Some Call Me Eve by T. Pike

 

 

Enemies bound by desire. 

Allies torn by fate.

Some Call Me Eve

by T. Pike

Genre: Historical Romance

Princess Evangeline has an insatiate lust for power. As her kingdom’s most feared warrior and heiress to the throne, she plans to one day rule in her father’s place, just as she rules over countless men during secret nights of sin.

But when the castle falls to a new enemy, Evangeline becomes a slave in her own kingdom, forced to obey the heartless queen’s commands to honor her father’s dying wish: to protect her people.

The princess craves vengeance, but can she resist the carnal magnetism between her and Prince Rune, the queen’s son and royal pawn? And as rebellion brews, can she trust Rune, the man with the power to quench her torrid flames, to be her greatest ally?

 

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As if summoned from the depths of the earth, my final challenger stepped forward. He towered over me like the great castle walls, his shadow engulfing me in darkness. I watched his sword intently as it swayed like a feather between his fingers.

He struck without warning. I was sent stumbling backward after a weak parry, underestimating the power of his swing. But speed was my greatest strength, and I recovered my balance almost instantly. The sheer force of his assaults far overpowered my own, restricting me to the defensive. Each slash of his blade flew by my head at frightful speeds, backed by a guttural grunt. I inched my way backward as each slice brought him a step closer. Without hesitation, my instincts took over, leading me into my signature move.

Gradually lowering myself to the ground, I bent into a squatted shuffle. My competitor’s attacks persisted, unrelenting. He leaned downward to better reach my chest. At just the right moment, when he carried his weight on the ends of his toes, I leapt over his low arcing swing, twisted through the air over his outstretched arm, and landed smoothly behind his hunched frame. Before he could regain his stance and turn to face me once more, I delivered a lethal blow to the back of his knees.

My rival released a monstrous howl as he fell forward, dropping into a kneel. The heavy pound of his knees shook the ground, a quake that silenced the entire training field. All watched in awe as their star fighter lay helpless by my feet.

I looked expectantly at my commander, my racing heart beating in my ears. It was clear by his crossed arms and knitted brow that he was disappointed in his disgraceful brigade, but from the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth, I knew he was pleased with my performance. “Finish the job,” he said in a low voice.

I turned back to face my statuesque adversary. No longer was he the invincible beast he was just minutes before. Down on his knees, he became a shell of his former self, humbled and abashed by defeat. Through his face guard, I could just make out his pleading eyes, ashamed before his peers, begging me for mercy.

With that look, a flood of heat filled my core. A yearning. A hunger. A lustful rage.

I chuckled coldly. How pathetic.

With a skillful twist of my blade, I struck the base of his neck with the flat of my sword, simulating a dramatic beheading and sending his helmet soaring through the air. It bounced through the dirt theatrically, spinning on its edge with a clatter before finding its final place of rest before the feet of the crowd, its hollow interior facing the huddle of defeated men.

A slow clap broke through the deafening silence, echoing across the training field. I lifted my gaze to see none other than King Ricard, ruler of Vitalia. He was adorned in a violet tunic lined with golden thread, a puffed silver surcoat that augmented his considerable physique, and a long, draping cloak exhibiting an intricate design of the royal crest. His threatening stature was only deepened by his austere visage—a thick nose framing a set of demanding brown eyes; a bushy, graying beard matching the shade of his thick, protruding brows; and his lips, normally forming a thin, sober line, now curved in a sly side smile.

The cluster of knights immediately fell to their knees, dropping their heads in a respectful bow. Even the commander knelt upon the dusty ground before his crowned ruler.

But I did not kneel. Instead, I stood boldly, facing my king with my head held high. The monarch stilled his hands. All waited expectantly for him to break the silence once more, this time with his booming voice.

“Well done, Princess Evangeline.”

At his declaration, I sheathed my sword and doffed my helmet to reveal my face. I released the pin from my hair and let it flow down my back in long copper waves, shining like the silver armor it lay upon. My crimson lips wore their own smug grin, perfectly matching that of the king.

