#The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie

[hallmark-movie-fanatics]

Hallmark Movie News Roundup

Hallmark Orders Jason Bourque’s ‘A Reason For the Season’

A new Hallmark movie about the magic of generosity, gratitude, and community is in the works! The network has ordered the drama TV movie ‘A Reason For the Season’ with Jason Bourque at the helm. The project’s filming is slated to begin on June 17, 2024, in Lower Mainland, British Columbia.

The television film follows the journey of a woman who must return to her quaint hometown to claim her inheritance. The stipulation? She must repay a group of locals for their kindness to her mother on the night of her birth. As she reconnects with her roots, she learns about her family’s past and discovers the heartwarming community whose generosity helped her mother through a tough time.

Click this LINK for more

Hallmark’s A Dad For Christmas Has Begun Filming in Vancouver

Cameras are ready to roll in Vancouver for the upcoming Hallmark production, ‘A Dad For Christmas.’ Jason Bourque is set to direct this forthcoming venture. The plot revolves around a 12-year-old Sunshine Scout who takes it upon herself to find a new romantic partner for her mother. Her target? The attractive owner of a nearby bakery. Vancouver, the Canadian entertainment hub, has hosted previous Hallmark projects like ‘Hope at Christmas’ and ‘Love, Lights, Hanukkah!’

Click this LINK for more.

Hallmark Orders 12 Clues of Christmas; Starts Filming in Vancouver in June

’12 Clues of Christmas,’ an upcoming Hallmark production, is all set to begin filming in Vancouver in June. Lucie Guest is on directorial duties for this forthcoming venture. Stephanie Sourapas and Tom McCurrie are behind the script.

The plot revolves around Avery and Lewis Plum, proprietors of a struggling candy store and grappling with marital discord on the brink of their fifth anniversary, as they embark on a transformative journey when Avery orchestrates a Christmas treasure hunt contest in bustling Chicago to reignite their fading connection. Despite initial apprehensions, Lewis joins in, hoping to mend their fraying relationship bonds. However, the unexpected appearance of Avery’s charismatic ex-boyfriend, Wes, introduces a new layer of tension, challenging the couple’s resolve. As they navigate the contest’s challenges and confront unresolved emotions, Avery and Lewis rediscover the essence of their love. Yet, miscommunications with Wes and a denied loan application amplify their struggles, compelling them to stake their hopes on winning the competition to save their beloved Sugar Plums store from closure. Through adversity, conflicts, and surprising revelations, Avery and Lewis emerge victorious, not only securing their business’s future but also reigniting the flame of their enduring love, reaffirming their commitment to each other amidst the trials of life.

Click this LINK for more.

Hallmark’s Engaged To Be Murdered Starts Filming in Vancouver This Month

The filming of Hallmark’s upcoming TV movie ‘Engaged To Be Murdered’ will start in Vancouver, British Columbia, this month. David I. Strasser is directing this murder mystery based on a script by Katherine Wagner. The plot centers on a murder in a small town, where a local advice columnist, privy to the town’s secrets, attempts to aid the investigation but clashes with the police detective handling the case.

Click this LINK for more.

Hallmark’s ‘Autumn’s Gift’ Begins Filming in British Columbia

The filming of Hallmark’s ‘Autumn’s Gift’ will begin on April 29 in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. Mike Rohl is directing the movie, starring Ashley Williams and Hrothgar Mathews. The plot revolves around a woman struggling to get along with her difficult neighbors after moving to a new condo in Pittsburgh. Her life takes a turn when she meets the handsome building supervisor.

Click this LINK for more.

Hallmark Orders The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie Adaptation

Lolly Blanchard and her Aunt Gert are set to be reimagined soon! Hallmark has ordered a telefilm adaptation of Rachel Linden’s novel ‘The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie.’ The project’s shooting will start on June 3 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The heartwarming book has a fantastical twist and perfectly fits the Hallmark style of storytelling. Van Evera is the banner behind the TV movie.

The plot revolves around 34-year-old Lolly Blanchard, who finds herself at a crossroads in life. While running her family’s struggling diner, she grapples with unfulfilled dreams and lingering regrets. Her dreams of opening her own cafe are in tatters, and her dad won’t even let her make changes at the family diner. She regrets breaking up with her boyfriend, Rory Shaw, the only man she ever loved.

However, as the narrative progresses, Lolly’s eccentric Aunt Gert gifts her with three magical lemon drops, and her world is turned upside down. With each drop, she is transported to alternate realities where her dreams have come true—a bustling café of her own, a day spent with her late mother, and a reunion with her first love, Rory Shaw. As Lolly lives through these possibilities, she is presented with one final droplet, allowing her to make any of them her reality.

