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For a fifth year and just in time for the holidays, the Center Table Fall Harvest Thanksgiving food distribution event will be held Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, from 9-11 a.m. at the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center (1800 Bonnie View Rd, Dallas, TX 75216). Additionally, meal boxes will be delivered to older adults living in the neighborhood as well as a nearby high school and recreation center. In total, the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center team will deliver approximately 1,300 food boxes and turkeys, providing meals for more than 5,000 people.

HEB is the lead sponsor. Center Table Fall Harvest is also presented by The Mark Cuban Foundation, The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, The Heroes Foundation, City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture and NFM, in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank.

Free and open to the public, the drive-through event is geared toward people who reside in the surrounding neighborhoods of the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center including Oak Cliff and southern Dallas County. Pre-registration is NOT required.Food boxes are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Food insecurity is still an issue, especially with inflation continuing, childcare costs rising and student loan payments resuming – it’s a tough time,” said Trina Terrell Andrews, CEO of the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center. “The Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center and our partners hope that this gesture helps as families and friends come together for Thanksgiving.”

The Thanksgiving meals, serving 4-6 people, will include a whole turkey or two whole chickens, three sides, two cans of cranberry sauce, dessert and a one-gallon drink or case of water along with containers to warm the food in the microwave or oven. This year, the boxes will also include snacks and three additional meals.

“With children being home from school during the holiday break, we’re especially grateful to HEB for generously supplementing our event with extra food items this year,” added Scott Tomlin, director of the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation who recruited HEB to join the Center Table initiative.

Members from Dallas Fire-Rescue, the Dallas Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety will volunteer to distribute the meals. Entertainment will be provided by The Guitar Slayer, Infinite Arts Movement and Ollimpaxqui Ballet Co. In addition, artists from the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture will be on hand.

In addition, as part of Center Table Fall Harvest, specially catered meals will be delivered to a pre-selected group of older adults in the Center’s surrounding neighborhoods prior to Thanksgiving week. Additional meal boxes and turkeys will be distributed through a special distribution at Dallas ISD’s Roosevelt High School and Kiest Park Recreation Center.

Center Table launched in May 2020 to address the difficult times many families have faced since the onset of the pandemic. Since then, Center Table events have provided more than 32,000 meals and 2 million pounds of food to families and households.

For more info, go to markcubanheroescenter.org, call 214-379-7451 or email heroesactivities@gmail.com.

ABOUT THE MARK CUBAN HEROES BASKETBALL CENTER.The Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center is a multi-purpose facility for neighborhood youth and families providing sports and leadership programs. The Center expanded its services to address the critical needs arising during the pandemic related to food insecurity, including the distribution of afterschool snacks, meals and food boxes to neighborhood families.


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For a fifth year and just in time for the holidays, the Center Table Fall Harvest Thanksgiving food distribution event will be held Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, from 9-11 a.m. at the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center (1800 Bonnie View Rd, Dallas, TX 75216). Additionally, meal boxes will be delivered to older adults living in the neighborhood as well as a nearby high school and recreation center. In total, the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center team will deliver approximately 1,300 food boxes and turkeys, providing meals for more than 5,000 people.

HEB is the lead sponsor. Center Table Fall Harvest is also presented by The Mark Cuban Foundation, The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, The Heroes Foundation, City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture and NFM, in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank.

Free and open to the public, the drive-through event is geared toward people who reside in the surrounding neighborhoods of the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center including Oak Cliff and southern Dallas County. Pre-registration is NOT required.Food boxes are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Food insecurity is still an issue, especially with inflation continuing, childcare costs rising and student loan payments resuming – it’s a tough time,” said Trina Terrell Andrews, CEO of the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center. “The Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center and our partners hope that this gesture helps as families and friends come together for Thanksgiving.”

The Thanksgiving meals, serving 4-6 people, will include a whole turkey or two whole chickens, three sides, two cans of cranberry sauce, dessert and a one-gallon drink or case of water along with containers to warm the food in the microwave or oven. This year, the boxes will also include snacks and three additional meals.