“Thank you, Father.”

 

T. Pike grew up in Northwest Arkansas where she swam competitively for more than 17 years. After graduating from Texas A&M University with an English degree and All-American honors, she returned home to pursue her master's in English and write her debut novel: Some Call Me Eve. Now a law student, she enjoys running and hiking with her dogs and exploring the mountains with her partner.

 

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Creek by Linda Broday

Creek

by Linda Broday

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This is the first book in the Guns For Hire series. I am writing Shad, book 7, which will be released on June 15, 2025.  In the meantime, read Creek and the other books as they come out.  All of the books are on preorder now.

Blurb:

A mysterious man with one name and secrets that gnaw at his soul.

Creek has a reputation as a gunslinger, a lawless man—one to be feared. So, when an orphaned eleven-year-old girl in this rough border town claims she’s his daughter, it jolts the very fiber of his being. For a man making a living with a gun, he’s not father material in any sense of the word. And he has serious doubts he ever met her mother.

Yet Willa July stands firm. Creek has the mark on his wrist that proves her claim. When she’s taken by a crazed killer from his past, Creek is propelled into a desperate chase. He alone understands the depths of this monster’s evil mind.

Time is his enemy as he races to save her. But if he succeeds in getting the girl back, can Creek tear down his walls and embrace the role he never dreamed possible?

 

The Texan's Irish Bride by Caroline Clemmons

St. Patrick's Day is coming up soon.  My ancestors were Scotts-Ulster trouble makers who left one step in front of the hangman.  I have written several books that have Irish characters in them.  The Texan's Irish Bride is one of them.

Amazon Link

Blurb:

Cenora Rose O'Neill knows her father somehow arranged the trap for Dallas, but she agrees to wed the handsome stranger. She'd do anything to protect her family, and she wants to save herself from the bully Tom Williams. A fine settled man like Dallas will rid himself of her soon enough, but at least she and her family will be safely away from Tom Williams. Texas rancher Dallas McClintock has no plans to wed for several years. Right now, he's trying to establish himself as a successful horse breeder. Severely wounded rescuing Cenora from kidnappers, Dallas is taken to her family's wagon to be tended. He is trapped into marrying Cenora, but he is not a man who goes back on his word. Ah, but what is he to do with a wife and her wild Irish family?

Why not grab a copy of The Texan's Irish Bride to read?  A unique way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.  This book is available in an audio book, as well.  You can listen to it on your commute to anywhere.

 

99 CENT CHRISTMAS SALE

 By Caroline Clemmons

Treat yourself to happy, sometimes humorous, holiday stories at the bargain price of only 99 cents each. Both contemporary and historical stories are offered, all of which are sweet and rated PG.

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCES

 

HOLIDAY HEARTS – Laura “Birdie” Jordan loves her new job at Callahan Group advertising agency and doesn’t want anything to jeopardize her position there. She’s aware of how quickly office gossip could ruin her reputation and career.

Ward Callahan is a wunderkind who started earning money online trading when he was in high school. At thirty-two, he owns a successful ad agency and is gaining industry recognition. He hasn’t had time for a committed relationship, but from the time he hired Laura he can’t get her off his mind.

When vicious remarks cause Laura to call a halt to their budding relationship, Ward is determined to set things right.

https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Hearts-Caroline-Clemmons-ebook/dp/B09K4M291F/

 

ANGEL FOR CHRISTMAS — When a dot com billionaire crashes his new sports car into a tree, he wakes up in heaven facing angels Gabriel and Michael. He’s given a chance to redeem his carefree ways by helping an orphanage avoid foreclosure and regain a sound financial picture by midnight on Christmas Eve—or else. To do so, he is sent back to earth as orphanage janitor, Jacob Porter.

