WELCOME AUTHOR LAURA V. HILTON

WELCOME AUTHOR LAURA V. HILTON
Thursday, September 28, 2017 by Patti Shene

FEATURED BOOK: The Christmas Admirer

AUTHOR’S NAME: Laura V. Hilton

PUBLISHER: Whitaker House

GENRE: Amish Contemporary Romance

STAND ALONE OR SERIES: Stand-alone

TARGET AGE: adult

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR LAURA V. HILTONN TO THE OVER 50 WRITER. LAURA TREATS READERS TO SOME OF HER FAVORITE AMISH HOLIDAY RECIPES AND SHARES SOME INFORMATION ABOUT HER LATEST NOVEL, THE CHRISTMAS ADMIRER.

LAURA IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR A COPY OF THE CHRISTMAS ADMIRER.

With Thanksgiving soon approaching, many of us will be hosting Thanksgiving dinner in our homes for family and friends. Here are some recipes to consider.

The Cranberry Salad is one my Amish grandmother and Mom used to make. It is a favorite in our house.

Susanna’s Cranberry Salad

Ingredients

3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed), chopped
1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 medium apple, chopped
2/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix the first six ingredients until blended. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.

2. In a large bowl, beat cream until still peaks form. Just before serving, fold cream and walnuts into cranberry mixture. Makes16 servings.

Susanna’s Cranberry Sauce

For on top of turkey sandwiches as Becca requested

Ingredients

4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed), chopped
1 cup sugar
1 cup water or orange juice

Directions

In colander, rinse cranberries. In sauce pan, add water or orange juice and sugar, boil until sugar is dissolved. Add cranberries and return to a boil. Lower to simmer and cook about 10 minutes or until most of the cranberries had burst. Let cool.

After Thanksgiving dinner, making gingerbread cookies with the grandchildren would be fun while the men watch football.

Susanna’s “Love Potion” Gingerbread

Ingredients

6 cups all-purpose flour
1 T baking powder
1 T ground ginger
1 t ground nutmeg
1 t ground cloves
1 t ground cinnamon
1 cup shortening, melted slightly
1 cup molasses
1 cup brown sugar
½ c water
1 egg
1 t vanilla

Directions

Sift together flour, baking powder, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. Set aside.

In mixing bowl, mix shortening, molasses, brown sugar, water, egg and vanilla until smooth. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until they are absorbed. Divide dough into three pieces, pat down until about 1 ½ inch thickness, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for three hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. On lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to ¼ inch thickness. Cut in desired shapes. Place cookies about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 – 12 minutes in preheated oven. Cool on wire racks. When cool, decorate as desired.

The Christmas Admirer

Benaiah Troyer has loved Susanna King for as long as he can remember, but other than a lone summer filled with romantic buggy rides, marrying her remains an elusive dream. When his parents died in an accident a year ago, he broke up with her—for her own good. After all, they left him as the sole caregiver for his three younger sisters and his grandparents. What woman wants to step into a ready-made family like his? Still, he leaves her monthly gifts from “A Secret Admirer,” hoping she’ll know that someone loves her, even though he isn’t free to step forward.

Susanna has never gotten over losing Benaiah, and hopes he’s her secret admirer, but now the clock is ticking. Susanna’s father is remarrying in January and his wife-to-be doesn’t want to leave her Amish community and family in Iowa. So when Susanna’s daed sells his glass-blowing business to his right-hand man, Benaiah, she’s left with three options: 1) Go with Daed to his new home with a new frau and step-kinner, 2) Flush out her mysterious secret admirer, or 3) Resign herself to life as an old maid. She doesn’t want to follow Daed where his new frau is leading him. And number three isn’t happening. Marrying Benaiah is her greatest desire—but he broke her heart, and now he treats her like a pesky younger sister. Can she make him see her as a woman, one who could stand by his side as he cares for his family?

As Christmas approaches, Susanna and her friends start making gingerbread houses for select members of the community. Susanna plans for hers to go to Benaiah’s family. But while her gingerbread may find a home—will her heart?

Chapter 1 Excerpt:

Susanna King paused midway through the door to the kitchen and stared at the single, long-stemmed red rose, artfully arranged with baby’s breath and a green fern-type plant, sitting in the middle of the table.

She’d been the last one to bed the previous nacht. She’d stayed up late reading A White Christmas in Webster County and had trailed Daed upstairs over an hour after he’d gone.

