#summertime #books #historicalfiction

What have you been up to in 2021?

I continue to move forward, ever-so-slowly, on my work-in-progress. Since I’ve been silent on the particulars, I thought it might be fun to throw out a teaser or two. (Fun for me, anyway, LOL!)

Writing a novel based in history is time-consuming. It takes me well over a year to research and get words on paper – and that’s not counting edits. Given this lengthy process, it makes sense to find a character I’ll enjoy spending time with. Someone who doesn’t bore me. I searched several possibilities for this book until one jumped out and didn’t let go. This gal grabbed my attention faster than a mosquito bite. I couldn’t resist her – a multi-talented powerhouse who achieved endless accomplishments.

As I followed the course of her life, I realized she also witnessed several important points in American history. Horse and carriage days that gave way to motorcars. The fight for suffrage. A global pandemic. Two World Wars. Mentioning these events merely scratches the surface of what it took to understand this globe-trotting woman of the world. In April, I took a research trip to her home (not telling where yet) and the visit reinforced my desire to write about a fascinating individual.

I hope these tiny crumbs have you as intrigued about her as I’ve been. I’m looking forward to sharing more in the coming weeks.

WE INTERRUPT THIS POST FOR A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT… 

Saturday, July 17, I’ll be doing my first live book signing in well over a year. I’m thrilled to pieces and hope you can stop by 6 North Café 14438 Clayton Road, Ballwin, anytime between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

6 North Café is a locally owned family business offering scrumptious food and drinks. It’s a great place to eat and enjoy a cuppa or two. Hope to see you there!

NOW BACK TO OUR REGULAR PROGRAMMING… 

Onward to a favorite recipe… and a definite people pleaser. This gem is a perennial hit for summer, especially when the sun is so darn hot, the parking lot asphalt softens like putty.

This recipe came to me years ago from a friend. Preparation is fast and chef-friendly, with practically no measuring, chopping, or complicated steps. At my house it’s hubby-approved and perfect for days when you can’t bear the idea of turning on an oven. Hubby loves the stuff so much he fills a bowl and devours it for dinner.

Beth’s Bean Salad (Note: This recipe is for a single batch, but I always double it)

2 cans black beans, rinsed

1 can Rotel (If doubling recipe I use one can original and one can mild-2 cans of original will really kick up the spice)

1 can Mexicorn, drained (or regular sweet corn, drained)

1 onion, chopped

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 Tbsp  olive oil

1 tsp red hot pepper sauce

Whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, and pepper sauce.  Add remaining ingredients and stir. Make this at least a day in advance for flavors to blend, and keep the bean salad refrigerated.

Could anything be simpler? Enjoy!

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Pat Wahler is the author of Western Fictioneers’ Best First Novel of 2018 and Walter Williams Award Winner, I am Mrs. Jesse James. She is also author of an award-winning contemporary romance series, the Becker Family Novels, and Let Your Heart Be Light, a Readers’ Favorite collection of Christmas-themed short stories.

Calling all bargain hunters! On a City Street, Book 1 of the Becker Family Novels, is currently available in eBook version for only $1.99 or FREE on Kindle Unlimited!