by Naomi Miller
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pure almond extract
Ground Sea Salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°
2. Cream the butter and sugars together
3. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and blend together
4. Slowly add flour, mix
5. Roll dough into 24 balls
6. Place on lined baking sheet.
7. Using a spoon, press down to flatten cookie and make little crater for filling.
8. Bake 10-12 minutes.
9. After removing from oven, use spoon if you desire deeper crater in cookie.
10. Cool cookies on baking sheet for a few minutes.
11. Place cookies, still on lined paper, on a rack to cool.
12. Melt caramels and cream, over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
13. Remove filling from heat and add vanilla and almond extracts.
14. Fill the crater of each cookie with caramel.
15. If desired, sprinkle cookies with ground sea salt.
This recipe originally calls for Irish Whiskey, but when Mr. O’Neal told Mrs. Simpkins he would never touch alcohol again, we improvised, substituting the vanilla and almond flavoring for it.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:7-14
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
WARNING : SPOILERS AHEAD!
1) When you read about Katie on a ladder—using spray paint—what was the first thing that came to mind? Did you feel the same way as Travis . . . that her family and the church elders would not approve of what she was doing?
2) In the same situation as Katie, finding what she found in the paper bag, would you have come to the same conclusion . . . that the contents of the paper bag could lead to trouble? What would you have done in Katie’s place?
3) Were you surprised when Travis hugged Katie? Did it seem casual and friendly, or something more?
4) Do you think Travis is right to be concerned about Mr. O’Neal and his mother? Did you pick up any signals from Gwen—and Mr. O’Neal’s nephew? Do you think Gwen is old enough to start thinking about boys in that way, or should she wait a few more years?
5) Was Katie right to stay in the kitchen, where she couldn’t hear what others were saying about her artwork? Do you think the opinions of others should influence you—and the things you do?
6) Who do you think played Santa Claus for the Davis family? Have you ever played Santa for someone else, especially for someone in need? Has someone ever played Santa for you at a time when you were in need?
7) In this world, where so many people work to divide us—as families, friends, or neighbors—do you find it refreshing to read a story where everyone works as a community?
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Q: What was your inspiration for writing Christmas Cookie Mystery, the second book in the Amish Sweet Shop Mystery series?
A: My inspiration came from Christmas—naturally—but also to write about the good in people, especially around my favorite holiday. Even when people in the book suspect others of doing wrong, they don’t jump in and make things worse; instead, they pray and try to think of ways to help.
Q: What do you hope your readers will take away from reading Christmas Cookie Mystery—or others in the series?
A: I hope readers will read this book—this series—and find faith, hope, love, and forgiveness. And I’m hoping to share that the spirit of Christmas can include Santa, who represents the spirit of giving. Santa can be a positive influence in your home.
Q: Will there be more books in the Amish Sweet Shop Mystery series?
A: Oh, yes. I’m working on book three now, titled Lemon Tart Mystery. If all goes well, the fourth book, Pumpkin Pie Mystery, will be released early October 2017.
Q: What does your writing space look like?
A: My writing space is a beautiful desk, left to me by my sister. But, most of the time, I’m either sitting at the dining room table, or sitting on the couch, with my laptop. Honestly, I can write most anywhere, but my favorite place seems to be the dining room table.
Q: What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
A: I have many favorites—too many to list all of them, but I’m happy to share one with you today!
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” ~Proverbs 3:5-6
Q: Do you have a favorite scene in your newest release?
A: Yes! My favorite scene is at the very beginning, when Katie does something totally unexpected—and has a great time doing it!
Q: Where can readers connect with you?
A: Here are the links for each site:
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP: http://eepurl.com/bPdjGn
WEBSITE: https://naomimillerauthor.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/NaomiMillerAuthor
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/AuthorNaomi
INSTAGRAM: https://twitter.com/AuthorNaomi
PINTEREST: http://www.pinterest.com/authornaomi
GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/1VMIegX
Acknowledgments
To God be the glory . . . HE is THE AUTHOR of my life! God gives me the inspiration for each and every book . . . books of family, faith, forgiveness, and grace . . .
When God placed it on my heart to write a light-hearted mystery series, I’m glad I obeyed.
Thanks to my daughter, Rachel, who not only designs my covers, memes, posters (well, you get the picture), but is also an amazing author and inspirational speaker.
Rachel, I couldn’t have done it without you!
A big thank you goes out to Pam, my dear friend and founder of S&G Publishing. If not for Pam, I might never have been published!
Last, but by no means least, thank you to my awesome readers, who do so much to encourage me and continue make this series a huge success!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Naomi Miller mixes up a batch of intrigue, sprinkled with Amish, Mennonite, and English characters, adding a pinch of mystery—and a dash of romance!
Naomi works full time as an author, blogger and inspirational speaker. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization.
When she’s not working diligently to finish the next novel in her Sweet Shop Mystery series, Naomi tries to make time for attending workshops and writers conferences. Whenever time permits, Naomi can be found in one of two favorite places—the beach and the mountains.
Naomi’s day is spent focusing on her writing, editing, and blogging about her experiences. Naomi loves traveling with her family, singing inspirational/gospel music, taking a daily walk, and witnessing to others of the amazing grace of Jesus Christ.
DON'T MISS THE NEXT BOOK IN THIS SERIES
COMING NEXT SPRING!
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
Christian Publishing for HIS GLORY
S&G Publishing offers books with messages that honor Jesus Christ to the world! S&G works with Christian authors to bring yo
u the best in “inspirational” fiction and non-fiction.
S&G is proud to publish a variety of Christian fiction genres:
inspirational romance
young reader
young adult
speculative
historical
suspense
Check out our website at
sgpublish.com
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