Eleanor Braddock's Pumpkin Bread

I made pumpkin bread yesterday - yum! - and my house still smells cozy and fallish… 

Eleanor Braddock's Pumpkin Bread
~ recipe below ~ 

This is a recipe I've had for many, many years, and that my heroine Eleanor Braddock makes in A Beauty So Rare, the second Belmont Mansion novel. I'm finishing rewrites on that novel now! 

Eleanor loves to cook and bake so this book is chock-full of scrumptious Southern delights. Can't wait to share Eleanor's story (and her cooking!) with you. 

What recipe do you make that says "fall" to you? 

Eleanor Braddock’s Pumpkin Bread

3 cups plain flour
3 cups white sugar*
½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp each cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg
1 cup oil
1 cup water
1 15-ounce can pumpkin
4 eggs
1 cup chopped nuts

Mix dry ingredients first, then blend in the rest. Bake in two greased and floured loaf pans for 50 minutes at 350. Check for doneness. Don’t overbake.

*I bake with Xylitol, which is a naturally occurring sugar substitute found in most plant sugar substitute, and it bakes like a dream! Great for diabetics and if you’re looking to lower calories.

More about A Beauty So Rare
(April 2014)

A Beauty So Rare available for pre-order now

Read an excerpt from A Lasting Impression 

Eleanor Braddock, a spinster––plain and practical, no stunning Southern beauty--
has long since dismissed any hope of marriage. But when a dying soldier whispers his final words, she believes her life can still have meaning and determines to find his widow. 

But this compassionate deed takes a harsh turn, and Eleanor finds herself dependent upon the richest woman in American and the most despised woman in Nashville--her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, mistress of Belmont Mansion. A clandestine act of kindness leads Eleanor to an unlikely path for her life--building a home for destitute widows and children from the Civil War. And while Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve.

Rudolf Marcus Gottfried, Archduke of the House of Habsburg and fourth in line to the Austrian throne, arrives in Nashville in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Collaborating with botanist Luther Burbank, Marcus seeks to combine his own passion for nature with his expertise in architecture. But his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the widow's and children's home run contrary to the wishes of practical, frugal Eleanor, who sees his ideas as costly nonsense.

Yet as the construction project continues, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground--and a love neither of them expected. But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor to marry, and even if he were, someone who knows Marcus's secrets is about to reveal them all.

Reader pictures from Belle Meade Plantation and Belmont Mansion

How I love it when readers visit Belle Meade Plantation (setting of To Whisper Her Name) or Belmont Mansion (setting of A Lasting Impression), and when you share your pictures with me! Keep 'em coming! Thanks so much, Jeanne Alfveby Crea!!

Note from Jeanne:
LOVED your book TO WHISPER HER NAME and I told the folks at Belle Meade that your book was the reason for our visit. Would not have known about it had it not been the setting for your book! My daughter and I enjoyed our tour along the way on our road trip from MN to FL. Thank you for your beautiful stories!

Thank you, Jeanne, for reading and for visiting Belle Meade.

Anyone else have a picture? I'd love for you to post it on my Facebook Page.

Beautiful little vintage steamer trunk

My latest find at the Nashville Flea Market…

A pretty little vintage steamer trunk. The real trick was convincing my husband that this purchase was ALLLL about the "downsizing" we've agreed to do. Ahem…

The inside has a tad of water damage and signs of wear (of course), but is in really great shape, considering. I've wanted one like this for a long time. This color, too. 

And there it was…just sitting there, waiting for me this weekend at the Nashville Flea Market (that's held on the fourth weekend of every month). Have you been to it?

Couldn't resist this one. Jack was just sitting there watching.

And a close up. It's been "loved" back into better shape with some paint and wax through the years. And still has both leather handles. Now to find a special place for it in the house.

I love the bottom of the old steamer trunk, too. Wonder where all it's been… 

If only "bottoms" could talk! 

Do you love "flea marketing" too? 

Tour of Belle Meade Plantation

Join me on a personal tour of the Belle Meade Plantation, the setting of To Whisper Her Name…

I'm already working on the second book in this series and am so grateful to have the chance to share the history of this place and of the real people who lived––and died––there.

More about this book

If you've been to Belle Meade and have a picture of yourself there, please share it on my Facebook Page! I'd love to see you at Belle Meade.