Click this LINK for more.

Hallmark Orders ‘My Dreams of You’; Starts Filming in Ottawa

A new, fantastical Hallmark romance has already started shooting! Crown Media’s ‘My Dreams of You’ is being filmed in Ottawa, Ontario. The project’s shooting began on the 13th of this month and is set to be wrapped by June 3, 2024.

The film will introduce us to the magical, ethereal dimension of Dream Land, where dream associates are assigned people for whom they build dreamscapes. These dreamscapes are made from the people’s memories before they fall asleep. The dream associate assigned to Grace McIntyre, a struggling writer, accidentally shows her the man of her dreams, a charming musician, Michael. The blunder can have serious ripple effects through the fabric of time if the two meet. Therefore, the responsible dream associate must ensure that the pair remains separated.

Click this LINK for more.

[terissalovesmulitfandom]

this needs a sequel as well I would love to see the book ending play out and see Lolly and Rory's rekindled romance

[nevinslibrary]

Weird & Wonderful Wednesday

So, yes, there was a movie based on this book on the Hallmark Channel about two weeks ago. It was fun. But, I definitely think that the book was better.

Lolly’s life is not the easiest. Basically she is just trying to keep everything in the air at the same time, not drop anything. Keep her family’s diner going, take care of her sister and father, etc. Then, as she’s about to turn 33 her Aunt gives her three lemon drops, each of them will allow her to live a day in a life that could have been hers.

I love What Ifs. I love Marvel What Ifs, DC Elseworlds (which is the DC What Ifs), and so, this book was right in my wheelhouse, right up my alley. And indeed, it was. There aren’t a whole lot of primarily romance genre books that can fit into the Weird & Wonderful Wednesday, but, this book was definitely filled with wonder, and with things that made me think too. A really fun read.

You may like this book If you Liked: The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, A Taste of Magic by Tracy Madison, or One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie by Rachel Linden

[mercerislandbooks]

A Double Dose of 50 Years of Island Books: Rachel Linden / Martha Brockenbrough

Rachel Linden is a novelist and international aid worker whose adventures in over fifty countries around the world provide excellent grist for her writing. She is the author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, The Enlightenment of Bees, Becoming the Talbot Sisters, and Ascension of Larks. Currently Rachel lives with her family on a sweet little island near Seattle, WA where she enjoys creating stories about strong women facing big challenges, travel, food, and second chances at love. She promises her readers a happy, or at least very hopeful, ending and infuses each of her stories with a touch of magical realism. Her newest novel, Recipe for a Charmed Life, comes out in early 2024.

Miriam: Welcome, Rachel. Let's start with your first visit to Island Books. Where were you in your career then, and what stood out about the store?

Rachel: When I think of Island Books, I feel I can sum it up best in the word "inviting". I first visited Island Books when my second novel, Becoming the Talbot Sisters, was about to release. If I remember correctly, I came bearing homemade cookies my husband and son had made, and an advanced reader copy of my new book. I was hoping to meet some of the staff and see if they'd be interested in stocking my book. I was instantly charmed by the special Island Books vibe. I love independent bookstores and feel so fortunate that we have so many in our area. Island Books has always been one of my very favorites because of the wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable staff (with fabulous owner Laurie at the helm), the inviting places to sit and stay awhile, and such an excellent and extensive selection of books. They were so warm and welcoming to me on my first visit, and I continue to greatly enjoy and appreciate their enthusiastic support and care for local authors like me! I love every chance I get to be at Island Books because I always feel so welcomed. It's an inviting, enjoyable space with true book lovers, and for a bookworm like me, that's basically my definition of paradise!

Miriam: Rachel, you can't drop a teaser about bringing cookies to Island Books and not share the specific recipe. When many of us think of you, we think, foodie book club, mmmm.....Will you share which cookies you brought to that first event here on the blog? We can make them official "Rachel-Linden's-Take-a-Trip-to-Island-Books cookies" or something. 

Rachel: Absolutely! I can't remember exactly which cookies I brought the first time I visited Island Books, to be honest! But here's a recipe for some amazing lemon bars that I know I brought along with an advanced reader copy of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie!  These delicious lemon bars are super easy and super yummy! I enjoy this recipe from one of my favorite baking sites, Sally's Baking Addiction! I amended it slightly, but mostly it is her recipe. 