“With children being home from school during the holiday break, we’re especially grateful to HEB for generously supplementing our event with extra food items this year,” added Scott Tomlin, director of the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation who recruited HEB to join the Center Table initiative.

Members from Dallas Fire-Rescue, the Dallas Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety will volunteer to distribute the meals. Entertainment will be provided by The Guitar Slayer, Infinite Arts Movement and Ollimpaxqui Ballet Co. In addition, artists from the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture will be on hand.

In addition, as part of Center Table Fall Harvest, specially catered meals will be delivered to a pre-selected group of older adults in the Center’s surrounding neighborhoods prior to Thanksgiving week. Additional meal boxes and turkeys will be distributed through a special distribution at Dallas ISD’s Roosevelt High School and Kiest Park Recreation Center.

Center Table launched in May 2020 to address the difficult times many families have faced since the onset of the pandemic. Since then, Center Table events have provided more than 32,000 meals and 2 million pounds of food to families and households.

For more info, go to markcubanheroescenter.org, call 214-379-7451 or email heroesactivities@gmail.com.

ABOUT THE MARK CUBAN HEROES BASKETBALL CENTER.The Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center is a multi-purpose facility for neighborhood youth and families providing sports and leadership programs. The Center expanded its services to address the critical needs arising during the pandemic related to food insecurity, including the distribution of afterschool snacks, meals and food boxes to neighborhood families.


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For a fifth year and just in time for the holidays, the Center Table Fall Harvest Thanksgiving food distribution event will be held Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, from 9-11 a.m. at the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center (1800 Bonnie View Rd, Dallas, TX 75216). Additionally, meal boxes will be delivered to older adults living in the neighborhood as well as a nearby high school and recreation center. In total, the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center team will deliver approximately 1,300 food boxes and turkeys, providing meals for more than 5,000 people.

HEB is the lead sponsor. Center Table Fall Harvest is also presented by The Mark Cuban Foundation, The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, The Heroes Foundation, City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture and NFM, in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank.

Free and open to the public, the drive-through event is geared toward people who reside in the surrounding neighborhoods of the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center including Oak Cliff and southern Dallas County. Pre-registration is NOT required.Food boxes are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Food insecurity is still an issue, especially with inflation continuing, childcare costs rising and student loan payments resuming – it’s a tough time,” said Trina Terrell Andrews, CEO of the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center. “The Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center and our partners hope that this gesture helps as families and friends come together for Thanksgiving.”

The Thanksgiving meals, serving 4-6 people, will include a whole turkey or two whole chickens, three sides, two cans of cranberry sauce, dessert and a one-gallon drink or case of water along with containers to warm the food in the microwave or oven. This year, the boxes will also include snacks and three additional meals.

“With children being home from school during the holiday break, we’re especially grateful to HEB for generously supplementing our event with extra food items this year,” added Scott Tomlin, director of the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation who recruited HEB to join the Center Table initiative.

Members from Dallas Fire-Rescue, the Dallas Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety will volunteer to distribute the meals. Entertainment will be provided by The Guitar Slayer, Infinite Arts Movement and Ollimpaxqui Ballet Co. In addition, artists from the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture will be on hand.

In addition, as part of Center Table Fall Harvest, specially catered meals will be delivered to a pre-selected group of older adults in the Center’s surrounding neighborhoods prior to Thanksgiving week. Additional meal boxes and turkeys will be distributed through a special distribution at Dallas ISD’s Roosevelt High School and Kiest Park Recreation Center.

Center Table launched in May 2020 to address the difficult times many families have faced since the onset of the pandemic. Since then, Center Table events have provided more than 32,000 meals and 2 million pounds of food to families and households.

For more info, go to markcubanheroescenter.org, call 214-379-7451 or email heroesactivities@gmail.com.

ABOUT THE MARK CUBAN HEROES BASKETBALL CENTER.The Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center is a multi-purpose facility for neighborhood youth and families providing sports and leadership programs. The Center expanded its services to address the critical needs arising during the pandemic related to food insecurity, including the distribution of afterschool snacks, meals and food boxes to neighborhood families.


