This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.
Good Tidings, Red Plaid & Ham-Bone Soup
Hi readers! I’m writing my latest novel, the seventh book in my small town romance series, and there’s going to be a winter wedding. For those following the series, I won’t say who’s tying the knot. I will, however, offer a teaser: the bride will be wearing red instead of white…
While the soon to be Mr. and Mrs. X have been planning their New Year’s nuptials, I’ve been thinking about the time of the season. The books take place on the Gulf Coast where there isn’t much snow. I know because I live here. Here, children don’t have snow days. They have hurricane days. And when sleet does arrive, the cities shut down everything. Locals don’t complain about the lack of snow. Having lived here all of my life like my characters, I’m not a fan of cold. However, I do love the holidays. I love fuzzy blankets and boot socks. I love putting on my long john’s and drinking hot cocoa. I love chunky knit sweaters, wooly jackets, and red plaids.
I love the warm hues people surround themselves with in wintertime. Once, I worked in a florist’s shop. When December rolled around, shipments of red and white poinsettias arrived. I would often leave my desk for a stroll in the greenhouse. It was like walking into a fairy dream.
Wintertime is an excellent time to practice the art of the cuddle with the one you love. It’s the perfect time to curl up with a good book. I find that I read more in the winter than any other time of the year. It’s the ideal time to break out the crockpot, throw your favorite soup ingredients in and let them infuse your home with good smells. While Christmas may call for honey-baked ham, New Year’s simply cannot happen without black-eyed peas and ham-bone soup. I’ve been honing this recipe. It’s the reason my spouse found me standing over a soup pot at three o’clock in the morning on New Year’s last year. I invite you to it.
Amber Leigh’s Ham-Bone Soup Recipe
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Directions: Place ham in large pot with cold water. Bring to a boil. Add soup mix (with seasoning packet, if available). Return to boil then simmer for 2 hours. Remove ham bone to cool. Add remaining ingredients and continue cooking over medium heat until beans are tender. Remove meat from ham bone, dice and return to soup. Enjoy!
He believes he can’t be saved—she’ll prove him wrong!
Former SEAL Gavin Savitt always knew who he was—until his last deployment ended tragically. Now he’s home, his mind hijacked by trauma and the shadow of his once-perfect sight. Yet in this new hazy, unclear world, one person stands out—Mavis Bracken.
There are a million reasons why Gavin shouldn’t be with Mavis, including that she’s his best friend’s little sister. Yet he longs for her touch, her freckles and her special way with wild, skittish beasts like him. He just needs the courage to take his life back. And Mavis won’t let him give up without a fight.
About the Author: Amber Leigh Williams is a romance writer who lives on the US Gulf Coast. She lives for beach days, the smell of real books and spending time with her husband and their two young children. When she’s not keeping up with rambunctious little ones (and two large dogs), she can usually be found reading a good book or indulging her inner foodie. Amber is represented by the D4EO Literary Agency. Learn more at www.amberleighwilliams.com!
Buy the book at Amazon.
I love Navy Seals! I also love reading about them. I was drawn to cover because I saw the blue water. I can’t wait to read this!
Hi Audrey! I love reading Navy SEALs too!
I love blankets and fuzzy socks in the winter as well. You book sounds amazing.
Hi Debra! Thank you. Aren’t fuzzy socks the best!
I love making homemade soups. Thank you for sharing the Ham-Bone Soup recipe.
Hi Peggy! Winter soups are the best! You’re welcome 🙂
Wow, that soup sounds delicious. Thank you for sharing the recipe for it.
Hi Astilbe! You’re welcome 🙂
Thank you for the recipe, sounds delicious.
Hi Rita! You’re welcome 🙂
Thank you for sharing your recipe!
You’re welcome, Julie! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Thank you for sharing the recipe, sounds yummy!
Hi Naoures! I’m warming up the crockpit as we speak. You’re welcome!
I love romance novels. Would love to read this one!
Hi Vinessa, I love them too! I hope you enjoy Mavis and Gavin’s story 🙂
Never had ham bone soup! Might try that recipe!
Hi Jenness, it’s my favorite!
The Ham-Bone Soup recipe looks delicious! Thanks!
Hi Piroska! You’re welcome 🙂
There´is nothing like hearty soup on a cold day. Thanks for the tasty recipe.
Hi Madeleine, you’re right. I love soup on a cold day. Especially when it’s been cooking all day!
You are a new to me author, which I love finding! The book looks really good, so does the ham bean soup, got to try it.
Hi Martha, it’s lovely to meet you!
Navy Seal’s Match sounds like a good read. Thank you
Linda, you’re welcome!
**Winner** Madeleine McDonald, you’re our winner for the $25 Amazon Gift Card! Please send a confirmation email to amber@amberleighwilliams.com with your email address for your prize to be send.
Thank you to all those you participated!