Excited about Reading: Sweetwater Gap by Denise Hunter

Amazon Purchase Link

The Cover Story ~

A story of love and second chances. She wished she could go back and change things . . . but life doesn't give do-overs. Could anything but good-byes be waiting on the other side of Sweetwater Gap?

Josie Mitchell's sister Laurel thinks she's come home to pitch in with the apple harvest and save the family orchard. Her brother-in-law Nate thinks she's there to talk the overworked, very pregnant Laurel into finally selling the family business. The orchard's new manager Grady Mackenzie just thinks she's trouble with a capital T. They're all right . . . and all wrong. Because no one really knows what drove Josie from home in the first place. Why she's never come home before, even for her own father's funeral. Why she pushes herself so hard . . . and what she's running from. And nobody, not even Josie, is prepared for the surprising new fruit she'll find on her last trip home.

Sharing my takeaway ~

A guilt-inducing phone call from her brother-in-law brings Josie Mitchell back home to Sweetwater Gap to help with the apple harvest. Orchard Manager Grady Mackenzie doesn't appreciate the help, especially when Josie admits she came home to convince her sister to sell the orchard.

Relating to Josie was a challenge. She carried a staggering amount of guilt for years, choosing to bottle it up inside rather than talk about it with her sister or aunt, and wrestled with low self-esteem. She made a conscious decision before the story started that I didn't understand (no spoilers). Maybe she had too many issues. On the other hand, Grady, aka Marlboro Man, was easy to like. Betrayed by his ex-wife, he's vulnerable and lonely, and fears that Josie only cozies up to him to convince him to sell his small share of the orchard. Even so, he's kind and sweet, regardless of how she treats him.

Usually, Hunter's true-to-life characters and oh-so-delectable romance jerk me right into the story until I lose all track of time. But for me, Josie's heavy unresolved issues overwhelmed the actual romance in this book. That said, Sweetwater Gap is definitely one of those books that will leave you pondering long after you turn the last page. 

Disclaimer: I purchased Sweetwater Gap. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I received no monetary compensation.

Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to Port City Club in Cornelius, North Carolina. 

This lakefront restaurant is located on Lake Norman, where you can drive, walk or boat to your meal. 

Inside

Dora here. How have we not discovered this gem sooner? What a glorious day for sitting outside! Everybody else agreed with us. Port City Club offers generous seating inside and three different levels outside, including one covered. What a gorgeous, relaxing setting for any meal.

Covered patio

For my meal, I chose the Lobster and Shrimp Roll. Maine lobster, poached shrimp, scallion, basil, and mayo served on a New England style split roll. Huge and meaty with just the right amount of mayo, this sandwich was outstanding and matched any meal that I enjoyed during our visit to Maine. 

Dora here. I opted for the Port City Club, grilled chicken, bacon and smoked Gouda on a brioche roll. Delish! Tender, moist, and jazzed with a garlic aioli, I'd definitely go back for a repeat. 

Can't see the chicken? Here's a better view:

The service was attentive, friendly and flawless. Not once did our tea or water glass drain, and every time a server walked by, used items were scooped from the table with a smile. It's the perfect location for brokering business deals, families with active children, and couples looking for a romantic setting. 

We rate this restaurant 5 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving outstanding food.

That Look

Recently, we bought a new razor trike, a modern version of hot wheels, for Little Man to ride at our house. The back wheels pivot, which causes the whole trike to spin. When Little Man and our neighbor, also a classmate, race up and down our long driveway, it’s quite entertaining.



He wanted red like his buddy’s, but the stores around here only carried blue. At first, Little Man was disappointed, but that didn’t last long. Only until he discovered the joy of riding and spinning and tumbling onto the grass in make-believe crashes, giggling alongside his new friend.

And when I mentioned that Grandpa put the trike together?

Adoration blossomed on his cute face. “Grandpa, you built my bike?”

Not exactly, but…

That look.

As if his grandpa could do anything. As if building a bike was the coolest thing ever! Love and admiration and awe and delight all swirled together and swelled to shine from his face and lift his tiny shoulders.

