Tamera Alexander is the USA Today bestselling author of numerous books, including A Lasting Impression, A Note Yet Unsung, To Whisper Her Name, and To Wager Her Heart. Her richly drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide, as well as multiple industry awards. These awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Bookseller’s Best Award, and being listed among Publishers Weekly and Library Journal’s Top Inspirational Fiction, among others.
She hopes readers who pick up one of her novels will be swept away into another time and place, that they'll fall in love with the characters and gain insights into the history of the setting and people of yesteryear. But most of all, when a reader turns that final page in one of her novels, she prays they will have taken a step closer to Christ. Because He's what it's all about.
After living in Colorado for nearly two decades, Tamera and her husband now make their home in Nashville where they enjoy life with their two adult children who live nearby, and Murphy—a rambunctious but oh-so-lovable Australian Terrier. Learn more about Tamera HERE.
Tamera's Next Book Release: With This Pledge
What can a woman—a mere governess—do against the scourge of slavery?
As a young soldier lies dying in Lizzie's arms, she vows to relay his final words to his mother, but knows little more than the boy's first name. That same night, decorated Mississippi sharpshooter Captain Roland Ward Jones extracts a different promise from Lizzie: that she intervene should the surgeon decide to amputate his leg.
Lizzie is nothing if not a woman of her word, earning the soldiers' respect as she tends to the wounded within Carnton's walls. None is more admiring than Captain Jones, who doesn't realize she is pledged to another. But as Lizzie's heart softens toward the Confederate captain, she discovers his moral ground is at odds with her own. Now torn between love, principles, and pledges made, she struggles to be true to her own heart while standing for what she knows is right—no matter the cost. Pre-order the book HERE.
No matter how many times I make these, I still love them! They’re more akin to a cookie than cake, and the story of where these cookies originated from varies depending on whose kitchen you’re in. Likely, some frugal Southern cook found her cupboards on the meager side and whipped something up anyway. These cookies are—by nature and circumstance of situation in the Civil War—usually fairly bland. To dress them up, cooks would add either a little cinnamon, or nutmeg, or (my favorite) lemon zest! But I do encourage you to try these little jewels. They’re especially delicious with—you’re reading my mind, I can feel it—a warm cup of tea.
1 cup softened unsalted butter (2 sticks)
2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Beat the softened butter at medium speed with an electric mixer (or if you’re feeling particularly toned, by hand). Gradually add the sugar and mix until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Then stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients and whisk well. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, beating at lower speed until the mixture is fully combined. Then divide the dough into halves and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for about 30-45 minutes. Roll chilled dough out on a floured surface. Then using a biscuit cutter (or cookie cutter of choice), cut the cookies and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake at 350 degree oven for 10 - 12 minutes or until the edges have started to brown. Watch closely so they don't burn. The cookies pictured have a confectioner sugar glaze on the top, but that’s not mandatory. It’s delicious, mind you. Simply not mandatory. ; )