Rachel-Linden's-Take-a-Trip-to-Island-Books-Luscious-Lemon-Bars

Ingredients

SHORTBREAD CRUST

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour 

optional: you can add a bit of the zest of the lemon to the crust for added lemon flavor

LEMON FILLING

2 cups granulated sugar

6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

6 large eggs

1 cup lemon juice (about 4-5 large lemons)

powdered sugar for dusting over the top of the bars when cooked and cooled

optional: add a bit of the zest of the lemon to the filling for an added kick of lemony flavor 

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Carefully line the bottom and sides of a 9×13 glass baking pan (do not use metal for these bars) with parchment paper, leaving the paper hanging over the sides so you can easily lift the finished bars out. This is an important step and makes cutting the bars much easier!). 

Make the crust: Mix the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt together in a large bowl. Add the flour and stir to completely combine. The dough will be quite thick. Press firmly into your prepared pan, making sure the layer of crust is nice and even with no holes. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until you see the edges of the crust are lightly browned. Remove from the oven. Using a fork, poke holes all over the top of the warm crust (careful not to poke all the way through the crust). This helps the filling stick and holds the crust in place. Set crust aside.

Make the filling: Sift the sugar and flour together in a large bowl. Whisk in the eggs, and then add the lemon juice (and zest if using) and stir until completely combined.

Pour filling over the warm crust. Bake the bars for 22-26 minutes or until the center is relatively set and no longer jiggles. (You can give the pan a light tap with an oven mitt to test that the filling is set.) Remove bars from the oven and cool completely at room temperature. It is recomemnded to cool them for about 2 hours at room temperature, then stick in the refrigerator for 1-2 more hours until fairly chilled. 

Once cool, lift the parchment paper out of the pan using the overhang on the sides. Dust the bars with confectioners’ sugar and cut into squares before serving. Enjoy! 

Miriam: Thank you! Okay, one last question, now that I'm thinking about The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie. One of the big messages in that book is that instead of looking backward, we should make the best of things and focus on the road ahead. With that theme in mind, as we head toward our store's 50th anniversary, what do you think the road ahead looks like for indie bookstores?

Rachel: Looking forward, I believe indie bookstores will continue to thrive because of the amazing connections they provide between people and great stories. In an increasingly digital world, to walk into an independent bookstore, talk to smart, book loving booksellers, and walk out with amazing stories in our hands...that personal experience cannot be replaced. For authors, independent bookstores offer wonderful opportunities for us to make personal connections with book lovers—both bookselling professionals and readers. I think Island Books does this so beautifully, and what they offer will continue to be valued by readers and authors alike. 

Miriam: Thanks so much for stopping by our blog, Rachel. We always love hearing from you.

To our community—if you make Rachel's Lemon Bars, send us a picture! In the next installment of Island Books, I'll be talking to...

50 Years of Island Books: Martha Brockenbrough

Martha Brockenbrough (rhymes with broken toe) is the author of Frank and the Masked Cat and more than twenty books for young readers, including YA fiction and nonfiction, picture books, a middle grade mystery, and a chapter book series. Her next nonfiction book for teens, Future Tense, will hit shelves in 2024.

A faculty member at Vermont College of Fine Arts, she's also the founder of National Grammar Day (every March 4), and she's written game questions for Cranium and Trivial Pursuit.

The former editor of MSN.com, Martha has interviewed lots of celebrities, including the Jonas Brothers and Slash. Her work has been published in a variety of places, including The New York Times. She also wrote an educational humor column for the online encyclopedia Encarta for nine years. 

She lives in Seattle with her family. Her favorite kind of food is Indian, although Thai runs a close second. Besides writing, she likes dogs, cats, cooking, weight-lifting, and laughing.

Miriam: I'm so excited to have you here, Martha, especially because my 10-year-old twins LOVED To Catch a Thief and we are big fans of yours. Let's start with your first visit to Island Books. Where were you in your career then, and what stood out about the store?

Martha: That makes my day! The book is set in a slightly distressed Seabrook—if you ever go, the kids will recognize some of the sights!

Meanwhile, I can’t even remember the first time I went into Island Books. I’m a Bellevue native and only a few years older than the store. So let’s just say I have no memories of life without Island Books. As an author, though, I think one of the first events I attended was for the wonderful Jennifer Longo debut novel, Six Feet Over It, inspired in part by her life growing up at a cemetery. My first event with Island Books was a King County Library fundraiser—Garth Nix and I were in conversation with each other. I really love his writing and it was so much fun learning more about how he thinks about storytelling. 

I led here with the people, because in truth the writing and reading life isn’t lived only on the page. I love Laurie (and we share appreciation for a good Old Fashioned). I’ve known Lillian and Caitlin for years and through other stores, and I so appreciate people who make a life out of literature. The store itself is an absolute treat. It’s exquisitely edited and I find something I didn’t know I needed every time I go in. It’s also a place I love to shop for gifts, and not just books—the whole store is full of beautiful and joyful objects.

