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Month: June 2021

Review – An Unwitting Compromise

Posted in Book Blogger

An Unwitting Compromise

by Sue Barr

An Unwitting Compromise

Genres: Regency, Historical Romance, Pride and Prejudice, Adult
Release Date: March 5, 2021
Pages: 254
Purchase from: Amazon
My Rating: ★★★☆☆

Can a woman have two great loves in her life?

All it takes is one night for Elizabeth Bennet’s life to change forever. Finding herself pregnant with Mr. Darcy’s baby, she is forced to make decisions that will have an impact on the rest of not only her life but her family’s.

Mr. Darcy, who cannot remember the night in question and therefore does not believe he is the father of Elizabeth’s child, soldiers on in his pride and arrogance until he’s forced to admit – he is the father.

His realization comes too late. She is now married and not only is she unattainable, but so is his son.

**Warning** There is a hint of what some might feel is sexual violence in the first chapter. It is not graphic, but some readers who are sensitive to this type of scenario should read with caution.

Monday Munchies: Beef and Salsa Skillet

Posted in Monday Munchies

I found this recipe online years ago, and I no longer remember where it’s from. It’s another fairly cheap, and super easy meal. Plus there are A LOT of leftovers for lunch the next couple of days.

Beef and Salsa Skillet

What You Need (Serves up to 4)

  • 1 lb ground beef (I prefer 92/8% fat distribution, but go with whatever you like best)
  • 1 16oz Jar Old El Paso Thick ‘n Chunky Salsa (This is getting harder and harder to find. My second choice is Pace Chunky Salsa) in the spiciness level of your choice
  • 1 15/16oz can of Dark Red Kidney Beans
  • 1 15/16oz can of Whole Kernel Sweet Corn
  • 1 8oz can of Tomato Sauce
  • Cayenne and/or Chile Arbol powder (optional)
  • Sargento 4 Cheese Mexican Shredded Cheese
  • Flour Tortillas
  • Large pan

2021 Triangle Pen Show

Posted in Pen Shows

Jim brought up going to the Triangle Pen Show (TPS) a couple weeks ago but we dithered for a while, only deciding to go on the Thursday before. The drive wasn’t too bad, we were lucky to not hit traffic on the way down — we hit all the traffic on the way back up, though.

We made it to the show around 11:30 am. Finding out masks weren’t required surprised me. Being fully vaccinated, we decided to try going maskless and see how we felt. I’m not going to lie, it felt a bit naughty. I felt almost naked. But it was nice to breath freely. And since the room wasn’t packed, I was OK without a mask and enjoyed the taste of pre-COVID life.

The best part for me was just being at a pen show again. Getting to see Carey from Kenro, Damien of All in the Nib, Bert of Bertram’s Inkwell — although we see him often — and some pen friends was great. I’ve missed the pen camaraderie. It’s such a social battery recharge to see people, talk pens, and be able to see/handle things in person before buying them.

Monday Munchies: Pastel de Tres Leches

Posted in Monday Munchies

I found this one on Cooking Con Claudia’s YouTube channel as well. The recipe is slightly modified from her video Easy and Delicious Tres Leches Cake. Pastel de Tres Leches literally translates to cake of three milks. It’s one of my favorite desserts.

What You Need

  • 1 Box vanilla cake mix (+ required ingredients to make cake and 1 tbsp Mexican Vanilla Blend. You can substitute regular vanilla extract)
  • 1 16oz container of half and half
  • 1 14oz can of sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 12oz can evaporated milk
  • 16oz (2 cups) heavy whipping cream
  • 1½ tbsps sugar
  • 1 tbsp Mexican Vanilla Blend (You can substitute regular vanilla extract)
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Cake pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Hand or stand mixer

Review – A Case of Some Delicacy

Posted in Book Blogger

A Case of Some Delicacy

by KC Kahler

A Case of Some Delicacy

Genres: Regency, Historical Romance, Pride and Prejudice, Adult
Release Date: September 22, 2019
Pages: 420
Purchase from: Amazon
My Rating: ★★★☆☆

A secret alliance grows from an unwelcomed olive branch…

When rumours of Jane Bennet’s impending betrothal to Mr. Collins begin spreading at the Meryton Assembly, Elizabeth Bennet vows to save her dearest sister’s happiness from being sacrificed in marriage. She finds an unlikely ally in Mr Darcy, the taciturn man whose heroics on the cricket field have made him the target for Lydia’s affections.

Overhearing a heated exchange between Elizabeth and Mr Bennet, Darcy is stunned not only by her devotion to her sister, but also by her defiant words to her father. An inexplicable desire to help Elizabeth draws Darcy into the match-breaking scheme, despite knowing that he should want nothing to do with a family like the Bennets.

As the new allies work together, they begin to understand and admire each other. But they must navigate a complicated web of sisters, parents, friends, cousins, aunts, and new acquaintances, all of whom seem contrary to being manipulated. A few of them may even be attempting their own manipulations and romantic schemes. Eavesdropping and jealousy abound, cricket balls go astray, and love blooms in spite of Mrs. Bennet’s mismatched matchmaking.

This humorous Pride and Prejudice re-imagining is novel length and pays homage to the wit of Jane Austen.

Monday Munchies: Watermelon & Cucumber Agua Fresca

Posted in Monday Munchies

I found this one on Cooking Con Claudia’s YouTube channel as well. The recipe is slightly modified from her video How To Make The Best Watermelon and Cucumber Agua Fresca.

For those unfamiliar with Agua Fresca, think of it like lemonade but with other fruits. You mix the fruit juice(s) with water to get a refreshing drink.

What You Need

  • 1 Ripe Seedless Watermelon
  • 1 Large English Cucumber
  • 2-3 Lemons
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 4 cups water
  • Blender
  • Pitcher or container for storage

Review – Pride & Perception

Posted in Book Blogger

Pride & Perception

by Sue Barr

Pride and Perception

Genres: Regency, Historical Romance, Pride and Prejudice, Adult
Release Date: March 5, 2021
Pages: 363
Purchase from: Amazon
My Rating: ★★★★☆

What if…

The entail on Longbourn had been broken?

The Bennets owned Netherfield Park?

Jane Bennet had firm opinions?

Lizzy overheard the second derogatory comment Darcy made about her beauty? After the Bennets had dined at Netherfield Park, he said, “Her a beauty? I should as soon call her mother a wit.”

Yeah – that one.

This is a story where we explore all these beautiful what-ifs.