After her father died four months ago, child psychologist Suzi Stephens was shocked to learn Serenity Springs Children’s Home and Elementary School faced foreclosure unless she meets a balloon note due January 1. She can’t understand why her late father broke the trust her grandfather had carefully constructed to protect the home. She is afraid the annual gala won’t raise enough money to pay the note much less a year’s operating funds. Trying to do her job plus step into her late father’s shoes has stretched her to her limits.

She’s suspicious of the handsome new janitor, who appears more like he’d be at home as a CEO. Could he be a spy for the developer who covets the children’s home property? Suzi overcomes her distrust enough to allow Jacob’s help raising funds. Working together, their attraction escalates but Jacob has nothing to offer the beautiful redhead. He is scheduled for earthly removal at midnight on December 24.

https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Christmas-Caroline-Clemmons-ebook/dp/B01N58VPPB/

 

HISTORICAL WESTERN ROMANCES

 

MAIL ORDER GLORIA— IMPOSTOR FOR CHRISTMAS

A desperate woman…

A distrustful rancher with a secret…

And a boy in need of a family.

 

Orphaned at an early age and sent to live with her relatives, Gloria Tabor is fed up with the treatment she receives from her aunt, uncle, and spiteful cousin. In a moment of desperation, she leaves her only relatives’ home. With a small savings, where is she to go? The question is sobering, but she is determined she will not return to her kin’s home.

While deliberating her lack of choice, she overhears a young man comforting a sobbing woman. After a few minutes of conversation with them, the young woman offers Gloria the chance to escape town to a ranch in Texas as a mail order bride. In exchange, Gloria must promise not to divulge her real identity until the couple has eloped and had a honeymoon. Elated at the opportunity, Gloria agrees. She vows she will never let herself be told what to do or think again.

On the way to her prospective groom, Gloria rescues a ten-year-old boy from a policeman who wants to take the boy to the local orphanage. Heart filled with sympathy for the homeless child, she intercedes. Later, she wonders how her prospective groom will react to her bringing a ward with her.

Texas rancher Dwight Price is a stickler for honesty. Once someone has lost his confidence, he won’t ever fully trust the person again. He strives to live up to his beliefs. On the one hand, he isn’t certain he wants to wed the daughter of his father’s oldest friend. On the other hand, he looks forward to a life of quiet harmony with his mail order bride and the boy he rescued from renegades eight years ago.

On December 23, Gloria is relieved to receive a telegram releasing her from her promise. Dwight wants to know who sent the wire and why. Her explanation destroys the faith he had in her—but then his own secret crops up.

Can these two overcome the damage to their relationship or will each be alone again?

 

Here’s the link to order MAIL ORDER GLORIA.

https://www.amazon.com/Mail-Order-Gloria-Impostor-Christmas-ebook/dp/B09GQLXMVL/

 

MISTLETOE MISTAKE – Shannon Callahan worked hard to become a physician. In New York she meets resistance to a woman doctor and feels she is no more than a midwife. When the opportunity arises for her to go to Montana and be the only doctor in the town of Mistletoe, she grabs the chance.

RIley McCallister is Mistleytoe’s sheriff and unofficial town leader. When he learns the new doctor is a woman, the shock makes him vow never to let her treat him—no matter how beautiful she is. Slowly, Shannon’s skill wins his respect, and more. Shannon’s expertise and dedication during a measles epidemic comvinces the townspeople she is a good doctor, but does their acceptance come too late?

 

https://www.amazon.com/Mistletoe-Mistake-Caroline-Clemmons-ebook/dp/B075GYWL72/

 

WINTER WISH — Sometimes our wishes come true, but with complications. None of the men in Hopeful, Colorado appeals to Serena Winters. Working at the mercantile owned by her aunt and uncle means she meets everyone in town. One full moon at the town’s wishing well, Serena wishes she could attract an interesting man.

Brent Adams has filed on his claim and brought gold with him to the assay office in Hopeful. He fears taking it closer to his claim will draw claim jumpers and robbers. He is immediately charmed by Serena. He fears incurring her an ger when she learns the secret he’s kept from her.