Miriam: We've been to Seabrook and yes they did recognize the sights, funny you mention that. I think that's half the fun of reading local authors who write about the Pacific Northwest! These are great memories, and for us it's all about the people too, so we love that. Tell me, I know we've offered special pre-orders of signed copies of your books over the years. Do you have any special memories of signing in the store?

Martha: Coming to Island Books is like a visit with old friends. Seeing Lillian and Caitlin at Island Books gathers all of those fond memories from other stores in one place—and it’s a testament to the deep knowledge that the stores booksellers have. They are in this work for life. I was a reader first, and truly I always will be. So to have my reader heart in such good hands means the world to me. 

Miriam: Thanks, Martha. We're so grateful for to have you and your books in our lives too.

To our Island Books community: In the next 50 Years of Island Books installment, I’ll be talking to author Elise Hooper about how she crashed a staff party the first time she visited our store, and why her underdog stories have a special appeal at Island Books.

—Miriam

[the-ellia-west]

What is everyone's favorite foods/drinks? :3

Ronan: I've always liked goat stew, and lemon water!

Finn: Cheese and dried fruit are so good, I don't care that they're simple and a little flavorless. As for drinks, I love cold Cidar!

Morena: Oh! Well, Angel cakes, and Ginger cinnamon tea are always a lovely combination, honestly, I don't think there's anything that can top it!

Rose: Ooh, That's a fun question! Nothing tops a fresh Apple Pie and something my mom used to make called a butterscotch steamer!

Jakkon: Rakia, and uh... probably truffles or something I suppose, I don't know.

Mangrove: Sun peaches! Those things were SO GOOD, though I suppose I can't eat them now. Mortal food, Honey and Peaches, and for drinks, I like Pineapple juice?

Wild: I loved Shortcake when I could snatch it, and uh... idk, water? Milk maybe?

Phenik: Food? Hm, I love Salted Bubble fish with rice, and whenever my dad could get cherry syrup from the Overlands for the Lemon juice things the servants used to make my brothers and I.

Fye: Warm sweetbread and Orange juice. Though I did always love Amber drops when Father let me have them.

Rune:CHERRY PIE AND LEMONADE!!!

Eveny: Some nice lavender tea and cream tarts? Perfect for a holiday or a nice late night conversation by the fireplace!

Aseiri: I love lemon cake and strawberry pudding and grape juice.

Niisuda: ...Pancakes. And Iced water when we can get it.

Eynalis: Lamb, and good wine.

Jatár: Caviar or something, Screw off.

Kyrin: Probably good cheese and Nightlily ale. It has a strange tanginess to it.

Mirês: Something with Magic in it, Vykin most likely (Vykin is a type of potato that tastes like pomegranites and pineapples with a bit of starchy, sweet, and earthy tones to it)

Thank you for the ask! I hope you enjoyed this!

[bumpintheroad]

Book of the day??? 👀

i’m currently reading “The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie” as a little pallet cleanser from thriller books haha 😅

[sakuramidnight15]

-RSA OC Information-

Character Bio

Name: Venomia Fleur

(Japanese: ヴェノミア・フルール)

Romaji: Vu~enomia Furūru

Quote: "I require my own patience, not out-lashing mannerisms... So do you mind?"

V/A: Ai Fairouz (Japanese)

Gender: Female

Age: ???

Birthday: January 2

Star Sign: Capricorn

Eye Color: Light Green (Her normal eye color)

??? (Unknown Eye Color)

Hair Color: Light Red Ash

Height: 174 cm

Race: Crestia Demi-Goddess

Species: Abyssal Type (High-ranked)

Homeland: Themyscira Empire (4th Kingdom Level)

Family: Unnamed Parents

Unnamed two older sisters

Unnamed Grandparents

Unnamed Family-in-laws

_________________________________________

School Status and Fun Facts

Dorm: Crystaleon (@fumikomiyasaki)

School Year: Third

Class: 3-A (Same Class with Aine)

Student no. 20

Occupation: Student

Maiden of the Fleur Temple

Head Mistress of Ivy Domain

Club: N/A

Best Subject: Potions, Mathematics, and Science

Dominant Hand: Ambidextrous

Favorite Color: Green, Light Yellow, White, and Red

Favorite Food: Fried Kebabs, Iced Lemonade, Sour-flavoured Food (Mostly), Lemon and Honey Drops Candies, Mango Peach Pie, Tropical Drinks, Fried Meat (Mostly), Maple Syrup Pancakes (With various Berries),

Least Favorite Food: Too much Ketchup, Bitterness (Mostly), Tasteless Food, Goat Meat (Mostly), Jawbreakers, Herbals (That tasted bitter), Bubblegums,

