Karen’s Killer Fixin’s
**AUTHOR SPECIAL**
with J.D.R. HAWKINS!

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, J.D.R. HAWKINS, and her favorite recipe for HONEY GLAZED BRANDIED CARROTS!!

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A BEAUTIFUL GLITTERING LIE
The Renegade Series Book 1
A Civil War Novel
BY J.D.R. HAWKINS

Blurb

In the spring of 1861, a country once united is fractured by war. Half of America chooses to fight for the Confederate cause; the other, for unification. In north Alabama, the majority favors remaining in the Union, but when the state secedes, many come to her defense. Such is the case with Hiram Summers, a farmer and father of three. He decides to enlist, and his son, David, also desires to go, but is instead obligated to stay behind.

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A BEAUTIFUL GLITTERING LIE
The Renegade Series Book 1
A Civil War Novel
BY J.D.R. HAWKINS

Excerpt

Word of the battle quickly spread to Huntsville, and within days, filtered down to Morgan County. Caroline had mentally prepared herself for what she anticipated would happen, but when the first battle finally did take place, she found herself ill-equipped. Doing her best to shelter her brood, she realized it was just a matter of time before they heard of the event.

A week later, she learned that a list of fatalities had been posted, and knew she had to drive to Ben Johnson’s mercantile to have a look, but all the while, her heart felt as though it was breaking. She dreaded the list, dreaded the result of the terrible fighting, dreaded what the war might be doing to her home, and especially, dreaded seeing Hiram’s name listed. Traveling alone, she reached her destination, climbed down from the wagon, hitched her draft horse, and approached the two-story wooden structure. Her ankle boots clunked up the wooden steps and across the porch’s pine slat floorboards with every step she took. She pulled the front door open, and a tiny bell above it announced her arrival. Upon entering, she saw several others gathered around a notice tacked to a wall. Ben Johnson nodded her way. He threw a glance toward the posted list. She knew what it meant.

Slowly, feeling like she was floating, she approached the others, passing by the dry goods, the glass cases displaying pottery, clothing, and sewing notions, and under farm equipment hanging from the ceiling rafters. Some of the women were sobbing, covering their faces with handkerchiefs, while others turned away, or stared at her with vacant eyes. As they drifted off, she stepped toward the ominous poster, held her breath, and forced herself to gaze upon the names. When she had reached the bottom, she breathed a sigh of relief. Hiram’s name wasn’t on the list, although she recognized one that was. Turning toward the counter, she wiped a trickling tear from her cheek, walked over, and requested a copy of the Southern Advocate.

Initially at a loss for words, Ben cleared his throat. “I reckon Hiram’s name ain’t on there,” he finally said.

The revelation started sinking in. Caroline smiled. “No, thankfully not.”

Ben returned the smile. “Right glad to hear it.” He handed her a newspaper. “The editor of this paper, Mr. William Figures, has a son who’s with your husband’s regiment.”

“Oh?” she replied cordially. “He’s all right, ain’t he? I mean, I didn’t see…”

“Yes, ma’am, far as I can tell.”

“That’s mighty fine. Well, I’ll be on my way. Good-day, Mr. Johnson.” Turning to leave, she opened the paned-glass door.

Ben called out, “When you write to that man of yours, tell him I said hello.”

“I surely will,” she replied.

Returning to the wagon, she untied Joe Boy, climbed aboard, slapped the reins, and drove out of view from the mercantile before pulling the vehicle to a stop. Uncontrollably, she burst into tears, sobbing convulsively until the ache in her heart finally subsided. She couldn’t show her weakness to her children. For them, she had to be strong. Wiping her eyes with her handkerchief, she drove on toward home.

Meet Author J.D.R. Hawkins…

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Links to J.D.R.’s website, blog, books, etc.

Website: http://jdrhawkins.com

 https://jdrhawkins.com/a-beautiful-glittering-lie/

Authorgraph:
https://www.authorgraph.com/authors/JDRHawkins

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Glittering-Lie-J-D-R-Hawkins/dp/1544842481/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1494864314&sr=8-2&keywords=a+beautiful+glittering+lie

I hope you enjoy the recipe J.D.R. is sharing today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy Eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 409 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right-hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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NOTE FROM J.D.R.:  This comes from a cookbook my UDC chapter published several years ago. It’s a favorite. I fix it every Thanksgiving because it is always requested.

HONEY GLAZED BRANDIED CARROTS

One 1 lb. bag frozen baby carrots
3 T. butter
3 T. honey
2 T. brandy
1 1/2 T. chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook carrots in salted water until they are tender; drain. In a skillet, place carrots and remaining ingredients; cook and stir until carrots are glazed and glossy. Serves 6. (Courtesy of Angela Wathall)

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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: J.D.R. will give away a signed paperback copy (U.S. Only) of A BEAUTIFUL GLITTERING LIE to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.

Thanks, J.D.R., for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!