When Serena is lost in freezing weather, only Brent can save her. Can they reconcile their differences and find lasting happiness?

https://www.amazon.com/Winter-Wish-Caroline-Clemmons-ebook/dp/B088QMXJW2

 

Each of these five books is enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.

From our house to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas that brings wonderful memories. Thank you for being a part of my life.

Jesse And The Mail Order Bride by Caroline Clemmons

Jesse And The Mail Order Bride

Book 2 of the Texas Hill Country Mail Order Brides

by Caroline Clemmons

Amazon Buy Link

Jesse is the second book in my series of Texas Hill Country Mail Order Bride books.  Jesse is a good man in an odd situation.  Catch up with this series now, because book seven will be out in a couple of months.

Book Blurb:

What will happen when her lawman husband learns the truth about her past?

Sheriff Jesse Cameron is dedicated to uphold the law of his adopted country. After leaving Scotland, he came to Texas, and learned he liked the place and the people—at least, most of them. He keeps Harrigan County free of troublemakers with his “strict but fair” policy. Now that he has a steady job and has bought a house, he figures it’s time to find a wife and start a family. He and his best friend write to the same matchmaker, hoping their brides will be sisters or friends. Jesse hopes his wife will provide a peaceful home and welcome him each evening with a good meal and a warm smile.

Growing up in an orphanage left Rosalin Arnold too naïve to avoid being trapped in the clutches of an evil man who has her picking pockets. Those who’ve tried to escape him always fail, and are severely punished—or killed. Rosalin has been plotting to get away, and the threat of being moved from picking pockets to the brothel incites her to immediate action. She takes her best friend with her, and also an adorable boy of eight who is being bullied and mistreated. All she and her friends want is a home where they can live without constant fear. She prays she has successfully evaded the man who has tentacles everywhere.

What will happen when her past catches up with her? Will Jesse defend her, or will he arrest her?

 

Blessing: The Widows of Wildcat Ridge Series Book 2 by Caroline Clemmons

Blessing:  The Widows of Wildcat Ridge Series Book 2

by Caroline Clemmons

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Book Blurb:

A heart sore woman fighting for her community; a rancher tracking stolen horses; the discovery that could destroy her happiness…

With the death of her father last month, Blessing Odell inherited the largest ranch in that part of Utah, the Rafter O. She goes by the nickname Buster and wears men’s overalls but they can’t disguise her regal beauty and natural grace. She is also generous to the community, which is why she’s splitting proceeds from the sale of 100 horses with the widows of Wildcat Ridge.

Thad King has tracked stolen horses to the Rafter O Ranch. He’s determined to capture and see punished the horse thieves who beat his former employer before stealing his horses. He is successful in being hired to work on the ranch, but he doesn’t want to believe Buster Odell or her father had anything to do with stealing horses.

What else can he believe unless he finds evidence to the contrary? Convinced of her father’s innocence, Buster implores Thad to work with her to discover the real culprit. Their quest leads them on a dangerous journey.

Read all of Caroline’s The Widows of Wildcat Ridge books

Blessing, book 2

Garnet, book 9

 

Alexadra's Awakening: Pearson Grove Series Book 2 by Caroline Clemmons

Alexadra's Awakening:  Pearson Grove Series Book 2

by Caroline Clemmons

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Book Blurb:

A wealthy woman forced to change; a heroic sheriff standing his ground; the danger that unites them…

Alexandra Novak has been raised in wealth and is used to having whatever she wishes. Her parents have spoiled her and she’d begun to believe it her right. A fire that destroys her family home and almost costs her mother’s life starts Alexandra to rethink her values. When her father’s revelation shatters her world, she is determined to do whatever necessary to make her father happy—even if it means being nice to that girl he’s brought into their home.

Virgil Witt is the best sheriff Pearson Grove has had. Under his leadership, crime is at an all-time low. He has reconciled himself to the fact that he is destined to live alone except for his dog. Maybe that’s best since his job is a dangerous one. He can’t understand why Alexandra chases him, especially not after he’s explained he has no money.

