June 26, 2025

Divine Desserts Publishing, LLC
Historical Medicine and Summertime!

I hope all of you have been enjoying your week!

Summertime!

Today, on the third day of summer, we’re in the midst of a heatwave in my area! Right now it’s 98 degrees outside! I love sitting outside on my deck but I’ve been unable to do so lately because of the extreme heat! I’ve been keeping cool by drinking my green tea/hibiscus/fresh mint iced tea sweetened with honey! It’s delicious! A squirt of fresh lime is added to the glass right before I drink it!

Trouble Still on the Homefront!

We’re still dealing with trouble on the home front! All of the mold was removed. The leak was fixed. Now we’re just waiting on the construction people to fix the damage! Hopefully it won’t take very long! I hate not having a wall in my downstairs bathroom!

The Blacksmith’s Bride – Medical Research

I’m still working on The Blacksmith’s Bride! In my novel someone gets hurt. As you are probably aware, medicine back in 1867 was a lot different than what we have today. Sometimes a topical solution made with honey or sugar could prevent infection. Laudanum – made from opium, was often used for pain relief. Alcohol and willow bark tea might also be used to prevent pain.

If a person had broken bones or internal injuries then the doctor might recommend rest and immobilization. Sometimes a warm poultice made of mashed herbs could be applied to the affected area to reduce swelling.

It’s interesting to research different subjects while writing my novel!

London

My sister recently returned from her trip to London and Paris! She purchased gifts. Tee shirts for my husband and my son. We’ve not had a chance to give our son his tee shirt since he’s working at Towson University for the summer. Here’s my husband, Chris, in his tee shirt.

I was gifted a shopping bag from Harrod’s department store. Isn’t it pretty? The material is shiny and reminds me of patent leather. I’ve included a few pics close up so that you can see the detail:

Summer is Here!

Want a nice emotional treat during the summer? Check out my Candy Beach Series! These are heartwarming delicious novels and novellas that you can read all summer! All are beach themed! Perfect for reading during your summer vacation!

Want an extra treat? Check out my Christmas Holiday Romance Book Bundle for only $20! Continental US only! These are paperback books that make great gifts for yourself and your friends and family!

I’m sure you’ll enjoy these wonderful stories as much as I enjoyed writing them!

Do you have any cool summer plans? If so, I’d love to hear about them!

The Blacksmith’s Bride

As stated in previous weeks, I’m still writing The Blacksmith’s Bride – a historical novel set a few years after the Civil War. The Blacksmith’s Bride is the third book in the Romance Bride Series.

I’m enjoying writing The Blacksmith’s Bride as each character goes through an emotional journey of change and faith. Pre-order a copy for yourself and a friend!

Butterscotch Bliss

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful compliments about Butterscotch Bliss. Currently, the eBook version is only available for those joining my email list. The paperback version is on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. If you feel inclined – please leave a review – only if you enjoyed the book!

Writing Services

As a reminder, I offer writing-related services. I work with writers who may need help with their fiction. Interested in working with me? Details here.

Events

I currently have one in-person event – scheduled for June 28th. More information here.

Our Country!

Remember to keep our country in prayer as all/some of these changes take place! At times, transitions do not run smoothly! Also, remember to pray for all that are suffering in our nation! Be sure to check on your friends and loved ones to be sure they are okay!

Enjoy your day!