Revealed, Fountain Creek Chronicles

If given a single wish, Matthew Taylor would turn back time and right a grievous wrong. If given a second wish…he would make 

Annabelle Grayson pay. 

Click for more

It's fun to go back and revisit stories written years ago. It's like visiting old friends. Revealed is a favorite of mine because of the oh-so-fun-to-write sarcastic banter between the two lead characters, Matthew and Annabelle. I promise you, at times I could actually "hear" them in my head. I'd love to write a sequel to this series. Someday! 

About Revealed, the second Fountain Creek Chronicles novel and winner of the 2007 RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance:

Annabelle Grayson has been given a second chance at life, but she can't claim it with the cloud of her past hanging over her in Willow Springs. After her husband dies, she advertises for a trail guide to accompany her to land waiting for her in Idaho—and a most unlikely candidate applies for the job.

Matthew Taylor is a man on the run, with consequences of past mistakes pursuing him at every turn. Meeting Annabelle Grayson the first time was unpleasant enough, but when she crosses his path again, her presence in his life—and what she reveals—is devastating. 

Have you read Revealed? Or Rekindled and Remembered, the other two books in the Fountain Creek Chronicles series?

A little bit of heaven…down here

Last week, I had the absolute delight of enjoying dinner with friends and family…

Some of these dear friends we hadn't seen in 20+ years so it was really more of a mini-reunion. But first…some background.

In the picture below on the left, you'll see my precious mother-in-law, Claudette Harris Alexander (second from the left), with her college buddies, and Claudette's first grandchild, Brittney. These four ladies were roommates at Harding University (College, back then) in the 1950s. Those four friendships continued on long after that until, in 1995, Claudette passed into eternity very unexpectedly following a brain aneurysm. She was 58 years young (only six years older than me now, sobering).

~ Click the pics to make them larger ~ 

As the years passed, Nadine, Clara Nell, and Ramona continued to meet and travel, as Claudette would have wanted them to. So when the gals called and said they were going to be in Nashville and could they please come by and see us so they could "have a little of Claudette among them this trip," we were thrilled. You'll notice Brittney is a little older in the picture on the right. But we thought it appropriate to capture an image similar to the one years ago. : )

And something fun about how God weaves lives together…

Claudette's roommate, Clara Nell (and her late husband, John) were also very good friends of my parents and family growing up in Atlanta. Dad & Mom and John & Clara Nell used to go on trips together. Yet we never knew the "Clara Nell and Claudette connection" until my parents met Joe's parents at my college graduation (because Claudette was my girl's club sponsor at Harding). Small world, huh?

When I hugged Clara Nell last week…

It felt a little like what I imagine it's going to be like when believers in Christ are finally all gathered Home. So I hugged her again! It was one of those hugs that just lingers, you know? When you realize you're not just holding a person, you're holding a life of memories and of shared loves that will last long after we're all gone. That will last throughout eternity. What a blessing we have in Christ!

A few more pictures…

Denise is mom to Alex and Claudette,

and doesn't she look like her mother, Claudette!?

And finally, David (Denise's husband) and Alex
who need no orange background, LOL!

We had lasagna (my mom's recipe) with all the fixings. But I forgot to take pics of that. However! I got the important part: DESSERT! 

Want the Belle Meade Carrot Recipe?

That evening was a little bit of heaven down here. It's a night I'm still treasuring, and will for a long time to come.

When you and your family and friends get together, what's it like? Are y'all huggers? Do y'all all talk at once? Is there lots of laughter and storytelling? What about food? What's a favorite meal you like to fix for those occasions? I love knowing more about you and your families!

And don't forget the SOUTHERN AT HEART GIVEAWAY!

A Southern at Heart Giveaway

Southern at Heart Giveaway
Due to postage costs, US Mailing Addresses only

Two lucky readers will each receive a copy of A Lasting Impression plus some yummy Loveless Biscuits and their choice of either Blackberry, Peach, or Strawberry Jam…

The only mandatory option is that you comment on this blogpost. See inside the Rafflecopter box for instructions about what you need to comment on (and I really want to know this about you!).

All other options are "as you wish."

Note: You receive 10 EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN each time you post a review of one of my books. Because––like Southern biscuits––"word of mouth" marketing is the best there is!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Would you like to install this Southern at Heart Giveaway widget on your own blog or website? Click for the link. 