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For a fifth year and just in time for the holidays, the Center Table Fall Harvest Thanksgiving food distribution event will be held Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, from 9-11 a.m. at the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center (1800 Bonnie View Rd, Dallas, TX 75216). Additionally, meal boxes will be delivered to older adults living in the neighborhood as well as a nearby high school and recreation center. In total, the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center team will deliver approximately 1,300 food boxes and turkeys, providing meals for more than 5,000 people.

HEB is the lead sponsor. Center Table Fall Harvest is also presented by The Mark Cuban Foundation, The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, The Heroes Foundation, City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture and NFM, in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank.

Free and open to the public, the drive-through event is geared toward people who reside in the surrounding neighborhoods of the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center including Oak Cliff and southern Dallas County. Pre-registration is NOT required.Food boxes are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Food insecurity is still an issue, especially with inflation continuing, childcare costs rising and student loan payments resuming – it’s a tough time,” said Trina Terrell Andrews, CEO of the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center. “The Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center and our partners hope that this gesture helps as families and friends come together for Thanksgiving.”

The Thanksgiving meals, serving 4-6 people, will include a whole turkey or two whole chickens, three sides, two cans of cranberry sauce, dessert and a one-gallon drink or case of water along with containers to warm the food in the microwave or oven. This year, the boxes will also include snacks and three additional meals.

“With children being home from school during the holiday break, we’re especially grateful to HEB for generously supplementing our event with extra food items this year,” added Scott Tomlin, director of the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation who recruited HEB to join the Center Table initiative.

Members from Dallas Fire-Rescue, the Dallas Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety will volunteer to distribute the meals. Entertainment will be provided by The Guitar Slayer, Infinite Arts Movement and Ollimpaxqui Ballet Co. In addition, artists from the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture will be on hand.

In addition, as part of Center Table Fall Harvest, specially catered meals will be delivered to a pre-selected group of older adults in the Center’s surrounding neighborhoods prior to Thanksgiving week. Additional meal boxes and turkeys will be distributed through a special distribution at Dallas ISD’s Roosevelt High School and Kiest Park Recreation Center.

Center Table launched in May 2020 to address the difficult times many families have faced since the onset of the pandemic. Since then, Center Table events have provided more than 32,000 meals and 2 million pounds of food to families and households.

For more info, go to markcubanheroescenter.org, call 214-379-7451 or email heroesactivities@gmail.com.

ABOUT THE MARK CUBAN HEROES BASKETBALL CENTER.The Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center is a multi-purpose facility for neighborhood youth and families providing sports and leadership programs. The Center expanded its services to address the critical needs arising during the pandemic related to food insecurity, including the distribution of afterschool snacks, meals and food boxes to neighborhood families.


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Pin on Pinterest

For a fifth year and just in time for the holidays, the Center Table Fall Harvest Thanksgiving food distribution event will be held Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, from 9-11 a.m. at the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center (1800 Bonnie View Rd, Dallas, TX 75216). Additionally, meal boxes will be delivered to older adults living in the neighborhood as well as a nearby high school and recreation center. In total, the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center team will deliver approximately 1,300 food boxes and turkeys, providing meals for more than 5,000 people.

HEB is the lead sponsor. Center Table Fall Harvest is also presented by The Mark Cuban Foundation, The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, The Heroes Foundation, City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture and NFM, in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank.

Free and open to the public, the drive-through event is geared toward people who reside in the surrounding neighborhoods of the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center including Oak Cliff and southern Dallas County. Pre-registration is NOT required.Food boxes are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Food insecurity is still an issue, especially with inflation continuing, childcare costs rising and student loan payments resuming – it’s a tough time,” said Trina Terrell Andrews, CEO of the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center. “The Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center and our partners hope that this gesture helps as families and friends come together for Thanksgiving.”

The Thanksgiving meals, serving 4-6 people, will include a whole turkey or two whole chickens, three sides, two cans of cranberry sauce, dessert and a one-gallon drink or case of water along with containers to warm the food in the microwave or oven. This year, the boxes will also include snacks and three additional meals.

