It’s my pleasure to introduce another book in the One Scoop or Two series published by The Wild Rose Press. All these short stories and novellas contain an ice cream vendor and a beachy setting–otherwise, anything goes!
In 1885, Emelia Stone and her sister must learn to operate their deceased parents’ bakery in the small town of Pennsylvania. A large mortgage looms on their family home. When her sister leaves town, Emelia is forced to handle the bakery and burden alone.
The Pennsylvania Railroad is searching for the perfect dessert for its passengers. Joe Sawicki, owner of Sawicki Brothers Ice Company, is certain Emelia can win the contest and the hundred- dollar bonus if she creates a special ice cream to accompany her popular huckleberry pies. He has loved her since they played hooky in grade school to explore the company’s ice cave.
Can Emelia find courage to stand up to the town’s bully to win the competition? And will Joe have the mettle to express his undying love and win first place in Emelia’s heart?
A peek inside Huckleberry Happiness:
He walked up beside her and took his usual spot, leaning against the counter. He smelled wonderful, like a blend of pine and fresh air.
Amelia jabbed furiously at the mixture inside the bowl with her pastry cutter. How could her very own sister abandon her without an ounce of misgiving? Couldn’t she have waited until the end of the month and, at the very least, earned her pay before leaving?
Joe watched her work, his hands shoved in his pockets. “Are you trying to kill the lard…or is it the flour that has you so riled?” He peered over the rim of the bowl.
“Be careful,” she shot back and gave him a lethal glare that would stop a rattlesnake from making a fuss. “This place is armed with sharp knives.” She dropped the cutter into the bowl and turned toward him. She flung out her arms in desperation and her hands came flying down to slap at her sides. “What am I going to do? There is no way I can run this shop alone.”
“No, you can’t,” he agreed. “You need help. You need someone who’s familiar with baking and who can run the counter out front. You need someone with more skills than just being able to turn a crank on an ice cream maker.”
Let’s meet the author!
Judy Ann Davis began her career in writing as a copy and continuity writer for radio and television in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She holds a degree in Journalism and Communications and has written for industry and education throughout her career.
Over a dozen of her short stories have appeared in various literary and small magazines and anthologies, and have received numerous awards. Her first novel, Red Fox Woman, won a finalist place in the Best Book Awards by USA Book News and International Book Awards by International Book News. Her contemporary romantic suspense and comedy, Four White Roses, was a finalist in the Book Excellence Awards, American Fiction Awards, and the Georgia Romance Writers’ Maggie Awards.
When Judy Ann is not behind a computer, you can find her looking for anything humorous to make her laugh or swinging a golf club where the chuckles are few.
She is a member of Pennwriters, Inc. and Romance Writers of America. She divides her time between Central Pennsylvania and New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Tell us about your inspiration for this story.
I was interested in ice caves in Pennsylvania, and I also learned that a patch of Pennsylvania huckleberries, discovered near Losh Run, north of Harrisburg, has two plants that botanists determine are 13,000 years old, older than the Sequoia trees of the West. The gigantic patch sprang from the same plant thousands of years ago as the ice cover was melting. I decided to write a historical romance and have my heroine, Emelia Stone, make huckleberry ice cream. My hero, Joe Sawicki, owns an ice company and supplies the ice to Emelia’s bakery.
Do you write in other genres?
I write contemporary and historical romance and romantic mysteries—often with comic elements and sometimes with a bit of paranormal like a friendly ghost.
Which authors have inspired you?
I’m a fan of Louis L’Amour, who I believe is one of America’s best storytellers. I also like the works of LaVryle Spencer, and Louise Penny.
Get your copy of Huckleberry Happiness here: BOOK LINK, BARNES&NOBLE
Connect with Judy Ann Davis here:
Sounds like a great book and I love the cover!
Thanks for hosting me today on your blog.