by Ciara Knight
Sarah and Donald joined them, gathering their bags. Shirley reached to help, but Wayne was right there and took the bag from her hand. “You don’t need to do the heavy lifting anymore. I’m here now, and I’m not going anywhere.” And he knew he wouldn’t, because after all those years he’d been searching for the next great story, never staying in one place long enough to unpack, he’d now grown roots and they’d taken hold. And he’d found what he never knew he’d been looking for…
A family of his own.
The End
Recipe
Mrs. Slaughter’s Meatloaf
This is the recipe that Mrs. Slaughter used to save the day when Shirley ruined the chicken. :)
Ingredients
3 slices bread (Left out overnight covered with cloth)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2/3 cup 2% milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup finely shredded carrot
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard (your favorite kind)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Tear bread into 2-inch pieces; place in a blender. Cover and pulse to form coarse crumbs; transfer to a large bowl.
Stir in egg, milk, cheese, onion, carrot, salt and pepper.
Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly.
Transfer to a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan.
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard
Spread over loaf.
Bake 60-75 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.
Readers Guide
Shirley parents were powerful people who wouldn’t allow their name to be tarnished by an unwanted pregnancy. Do you think Shirley’s situation would occur in modern times?
Wayne, like many men, returned home with survivor’s guilt. Do you have someone in your family that has struggled with this? How have you helped them cope?
Rosie wanted to have a baby of her own, but she already had five children she’d taken into her home. Why do you think Rosie took such a risk after all her miscarriages to have another baby? Why do you think Vic supported her on this decision?
Mrs. Slauther had lost so much, including her health. Do you think you would’ve wanted to move closer to family, or would the town family be enough for you? Why, or why not?
Davey is a strong person for his age, but when he discovered Rosie was pregnant he was worried about his place in the family. How would you have handled this if you were Rosie?
Shirley had no idea how to cook when she arrived at the Bessler house. How would you have handled a situation like that considering there was no internet back then to watch YouTube videos?
Wayne didn’t want a family for a long time. What do you think was the biggest reason?
Shirley attempted to learn skills while in the home for unwed mothers, but soon discovered she hadn’t been taught the necessary skills she needed to survive in the outside world. Do you think the system of today has improved to help people that are down on their luck and need to be instructed on new job skills? Why, or why not?
Many people in Sugar Maple have started finding their new roles in life after World War 2, but not all were so lucky. What do you think would’ve been the biggest challenge for you if you lived in this time?
Would you like more holiday stories in which you get to see the Bessler children grow up?
Also by Ciara Knight
For a complete list of my books, please visit my website at www.ciaraknight.com. A great way to keep up to date on all releases, sales and prizes subscribe to my Newsletter. I’m extremely sociable, so feel free to chat with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads.
For your convenience please see my complete title list below, in reading order:
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Winter in Sweetwater County
Spring in Sweetwater County
Summer in Sweetwater County
Fall in Sweetwater County
Christmas in Sweetwater County
Valentines in Sweet-water County
Fourth of July in Sweetwater County
Thanksgiving in Sweetwater County
Grace in Sweetwater County
Faith in Sweetwater County
Love in Sweetwater County
Sugar Maple Holiday Series
If You Keep Me
(A Christmas Novel)
If You Choose Me
(A Valentine’s Day Novel)
Sugar Maple Series
If You Love Me
If You Adore Me
If You Cherish Me
If You Hold Me
If You Kiss Me
Riverbend
In All My Wishes
In All My Years
In All My Dreams
In All My Life
A Christmas Spark
A Miracle Mountain Christmas
HISTORICAL WESTERNS:
McKinnie Mail Order Brides Series
Love on the Prairie
(USA Today Bestselling Novel)
Love in the Rockies
Love on the Plains
Love on the Ranch
His Holiday Promise
(A Love on the Ranch Novella)
Love on the Sound
Love on the Border
Love at the Coast
A Prospectors Novel
Fools Rush
Bride of America
Adelaide: Bride of Maryland
About the Author
Ciara Knight is a USA TODAY Bestselling Author, who writes clean and wholesome romance novels set in either modern day small towns or wild historic old west. Born with a huge imagination that usually got her into trouble, Ciara is happy she’s found a way to use her powers for good. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too.