Here Burns My Candle

Here Burns My Candle written by Liz Curtis Higgs
If you enjoy historical novels, this one could be for you. It includes a lot of historical details of Scotland in the mid 1700’s. The story is told from the perspective of several characters – Lady Elisabeth Kerr, Lord Donald Kerr and Lady Marjory Kerr, with Lady Elisabeth the central character. Lady Marjory is the mother of Lord Donald and Lady Elisabeth is his wife.
The story is one of love and betrayal and the very human emotions and processing that go along with betrayal. It is a glimpse into the darker, real life side of living in the 18th century where riches were easily lost and life for the poor was very difficult. Even life for the rich was not what we might think. Can you imagine being of substantial wealth, but sharing a six room apartment with six other people? The servants slept in a bunk in the kitchen and the entry hall.

For me, the frequent use of the Scottish language was a distraction. Although lending an essence of connecting the reader to the story locating, it made reading less fluid. I also felt the book ended abruptly without complete resolution for the characters. It was only as I picked up my next book to read (Mine is the Night), that I realized Here Burns My Candle was a prequel. Don’t read Here Burns My Candle without planning to read Mine is the Night or you will be disappointed.

Enjoy an excerpt from the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Dinning Alfresco

Friday evening we met Jenell and Doug for diner downtown.  They were in the city for an art fair.

We dined outside beside a pretty waterfall

The palm trees were lovely as the lights came on

Public Proposal

Following the departure of Whitney and the Sarahs, Kendall's parents joined us at the cabin.  For dinner Saturday night we went to the Pine Cone Inn.  It is such a great retro place with live music reminiscent of the 50's.

Donna needed an updated picture for her mantel, so we obliged with a quick pose



While we were eating dinner, the hostess clued us in that there was going to be a marriage proposal on the dance floor.  He proposed after they danced to the Anne Murry song "Could I have this dance?".    She said yes :)

Whitney's Birthday

Whitney was here for her birthday (March 18) and for something different for her to do, I scheduled us to do a cooking segment on AM Arizona.

We made Urbane's Pancakes from The Cookbook

 What a natural!

After lunch in town, we headed to the cabin for some relaxation

Whitney, Sarah N., Sarah H.

Sarah H., Whitney, Sarah N.

It was a bit chilly in the evening so we enjoyed time by the fire and eating Whitney's birthday dinner after a energetic game of Dutch Blitz.  Her selection for dinner: chicken strips, Texas toast, homemade macaroni and cheese.

No birthday candles, so another stood in as a substitute.  Quadruple Chocolate Cheesecake for the birthday girl.

Spring Break

It's been fun having Whitney and her friends, Sarah and Sarah here for their Spring Break week.  They are all nursing students ready for graduation.  Last night they cooked us a great dinner.

Whitney, Sarah, Sarah



Hesston College Event

Last night Hesston College had a get-together of alumni in the area.  I was asked to do desserts for the 100 attendees.  We had a sweet collection of lemon, chocolate, coffee and carrot inspired goodies.

Church Ladies' Dinner

Last week all the Church Ladies except Connie were in town.  It was a great way to spend an evening going to dinner with old friends.  We even allowed our husbands to share the experience with us :-)

Me, Jenell, Flat Connie, Marge, Sue

It's usually me that they have a 'flat' version of and I go out and about with them.  This time it was Connie's turn.

A Weekend of Bontragers

This weekend brought the annual visit of the Bontrager siblings to our home.  We consider it an honor that they come back year after year and we can join in their fun.

 Last night we ordered in pizza

This morning we headed north for brunch at The Pine Cone Inn and some time at our cabin

 Lola Faye enjoying the warm fire

 The group playing a game

 Donna & Larry

 Lola Faye & Bob

 Carol & Ray chatting with Kendall about the siding

You can see some of the snow from last weekend behind Grace

It was a lovely 60 degrees this afternoon

Beautiful Snow in AZ

This morning we awoke to one of the most beautiful snows outside our cabin windows!  

There must have been at least 12 inches of the fluffy white stuff.

 Kendall digging out the truck

 The birds were very happy their feeder was full!

 



Little Star written by Anthony DeStefano, illustrated by Mark Elliott

Little Star written by Anthony DeStefano, illustrated by Mark Elliott

A father tells his young son the story of the star that shone on baby Jesus the night of his birth.  The little star was ignored by other stars because of his small size.  The stars were excited about the upcoming birth of a king that would change the whole world forever and a special prize would be given to the star that could shine the brightest the night the baby king was born.  When the baby was born to poor parents in a stable, the other stars didn’t believe that he could possibly be a king.  The little star was the only star to realize that the poor baby was the king and he came to show all – no matter how poor or small they are – that He loves them.  The star shone brightly to keep the baby warm all night long.  He shone so brightly that he burned himself out.  Because of this sacrifice, God rewarded him in return and the little star is remembered always by the star that is placed on top of a Christmas tree every year. 

Remember, it is a fictional children’s story book that is a springboard to other conversations about Christmas, Jesus’ birth, the treatment of those different from us, and love.  In that regard, I can recommend the book for young children.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Enjoy an excerpt from the book.

Belated Valentines

We loved the surprise of Valentines in the mail today.  It takes a long time for them to travel thousands of miles.

Thanks Rachel & Emma!!



Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing you all love!

A Valentine Truffle

Truffle Mica (a truffle that sparkles) -- what a delicious name for a car color!  My new wheels...

Lois' Birthday Events

We had such a good day!  We had nails done, ate cake, had dinner out and enjoyed a great concert.

Although Whole Foods didn't have her favorite cake, the Chocolate Raspberry was a great second choice!

We had a great dinner at The Claim Jumper.  This is Lois' grilled salmon

(she said yum, yum!, I said yuck)

Her friend Janis (and husband Todd) joined us for dinner, and then Janis headed off to the concert with us.

Amy Grant

Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant

Michael W. Smith

Lois and Janis

What a GREAT concert!

Lois' Birthday

How appropriate that World Nutella Day is the same day as Lois' birthday!  We're pleased she could spend the weekend with us.

Lady in Waiting



Lady in Waiting written by Susan Meissner
What a lovely blend of modern and historical story lines in a novel. The novel begins in Manhattan in the present time as we are introduced to the main character, Jane Lindsay. She is trying to make sense of her husband leaving town, and her, to explore the prospect of a new job in New Hampshire. She is a devoted mother and wife, blindsided by her husband’s decision.

Jane manages her great-aunt’s antique store in the city. As part of acquiring inventory, she finds a beautiful old ring in a box obtained at a British ‘jumble’ sale. The ring is engraved with a Latin phrase and her name – Jane. She is intrigued by the ring and searches to find ‘Jane’ and wonders how the ring came through history to her hand.


It is through the connection to the name of Jane that we are introduced to Lady Jane in the historical portion of the novel. Lady Jane’s sixteenth century experience is told through the lens of her dressmaker, Lucy Day. The both lives of the Jane characters bear similarities in the tenor of decisions that are in and out of their control. Through it all we are reminded that love is a choice you make every day.

The author invites her readers to reflect upon their own lives and choices. It is a read that pulls you in, wondering of the connections of the two women and how each of their stories will conclude.

Enjoy a free download of the first FOUR chapters.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Taco Soup

Yesterday I did Taco Soup for my TV spot on AM Arizona.  I joined my friend Janne and she did Cheesy Cheddar Biscuits that went very well with the soup.

I drove through a mini blizzard on the way into Prescott.  Brrrrr!