And right then it hit me.

As a daughter of the Most High King and Creator of the universe, shouldn’t the world see that look on my face as I go through life?

The one thing I ask of the Lord—

the thing I seek most—

is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. ~ Psalm 27:4 (NLT)

Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to the Bloomingdale neighborhood of Washington DC and to Old Engine 12 Firehouse Restaurant. 

Constructed in 1895 as a firehouse, this beautiful structure housed firefighters for over a century until transformed in 2013 as a restaurant. "From the brass fireman’s pole to the Captain’s Loft we have preserved the legacy and character of the original firehouse that once served here."

Dora here. Sorry for the blurry photo. A rescue unit was parked across the street, and the red lights reflected from both directions. Fitting for a converted firehouse, right? :) Oh, and their website indicates this restaurant is located in the Bloomingdale neighborhood, but it's also only a couple blocks from Shaw.

The Grilled Brussel Sprouts appetizer with balsamic molasses syrup and sea salt was outstanding. With just the right amount of char and sweetness, these sprouts were delicious.

Grilled Brussel Sprouts Appetizer

The Classic Lasagna, made with short rib Bolognese, ricotta and arugula, was huge, definitely large enough to share. The pasta was homemade and thin and mixed great with the sauce and massive amounts of ricotta. The star of this dish was the brisket short rib; tender, juicy, and something you would not expect in lasagna. The only negative was the layer of arugula. More than I expected and a bit overwhelming. 

Classic Lasagna

Dora here. Beautiful dish, though, right? It's a stunner presentation, but I agree. One bite, and the pungent arugula took over for me. I'm glad I ordered the Firehouse Burger. lol. Meaty, thick and juicy, the special sauce jazzed up the flavor even more. Delish!

Firehouse Burger

We rate this restaurant 4 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving great food. Dora here. This restaurant deserves five forks for ambiance. As a converted fire station, how could it not? lol. We enjoyed the outside patio. Cool and breezy and quiet, easy for conversation. A perfect spot for dinner! 

Outdoor patio

They score 5 forks for presentation and the burger, but the excessive arugula brings it down to 4 overall.

What's the most unusual ingredient you've tasted in lasagna? Did you enjoy the twist or do you prefer traditional?

New Release: BURK'S SURRENDER, a Christian Romance Book

Happy Book Birthday to Burk's Surrender,

the third and final book in the Harmon Heritage series, 

where three siblings struggle to find healing and peace after their father's tragic death. 

Purchase Link ~ Available now

with Pelican Book Group

Deputy City Manager Burk Harmon has always been the strong one for his family, but recently those responsibilities have dwindled. When Lacie Heatherton, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation, ropes him into a city-sponsored trip to the mountains with fifty seniors, Burk has two things on his mind: considering a possible promotion and wooing Lacie past friendship and into a future. Lacie has emotional scars and a thirteen-year-old daughter to remind her that men can be cruel and unforgiving. Can Burk convince Lacie to relax her "no dating" policy or will he surrender his dreams of family and love?

Harmon Heritage, available with Pelican Book Group

Rori's Healing ~ available now

Beck's Peace ~ available now

Burk's Surrender ~ available now!

Meet Lacie Heatherton from BURK'S SURRENDER, a Christian Romance Book

Tell us your name and a little bit about yourself.

Hi guys! I’m Lacie Heatherton. Oops, I mean Lacie Harmon. Burk and I have only been married a few weeks, so I still haven’t adjusted to my new name. My thirteen-year-old daughter, Violet, lives with us along with my grandma Wilma. But I suspect Grandma won’t be here too much longer. Monty’s been coming around every night. Can you believe she finally ditched the baggy sweatpants? :)

Tell us about where you live and why you choose to live there.

We live in Harrison, North Carolina, in a Craftsman home I saw online. I’d bookmarked it, thinking I could scrounge up enough savings to buy it for Violet and me. But, then I almost lost my job and Violet needed braces. And, well, you know how it is being a single parent. Of course, the listing expired, but Burk’s twin brother, Beck, remodels and stages homes for a real estate company. His company picked up the listing for the tiny house. He added a bunch of square footage and transformed it into a gorgeous home. We snapped it up. It’s perfect for our family, and I love it!

