 Welcome, hoppers! Spring in Kentucky means blue skies, daffodils and redbud trees in bloom, and fields dotted with newborn foals. This spring, I’m celebrating the release of One Thing Leads to Lover, the second book in the Love and Let Spy series, out April 6. If like me, you enjoy celebrating with something sweet, I hope you’ll try a slice of Shaker Lemon Pie. Its bright flavor is perfect for spring! Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, is a historic site that preserves the buildings and traditions of the 19th century religious community of Shakers (so called because of the way they stomped and whirled in worship). The Shakers were noted for their strict separation of the sexes, as well as their craftsmanship and their labor-saving devices. If you visit Shaker Hill today, you can see their living and working conditions, buy handmade brooms and boxes, and enjoy a fabulous meal, topped off with—what else?—lemon pie! Shaker Lemon Pie (adapted from the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill’s recipe) For the filling:
1. Slice the lemons paper-thin. A mandoline is ideal, but if you are using a knife, freezing the lemons briefly first will help in cutting. Remove the seeds. Place the lemon slices in a bowl, mixed with 2 cups of sugar. Let the bowl sit at room temperature for at least 24 hours, stirring occasionally. 2. When you are ready to make the pie, lay out the bottom crust in the pie pan and refrigerate while preparing the filling. For the filling, beat 4 eggs and mix in 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix the lemons and any remaining syrup/juice with the eggs, then pour the mixture into the unbaked pie shell. Add the top crust and cut small vents for releasing steam. Place in a 425-degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes (the crust should turn light golden), then reduce heat to 375 degrees. Bake for about 20 to 25 more minutes, or until a knife inserted into the pie comes out clean. Cool for an hour, then enjoy!
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One Thing Leads to a Lover is out April 6, and I hope you’ll help me celebrate! April 1-4: join 30 historical romance authors on an Easter egg hunt/hop ($150 gift card prize!) https://www.facebook.com/events/455130572465180 April 8, 7-8 pm EST: takeover in the Historical Harlots Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/2102138599813601 April 12, 12:30-1:30 pm EST: live chat in the Between the Chapters Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/betweenthechapters April 14: takeover in Lenora Bell’s Facebook group, Lenora’s Bookish Belles: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LenorasBookishBelles   I'm thrilled to get to continue working with the fabulous folks at Kensington's Lyrical Press on this new series! Watch for the first book, out sometime in late 2020.
I'm honored to share that USA Today Happy Ever After reviewer Kathy Altman calls To Seduce a Stranger a "must-read historical romance"! "With an intricate yet lively plot played out by utterly compelling characters, a treasure trove of angst nicely offset by a blithe wit and a steady, steamy sexual tension, this Georgian England romance is certain to satisfy your historical sweet tooth." Read the full review here.
 As part of #RomanceWeek, Goodreads is challenging everyone to write 14-word love stories. Here's mine: “Lost student meets the man she wasn’t looking for. The rest is history.” Want to read the rest? Join me over at Goodreads!
In the last few days, over 300 people have added To Tempt an Heiress to their virtual TBR pile on Goodreads. As a thank you, here’s a special excerpt to tide you over until the book comes out December 6…
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