"I've been on a Historical Fiction kick lately and I rounded out the year with a timely, winter read. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story based on the real life journal entries of Martha Ballard, an 18th century midwife in who delivered more than 1,000 babies without ever losing a mother. I love how the author fills in the gaps of Martha's journal with masterful storytelling of American life in the late 1700's and the stunning portrait of a briliant, strong, and inspiring woman who left an unparalled legacy that has often been left behind."

The Frozen River

By Ariel Lawhon

Spiked Hot AppleCider

Home-cooked Pot Roast

"Around the holidays when it gets cold, how could I not enjoy the warmth of a classic tv show like Gilmore Girls. Which brings me to this new release in 2024. Emily Gilmore may not be the first Gilmore you think of, but her influence and character was crucial to the story. Kelly Bishop has done far more than just tv and was fascinating to learn of her life's work. She is a strong, confident woman even when society seemed against her. Bold and extremely talented, this memoir is light but inspiring and highly recommended!"

The Third Gilmore Girl

By Kelly Bishop

Strawberry Pavlova Fizz

Gilmore Girls: Official Cookbook

"I needed a light, happy read while heading into the holidays. The Spellshop is an enjoyable fantasy story that I couldn't put down! I had to find out what was going to happen to the characters. The lead character is Kiela, a librarian from the big city. She finds her parents' jam recipe and starts a new business...and romance. Kiela inspired me to make a spiced cranberry jam to share with family and friends. The story takes place on an island, and this smoked sea salt margarita felt like the perfect pairing. Enjoy!"

The Spellshop

By Sarah Beth Durst

Spiced Cranberry Jam

Smoked Sea Salt Margarita

"This novel has stayed with me, which I think is a good thing. The atmospheric and lyrical story (with dark fairy tale elements) is what you make it, whether that’s pure allegory or an unsettling story. What drew me are the setting (the beautiful San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest) and the mysterious, majestic bear of the story. Sam (along with elder sister, Elena) grew up on the island in poverty. Together, they struggle as they live in their childhood home caring for their dying mother. Life plans are upended when a grizzly bear appears — first spotted by Sam in the channel and later near their home. The bear's arrival creates a rift between the sisters. While Sam views it as a sign of urgency to leave, Elena is captivated."

Bear

By Julia Phillips

Dutch Baby Pancakes

Creamy Mushroom Rice Soup

"Normally I am not a fan of the second-chance-romance trope, but The Ex Vows executed it perfectly! Not only was the plot so entertaining that I couldn’t put it down, but the characters themselves were so relatable. If you are someone looking for a romance book that is super angsty, hilarious, spicy, and wholesome, this is the perfect match for you! The perfect pairing is definitley grabbing some sour peach gummy candy to snack on while you read, because A) Her nickname is peaches. B) The main guy loves snacks. C) He would fold little rings for her all the time (that had secret love confessions)."

The Ex Vows

By Annie Lyons

Nappa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 

Peach Gummy Candies