "Has God called you to a place where your encouragement is needed? Look around. It won’t take long for you to find a hurting soul or someone floundering in their faith. Are your doors open? Can people call you when they need a word of encouragement or prayer?"

Yes, I thought, may I never be too consumed with myself to seek ways to reach others through a word of encouragement.

Barbara's devotional can be ordered here. Pick up a copy today!

In honor of Dixie

Today, and today only, I am offering any of my inspirational novels (autographed) to you for only $11! It's Dixie, my beagle's 11th birthday and she thinks this is a great way to celebrate her life and the joy of reading! (Of course, she reads.) The $11 price includes shipping costs. My novels retail for $14.99, so this is a nice birthday deal! (And if you like cake, How Sweet It Is is about a cake decorator in the mountains of North Carolina.)

Simply send a check today for $11 (USD) to the address below or pay via PayPal.
Specify which novel you'd like.





Address:
201 Monticello Avenue
Durham, NC 27707

OR

Use the Paypal button below.

Choose your novel

Rain Song How Sweet It Is Hatteras Girl A Wedding Invitation Still Life in Shadows

The Mom Spa Journal

Want to get away and have some time for yourself? As a mom, and especially a mom of small kids, that can be hard to do. Yet having time to read, ponder and write is needed.

How can you spend some quality time alone? Grab a copy of The Mom Spa Journal and you'll have a meaningful respite. Find a quiet (or semi-quiet) place and let the guided prompts in the pages of the book take you to a world where you can use the gift of writing. Some of the subjects include forgiveness, gentleness, waiting and love. Scripture verses provide food for thought and creativity.

You can either print the book or use it along with your personal journal. Either way, you'll find that penning heart to paper does wonders for your spritual growth.

Taking time for you makes you a better mom to your kids.


The Mom Spa Journal is an e-book, so it's easy to download onto your Kindle or onto your computer as a file. This book is designed for moms of all ages. Order a copy now!

Order from Smashwords
The Mom Spa Journal
by Alice Wisler
$2.99

The Oldest Enemy starts, grips the reader, and doesn't let go. I would equate it to being on a roller coaster ride; once you're spinning over the tracks, there is no letting up.

A pastor, a woman whose sister was killed, and a World War II concentration camp survivor all join together to battle enemy forces, many of which are unseen by the naked eye.

Michael Webb does an incredible job of keeping the momentum going in this well written story where the characters are nicely-drawn and the suspense is intense.

Pick up a copy today!

Book Review: Psalms, The Sunrise of Hope

The psalms became very real to me after the death of my son Daniel in 1997. Daniel was four and had cancer. His death devastated me.

It was in my despair that I found the beauty of the biblical psalms.

There are psalms of despair, anguish and fear, as well as psalms of praise, expectation, and hope. It is my hope that you'll dig into Bob Saffrin's Psalms, The Sunrise of Hope and discover what reading the psalms can do for your spirit. Bob unveils much about the psalms and their meanings. At the end of each chapter he concludes with a Life Lesson, and a chance to consider and discuss. By pondering on the questions he asks, readers can reflect on their own spiritual journey.

Perhaps one of the aspects that I found most comforting about Bob's devotional is that he stresses God's love for us. What a privilege to be loved by the creator of the universe!

"Oh, LORD Our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:9.

You can pick up an e-copy of Bob's Psalms, The Sunrise of Hope by clicking here.

Guest Post about the death of a child

I usually have guest posts about grief and loss at my Writing the Heartache Blog, but wanted to share this piece on this blog today.


How to Cope With the Loss of a Child


Losing a child is just about any parent's worst nightmare. Unfortunately, I experienced this nightmare nine years ago. My son died unexpectedly, which made losing him even harder. Losing a child was the hardest thing I have ever gone through, and to this day I still struggle with the loss of my son. Luckily, I have a strong support group of friends and family, and over time, the pain has subsided considerably. Here are five ways that I was able to cope with the loss of my child, and hopefully they are as beneficial to you as they were to me.

*Support System*
I leaned heavily on my family and friends for years after my son died. I luckily, did not suffer from depression, and I think having such an outpouring support group helped tremendously. For the first month, my friends stayed over at my house, to keep my mind occupied and from going crazy. As painful as it was, I became closer to a lot of my family and friends after my sons death.

*Physical Health*
I will admit that in the first few months, I let my physical health suffer. I would advise anyone grieving over the loss of a loved one to avoid this mistake. I ate so poorly that my physical health was obviously deteriorating to anyone I came in contact with. This caused a further deterioration of my mental health, as I had no energy and it was as though I was trying to "feed" my depression (ironically). After the first few
months, I made sure to take walks on a daily basis and continue eating a healthy diet. Remember that poor physical health will affect all facets of anyone's life.

*Stay Busy*
Anyone who is grieving finds it difficult to stay busy - this is okay. After the initial month, I made it a point to stay as busy as possible. I started going back to the gym and even took a weekend trip to Las Vegas at the urging of my friends (after a few months). Grieving is natural, but when I started getting busy, I felt my mind clear up and a sense of normalcy returning.

*Tried & True*
I was lucky enough to find a wonderful support group for people who have experienced loss, and it was immensely helpful. I initially found message boards online where I communicated with other people who were also grieving. Eventually, I got up the nerve go visit to a local support group, where I was able to feel liberated when discussing my problems with people in the same situation. I am not religious, but a couple of people in the group found solace in their local church groups. When I found support, I
felt as though I was able to grieve and not be judged.

*Counseling*
On the recommendation of a friend, I obtained professional counseling. This helped me find happiness and meaning in other areas of my life. Although I did not take any medication for anxiety or sleep, my therapist did teach me some relaxation and breathing techniques. One on one counselling was tremendously helpful in my recovery, and I would recommend it to anyone who is grieving.

When I lost my son, my whole prospective on life changed. It took a couple of years for me to regain a sense of normalcy in my life. Remember, when grieving, do not be afraid to ask for help from family and friends. Without a support group, the process would have been more difficult. Though, I cannot say I feel perfect, life has improved as I have learned to cope.

Peter Rhimes is a contributing author at http://www.homeownersinsurance.org.