One of the best things about the holiday season–in my opinion–is the baking!  I love to bake and my kids love to eat. As a family, we watch The Great British Baking Show (we are constantly re-watching every season) and my oldest loves spending time working through a recipe with me in the kitchen.

In my upcoming release, A Perfect Picture of Us, the hero’s mom spends an afternoon baking with the heroine. They whip up a batch of lemon cookies. I love citrus and the bright flavor (especially in the middle of winter). I didn’t have any particular recipe in mind when I mentioned the cookies, but I will be working on these recipes myself in the coming days.

Citrus Butter Cookies from The Pioneer Woman

Lemon Tea Cookies from Betty Crocker

Meyer Lemon Shortbread Cookies (Merry Gourmet, tweaked Ina Garten recipe)

Happy Baking!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you are surrounded by loved ones today and enjoy a wonderful meal.  Every year, I am most thankful for my family. I am blessed beyond measure to have them in my life. I am grateful for the love and support of my wonderful husband, my darling sons, my dear parents, and my extended family and friends.

As the year winds down, I reflect on everything that has happened so far and my plans for the future. To sum up 2018 in one word, I’d use: Challenging. We have had struggles we never could have anticipated, deep moments of heartbreak, and joyous occasions too. I have learned so much about myself, have refocused my attention on what matters in my life, and feel lighter for choosing to center on the people I love and the dreams I have for them and myself.

Next month, my first novel with The Wild Rose Press releases and I can’t wait to share Leo and Jessica’s story with you. They have both built walls around their hearts and to find a forever love, they have to be vulnerable in ways neither imagined. Check it out here.

Wishing you a wonderful day of feasting (and shopping)!