“With children being home from school during the holiday break, we’re especially grateful to HEB for generously supplementing our event with extra food items this year,” added Scott Tomlin, director of the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation who recruited HEB to join the Center Table initiative.

Members from Dallas Fire-Rescue, the Dallas Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety will volunteer to distribute the meals. Entertainment will be provided by The Guitar Slayer, Infinite Arts Movement and Ollimpaxqui Ballet Co. In addition, artists from the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture will be on hand.

In addition, as part of Center Table Fall Harvest, specially catered meals will be delivered to a pre-selected group of older adults in the Center’s surrounding neighborhoods prior to Thanksgiving week. Additional meal boxes and turkeys will be distributed through a special distribution at Dallas ISD’s Roosevelt High School and Kiest Park Recreation Center.

Center Table launched in May 2020 to address the difficult times many families have faced since the onset of the pandemic. Since then, Center Table events have provided more than 32,000 meals and 2 million pounds of food to families and households.

For more info, go to markcubanheroescenter.org, call 214-379-7451 or email heroesactivities@gmail.com.

ABOUT THE MARK CUBAN HEROES BASKETBALL CENTER.The Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center is a multi-purpose facility for neighborhood youth and families providing sports and leadership programs. The Center expanded its services to address the critical needs arising during the pandemic related to food insecurity, including the distribution of afterschool snacks, meals and food boxes to neighborhood families.


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Courtesy of WellMed

Courtesy of WellMed, Optum, USMD and Healthcare Associates of Texas

As the holidays approach, and the season’s expectations and demands draw near, it is not uncommon for some, especially older adults, to catch a case of the “holiday blues.” But it’s important to know when it’s more than just the “blues” and how other conditions, like diabetes, can be linked with depression. November is National Diabetes Awareness month, an ideal opportunity to learn how diabetes and depression can go hand in hand.

Diabetes remains prevalent among older adults. The American Diabetes Association reports that people with diabetes have a higher rate of depression than the general population. Additionally, older adults can also be more susceptible to depression because of increased loneliness associated with being socially isolated from others.

While depression affects everyone differently, recognizing its signs is a positive step toward managing your mental health right along with your physical health. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that some of the common symptoms of depression to look out for include:

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
  • Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
  • Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Difficulty sleeping, waking early in the morning, or oversleeping
  • Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know have thoughts about suicide, seek help right away. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 — or go to the closest emergency room.

To reach a trained crisis counselor, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273- 8255). You may also chat at 988.lifeline.org.

If you experience any of these symptoms for two weeks or more or if your symptoms are severe, be sure to seek medical attention. There are multiple options for the treatment of depression. The sooner help is sought, the more effective the treatment.

The holidays can be a stressful time. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of depression and talk to your doctor to find out more about the links between diabetes and depression so you can take the necessary steps toward healthy living. 

Resources:
Mental Health | ADA (diabetes.org)
Diabetes in Older People | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
Are You Experiencing Depression? | ADA (diabetes.org)
Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness | Social Connection | CDC
NIMH » Depression (nih.gov)

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Courtesy of WellMed

Courtesy of WellMed, Optum, USMD and Healthcare Associates of Texas

As the holidays approach, and the season’s expectations and demands draw near, it is not uncommon for some, especially older adults, to catch a case of the “holiday blues.” But it’s important to know when it’s more than just the “blues” and how other conditions, like diabetes, can be linked with depression. November is National Diabetes Awareness month, an ideal opportunity to learn how diabetes and depression can go hand in hand.

Diabetes remains prevalent among older adults. The American Diabetes Association reports that people with diabetes have a higher rate of depression than the general population. Additionally, older adults can also be more susceptible to depression because of increased loneliness associated with being socially isolated from others.

While depression affects everyone differently, recognizing its signs is a positive step toward managing your mental health right along with your physical health. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that some of the common symptoms of depression to look out for include:

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
  • Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
  • Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Difficulty sleeping, waking early in the morning, or oversleeping
  • Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know have thoughts about suicide, seek help right away. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 — or go to the closest emergency room.