Our front steps last year. Have I mentioned I adore fall? 

Warmest wishes, and may all your biscuits be buttered!

Kindle Quotes - A Lasting Impression

QUOTES from A Lasting Impression… 

“Let no one define how you see yourself . . . save God alone. See yourself through His eyes and His strength, and you’ll see who you can be despite being who you are.” A dark brow rose. “But see yourself through your own eyes, and you’ll be left to question, and to doubt, subject to the whims and wishes of others who will not have your best at heart."

~ Adelicia Acklen, Mistress of Belmont Mansion and a character in A Lasting Impression

"Justice does not reside in institutions, Mr. Monroe. But in the hearts of men. If those men seek Him with all their hearts.”

~ Bartholomew Holbrook, A Lasting Impression

I LOVE seeing what readers highlight in my books on their Kindles. Too cool! 

Don't you love that feature? Do you highlight on your eBooks?

See more of what's highlighted in A Lasting Impression, as well as read an excerpt.

Belmont Mansion, circa 1853

Click to see more

Stories Convince Better Than Logic

For all you writers AND lovers of story… 

Here's a great blog post by Dr. Stan Williams, author of The Moral Premise (which I highly recommend) and my occasional partner-in-crime when I need help with story structure. Don't you love this picture that he included in his post?

Innocence 2

William-Adolphe Bouguereau

1825-1905

A little insiders trivia: This is the picture I have on my desktop that's my inspiration for a little girl in A Beauty So Rare, the second Belmont Mansion novel. 

Can't wait to share this story with you April 2014!

A 2-minute tour of Belle Meade Plantation

For all you history lovers out there…

Let me take you on a quick two-minute tour of Belle Meade Plantation, the setting of To Whisper Her Name, the first of three Belle Meade Plantation novels.

The film crew, marketing director, and I had such fun filming these videos (six in all). As always, thank you for being sociable and sharing these videos on your websites and walls. I'm grateful!

I'm about to start writing Belle Meade book 2 and am so ready to be back there with those characters and in that lovely setting.

What's the last historical you read and what did you love about it?

Meeting at The Well

With Rob and Aimee Touchstone

at Three French Hens, Nolensville, TN

(Click for larger picture)

I love it when God weaves our lives together…

Saturday morning, I ran over to Nolensville to mail some packages and then––seeing how I love poking around antique stores––I continued half a mile down the road to the quaint little row of antique shops where I've found a few treasures before.

I hadn't been in Three French Hens for more than a minute or two when a friend I hadn't met yet approached me. And I'm so glad she did! Aimee Touchstone, you absolutely made my day, lady. I'm grateful for your kind words about my books and am so glad we connected.

Aimee's family was with her too, so I had the pleasure of meeting them as well. As it turns out, their family is involved in a ministry that's important to Joe and me as well––providing clean drinking water to third world communities who don't have it.

Aimee's husband Rob is the Co-founder, Pastoral and Mission Director for The Well Coffeehouse, a non-profit coffee house in the heart of Nashville (Green Hills area), and their purpose is to change the world, one cup of coffee at a time. 

Listen as Rob shares their vision and their love for people…

With Aimee Touchstone at Three French Hens,

Nolensville, TN

Did you know…

"...6,000 people die every single day because they have no water or from water-born illnesses.  There are solutions to this problem.  But they involve digging not only into the ground, but into our hearts and our pockets.  The Well has a passion to bring clean water to people and to save lives.  A well, or clean water system, can literally save thousands of lives.  And they can be built for anywhere between $1000-$12,000 per well.  We want to help build as many as possible in order to help save thousands of lives.  When you buy coffee at The Well you are helping to give clean water and to save lives." [Read their entire mission statement on their website]

The Well Coffeehouse

2035 Richard Jones Road
Nashville, TN 37215

The name The Well comes from John 4 and Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. I love Jesus' response to her when she questions why he's asking her for a drink… "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." (NIV)

What a privilege to partner with an organization like The Well to provide not only clean drinking water, but living water as well. I'll be making a special trip to The Well very soon and––if you live in Nashville or when you're passing through––I hope you will too. They also have a full online store with coffee, a to-die-for mug, shirts, and much more.

I love how God weaves our lives together. I thought I was going to Three French Hens on Saturday morning to unearth a treasure. And as it turns out, I did. Thanks, Aimee! Thanks, Rob! And blessings in your ministry. I'll be seeing you again soon.