Likes: Exploring New Forest Realms (Mostly), Botanical Activities, Reading Chinese Graphics, Flower-seeing, Many Monstrous-Flesh Eating Monsters (Mostly), Meditation, Flower-crown making, Temple Visiting,

Dislikes: Loud Noises from the sky (Mostly), Aine and Isamu's bickerings (Mostly), Seeing Achlys's mood swings, Someone or Something wasting her time, Anything that seems distasteful to her opinion, Her older sister's ranting about marriage, A wish that cost building destruction,

Hobbies: High Collected Memory, Temple Visiting, Meditation, Wanting to see a Monstrous-Flesh Eating Monster (Mostly), Botanical Activities (Mostly), Exploring new Forest Realms (Mostly), Flower-crown making, Being a daily alarm clock for her fellow crestia demi-gods (Mostly),

Talents: High-skilled Abyssal Magic, Hypnosis Abilities, Demi-God Physical Strength, Floral Mage Abilities, Poison Plant Manipulation, Snap Dragon Command, ???,

Nicknames: Vena or Monia (From her family and friends)

Venomia-senpai or Fleur-senpai (From the freshmen students)

Lady Fleur (From all the Servants)

Via or Vivi (From her fellow Crestia Demi-gods)

Noa (From her older sisters)

Other Nicknames:

Lady of the Maddest Poison

_________________________________________

Appearance and Personality

Appearance: Venomia has an average female body build but has an structure up-building which is unusual for a female individual like her, which means her structure is similar to a man but much more feminine. She has light ash red colored hair which she ties the right side of it into a side ponytail. She has light green colored eyes but when using her crestia demi-god abilities the color of the other color for it remains unknown for the time being. Venomia is considered to be an understandable individual but is mostly centered when it comes to things that aren't in her area.

Personality: Born as the youngest child within her lineage, Venomia was considered to be dull and has the incapability of feeling much of other emotions, despite the fact that she had never failed to disappoint the family and its historical upbringing, not a single emotion surfaced into her childhood days. To Venomia's thoughts on it back then, she found nothing to be considered as worth to hold within her lifestyle, which concerned towards her parents and sisters ever since till a certain issue within the family had brought up within the Ivy Temple just to drag Venomia down the pit of her living which turned her into a lifeless of her shell.

But all things changed when the grand ivy within the temple chose Venomia to be its current user for its power and legacy, for the first few times within her lessons as the lady of the temple, it indeed brought the young crestia demi-goddess into a spring of sudden emotions after seeing nature and it's abilities as time passes on within her life, which it includes her fascination of plant monsters who are capable of consuming fleshed beings, which Venomia finds them thrilling as she grew older.

The current Venomia we're seeing now in the present-timeline is known for her secured obedience and disciplinary for many valid reasons as her job applied so for many, but she can be understandable for various situations as a crestia demi-goddess, like her other fellow crestia demi-gods within the dorm, she seems to be a neutral fellow member within the dorm itself within a daily schedule. Despite her current appearance as she grew up in present, she seems to have managed to have an understanding of some emotions she has in the present but for the rest has remains unknown for her own curiosity or more.

She seems to be rather okay with much of the situations however she can raise her ears to hear something that catches her interesting in some other way around but it depends on how she responds to them in her own opinion and level. Which is why she is understanding with her ears and mature for her age of level. Although she would rather stay low for status for various reasons which seems rather important which she cannot answer, although she can get a headache if things were going out of hand and level for her management, which Venomia is more of an assisting role kind of individual and does not want any leadership role but she'll manage somehow but not for long on her brain and balance.

Though obedience is one thing to know, but her limit is far beyond limits whenever she's about to cross with. Composed and ladylike but silent as a trap ready to be at upon, Venomia wouldn't hesitate to remind and goes sometimes for brutality of violence on anyone who misreads her mind and words, sometimes silence is an all the way to go but for Venomia and her upbringing childhood? No. She knows more than what's there behind them.

Please give her some thinking whenever another issue is brought up, she isn't fast at getting things done but is clever for settled ideas to the bottle.

_________________________________________

Trivia

-The name 'Venomia' means name by the word 'venom'. While her surname 'Fleur' is a french name for the word 'flower'.

-She's based on 'Serah Farron'. One of the characters within the Final Fantasy Game Series.

-Loves seeing forest realms, including some forest within the countries of the rift border. Venomia visits them whenever she has the chance.

-Seems to have her knowledge of the other races within the rift as well.

-Venomia knows how to handle her words, clever that she misunderstood on anything she hears.

-Is an true expert on botanical activities, especially on greenhouses and powerplants.

-Is okay with her family desire drama going on in the past but things have settled down in the present.

-She seems annoyed a bit whenever her sister mentions marriage, Venomia would make an expression including uninterested thoughts in it as well.

