I hope all of you are enjoying your week!

Butterscotch Bliss!

If you’re reading this newsletter on my blog then you’re probably not signed up for my mailing list! When you sign up, you’ll receive BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS, a free e-book! BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS – the eBook version – is currently only available when you join my mailing list! After you sign up for my email list, a download link will be provided to you for your FREE eBook!

Bonnets

Do you ever wear hats in public?

In my historicals the women usually wear bonnets. In historical times if a woman didn’t wear a bonnet in public it was considered improper. If they didn’t wear a bonnet, then they might wear a fashionable hat – perhaps similar to the one featured on the cover of The Blacksmith’s Bride.

Nowadays, I mostly notice women wearing hats on Easter Sunday and during tea parties. If you wear hats, when and where do you wear them? Share pics if you have them!

More Trouble on the Homefront – Bathroom

Remember we recently had our downstairs bathroom repaired and partially remodeled due to a leaking pipe and mold?

Well, now our upstairs bathroom needs to be remodeled! Another leak has occurred, and due to the nature of our bathroom’s condition, it’s best if we remodel it.

Have you ever remodeled your bathroom? If you did, how long ago did you remodel it?

Back to School!

As mentioned last week, the kids are going back to school! My son begins classes on August 25th! The public schools in my county start classes September 2nd – the day after Labor Day. Speaking of back to school, have you read The Doctor’s Bride yet?

The Doctor’s Bride is Book #2 in The Romance Bride Series. This is the story about Deborah. When she was a teenager, she had a crush on Timothy, the young man who lived down the street. Timothy ended up marrying Deborah’s twin sister – Eve – instead of Deborah! Several years later, widower Timothy returns to town as the new doctor. Deborah never understood why Timothy married her sister!

Deborah is now the town’s schoolteacher. She dreams of earning a college degree in botany. Should she accept Timothy’s offer to help her study for her college entrance exam?

​The Doctor’s Bride is a wonderful, warm novella to enjoy at the beginning of the school year! Read this wonderful review about The Doctor’s Bride!

Truly a beautiful story of courage and inspiration! A compellingly sweet tale of family and trusting in God’s promises for tomorrow. The story is about one young woman’s desire to go to college and a man who manages to get a new beginning after tragedy. This inspiring story by an incredible author is a joy to read.

Broken Foot!

Many of you have contacted me, asking for a status about my foot! I’m still hobbling along on my boot – mostly using my walker for support! Thanks so much for all of your letters and messages of concern! My next doctor’s appointment is on August 27th!

A Delicious Summer Treat!

Want a late-summer treat? Check out my Christmas Holiday Romance Book Bundle  – continental US only! Grab a bunch for yourself and a friend! 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!

Enjoy the rest of your Summer!

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

The Blacksmith’s Bride

As stated previously, 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!

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 will be participating in the Eat Local Read Local event at the Cascades Library in Virginia on October 18, 2025. I currently have other events in the works. Once my plans are finalized, I will update you with details!

Our Country!

Remember to keep our country in prayer as all/some of these changes take place! At times, our country does 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!

​

I hope all of you are enjoying your week!

Back to School

In last week’s newsletter I mentioned that my sweet grandniece had graduated from preschool. She’s just started kindergarten!

Speaking of back to school, have you read The Doctor’s Bride yet?

The Doctor’s Bride is Book #2 in The Romance Bride Series. This is the story about Deborah. When she was a teenager, she had a crush on Timothy, the young man who lived down the street. Timothy ended up marrying Deborah’s twin sister – Eve – instead of Deborah! Several years later, widower Timothy returns to town as the new doctor. Deborah never understood why Timothy married her sister!

Deborah is now the town’s schoolteacher. She dreams of earning a college degree in botany. Should she accept Timothy’s offer to help her study for her college entrance exam?

​The Doctor’s Bride is a wonderful, warm novella to enjoy at the beginning of the school year! Read this wonderful review about The Doctor’s Bride!

Truly a beautiful story of courage and inspiration! A compellingly sweet tale of family and trusting in God’s promises for tomorrow. The story is about one young woman’s desire to go to college and a man who manages to get a new beginning after tragedy. This inspiring story by an incredible author is a joy to read.

Broken Foot!

Many of you have contacted me, asking for a status about my foot! I’m still hobbling along on my boot – mostly using my walker for support! Thanks so much for all of your letters and messages of concern!

A Delicious Summer Treat!

Want a summer treat? Check out my Christmas Holiday Romance Book Bundle for only $20 – continental US only! Grab a bunch for yourself and a friend! 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!