What is a quirk of your personality that most people wouldn’t know?

Burk couldn’t stand that the number four by the front door at Grandma’s house hung crooked. Every time he came over, he straightened it. What he didn’t know was that I twisted it just to mess with him. He never found out!

What obstacles did you have to overcome to reach your happily-ever-after?

I had to harness the fear that rose up like a tidal wave and threatened to drown me. Fear that he would hurt me just like all the other men in my life. Fear that a man in Violet’s life would hurt her and complicate our lives. I had to trust him and trust that our ten years of friendship meant something, that it proved he was a man I could depend on and that he would never hurt us.

Tell us about your knight in shining armor. What makes him special?

Like I said, he would never hurt us, and his friendship has never wavered. Even when we went through a rough patch and I told him to leave, he didn’t. He’s been my friend since practically the day I met him. Part of my job was to take the Parks and Rec collections to him every day. After a few months of doing that, I started to plan my visits for late afternoon, after everybody had gone home, so we could chat uninterrupted. He was always kind, never complained that I took up too much of his time, and he seemed genuinely friendly. He never tried to push my buttons or ask me out. One night I complained that our washer had kicked the bucket. He offered to fix it. That was the first of many fixes and dinners that I cooked in trade. So, when Renee left me in the lurch with the senior trip, I knew I could count on him to go with us if I asked. Nicely. Which I did. And can you believe he accused me of batting my eyelashes?

But you know what really lights up my heart about my husband? His faith. It’s quiet, but steady and sure. Just like him. And he’s a family man. After his faith, he puts his family first. Always has.

The first time you saw him, what did you think? Did you like him immediately, or did he have to grow on you?

Oh, I liked him. With his friendly smile and that incredibly deep voice, how could I not? But the first time I saw him, he was a college intern and I was…pregnant. I didn’t introduce myself. What was the point? Dating was not on my agenda. I had more important things to worry about. Like how to keep my job when I spent every morning running to the bathroom or where I would sleep that night.

But then he became Finance Director, and I finally had the chance to really get to know him. I thought he’d arrange for me to turn in the collections to someone else, being so busy and all, but he didn’t. Our conversations started veering to personal things, and we became friends more than business associates.

And he’s over six feet of gorgeous! But like him? Not a chance! Not after being beaten by Violet’s father when I told him I was pregnant and then being kicked out of the house by my stepfather. Poor Burk had his work cut out for him. I’m so glad he didn’t give up!

COMING SEPT 18
With Pelican Book Group

Deputy City Manager Burk Harmon has always been the strong one for his family, but recently those responsibilities have dwindled. When Lacie Heatherton, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation, ropes him into a city-sponsored trip to the mountains with fifty seniors, Burk has two things on his mind: considering a possible promotion and wooing Lacie past friendship and into a future. Lacie has emotional scars and a thirteen-year-old daughter to remind her that men can be cruel and unforgiving. Can Burk convince Lacie to relax her "no dating" policy or will he surrender his dreams of family and love?

Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta, to Café Agora, a Turkish restaurant that serves Turkic, Arabic, Persian, and Greek food. Agora means “gathering place” or “assembly” and was the center of life in a city.

Since we're headed to Istanbul this fall, we decided to give Turkish food a try. We discovered dishes that we enjoyed, and others, not so much.

The Agora Mixed Grill consisted of several kabobs: chicken, lamb, adana (minced lamb), Kofta (ground beef), and beef/lamb gyros. All the meats were tender and juicy, and very tasty. My favorite was the lamb kabob. My least favorites were the gyro meats.

Agora Mixed Grill

The salad was fresh and light. Every single forkful zinged with flavor.