When danger strikes the Novak family, can Virgil solve the problem in time? Can Alexandra convince Virgil she has changed? Can the two of them work together or will her need for the best resurface?

 

Adeline: Cupids and Cowboys, Book 10 by Caroline Clemmons

Adeline: Cupids and Cowboys, Book 10

By Caroline Clemmons

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Book Blurb:

Mix a woman in sorrow…A man’s longing…Two matchmaking girls’ mischief…Result-mayhem!  After the death of her fiancé, Violet Evanston escapes to the furthest teaching job she is offered. She loves the children and the community, but something is missing. As the second son, Clark Abernathy knows he won’t inherit the family business, so he’s happy to move to assist his uncle Abe with his carpentry business. Building for the future is fulfilling, but his personal happiness is incomplete. Adeline McGee and her best friend Nancy adore their teacher. They believe she’s far too kind and pretty to be alone. They’re also fond of Nancy’s cousin, Clark. When the fourteen-year-olds decide to play matchmaker, the town isn’t safe from fun, adventure, and happy every after.

Teachers could not be married women in the old West.  Men could be married, but when a woman got married she lost her job.  It was very unfair, but that was the way it was.  That meant if you really loved teaching, you had to remain a spinster.  Teachers had all kinds of morality clauses in their contracts and since they lived in housing provided by the town, they were watched like a hawk.  What a stressful way to live!
 

A Bride for Luke: The Proxy Brides Book 36 by Caroline Clemmons

A Bride for Luke: The Proxy Brides Book 36

by Caroline Clemmons

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Book Blurb:

Each is struggling to build a better life . . .

Two strong-willed people are bound to clash . . .

Danger forces them to focus on what is at stake . . .

Maeve Kelly came to America for a better life but found only signs that said No Irish Need Apply. When the cousin with whom she is staying leaves Boston, Maeve is left desperate. Her job at the laundry doesn’t pay enough for her to survive alone. Her friend suggests a way out, Maeve resists but finally accepts. What else can she do?

Sheriff Luke Sullivan is proud of his accomplishments. Known for his strong principles, he is admired and well-respected in the community. When he learns his mother and aunt have schemed to get him a proxy bride he’s furious. If he’d wanted a wife he would have found one. He respects and loves his mother and finally agrees to the marriage. Before he and his bride can adjust to one another, Luke is caught in the middle of an explosive situation between striking miners and the railroad.

Threats against Luke by each side have him fearing for the safety of his wife, mother, and aunt. He must resolve the strike to protect his family and many others. Will he succeed in time to save lives?

Strikes used to be very violent.  The companies would beat up striking workers, the workers would be up replacement workers (scabs), and people got killed.  Trying to mediate strikes put you in the middle and both sides could and would beat you up.  Luke and his family really were in danger.  See if he can keep everyone safe.

A Bride for Dalton: The Proxy Brides Book 25 by Caroline Clemmons

A Bride for Dalton:  The Proxy Brides Book 25

by Caroline Clemmons

Amazon buy link

Book Blurb:

Rebecca wants a husband but not the man her stepbrother insists she wed. To escape his threats she turns to a family friend for help. Reverend McClain suggests she enter a proxy marriage to his only living relative, a nephew who ranches in Montana. Out of options, she agrees. Until she arrives in Sweet Springs, she has no idea the telegram with instructions to her supposed groom has not been delivered. Where does that leave her?

Dalton is working with dangerous men to accomplish his goal. The last thing he needs at this time is a wife in the way. He is a gentleman and sees no other solution than to complete the vows. How is he going to keep her out of harm’s way while he completes this job?

Rebecca and Dalton embark on married life in unusual circumstances. Can love blossom in tumultuous times?

