Shannon here: Kimberly Keagan shares insight into her real-life romance, a recipe for Mexican Wedding Cookies, and the chance to win an e-book copy of her Historical Romance Novelette, All Along plus her critique partner, Denise M. Colby’s When Plans Go Awry. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: Jan 4th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Kimberly:
A Simple Start, A Lifetime of Love
I met my husband during the summer of my junior year in high school. At the time, I had never dated anyone, and the fact that this handsome young man showed interest in me was both flattering and shocking. We dated for the next year, but then I went away to college during my freshman year and found that, indeed, distance makes the heart grow fonder.
With our parents either divorced or in the process of divorcing, we decided to elope when I came home for Christmas rather than have a wedding. (Note to my daughter: don’t you dare try this!) It was a simple affair—just the two of us wearing jeans and sweaters. No white dress, no flowers, no extravagant reception. We didn’t have the money for a honeymoon, either. By today’s standards of destination weddings and elaborate celebrations, this might sound crazy. And maybe it was. We were young and still figuring things out.
But I knew he was the one because he made me laugh. As Jane Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet says, “I dearly love a laugh,” and that laughter—and our growing faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior—became the foundation of our relationship.
That’s not to say everything was perfect. The early years were tough. We were both working and going to college, struggling to make ends meet. There were moments when it felt like we wouldn’t make it. But by the grace of God, we pushed through. Ten years into our marriage, when we were more financially stable, we were blessed with two wonderful children who have my husband’s sense of humor!
This year, we celebrated forty years of marriage. He still makes me laugh, and I’m still his number one fan.
The grainy photo of the two very young people is from my college graduation. True to form, Bob is doing something silly, and I’m laughing—because that’s us.
In Honor of Marriage—and All Weddings
Whether your wedding is simple or grand, what matters most is the love behind it. To celebrate, here’s one of my favorite cookie recipes. These Mexican Wedding Cookies are perfect for any occasion and symbolize the sweet things in life, like love and laughter.
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Yield: 25–30 cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup confectioners’ sugar for rolling
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add flour, pecans, and vanilla. Roll the dough into one-inch balls.
- Place on a greased baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until cookies are a light golden brown.
- Roll the warm cookies in confectioners’ sugar.
- Let them cool and roll again in sugar for extra sweetness.
Tip: These cookies can be stored for several days. Sprinkle with extra confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Here’s to love, laughter, and sweet moments—whether you’re celebrating your first year or your fortieth!
Question for Readers: What’s one funny or unexpected moment from your love story, or a friend or family member’s love story?
About Kimberly: At the age of thirteen, Kimberly Keagan discovered romance novels. Whenever possible, she ignored her chores in favor of a book she couldn’t put down. In time, she earned a degree in accounting and enjoyed a brief career in investor relations, writing financial reports and press releases—terrific jobs, but not very romantic. By God’s grace, she married her own handsome hero and raised two wonderful children. Now, she is following her long-held dream of penning historical romance with strong heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and quirky secondary characters. Her debut novel Perfect releases in Spring 2025.
At Kimberly’s website, you’ll find links to her short stories, story world articles, book news, and book recommendations: Kimberly’s Website. Learn more & connect: Kimberly’s Linktree.
About the Novelette, All Along:
A sweet, Gilded Age friends-to-more romance.
It’s the summer of 1895, and Clara Hawthorne is determined to make Oliver Townsend see her as more than just his childhood friend. But when his charming older brother, Simon, unexpectedly awakens feelings she never anticipated, Clara must question everything she thought she wanted. Set against the backdrop of Long Island’s glittering summer cottages, this historical romance novella is a reminder that love often has plans of its own.
About the book – When Plans Go Awry by Denise M. Colby:
Olivia Carmichael escapes her past to become the next schoolmarm in the small ranching community of Washton, California. Her plan? Live a quiet spinster life alone, never to depend on anyone again.
Luke Taylor selected a mail-order bride to help raise his two younger sisters and protect his broken heart. His plans don’t include being responsible for the beautiful new schoolmarm, who threatens his resolve between his need to stay away and his need to ensure her safety.
Along the way, Olivia’s carefully laid-out plans are challenged at every turn, and Luke’s mail-order bride is not what he expected.
Be sure to watch for Kimberly’s debut novel, Perfect, coming Spring 2025!
Come back Jan 30th for Shannon’s Book Bargains Roundup!
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