Shannon here: Debby Mayne share’s insight into her real life romance, an excerpt from her latest inspirational romance novella, Hungry Hearts, and a fudge recipe. Comment or answer the question at the end of the post to enter the drawing for winner’s choice from four of her titles: Better Than Chocolate–Tasty Morsels of God’s Goodness – a 365-day devotional by Trish Perry and Debby Mayne,Love Finds You in Treasure Island Florida, Dixie Belle, Pretty Is as Pretty Does. Deadline: June 18th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Debby:
My husband Wally did something very few single guys would early in a relationship, and I thought it was very sweet. We’d just had our second date when he told me he had to go to Jacksonville, Florida, for a business trip. I told him he should stop by and visit my mother and stepfather while he was there, not thinking he’d actually do it. He asked for their phone number, but I didn’t think he’d actually call or visit them.
Two days later, my mother called and told me she’d just met my future husband. She said Wally had called her the night he got in, so they invited him over the next evening. “He’s perfect for you,” she said. “Don’t let this one get away.”
That impressed me more than anything else could at that time. I appreciated his follow-through and the fact that he impressed my mother so quickly. We were married five months later, and we’ll celebrate our 36th anniversary in October.
- What’s the most romantic thing your spouse has ever done for you?
It’s a tie between fixing the toilet when it wouldn’t stop running and massaging my shoulders after a long day of writing.
- Where is the most romantic place you and your spouse have ever been?
2 places: St. Augustine, Florida, and San Francisco, California.
- What is the most caring thing your spouse has ever done for you?
He was there for me during my mother’s extended illness before she passed away.
- What is the most caring thing you have ever done for your spouse?
Bought him a plane ticket to Chicago to attend a golf tournament with one of his old high school golf team buddies.
- Who said “I love you” first, you or your spouse?
I think we said it simultaneously.
- Where did you and your spouse go for your honeymoon?
St. Augustine, Florida.
Excerpt from Hungry Hearts, a novella from the In Love and War collection:
“We’re getting along just fine.”
He shook his head. “Doesn’t sound like it to me.”
She swallowed hard. He was right. She was the hostile one. In fact, he hadn’t said a single thing that was out of line since he’d been sitting here.
Finally, she lifted her chin and nodded. “Okay, you win. I’m sorry for acting so stupid.”
“You’re not acting stupid.”
“However I’m acting, I’m sorry.” She took a step toward him and extended her hand. “I mean it.” She forced a smile. “Friends?”
He smiled at her, stood, and took her hand in both of his hands and held it for a few seconds, sending that familiar bolt of electricity up her arm and straight to her heart. The floor seemed to shift out from beneath her. At that moment, she knew that being just friends with Cameron would be nearly impossible.
“Are you okay?” He got closer and placed his arm around her shoulders. “You don’t look so good.”
She stiffened, pulled away, and shoved her hand in her jeans pocket. “I’m fine. Have you had a chance to look over the menu?”
“You just gave it to me, remember? Give me a few minutes.”
“Okay.” She backed toward the kitchen. “I’ll bring your drink in a few minutes.” Then she darted out of the dining room to get away from him before she made a fool of herself.
Recipe: Creamy Fudge with Secret Ingredient
I used to make this fudge for my children when they were in elementary school. Until they walked in on me one day, they had no idea I had a secret ingredient.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 4 oz. Velveeta cheese
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 16 oz. powdered sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions:
- Combine cocoa and powered sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Put butter and Velveeta cheese in a glass bowl and microwave on 50% power until it melts. You may use a double boiler, but it’s much faster in the microwave.
- Add butter and cheese mixture to the cocoa and sugar.
- Add vanilla and nuts and mix quickly.
- Spread the mixture in a buttered or sprayed shallow 9 by 9 in. pan or dish.
- Refrigerate until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve.
I recommend refrigerating this fudge—that is, if you have any left. It’s creamy and delicious, and no one will guess there’s Velveeta in it! Shh! Don’t tell anyone!
About Debby: Debby Mayne has published more than 50 books and novellas, 400 print short stories and articles, thousands of web articles, and a bunch of devotions for women. She has been a managing editor of a national health magazine, product information fashion writer for HSN, creative writing instructor for Long Ridge Writers Group, and etiquette expert for About.com. Most of the stories she writes feature strong, southern women who overcome all sorts of obstacles. Learn more and connect:
Debby’s Website Debby’s Facebook Debby’s Twitter
About the book – Hungry Hearts:
When Cameron Prater returns to town to open a restaurant a few doors from his childhood sweetheart Melissa Shaw’s diner, they are both reminded of the fierce competitiveness that drove them apart. Can these two people put aside their rivalry and let their hearts take over?
Reader Question: The main character in my story Hungry Hearts is involved in supporting a shelter for battered women that her church runs. Have you ever had a passion for doing something to help your community?
Come back June 9th for Trish Perry!
We do workcamp each year helping homeowners who cannot afford repairs to their homes
I love Debby’s books. She is an amazing writer! I am so surprised at the secret ingredient in her fudge. I am going to have to try and make some.
My kids used to love it when I made “Secret Fudge.” I put “secret” ingredients in a lot of things, including pulverized zucchini in spaghetti sauce. You can’t taste it, and it adds a lot of extra nutrition.
What a lovely story about two people who practice love every day. People often think cruises and expensive jewelry spell romance; instead, it’s making an effort for the one you love, throughout the years. I love Debby’s books and advice articles. She has such a gift for creating characters that are real, flaws and all. I will have to try that fudge recipe – who’d have thought cheese would play a role in fudge!
Thank you for such sweet comments!
If you don’t tell anyone what’s in the fudge, they’ll never know. It’s super creamy!
Wow! I am going to have to make that fudge with Velveeta Cheese. Who knew! Thanks so much for sharing that. I love all of your books that I have read.
Your Wally sure made lots of points by visiting your parents! He definitely is a keeper!
Debbie, let me know what you think about the fudge.
I have volunteered to mentor young girls in the past (think Big Brothers, Big Sisters but it wasn’t that organization) I certainly think we all can do something to give back!
We give to a local mission that comes to our town to provide those in need with food, clothing and holiday items for children. I cant physically do much but we give what they ask for like peanut butter and jelly, paper plates to feed the kids, bible baskets for Easter, teen gifts for Chirstmas etc. Our church partners with them as a mission outreach also. We are all called to be His hands and feet whenever and wherever we can.
Patty, being a big sister to someone (whether or not it’s with the official Big Brothers/Big Sisters program) is really important. So many parents are overloaded, or in some cases, absent from their children’s lives. They need a positive influence. You probably made a huge difference to those girls!
Maryann, it’s wonderful that you do what you can to help. You make a huge difference with every generous contribution!