Agora Mixed Grill ~ under the bread

Dora here. I'd read great things about their Maza Platter appetizer. Hummus, Ezme (tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, onion, and walnuts), Eggplant Salad, Babaganush (another eggplant concoction), Piyaz (red beans, tomatoes, onion), Potato Salad, Fried Eggplant, Haydari (yogurt, walnuts, dill), Tabuli (parsley, tomato, cucumber), and Carrot Salad (made with yogurt). Phew! Is that it? :)

Maza Platter appetizer - small

Can you believe that's a small plate?? It's a whole meal! My faves were Ezme, Hummus, Haydari, Potato Salad, and Carrot Salad. They could've left off the three eggplant dishes, but that's just my personal preference. And they didn't blink when we asked for a second basket of that awesome bread. Delish! If you're looking for a sample of flavors, this is the dish to order.

It's always nice when a complimentary treat comes out with the bill.

Complimentary Rice Pudding

We rate this restaurant 5 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving outstanding food. 

Meet Burk Harmon from BURK'S SURRENDER, a Christian Romance Book

Tell us your name and a little bit about yourself.

I’m Burk Harmon, City Manager for Harrison, North Carolina. People around here like to tease that I look a lot like Drew Scott from the Property Brothers. I actually do have a twin brother, Beck. He just moved back to Harrison and married his high school sweetheart.

Tell us about where you live and why you choose to live there.

Harrison is a sleepy suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina. We moved here after our father’s death. He was a popular golfer, and the sports community and media blamed my mom for his suicide. Neighbors here tend to protect each other. They rallied around my family so I was proud and honored to come to work for the city. I interned here during college, and then I was offered the Finance Director’s job when I graduated. My old boss finally convinced me to apply for the City Manager’s job when he retired, and …here I am.

What is a quirk of your personality that most people wouldn’t know?

I like my clothes pressed, even my jeans.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to reach your happily-ever-after?

The biggest obstacle was convincing Lacie to relax her “no dating” policy. But then it was risking a decade long friendship to woo her into a future together as man and wife, as family. It was a challenge to show Lacie that all men were not created equal, but I think I finally did it. Not sure what swayed her in my favor. Maybe it was agreeing to escort her and fifty seniors on their trip to the mountains? Or the private picnic lunch I arranged? Or tutoring her daughter with her math homework?

Tell us about your special lady. What makes her special?

She’s beautiful, on the inside as well as the outside, and strong yet gentle. She’s a single parent and a wonderful mother to Violet even though she didn’t have the best example. As Assistant Parks and Rec Director, she works with the seniors, and she treats them all with respect and dignity, with as much tenderness and affection as if they were all her grandparents. The men in her life, men who should’ve loved and protected her, taught her that she couldn’t depend on us, so she covers a world of hurt with that make-my-heart-stop smile.

The first time you saw her, what did you think? Did you like her immediately, or did she have to grow on you?

I met Lacie after I officially came on board after graduation as the Finance Director. Lacie worked in Parks and Rec and used to bring in the cash they collected late in the afternoons. Her visits were the highlight of my days, still are, and I always made time to talk. Seemed like she needed a friend. Back then, she was only twenty one, a single parent of a toddler. It took a while before she took me up on my offer to fix some things around her Grandma Wilma’s house and to help Violet with math homework. It took her Grandma Wilma even longer to come around. Good thing Violet was in my corner.

Coming SEPT 18 with Pelican Book Group

Deputy City Manager Burk Harmon has always been the strong one for his family, but recently those responsibilities have dwindled. When Lacie Heatherton, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation, ropes him into a city-sponsored trip to the mountains with fifty seniors, Burk has two things on his mind: considering a possible promotion and wooing Lacie past friendship and into a future. Lacie has emotional scars and a thirteen-year-old daughter to remind her that men can be cruel and unforgiving. Can Burk convince Lacie to relax her "no dating" policy or will he surrender his dreams of family and love?

Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

For this edition of Excited about Eating we visited Smoke Modern Barbeque located in Huntersville's Birkdale Village. 

This ultra-modern restaurant is not your normal BBQ joint. With the contemporary, industrial style decor, you would expect a much higher priced menu.