To reach a trained crisis counselor, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273- 8255). You may also chat at 988.lifeline.org.

If you experience any of these symptoms for two weeks or more or if your symptoms are severe, be sure to seek medical attention. There are multiple options for the treatment of depression. The sooner help is sought, the more effective the treatment.

The holidays can be a stressful time. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of depression and talk to your doctor to find out more about the links between diabetes and depression so you can take the necessary steps toward healthy living. 

Resources:
Mental Health | ADA (diabetes.org)
Diabetes in Older People | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
Are You Experiencing Depression? | ADA (diabetes.org)
Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness | Social Connection | CDC
NIMH » Depression (nih.gov)

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Teacups and Temptations

by

Kate Ellington

 

Thoroughly enjoyable, sweet romance!

Teacups and Temptations is a new historical romance by Kate Ellington, and I was thoroughly charmed by the fun, young protagonists and their innocent yet ill-considered plans for an unchaperoned month-long stay at a country home. The story is lighthearted, with plenty of amusing and innocent escapades and cautiously developing romantic feelings, perfect for an entertaining and satisfying sweet romance.

Molly Merriwether and her best friend, Caroline Darby, have waited with great anticipation for their planned visit to Waverly Hall so Caroline can further her acquaintance with the eligible son of the house, Benedict Clarke, with whom she’s exchanged letters since meeting the previous summer. But when they are finally on their journey, their chaperone, Caroline’s Aunt Hazel, falls ill but sends the girls ahead with the belief that Benedict’s parents will be there to ensure all the proprieties are met. However, when the girls reach Waverly Hall, they discover the elder Clarkes are away with only Benedict, his older brother, Frederick, and a school friend, Roger, to host them. Molly and Caroline convince themselves that since Aunt Hazel will surely be along in a day or so, it would be alright for them to remain at the house alone with the young men, and besides, who would ever find out?

Molly is the youngest child and only daughter in her family with three older brothers who have, undoubtedly, helped shape her confident and bold personality and, most assuredly, fueled her unique interest in seeing the inside of a tavern for herself. She naively risks her reputation and that of her best friend, Caroline, when she champions their plan to remain at Waverly Hall when they discover the parents of Caroline’s potential beau are not in residence when they arrive sans an ailing Aunt Hazel, who had been left to recuperate at an inn.

Molly is determined that her friend should have the opportunity to get to know Benedict, the young man her parents have tentatively selected as her match, trusting no one will ever find out they stayed under the same roof with three eligible bachelors without a proper chaperone. While the five young people play fast and loose with the proprieties (Molly does get to visit a tavern!), they conduct themselves with proper decorum.

I enjoyed the typical girl talk between Molly and Caroline about the progress of Caroline’s and Benedict’s relationship and the fun and, often, awkward moments Molly shared with Roger and his loving and loyal companion dog, Penny. The back and forth, ups and downs, and restrictions on behavior maintain a delightful tension, as does the interesting side story involving the maid, Kitty, and the housekeeper, Mrs. Lane. While the romances aren’t love at first sight, the characters have to work out their feelings for themselves before pursuing their hearts’ desires; these slow-burn relationships kept me fully engaged and hoping for a HEA.

I recommend TEACUPS AND TEMPTATIONS to readers of historical romances.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

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Pin on Pinterest

Teacups and Temptations

by

Kate Ellington

 

Thoroughly enjoyable, sweet romance!

Teacups and Temptations is a new historical romance by Kate Ellington, and I was thoroughly charmed by the fun, young protagonists and their innocent yet ill-considered plans for an unchaperoned month-long stay at a country home. The story is lighthearted, with plenty of amusing and innocent escapades and cautiously developing romantic feelings, perfect for an entertaining and satisfying sweet romance.