Notes on Proxy Brides:

Can you imagine marrying someone sight unseen?  While that is common in many cultures, it was driven by desperation in most cases here.  In the East, a generation of young men had been killed in the Civil War.  There were more women than marriageable men.  In the West, there were many more men than marriageable women.  Mail-order brides became common.  The advantage of a proxy marriage was that the woman was considered married and could travel alone without damage to her reputation.  The disadvantage is that if the man and woman did not suited when they met, they were stuck with one another.  I have read diaries and other writings by mail-order brides and sometimes it was horrible, but it mostly worked out.  I suppose that is true of most marriages.  In January, Hero and I will have been married 60 years.  I hope you enjoy A Bride for Dalton.

 

Rebellion's Fire Book 1: Last Flame of Alba by Mary Lancaster

Rebellion's Fire 

Book 1:  Last Flame of Alba

by Mary Lancaster

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Book Blurb:

“The MacHeths are coming!”

By 1156, Malcolm MacHeth, one time Earl of Ross, languishes a prisoner in Roxburgh Castle while his rampaging sons raise rebellion in his name. Optimistically, the King of Scots promises the earldom of Ross to landless Norman knight, Sir William de Lanson, if he can somehow defeat the infamous MacHeths.

It wasn’t quite how William’s disgraced wife Christian dreamed of coming home. Capture by the strange and ferocious Adam MacHeth was hardly part of her plan either, although she and William quickly become pawns in his.

Adam, warrior and seer, fights for his father’s freedom and for his family’s right to claim the kingdom of the Scots. Plagued by waking dreams which threaten his sanity and his life, he’s learned to use his prophecies to further his family’s goals. But when he abducts his enemy’s lady, his dreams and his desires are suddenly more personal.

Surrounded by intrigue, ambition and betrayal, Christian must choose between loyalty and love in order to keep a fragile peace for her people and for the man she loves beyond life.

Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!

Last Flame of Alba
Book1: Rebellion’s Fire
Book 2: A Constant Blaze
Book 3: Burning Embers

*Note: Rebellion's Fire was previously published as Rebel of Ross. This second edition contains new material for readers to enjoy.

Review:

I enjoyed this historical romance.  While there was plenty of violence and plunder, it wasn't the usual Highlander book.  Adam will be violent and ruthless when necessary, but truly cares about people, especially his people.  He will do anything to care for them, even when it places him in danger.  I was drawn onward in the book almost against my will.  The book ends happily, of course.  I don't read books that don't end happily.  I recommend this book to curl up with for an afternoon in front of the fire.

 

LIMITED TIME SALE AND A RECIPE

By Caroline Clemmons

 

Moving into fall brings expectations and memories of changing leaves, chrysanthemums, cooler weather, and certain foods. One of those (for me) is crisp red delicious apples. Apples grow in many states—in fact Hero and I used to have a row of 16 delicious apple trees, 1 Granny Smith apple tree, and 1 crabapple tree when we lived in a rural area. When buying the fruit from a grocery store, I usually choose red delicious apples. I suppose it’s a preference ingrained in me by my mom, who always chose Washington red delicious apples when she could.

That reminds me of the only book I’ve written that takes place in Washington, PATIENCE, BRIDE OF WASHINGTON. I’ll bet you saw that subject coming, didn’t you? PATIENCE is on sale for 99¢ for a limited time!

This book came about due to an idea by the brilliant (and fun) Kirsten Osbourne. She wanted a series of a mail order bride in every state.  Books were released in the order in which the states joined the Union. Those of us who knew about the series clamored for the state of our choice—or our second choice if the first was taken. I had wanted Texas, but didn’t choose in time. This turned out to be a good thing, as I learned a lot of interesting things about Washington.

Here's the blurb:

Travel to Victorian America in 1890 for a humorous romance about two people destined for one another, but after a turbulent getting acquainted period. This book is sweet and wholesome.