-She and Isamu were dance partners back then, but eventually became neutral with one another. It seems that Isamu understood her conflicted personality after meaning her.

-She's also neutral within the dorm members and belongs in the dark side with Achlys as an abyssal type like him, however he seems to be the only one she talks to despite others within.

-Is also a daily alarm clock in between for Aine and Achlys, although she does seem to be bothered by it at all.

-Rarely finds anything interesting from her past till now, but she hides her curiosity till she says so.

-Aine seems to be interested in Venomia before they enter the dorm, the two become rather friends in the end with odd likings towards each other.

-She and Achyls often have an understatement agreement towards nature and its abilities. He seems to not mind seeing her thrill-ment of fleshed eating monsters whenever he brought it up to her.

-The issue that was mentioned before was in fact the trouble at the Ivy Temple before she became the lady in the present timeline. In the past one afternoon around at sunset, Venomia had wandered towards it till she came in contact with an extremely rare amount of poison kicked in from the temple itself, which caused her family and sisters to put an uproar with the household upon the tragedy till she managed to regain consciousness during her midweek survival on her revival. She was hospitalized for five weeks.

-Her voice sounds low and decent when talking to others, but however the tone and words go differently on another level whenever she feels moody. Which is why I chose Ai Fairouz to be her voice actor.

-Is fluent in Chinese Language.

-Venomia can get headaches for things that aren't in her forte. She'd rather not handle it eventually.

-Makes flower crowns out of habit whenever she feels bored.

-She is mostly found reading Chinese books in any secluded areas whenever she's on her free time or feeling bored within the academy.

[deathsweetblossoms]

[dancing-mylife-away]

august reads:

cobalt red: how the blood of the congo powers our lives by siddharth kara: 5 ⭐️

death at morning house by maureen johnson: 5⭐️

the magic of lemon drop pie by rachel linden: 4⭐️

the star-crossed sisters of tuscany by lori nelson spielman: 3 ⭐️

faithless by karin slaughter (grant county #5): 4.5 ⭐️

[stacyalesi]

Spotlight Review: RECIPE FOR A CHARMED LIFE by Rachel Linden

Spotlight #BookReview: RECIPE FOR A CHARMED LIFE by Rachel Linden, a wonderful read that is very well done, engaging, and even inspiring - plus a touch of magic! #RachelLinden @BerkleyPub @penguinrandom #foodiefiction #bookstagram #romance #magicalread

CLICK TO PURCHASE From the publisher: After a day of unrivaled disappointments, a promising young chef finds every bite of food suddenly tastes bitter. To save her career, she travels to the Pacific Northwest to reconnect with her estranged mom, and discovers a family legacy she never suspected in this delicious novel from the bestselling author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie. American chef…

[3xm-draconic]

Respite (werebat Cyris story)

Summary: The gang has a nice night of fun together...and Cyris learns some valuable info.

“FINALLY” Roger cried as they reached the town of Rivington “CIVILIZATION!”, “warm beds…” Wyll sighed, “fresh supplies!” Lae’zel grinned,“BETTER BOOZE!” Roger howled excitedly.

“Ooh there’s a little bookstore in town, I wonder if they might have a few new recipe books” Gale hummed, “I can see a tavern! We have enough gold, let's eat out tonight everybody” Allegra said as she skipped along the path.

“Eating out would be a nice change of pace from having to cook all the time” Cyris groaned, “I agree, eating out at a nice restaurant sounds like a rather nice date~” Astarion smiled.

At the inn they were staying at, a cheap place called: The 12 Rusty Swords Inn, they settled down for a feast.

Karlach and Wyll ordered a warm meaty stew to share together.

Halsin and Lae’zel both ordered a dish of roasted parsnips and other root vegetables covered in a tangy sauce.

Roger had a fish dish while Allegra ordered a pheasant pie.

Gale and Shadowheart enjoyed a platter of assorted meats and other delicacies they could dip into a small cauldron of cheese portabley heated by a magical rune.

Jaheira snacked on scones and had a nice pot of tea to go along with it.

Astarion ordered a steak…cooked VERY rare, nearly raw and Cyris had black pudding (blood sausage) with toast and eggs.

“Ahhh~ this is great! Finally a little reprieve from the craziness of travel and adventuring” Karlach smiled as she patted her stomach, “I couldn’t agree more, but we will have to depart soon, to stop the elder brain…” Gale forebodingly said.

“Well I ain’t doing that till I’ve tried the drink menu” Roger mumbled “now” he pulled out a pair of spectacles “lets see…”

“Iam not getting drunk, I am too old for such shenanigans” Jaheira mumbled.