There’d been no rose, red or otherwise, on the table then, for sure and certain.

With trembling fingers, she set the lit lantern on the table and touched a soft red petal. She pulled the white envelope free from the long plastic card holder. Susanna was written on it in a neat, block print.

Her breath quickened and she looked around, hoping for some clue to who had been in the unlocked haus.

Nothing. Not even a footprint left on the recently swept and scrubbed floor.

She carefully lifted the flap and pulled the card free. White, with a red rose on the left side. “With love” was printed in gold script on the upper right corner.

And in the same block print as on the envelope, the words, “I have loved you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3) Always, Your Secret Admirer.”

If only she could take this card, march out to Daed’s glass-blowing shop, and confront Benaiah with what she wanted to be true. Proof he was her secret admirer.

But it wasn’t possible. He hadn’t even arrived at work yet. And she knew his handwriting. He’d written her several notes during the too-short time they’d courted last year, and it didn’t in any way resemble this.

Didn’t he know how much it hurt to see him every day when he came to work for Daed? He’d shattered her heart with his breakup, and she guessed, from the sheen of tears in his eyes, it hadn’t been any easier for him.

But his resolve stood. Ten months ago, his parents died, and with them the planned wedding. He couldn’t—wouldn’t—ask her to step in and raise his younger sisters or take care of his Großeltern. He hadn’t asked. Didn’t he know she would’ve gladly—gladly—volunteered?

She’d stopped short of trying to convince him though. He wouldn’t have listened and she wouldn’t resort to begging. It was better to let it end with a semblance of dignity.

Dreams should make noise when they died a violent death. A loud scream, a cry of pain, and a shattering similar to the breaking of glass would’ve been appropriate. They shouldn’t be taken from you silently, without warning.

She blinked, hoping to clear her blurry vision, and slid the card back into the envelope. This would be placed with her collection of cherished treasures from her unknown lover. Even if it they weren’t from Benaiah. Someone loved her, but she worried she might be cheating on Benaiah by accepting the gifts. Not that she could return them even if she wanted to because his identity was still a secret. She slid the card into her pocket for now. She needed to start breakfast.

Amazon buy link

DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN A COPY OF THE CHRISTMAS ADMIRER BETWEEN NOW AND SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8TH AT MIDNIGHT MDT.

How did the idea for The Christmas Admirer come into existence? Read about it on Patti’s Porch!

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with almost twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write and Putting on the New.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

Visit Laura’s blogs: Lighthouse-Academy & Laura V. Hilton

Follow Laura on Twitter and Pinterest

Like Laura on Facebook

Purchase Laura’s books:

SUBSCRIBE TO PATTI’S BLOGS ON HER HOME PAGE.

Comments

Barbara Bari From Bloomington, Indiana At 10/9/2017 8:12:27 PM

I would love to read this and prepare the recipes too!?

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Barbara. Yes, the book sounds great and the recipes delightful! Thank you for stopping by and letting us know you were here.

Karen S From Ohio At 10/8/2017 9:37:36 PM

Would love to win this book. Thanks for the giveaway!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Karen. So glad you stopped by to enter the drawing. Thank you.

Kathleen Lambert From Princeton, WV At 10/8/2017 8:13:06 PM

I love to read Amish romances.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Kathleen. You are not alone. It is a popular genre. Thank you for stopping by and letting us know you were here.

Sunnie From Ut At 10/8/2017 8:11:14 PM

Oh, these recipes! Gotta try them all. Love your books and am hoping I am able to read this! Thanks so much for the chance.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Sunnie. I'm sure the recipes will be delightful. Thank you for stopping by and entering the drawing.

Earla From Lancaster Co.,Pa. At 10/8/2017 8:07:44 PM

I would love to read this. Thanks for the chance to win.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Earla. Thank you for stopping by to enter the drawing.

[email protected] From massillon ohio At 10/8/2017 7:18:37 PM

love your books. would love this one.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Hipgranny, Thank you for stopping by leaving a comment for Laura. Glad you visited.

Jan From Pennsylvania At 10/8/2017 6:59:04 PM

I love Christmas and I love the Amish so this has to be a winning combination. It's a must read to see if the admiration is reciprocated. ?

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Jan. Thank you for coming by and leaving a comment. If you win this drawing, I'm sure you will not be disappointed in The Christmas Admirer. If not, I hope you obtain a copy and enjoy it!