Are you involved with an organization that helps provide water to third world countries? If not, I'd encourage you to check into The Well. And if you're an antique shopper, I'd love to know what treasures you've unearthed recently. 

Blessings on your Tuesday!

Belle Meade Plantation and the Old Harding Cabin

I love Southern history and have fallen more than a little in love with Belle Meade Plantation, the setting of To Whisper Her Name, the first of three Belle Meade Plantation novels.

Join me on location at Belle Meade in Nashville as we take a brief look inside the old Harding Cabin, a turn-of-the-18th century log cabin that plays an integral role in To Whisper Her Name.

The film crew, marketing director, and I had such fun filming these videos (six in all). As always, thank you for being sociable and sharing these videos on your websites and walls. 

Have you visited Belle Meade Plantation or read To Whisper Her Name yet?

A Beauty So Rare Photo Shoot, Pt 2

Here are a few more behind the scenes pics of the photo shoot Bethany House Publishers coordinated for the cover of my next novel, A Beauty So Rare, the second Belmont Mansion novel (releasing April 2014).

The photo shoot was held at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in Saint Paul, Minnesota (read about its history) in the conservatory area, of course (not with the gorillas). It certainly is lovely, and is the perfect setting for the cover since we spend a lot of time in Adelicia Acklen's conservatory (pictured below) in A Beauty So Rare. 

Adelicia Acklen, mistress of the Belmont Mansion in Nashville, TN,

built a lavish 19th century estate which included this glass conservatory (nicknamed the Crystal Palace)

in the foreground, and the water tower in the background (which still

stands today and is Belmont University's Bell Tower).

Checking out the lighting

Love how they "shoot" in front of the blank screen

Checking views in the monitor

Lots of details––and hard work––go into making a cover

Strolling through the conservatory

Paul Higdon, Art Director, Bethany House Publishers at Como Conservatory

Gorgeous flowers

Adelicia Acklen had over 2,000 species of plants, shrubs, and trees

from all over the world in her Belmont conservatory

Personally, I love the more serious look on the model's face (as that fits

the character of Eleanor Braddock). But alas, a "cheerier" expression

attracts more readers.

And one last shot...

I'm grateful to my publisher for all the work and time that went into making this cover. Now, to finish the rewrites on this story and put it to bed.

About the book: 

Pink was not what Eleanor Braddock ordered, but maybe it would soften the tempered steel of a woman who came through a war--and still had one to fight.

Available for pre-order
Belmont Mansion, book 2 (of 3)

Eleanor Braddock, a spinster at 30, has long since dismissed any hope of marriage. But when a dying soldier whispers his final words, she believes her life can still have meaning and determines to find his widow. But this compassionate deed takes a harsh turn, and Eleanor finds herself dependent upon the richest woman in American and the most despised woman in Nashville--her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, mistress of Belmont Mansion. A clandestine act of kindness leads Eleanor to an unlikely path for her life--building a home for destitute widows and children from the Civil War. And while Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve.

Rudolf Marcus Gottfried, Archduke of the House of Habsburg and fourth in line to the Austrian throne, arrives in Nashville in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Collaborating with botanist Luther Burbank, Marcus seeks to combine his own passion for nature with his expertise in architecture. But his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the widow's and children's home run contrary to the wishes of practical, frugal Eleanor, who sees his ideas as costly nonsense.

Yet as the construction project continues, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground--and a love neither of them expected. But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor to marry, and even if he were, someone who knows Marcus's secrets is about to reveal them all.

Belmont Mansion, book 1 (of 3)

I'm excited to share this story with you and am really enjoying being back in Adelicia's home and on the estate of Belmont that serves as the setting for all the Belmont Mansion series novels.

Do you have an affinity for Southern history like I do? 

(View Pt 1 of this blog post)

Belle Meade Plantation novels and Thoroughbred History

I love Southern history and have fallen more than a little in love with Belle Meade Plantation, the setting of To Whisper Her Name, the first of three Belle Meade Plantation novels.

Join me on location at Belle Meade in Nashville as we take a brief look at the lineage of thoroughbred champions.

The film crew, marketing director, and I had such fun filming these videos (six in all). As always, thank you for being sociable and sharing these videos on your websites and walls.

Have you visited Belle Meade Plantation yet?