Dominique Eastwick

by Emma Lane Gardens grow of their own volition. You labor with the lay out and lovingly place the plants. By the third year, your garden has selected what it will and will not accept. But it’s gorgeous, healthy and you wouldn’t change a single thing. (Okay, maybe you’ll move that fragrant dianthus in front of that balloon flower which is taller.) Some of it is your fault because you couldn’t resist that church sale and your neighbor shared several perennials. Status normal. Allow your garden nostalgia. You show it off by saying, “I got that one for next to nothing on sale, Susan Smith gave me that one when she moved to Florida, I miss her so! My mother-in-law finally broke down and shared that rose. Would you believe how she can make cuttings and root them?” This iris came from … and that one came from… SEASONAL: Do plan spring shrubs/bulbs which are so welcome. Fall red/yellow leaves. INVASIVE: When someone mentions the plant is invasive, believe it! I love the gol...

Just in time for Valentine’s Day is a new Regency Romance from the incomparable Emma Lane that is destined to be a best seller. A firm believer in love and all things beautiful, Emma has dedicated these two stories to love and lovers everywhere. A Valentine Masquerade Two of Ms. Lane's most interesting characters return in a vignette of mature family romance and affection as Lady Jane discovers the authority of the title, Duchess of Leaver. Romance shimmers with suspicious matchmaking in progress, while a whimsical young viscount creates a hilarious solution to end a perplexing mystery. Into the blissful partnership between Lady Jane and her faux pirate, the Duke of Leaver, an old enemy reappears causing consternation. A Valentine Surprise Love is in the air, mysterious adventures and old friendships abound. Which couple solves the mystery of the stolen treasures and who receives a precious necklace of love? A Valentine house party on a country estate creates entertai...

IN THE NAVY They never eat a Bean Soup as good as the one Regency Romance and Cozy Mystery author Emma Lane prepares. Emma brings us a delicious and easy recipe for a hearty soup sure to keep you warm. The kitchen is all yours, Emma!   Navy Bean Soup 2 strips bacon 1 med, onion, chopped 3 cups water 1 med. white potato, peeled and cubed 1 can navy or great northern beans, drained 1 clove fresh garlic, chopped fine (optional) Sauté' onion and bacon until onion is pearly-colored and bacon is crisp. Crumble bacon and add both to pot. Stir in water, beans, potato, and garlic. Simmer for at least an hour. Stir occasionally. Do not add more water before serving. Top the serving with a spoonful of grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream. Serve with a pear salad and a loaf of French bread or hard rolls. Pear Salad l can pears halves or slices, drained lettuce dollop of sour cream sprinkle of nutmeg Assemble on individual salad plates. Chill until ready to ...

The incomparable Janis Lane has stretched out of her comfort zone into a new genre with her delightful new release Angels Abound with Love . Here is a brief introduction for your reading pleasure. In a small town, a series of mysterious coincidences tests and strengthens the faith of a group of friends and neighbors. Love is in the air. A coincidence is an angel-delivered message from God vows her vivacious nurse to young Doc Cathy. To a science educated person, this seems a bit far-fetched. On the other hand, is it? The doctor is in as episode after episode tests her faith and her education. To her delight, love enters her life in depths she could never have imagined. A handsome detective is too busy with his good works to ask for help either from his church, friends or his God. When he encounters the lovely Doc Cathy his horizons expand beyond his wildest imagination, and he suddenly remembers to include his most powerful partner. Love is the message.   EXCERPT ...

Creative author Emma Lane is here to share her latest culinary creation that can be served hot or cold and her new Regency release. The kitchen is all yours, Emma. This recipe is only a guideline for making a delicious lunch or main dish during harvest time when fresh vegetables are available. The list of vegetables is easily amendable to whatever your harvest brings. (Not beets!) Be sure to add nurturing bread like corn bread or crackers for a more substantial meal. (Okay, I used corn chex mix, but that was an emergency) A green salad is always a welcome addition.   FRESH VEGETABLE SOUP 1 diced onion (not mild and NOT garlic.) ½ diced green pepper (sweet) 2 chopped celery stalks (all sand removed)  1 fat carrot peeled and chopped Corn kernels (1-2 ears fresh) 1 can diced tomato or 1 lg. chopped fresh 1½ cups fresh green beans chopped (strings removed) 1 can Campbell’s Chicken and Rice soup or 1 cup soup stock, beef or chicken ½ pound hamburger (I use grou...

Spring 2015 My longtime friend author Emma Lane visits today with what I hope will become a series of her expertise on plants, how to use them in our gardens, and what to do when a season ends. The blog is all yours, Emma! When I moved to Western New York (a very long time ago), I bought a wildflower book to learn all the native plants, names, uses, colors. Although I’m now into the study of cultivated varieties, I still love the free offerings of nature found under rotting logs, beside a burbling stream. This small white daisy-like blossom makes an appearance with its jagged leaf wrapped around the stem like an over-sized coat. Only when the temps warm does the leaf open to expose its precious blossom. Horrible nickname of Blood Root, real name Sanguinaria, it’s listed as a medicinal plant. (I didn’t spot any vampires.). Some may be allergic to the red sap. Rumor has it listed as a historical favorite of Native Americans for paint. The pretty yellow one is Celandine, which ...