“Zelly and I are gonna hit the hay early” Halsin said as he and Lae’zel whent upstairs to their room.

“I’am down to party!” Karlach grinned, “me too” Wyll added, “I think a little fun is in order, Shadow what do you think?” Gale turned to the raven-haired half elf, Shadowheart smiled “drinks sound delightful”. 

“Mmm~ the wine selection they have here isn’t too bad” Astarion hummed, “Drinks for most of us then…unless you’d like more tea Jaja?”, Jaheira snickered at her nickname “I would not mind another pot of camomile” she laughed.

The drink menu was…well it had quite a lot actually, it was hard to pick between the wines, hard liquors or mixed drinks.

So Roger came up with a system…

“Ok so, we’ll use my dice to decide what we’ll drink, what number on them is the menu number you order” he grumbled, “ooh~ like a game of chance!” Shadowheart hummed “exciting~”.

They all rolled the dice to see who picked first…

Wyll rolled the highest…

“31…Eye of the Beholder…hmmm sounds…interesting” he pondered.

The drink that arrived was a blue-tinted gin drink with dozens of little “eyeballs” floating in it, when Wyll bit into one of them it popped in his mouth an oozed with the flavor of mangos “Wow this…this is actually pretty good” he grinned.

“My turn!” Karlach excitedly snatched the dice from the table.

“52…Bubbling Black Brew?” she pondered.

The drink she ordered was a deep black fizzy wine served with a twist of lemon peel, when she took a taste she grinned “ooh~ it’s blackberry and lemon flavored” she happily sipped away.

Gale took the dice and rolled next…

“23…The…Hammer?” he pondered worriedly “that sounds interesting…”

The drink that came was served in a huge pewter chalice, it looked like they dumped every alcohol they had and the kitchen sink in there…but Gale took a sip and said it was good.

Shadowheart nervously looked at the dice “oh please be something good…” she pleaded.

“81, Ambrosia? Hmm never heard of that”

The drink smelled of coconut, ripe passion fruit, raspberries and peaches “OH there is some strong rum in here” she gasped.

“ALRIGHT MY TURN!” Roger excitedly grabbed his dice and rolled…

“61…candy drop…”

The drinks that came were a colorful drink covered in every candy that smelled potently of vanilla and a shot of  candies infused with liquor “oop well not what I was expecting…down the hatch!” Roger said as he dropped the candies into the vanilla drink and downed it in one go.

 Allegra was handed the dice next…

“14…Jellycube shots…”

6 small cubes of jelly on little platters, each a different color were served, Allegra grabbed the red one, squished it a little and then bit it “OOOH cherry flavor” she grinned. The green was apple, blue was berry, orange was citrus, yellow was banana, purple was grape. “vashe zdorov'ye!” Allegra cheered 

Astarion was handed the dice…

“100…Fairy Blood?” he laughed…

The drink that was served was thick and bright red, Astarion took a sip “haha it’s spicy tomato juice and vodka haha” he beamed.

Lastly it was Cyris’s turn…

 “4…strawberry fizz”

The drink that came was served in a tall fluted glass, it was a translucent pink that faded to a deep red and had chunks of strawberries in it. It fizzed and had a head of foam on top. Cyris smelled it, the scent of fresh berries mixed with champagne, lavender syrup and honey tantalized his senses. He sipped it… the taste was, “the berries…waiter where do you get your supply of strawberries?” he turned to their waiter, a tried-looking half-orc man.

“Some place called samgin…sanghen…woods something?” he grumbled, “sanguinwoods?” Cyris beamed, “yhea I think so” the waiter mumbled, “do..do you know anything about the village? If…if anything has happened to them?” Cyris asked him, a twinge of fear in his voice.

“I don’t know anything pal, haven’t heard anything in a while from em’, you could ask Max Tanpelr the town export manager” the waiter sighed and left.

Cyris looked worried…   

Their room was modest…but comfy.

Astarion missed the more lavish hotels and inns but this place was…charming, the little box of candy on the bedside tables was a nice touch.    

“Cyris~” Astarion called from the bedroom “come to bed darling~”, there was no reply, “C-Cyris?...” Astarion walked out of the bedroom and saw Cyris looking out their balcony.

“What troubles you my sweet?”, “...Whimbly said she’d kill my family…my village if I left…” Cyris had something in his hand…a faint glint of silver…

“Cyris?!” Astarion rushed over to his lover, Cyris held a knife in his hand…

“What…what if they're all dead? WHAT IF THEY DIED BECAUSE OF ME!?” he screamed as he held the blade to his arm, “CYRIS!” Astarion managed to grab hold of his wrist and wrench the blade free from his grasp “WE TALKED ABOUT THIS!”he shrieked.