Enjoy the rest of your Summer!

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

The Blacksmith’s Bride

As stated previously, 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!

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 will be participating in the Eat Local Read Local event at the Cascades Library in Virginia on October 18, 2025. I currently have other events in the works. Once my plans are finalized, I will update you with details!

Our Country!

Remember to keep our country in prayer as all/some of these changes take place! At times, our country does 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!

​If you’re reading this newsletter on my blog then you’re probably not signed up for my mailing list! When you sign up, you’ll receive BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS, a free e-book! BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS – the eBook version – is currently only available when you join my mailing list!

Raquel’s father died when she was a baby – that’s what she thought…
She receives a mysterious phone call – stating her father is alive and in hospice. He must see her before he dies. Why has her mother lied to her for all these years about her father’s “death”?

She must rely on Patrick, her ex, to help her to make the trip to see her father during a massive snowstorm. Patrick has his own set of problems – he never told Raquel the real reason why he abandoned her three years ago.

BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS is a tasty Christmas unforgettable romance!

Join my email list today to get your free copy!

Divine Desserts Publishing, LLC

Progress and Birthday Cakes!

I hope all of you are enjoying your week!

Birthday Cake

When you were growing up, did you celebrate your birthday? If you celebrated, what did you do?

In last week’s newsletter I mentioned that my son and I have birthdays back to back. This year, he had to cancel his birthday celebration since I was camped out in our living room due to my broken foot. When he was growing up, he often had birthday celebrations with his friends. These celebrations took place at our home, or, at a local venue.

When I was growing up, we didn’t celebrate our birthday since my mom was a Jehovah’s Witness. As a child, I would remember when my birthday was, but often longed to have a party, just for myself, where I’d have a cake and gifts. As I got older, there were times when I’d not give my birthday much thought. A few times, on my birthday – it would be mid-day before I would even remember that it was my birthday! Currently, I usually celebrate with cake and we have a special meal. I no longer care about gifts since I already have too much stuff in my house!

I’ve often been fascinated with the subject of birthdays. I suppose my interest stems from my not celebrating as a child.

In my historical novel, The Blacksmith’s Bride, one of the characters attends a children’s birthday party. The year is 1867. I had to do some research for this scene, so, I thought it would be fun to let you know what I found out about birthday cakes in 1867!

Back then, the practice of placing candles on the cake was not widely used in the US. It appears that the birthday candle tradition began in 1700s Germany – mostly wealthy household participated. Birthday candles weren’t widespread in the US until 1880’s and 1890’s – the practice was made known via women’s etiquette magazines.

The cake served at an 1867 birthday party was much different than what we know today. The cake was usually plain. If icing was used, it wasn’t the decorated confection to which we are now familiar. The icing may be a thin sugary glaze, or, the cake might be dusted with sugar. The cake was a simple pound cake, or, the cake might contain caraway seeds. Gingerbread was also a popular option. The plain cake may have looked something like this:

So, how did you celebrate your birthday when you were growing up?

Order The Blacksmith’s Bride today!

Broken Foot!

I’ve been making progress with my broken foot. I went to the podiatrist and they gave me a walking boot! Thankfully, I’m now able to get around on my own with a walker! That’s progress!

Graduation

My lovely grandniece graduated from pre-school! She was praised as being a wonderful student! She is now on her way to kindergarten! This is a pic of her with her grandma!

A Delicious Summer Treat!

Want a summer treat? Check out my Christmas Holiday Romance Book Bundle – continental US only! Grab a bunch for yourself and a friend! 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!

Enjoy the rest of your Summer!

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

The Blacksmith’s Bride

As stated previously, 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!

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 will be participating in the Eat Local Read Local event at the Cascades Library in Virginia on October 18, 2025. I currently have other events in the works. Once my plans are finalized, I will update you with details!

Our Country!

Remember to keep our country in prayer as all/some of these changes take place! At times, our country does 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!

​If you’re reading this newsletter on my blog then you’re probably not signed up for my mailing list! When you sign up, you’ll receive BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS, a free e-book! BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS – the eBook version – is currently only available when you join my mailing list!

Raquel’s father died when she was a baby – that’s what she thought…
She receives a mysterious phone call – stating her father is alive and in hospice. He must see her before he dies. Why has her mother lied to her for all these years about her father’s “death”?

She must rely on Patrick, her ex, to help her to make the trip to see her father during a massive snowstorm. Patrick has his own set of problems – he never told Raquel the real reason why he abandoned her three years ago.

BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS is a tasty Christmas unforgettable romance!