Cheryl Miller From Dover PA At 10/8/2017 6:22:46 PM

I am anxious to read this book. Anything about the Amish and Christmas make me the happiest!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Cheryl. Thank you for stopping by and letting us know you were here It sounds like this book would be the perfect one for you!

Sarah Arnold From Rocky Mount, Va At 10/8/2017 11:45:16 AM

Please pick me for this book.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Sarah. Thank you for stopping by and entering the drawing. I'm afraid I can't make any promises. Random.org does the choosing!

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 10/8/2017 2:55:01 AM

Hi Linda. Thank you for stopping by. I hope Laura's books will become more accessible in your area in the near future.

Linda Weadon From Eden NC At 10/8/2017 2:36:33 AM

Can't wait to read this.Your books are hard to find where I live.Sometimes I can find them at the library, but I rather own them.I like to read them more than once.

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 10/7/2017 11:36:03 PM

Hello Diane. Sorry I couldn’t respond to your comment sooner. I was out of town in an area with a poor internet connection. The excerpt fro Laura’s book holds the promise of a great story. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 10/7/2017 11:34:16 PM

HI Christine. Sorry I couldn’t respond to your comment sooner. I was out of town in an area with a poor internet connection I love to read the excerpts. They whet the appetite of the reader! Glad you came by.

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 10/7/2017 11:32:16 PM

Hi Dianna. Sorry for the delay in responding to your comment I was out of town in an area with a poor internet connection It sounds like Laura has crafted a great story, as usual. Thank you for dropping by and leaving a comment.

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 10/7/2017 11:30:46 PM

Hello Anne. Sorry for the delay in answering. I was out o town with a poor internet connection. Christmas books are usually a fun read and help put is in the Christmas spirit, I think anyway. Glad you came by.

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 10/7/2017 11:29:50 PM

Hi Andrea. Sorry for the delay in answering. I was out o town with a poor internet connection. Thank you for stopping by. Before we know it, they will be putting Christmas displays right next to the Halloween stuff!

Donita Corman From Illinois At 10/7/2017 10:15:27 PM

Sounds like an interesting story. Recipes sound good too

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Donita. Yes, the recipes do sound good! Thank you for stopping by.

Vivian Furbay From Colorado Springs, CO At 10/7/2017 9:49:09 PM

This book sounds like a sweet romance and one I want to read.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Vivian. Thanks for stopping and checking out the book.

Debbie Hazelton From Grafton, NH At 10/7/2017 9:39:05 PM

Sounds like another great book. Thanks for the chance to win.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Debbie, so glad you stopped by.

Margie Lothamer From New Haven, IN At 10/7/2017 9:16:19 PM

I would love to read this book! I enjoy all kinds of Amish fiction.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Margie. Thank you for dropping by and letting us know you were here.

Regina Porter From CampCreek WVa At 10/7/2017 8:01:39 PM

Can't wait to read

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Regina. So glad you stopped by. Thank you for letting us know you were here.

Sharon Frey From Lykens Pa At 10/7/2017 7:20:21 PM

Sounds wonderful I would love to read it.Love reading Amish books.Thank you for doing this drawling and good luck to all.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Sharon. So glad you stopped by. It seems Amish books are quite popular.

Dorothy Porter From Dover, Tennessee At 10/7/2017 4:17:05 PM

I would love to win this book! I love reading about the Amish! Their faith is amazing! Their love is forever! Their compassion for others is unreal! I wish all the world could be close to the Amish but people don't want to give up their worldly goods. Thank you for the chance to win!!!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Dorothy.thank you so much for your comments about these wonderful and kind people.

diane papke From rochester ny 14616 At 10/7/2017 4:15:46 PM

the excerpt really makes me want to read this book. thanks for the opportunity to win

Christine Kilner From Minnesota At 10/7/2017 3:43:58 PM

Just read the excerpt. This book sounds wonderful. Thank you for the chance to win.

Dianna Nance From At 10/7/2017 3:39:53 PM

I would love to read Laura's book Christmas Admirer!!!! I read above and now need to know how the rest of the story goes!!!!

Anne Raynsford From Canada At 10/7/2017 1:23:07 PM

I really Enjoy reading all your books and sure looking forward to reading this new Christmas one

Andrea Woodard From Brooksville, FL At 10/7/2017 12:54:44 PM

It seems like they start putting out Christmas stuff earlier and earlier each year. I would love to win a copy of Laura's new book. Thank you for the opportunity to try.