Now I like to consider myself somewhat of a BBQ connoisseur, with my BBQ hobby of judging KCBS events. So when I visit a BBQ restaurant, I expect tournament quality meat, cooked to perfection with the right amount of smoke. I was not disappointed at this restaurant.

I planned to share with our grandson, so I could sample a variety of meats. I chose the Smokin’ Q Combo with pork spareribs, beef brisket, and smoked sausage with sides of mac n cheese and my favorite, tater tots. The ribs were perfect, not fall-off-the-bone overcooked, like so many BBQ restaurants, but with the right amount of pull and full of juice. The brisket was lean and tender, smoky, and definitely not dry. The sausage was a little spicy and full of favor.  

Smokin' Q Combo - 3 meats, Ribs, Sausage & Brisket

Dora here. A little spicy? Yowzers! That sausage was pop-your-eyeball spicy! Phew! One bite and our grandkiddo nibbled on the brisket and ribs instead. lol. 

Wow! So many items to choose from on their menu, it was difficult to pick just one. The Summer Strawberry Salad was just the right choice for lunch. With two of my favorite fruits, strawberries and pear sticks, how could I go wrong? Piled high with grilled chicken (shrimp was also an option), almonds and melt-on-your-tongue goat cheese and coated with balsamic vinaigrette, this salad was light and fresh. Delish!  

Summer Strawberry Salad

Can you believe that even with three of us eating only two meals, we still brought home two boxes of leftovers?

No debates over this, folks. 5 forks all the way!

When You Need to Recharge...

Struggling to find a job? Feeling stomped on by co-workers? Going through marital problems? Family discord. Rebellious children. Financial challenges. Medical issues. Or maybe you just lost a precious family member or friend.

You name it, and we’ve probably all faced it at some point. Pressure gains momentum as a culmination of events and issues take turns with their punches. Or it could be one major incident that knocks us until we’re staggering backward like a fighter in a boxing ring, squeezing the breath from our lungs until our vision blurs, the voices around us fading into oblivion.

We each handle stress differently. Some people thrive on it. Others tug the blanket back over their head and sleep. I tend to...

Run! Not run away because we all know that doesn’t solve any problems. But run to the mountains. 

Peace speaks to my soul here. Whispers that everything’s going to be all right, that life is more than writing and books. That God is in control and that He’s infinitely greater than my paltry problems. Being here brings God more into focus, and the pressure lifts. I can breathe deep again, liberated from the chains of worry that squeeze my chest.

If we can’t break away for a weekend, then this is where I run…

Not quite the same, but it’s nice to escape my desk and the mountain of tasks demanding my attention and slip away for a few minutes.

This year has been crazy busy. While I’m beyond thrilled that four of my books released between May and September, that also meant long hours hunched over my laptop, trying to keep the momentum going with my current work-in-progress and the extra writing related to marketing four books. You know how, at times, events just keep piling on your calendar until suddenly you've lost control? That's me this year, somewhere about April. I definitely needed a recharge, so we headed for the mountains over a long weekend.

It’s the same for hero Burk Harmon in Burk’s Surrender. As Deputy City Manager of fictional Harrison, NC, he deals with stress every day in his job, and as the oldest of the Harmon siblings, he’s been the glue that held his family together since their celebrity father’s tragic suicide. But he has a few weighty decisions to face. Like if he’s willing to risk his family’s emotional well-being with the increased visibility that accepting the City Manager’s position would demand, and moving beyond a decade of being “just friends” with Lacie. When she invites him to tag along with her and fifty elderly seniors to the mountains for a city event, he jumps on the chance to recharge. That, and spend time with her. :)

Where do you go to destress and recharge?

He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him,

whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! ~Isaiah 26:3 TLB

He's my yesterday, my tomorrow, my today.

He's my redeemer, my hiding place, my refuge.

He's the grace who covers a multitude of wrongs, the beauty in my ugly, the bridge to forever.

He's the restorer of my soul, the quiet in my storm, the still water of perfect peace.

He's my champion, my hero, my rock.

He's the sweet spot in my day, my reason for being,

my very next breath. ~Dora Hiers