Molly Merriwether and her best friend, Caroline Darby, have waited with great anticipation for their planned visit to Waverly Hall so Caroline can further her acquaintance with the eligible son of the house, Benedict Clarke, with whom she’s exchanged letters since meeting the previous summer. But when they are finally on their journey, their chaperone, Caroline’s Aunt Hazel, falls ill but sends the girls ahead with the belief that Benedict’s parents will be there to ensure all the proprieties are met. However, when the girls reach Waverly Hall, they discover the elder Clarkes are away with only Benedict, his older brother, Frederick, and a school friend, Roger, to host them. Molly and Caroline convince themselves that since Aunt Hazel will surely be along in a day or so, it would be alright for them to remain at the house alone with the young men, and besides, who would ever find out?

Molly is the youngest child and only daughter in her family with three older brothers who have, undoubtedly, helped shape her confident and bold personality and, most assuredly, fueled her unique interest in seeing the inside of a tavern for herself. She naively risks her reputation and that of her best friend, Caroline, when she champions their plan to remain at Waverly Hall when they discover the parents of Caroline’s potential beau are not in residence when they arrive sans an ailing Aunt Hazel, who had been left to recuperate at an inn.

Molly is determined that her friend should have the opportunity to get to know Benedict, the young man her parents have tentatively selected as her match, trusting no one will ever find out they stayed under the same roof with three eligible bachelors without a proper chaperone. While the five young people play fast and loose with the proprieties (Molly does get to visit a tavern!), they conduct themselves with proper decorum.

I enjoyed the typical girl talk between Molly and Caroline about the progress of Caroline’s and Benedict’s relationship and the fun and, often, awkward moments Molly shared with Roger and his loving and loyal companion dog, Penny. The back and forth, ups and downs, and restrictions on behavior maintain a delightful tension, as does the interesting side story involving the maid, Kitty, and the housekeeper, Mrs. Lane. While the romances aren’t love at first sight, the characters have to work out their feelings for themselves before pursuing their hearts’ desires; these slow-burn relationships kept me fully engaged and hoping for a HEA.

I recommend TEACUPS AND TEMPTATIONS to readers of historical romances.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

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The Best General in the Civil War

by

Conrad Bibens

 

Fictionalized yet riveting story of the life of General George Thomas and his service to the Union during its most critical times.

 

The Best General in the Civil War by Conrad Bibens is the fictionalized yet riveting story of the life of General George Thomas and his critical contributions in service to the country before, during, and immediately after the Civil War. The author has General Thomas tell his own tale from childhood to post-Civil War using the device of an imaginary writing of a memoir, as dictated to his wife, Frances Kellogg Thomas, in response to an inflammatory newspaper article five years after the end of the war. In truth, Thomas destroyed his personal papers prior to his death. 

While the name of George Thomas has been overshadowed by that of Ulysses Grant and William Sherman, many historical observers and scholars of the war paint Thomas as the true reason for many of the Union’s critical victories. Readers are presented with the facts from Thomas’s perspective about his experiences during the war. His words are those of a proud and confident storyteller, giving voice to his successes and disappointments, many of which came at the hands of supposed friends and representatives of the government of which he served. I came away with a very different view of what this war was like, with details of dismissed strategies and missed opportunities, miscommunications, ineffective leadership, and poor decisions on both sides of the conflict. Battles are tense and exciting and described with a clear choreography that even I, unskilled and uneducated in such, could follow and envision. 

The story is as exciting as any adventure tale, often evoking emotional responses to events long past, especially when discussing the gut-wrenching decisions our ancestors made to stay with the United States or secede. The tale brought to life the fact that these fighting men had all been classmates or had served together previously before facing each other from opposite sides. It is often pointed out that families were split apart, with brothers fighting brothers, but usually, this is intoned in very general terms. This book names names, families where this actually occurred, making this tragedy personal and all the more heartbreaking. I didn’t know that President Lincoln himself had a brother-in-law who sided with the Confederates and was killed in action fighting against Union troops. Thomas was separated from his entire family save one of his brothers for the rest of his life and vilified by the people of his home state of Virginia for staying true to his military oath. 

I recommend THE BEST GENERAL IN THE CIVIL WAR to readers of historical fiction, especially those interested in the Civil War. 

Content warning: slavery, war, death, Ku Klux Klan

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.