Cyris dropped to the floor…

He was shaking…

He was crying…

“It’s all…my..fault…” he cried “all…my..fault…”

Astarion held him, held his lover’s head to his chest “shhh, shhh darling, it’s ok…” he raised Cyris’s face to his “you don’t know if they are hurt and his scares you…but hurting yourself won't fix that, we will find out more about them and if they are ok, ok?” He hugged him tightly.

“And if they aren’t ok?” Cyris whimpered…

“If things aren’t ok…if Whimbly has…has hurt them then we will avenge them” he kissed Cyris’s brow “don’t hurt yourself, please, I can’t stand to see you hurt yourself darling” he nuzzled Cyris “seeing you hurt hurts me”.

Astarion led Cyris to the bed and helped tuck him in, he wrapped his arms around him and held him close.

“I promise Cyris, I promise things will be ok…” 

The next morning Cyris and Astarion whent to see Max the town importer/exporter about his ties to sanguinwood shier…

Cyris’s belly churned in painful knots…he was panicking, his heart felt like it would explode out his ribcaged… 

“It’s alright darling, just hold my hand” Astarion assured him.

“Max?” Astarion called out “Max Tanpelr?”, “yes?” a little gnome man poked his head out from behind some boxes “what do you need of me my good fellow?” he chirped enthusiastically.

Astarion didn’t particularly like dealing with gnomes…too…happy…for his liking “we would like to know about one of your suppliers, a place called sanguinwood?, a little halfling village nestled in the spine of the world just beyond coldwood?” Astarion asked him. Max pondered, his face scrunched up in thought “oh yes I do know them, nice little place, BIG RED TREES! Have you ever seen them?, golly they are a sight!”, Astarion shook his head “no, no I’ve never been there, but my sweet darling here is from there and he wants to know how things have been?”

 Max smiled “oh never better, just got a shipment of plump red strawberries, cartons and cartons of them!” he beamed “why Rayford farm is my number 1 supplier” he smiled.

Cyris was brought to tears “y…you buy from my family?”, “your family?...GARL GLITTERGOLD’S BEARD!, you're their lost little boy aren’t you?” Max gawked “goodness boy your mother has worried herself near sick looking for you!”, Cyris started crying, Astarion turned to max…a little annoyed “he’s…he’s been dealing with something of late and could not return home…” he said haughtily.

“Well he could at least write her a letter or go to Baldur’s Gate, she’s probably still looking for him there” Max huffed and left back to his work.

Cyris fell to his knees outside the trade center “she’s…she’s so worried…” he whimpered “he’s right I could have sent her a FUCKING LETTER!” he hissed at himself and clawed at his skin, Astarion grabbed his hand and held him, restraining him from hurting himself further. 

“I’am a bad son…” he sobbed, “no you are not” Astarion helped him up “incase you haven’t noticed Cy we haven't really had time to just leisurely write a letter to our families. You are not a bad son for not being able to communicate with her” he said, hugging him tightly.

“...then we gotta go to Baludr’s Gate, not just to kill that brain thing but…but because I need to see my mom, I need to let her know I’am alive that I’am…well I’am not safe but I’am alive at least” he laughed.

“We are a long ways away from there darling” Astarion sighed, Cyris rested his head on Astarion’s “then I have a letter to write…”

[coupleofbeesread]

Weekly Wine: The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie

Becky gives another five stars to The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie by Rachel Linden. It’s a beautiful, uplifting tale of a woman who loses everything in order to find everything. Check the story out here:…

[goodbooksandgoodwine]

5 Audiobooks I Recently Listened To

Hello friends! Back at again with another recap of a few audiobooks I’ve been listening to and enjoying for various reasons. Of course, I can’t just keep to one genre because of who I am as a person — but here’s my thoughts! The Magic Of Lemon Drop Pie by Rachel Linden If you are into magical realism, you should pick up The Magic Of Lemon Drop Pie by Rachel Linden. This story is about Lolly…

[cameracourt]

Review: "The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie" by Rachel Linden

Review: “The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie” by Rachel Linden

Thanks for stopping by for my review of Rachel Linden’s newest release, The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie. It’s a women’s fiction story with elements of romance and a little magical realism. An uplifting novel about a heartbroken young pie maker who is granted a magical second chance to live the life she didn’t choose. . . . from the bestselling author of The Enlightenment of Bees. Lolly Blanchard’s…

[sandythereadingcafe]

REVIEW

THE MAGIC OF LEMON DROP PIE by Rachel Linden at The Reading Cafe:

‘a delightful, lighthearted, fun and charming story‘

http://www.thereadingcafe.com/the-magic-of-lemon-drop-pie-by-rachel-linden-a-review/ 

[thereadingcafe]