Join my email list today to get your free copy!

I hope all of you are enjoying your week!

Broken Foot!

Have you ever broken your leg or foot? How did you manage to get around?

I didn’t send out a newsletter last week because I was feeling poorly. I slipped and fell down the stairs and broke my foot! When it initially happened, I didn’t realize it was broken. My husband helped me up – that’s when I realized that I couldn’t walk on my foot. I iced it overnight and had to sleep on the couch since it was highly difficult to climb the stairs with an injured foot.

The day after I was injured, my son, who was still away at his college job, called my neighbors to see if they had crutches – my neighbor phoned me to see what was wrong – that’s when I told him about my fall. He was so kind. He went to the emergency room and was able to convince them to allow him to borrow a wheelchair. He, his son, and my husband managed to get me into the chair and out the door, down the steps, and into his vehicle and to the emergency room.

My husband and I were at the emergency room all day – almost 12 hours! After doing an x-ray and cat scan they determined that my foot was broken in several places! They said my bones remained perfectly aligned – so surgery would not be needed as long as I kept most of my weight off of my injured foot. Doctors have said that it will take 6-8 weeks to heal.

So, have you ever broken your leg or foot? How did you manage to get around?

My neighbor, me in the borrowed wheelchair, and husband on the right! My neighbor’s son took the picture!

My hospital band. Toomer is my married name. Dowdy is my maiden name.

My bandaged foot.

Recovery and The Blacksmith’s Bride

It’s been almost two weeks since I fell down the stairs. During that time I’ve been trying to get around on one foot. It’s been a challenge. I’ve tried several methods to help with my mobility. The wheelchair is the method on which I settled. I couldn’t use crutches, a walker, or a scooter. The scooter was hard to move on our old carpet – the carpet bunches up in places making it hard to maneuver.

During my recovery I’ve had a community of people to help me. My husband accompanied me to the hospital and stayed by my side the entire time. My husband, my neighbor, and his teenaged son helped me into my neighbor’s vehicle to be transported to the emergency room. My son, who was away at this college summer job, came home for a few days to help me. His job ends soon, so he’ll be back to help me for a few more weeks.

My sister, who lives up the street from me, has temporarily moved to my home so that she can help with my care. Since I can’t use my broken foot at all, it’s hard for me to get into my wheelchair, so I spend 99% of my time, day and night, on the couch. My morning coffee, snacks, and all meals are served to me on a tray. This round the clock service is nice, warm, and comforting during this season of recovery.

My wheelchair.

The walker and scooter that I sampled.

Coffee served to me by my son!

In The Blacksmith’s Bride – my historical novel set after the Civil War – Francine, the heroine, gets badly injured. During her time of recovery, she has a plethora of people who care for her. She has good friends, Ruth and Joseph, the hero and heroine in The Baker’s Bride, who take her into their home and help to care her. Benjamin, the hero, also helps. The warmth of a group of people, coming together to help someone in need, is a huge part of The Blacksmith’s Bride. Order your copy today!

Birthday Celebrations

My birthday was July 30th. My son’s birthday was July 31st. Since his summer job has ended, he’s now home until classes start at the end of the month. He was supposed to have a birthday celebration at our home with his friends, but was forced to cancel since I’m camped out on our living room couch. My siblings purchased a delicious birthday cake from Wegman’s. My husband gifted me with beautiful roses!

Roses from my husband.

White cake from Wegman’s.

A Delicious Summer Treat!

Want a summer treat? Check out my Christmas Holiday Romance Book Bundle for only $20 (LIMITED TIME) – continental US only! Grab a bunch for yourself and a friend! 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!

Enjoy the rest of your Summer!

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

The Blacksmith’s Bride

As stated previously, 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!

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 events in the works. Once my plans are finalized, I will update you with details!

If you’re reading this newsletter on my blog then you’re probably not signed up for my mailing list! When you sign up, you’ll receive BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS, a free e-book! BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS – the eBook version – is currently only available when you join my mailing list!

Raquel’s father died when she was a baby – that’s what she thought…
She receives a mysterious phone call – stating her father is alive and in hospice. He must see her before he dies. Why has her mother lied to her for all these years about her father’s “death”?

She must rely on Patrick, her ex, to help her to make the trip to see her father during a massive snowstorm. Patrick has his own set of problems – he never told Raquel the real reason why he abandoned her three years ago.

BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS is a tasty Christmas unforgettable romance!

Join my email list today to get your free copy!

Our Country!

Remember to keep our country in prayer as all/some of these changes take place! At times, our country does 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!