After a fire destroys the factory where Patience Eaton worked followed by a succession of job failures, she travels from Massachusetts to Washington to marry the man her father chose via a matchmaker. While Andrew Kincaid appears to be a very nice man, he’s older than her father and not someone she wants to marry. Her prospective groom places her in a respectable boarding house and agrees to give her a job in the office of his commercial apple orchard so she can learn about his life and business. But working alongside her handsome future stepson presents unexpected complications.

Two years ago, an unjust accusation ruined Stone Kincaid’s chance at happiness. Now he concentrates all his energy on building the family business. When he meets his prospective stepmother, he’s angry that his father cares so little for his mother’s memory that he sent for a mail order bride younger than Stone. He believes Patience to be interested in his father’s fortune. Stone plans to keep an eye on the attractive woman who’s slated to become his stepmother.

Can two people working at cross purposes arrive at a compromise?

https://www.amazon.com/Patience-Bride-Washington-American-Brides-ebook/dp/B017HLR6CE/

 

If you’re a fan of easy recipes and of apples, here is a recipe you’ll enjoy—especially the eating!

EASY FRESH APPLE CAKE
 

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups cooking oil

2 eggs

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3 cups peeled and chopped raw apples

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

1 cup pecans, chopped

Cream sugar and oil. Add eggs and then dry ingredients. Mix and add fruits and nuts. Mix again. Cooked in greased and floured pan.

Makes two large loaves or one Bundt cake. Bake at 350° F for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cool in pan. Serve warm or cold.

This cake is also very good served warm with hot spiced apple cider for an afternoon tea or winter evening treat. It freezes well if securely wrapped.

 

Stay safe and keep reading!

The Pillars of the Earth Series by Ken Follett

 I am rereading the Pillars of the Earth series by Ken Follett in preparation for the fifth book of the series.  The series starts before the Norman Invasion of England and sweeps through the Industrial Revolution.  Each book takes place at the same location, a place where there was a ferry.  The books each look at three families, a villain, a family with a woman, and a family with a man.  They are romances, but the happy ending takes years to materialize.  The books are fascinating, and I feel the characters are real people while I am reading them.  The first book in the series is actually the fourth book published, but you want to read the books in the order I am discussing them.

The Evening and the Morning

by Ken Follett

Amazon Buy Link

It is 997 CE, the end of the Dark Ages. England is facing attacks from the Welsh in the west and the Vikings in the east. Those in power bend justice according to their will, regardless of ordinary people and often in conflict with the king. Without a clear rule of law, chaos reigns.

In these turbulent times, three characters find their lives intertwined. A young boatbuilder's life is turned upside down when his home is raided by Vikings, forcing him and his family to move and start their lives anew in a small hamlet where he does not fit in. . . . A Norman noblewoman marries for love, following her husband across the sea to a new land, but the customs of her husband's homeland are shockingly different, and it soon becomes clear to her that a single misstep could be catastrophic. . . . A monk dreams of transforming his humble abbey into a center of learning that will be admired throughout Europe. And each in turn comes into dangerous conflict with a clever and ruthless bishop who will do anything to increase his wealth and power.

The Pillars of the Earth

by Ken Follett

Amazon Buy Link

“Follett risks all and comes out a clear winner,” extolled Publishers Weekly on the release of The Pillars of the Earth. A departure for the bestselling thriller writer, the historical epic stunned readers and critics alike with its ambitious scope and gripping humanity. Today, it stands as a testament to Follett’s unassailable command of the written word and to his universal appeal.

The Pillars of the Earth tells the story of Philip, prior of Kingsbridge, a devout and resourceful monk driven to build the greatest Gothic cathedral the world has known . . . of Tom, the mason who becomes his architect—a man divided in his soul . . . of the beautiful, elusive Lady Aliena, haunted by a secret shame . . . and of a struggle between good and evil that will turn church against state and brother against brother.

