As an author and reader of Christian fiction, every once in a while,
an author captures my imagination and longing for the sweet life in a community of characters I want to know–to the point that I can see myself in the book’s locale. Suzanne Woods Fisher’s series the Cape Cod Creamery is one of the top two places I’d like to move to–and I discovered Chatham, MA is a real city.
Her latest release (book 3) is Love on a Whim, had me at page one! An impulsive marriage, a runaway bride, an ample amount of family drama, and a last-minute crisis make a perfect recipe for Suzanne Woods Fisher’s new contemporary romance novel. Wrapping up the Cape Cod Creamery series–yes, I’m pouting. She draws readers back to the coast for another swoon-worthy tale perfect for summer reading.
Suzanne, would you please provide your own brief summary of your novel, Love on a Whim?
Brynn Haywood prides herself on her mistake-free life, until one impulsive weekend in Las Vegas changes everything. A whirlwind romance leads to a hasty wedding. When Monday morning arrives, it delivers an overwhelming sense of regret to Brynn. Panicking, she seeks solace in Chatham, Massachusetts, with her best friend, Dawn Dixon. However, Dawn’s well-intentioned efforts to fix Brynn’s mistake only make everything worse.
What is one of your favorite quotes from Love on a Whim and why do you love it?
I was walking along the ocean one day when this thought occurred to me…and that’s why I wrote it into the novel. Lots of big theological “aha” moments hit me when I’m at the beach, staring at the vast ocean.
What is the best writing tip you ever received? How was it helpful?
I read a newspaper article once about a woman who was turning 100. She was asked why she thought she had lived so long. “I want to see,” she said, “what happens next.” She summarized the best writing advice of all…keep your readers wondering what will happen next.
Do you have a recipe that compliments your book’s characters, setting, or time period? Please share.
Yes! There’s a story behind it, too. (Suzanne shares that story during our YouTube interview!)
Dawn’s Double Fold Vanilla Ice Cream* for the Home Cook
*Dawn used equipment for a certified commercial kitchen. This recipe is a close approximation for the home cook. Much easier! Thanks to Suzanne’s hubby the Master Ice Cream Maker!
With only 5 ingredients, it couldn’t be easier to make. Just remember to freeze the bowl of your ice cream maker at least 12 hours before you plan to churn the ice cream.
Equipment
- KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment
- Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Serves 4 to 8
Ingredients
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ⅔ cup cane sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (Use really good vanilla extract! Not all vanillas are made equal. Dawn’s favorite brand is Cook’s.)
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Warm over medium-low heat, whisking often, for 5 minutes, or until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warmed through. Bring it to a boil and turn off heat right away.
- Pour into a heatproof bowl, cover, and chill for 2 hours or overnight. Called “curing,” this adds depth to the flavor of the base.
- Remove the chilled ice cream base from the fridge and whisk well. Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20 to 30 minutes. The ice cream will be soft after churning. Best if eaten right away! For firmer ice cream, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for 2 to 4 hours before serving.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. If the ice cream is too firm to scoop straight from the freezer, let sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
Notes
Makes 1 quart
Double fold (or extract) refers to the strength of the vanilla. Double fold = double strength
Source: Adapted from Love and Lemons (link: https://www.loveandlemons.com/homemade-ice-cream-recipe/#wprm-recipe-container-71567)
Guess what, Suzanne gives some technical and taste secrets to the Double-Fold Vanilla Ice Cream during our YouTube interview. SO COOL!
Ready for the GIVEAWAY?
The June A2A Giveaway!
Yes! Thanks to Suzanne and Revell Publishing, this month’s giveaway is the FULL CAPE COD CREAMERY SERIES! The series includes The Sweet Life, The Secret to Happiness, and the latest release, Love on a Whim. That’s THREE BOOKS!
There’s one winner and it could be you! How? Well, by entering! Not just once, but up to SIX times!* Leave a comment below and share this blog and if you haven’t already, please subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this blog and receive a free gift from me — and an extra entry.
NOTE: WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY?*
Check out my YouTube A2A interview with Suzanne. Because, in the video interview Suzanne will read an important scenes from Love on a Whim, and answer different fun questions–and we have some great discussions! By Liking and Commenting on the video episode, you will have one more entry.* Sharing the video, another entry.* Subscribe, and you have TWO entries for a chance to win.*
The Deadline is June 14th!
Watch our interview
That means, my friends, if you comment and subscribe -– or are already a subscriber -– to my blog, then watch the video and LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on the VIDEO, then Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, your name will be entered SIX TIMES!*
Coming up in July: So excited to interview Melody Carlson. A bestselling and multi-award-winning author whose latest release, Just for the Summer is a real charmer.
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Suzanne–I sure did! Until next month, God bless and KEEP READING!
*So sorry, entries from the contiguous US only.