World Without End 

By Ken Follett

Amazon Buy Link

World Without End takes place in the same town of Kingsbridge, two centuries after the townspeople finished building the exquisite Gothic cathedral that was at the heart of The Pillars of the Earth. The cathedral and the priory are again at the center of a web of love and hate, greed and pride, ambition and revenge, but this sequel stands on its own. This time the men and women of an extraordinary cast of characters find themselves at a crossroads of new ideas—about medicine, commerce, architecture, and justice. In a world where proponents of the old ways fiercely battle those with progressive minds, the intrigue and tension quickly reach a boiling point against the devastating backdrop of the greatest natural disaster ever to strike the human race—the Black Death.

A Column of Fire

By Ken Follett

Amazon Buy Link

As Europe erupts, can one young spy protect his queen? #1 New York Times bestselling author Ken Follett takes us deep into the treacherous world of powerful monarchs, intrigue, murder, and treason with his magnificent new epic, A Column of Fire. A thrilling read that makes the perfect gift for the holidays.

In 1558, the ancient stones of Kingsbridge Cathedral look down on a city torn apart by religious conflict. As power in England shifts precariously between Catholics and Protestants, royalty and commoners clash, testing friendship, loyalty, and love.

Ned Willard wants nothing more than to marry Margery Fitzgerald. But when the lovers find themselves on opposing sides of the religious conflict dividing the country, Ned goes to work for Princess Elizabeth. When she becomes queen, all Europe turns against England. The shrewd, determined young monarch sets up the country’s first secret service to give her early warning of assassination plots, rebellions, and invasion plans. Over a turbulent half century, the love between Ned and Margery seems doomed as extremism sparks violence from Edinburgh to Geneva. Elizabeth clings to her throne and her principles, protected by a small, dedicated group of resourceful spies and courageous secret agents.

The real enemies, then as now, are not the rival religions. The true battle pitches those who believe in tolerance and compromise against the tyrants who would impose their ideas on everyone else—no matter what the cost.
 

The Armor of Light

By Ken Follett

Amazon Buy Link

Available September 26, 2023

The long-awaited sequel to A Column of Fire, The Armor of Light, heralds a new dawn for Kingsbridge, England, where progress clashes with tradition, class struggles push into every part of society, and war in Europe engulfs the entire continent and beyond.

The Spinning Jenny was invented in 1770, and with that, a new era of manufacturing and industry changed lives everywhere within a generation. A world filled with unrest wrestles for control over this new world order: A mother’s husband is killed in a work accident due to negligence; a young woman fights to fund her school for impoverished children; a well-intentioned young man unexpectedly inherits a failing business; one man ruthlessly protects his wealth no matter the cost, all the while war cries are heard from France, as Napoleon sets forth a violent master plan to become emperor of the world. As institutions are challenged and toppled in unprecedented fashion, ripples of change ricochet through our characters’ lives as they are left to reckon with the future and a world they must rebuild from the ashes of war.
 

I really like the books in this series and am eagerly awaiting the last one.
 

Blessing (The Widows of Wildcat Ridge Book 2) by Caroline Clemmons

Blessing (The Widows of Wildcat Ridge Book 2)

By Caroline Clemmons

Amazon Buy Link

What if all the men in your town died?  What would you do?  Read about Wildcat Ridge, where most of the men died in a mine explosion.

Book Blurb:

A heart sore woman fighting for her community; a rancher tracking stolen horses; the discovery that could destroy her happiness…

With the death of her father last month, Blessing Odell inherited the largest ranch in that part of Utah, the Rafter O. She goes by the nickname Buster and wears men’s overalls but they can’t disguise her regal beauty and natural grace. She is also generous to the community, which is why she’s splitting proceeds from the sale of 100 horses with the widows of Wildcat Ridge.

Thad King has tracked stolen horses to the Rafter O Ranch. He’s determined to capture and see punished the horse thieves who beat his former employer before stealing his horses. He is successful in being hired to work on the ranch, but he doesn’t want to believe Buster Odell or her father had anything to do with stealing horses.

What else can he believe unless he finds evidence to the contrary? Convinced of her father’s innocence, Buster implores Thad to work with her to discover the real culprit. Their quest leads them on a dangerous journey.