Illinois Authors

Words Matter Publishing 2019

Dear Friends, This is my recollection of recipes spanning generations. Many have been served and shared over the years with family and friends. It is my wish to keep them alive, presenting each with the same charm and grace with which they were first prepared and perfected. These jewels not only come from the recipes that I've gathered throughout my lifetime, but are also pieces of the past right out of Eliza's handed-down recipe box. Still sitting on the same shelf at Slipknot where Mimzie kept it displayed, just out of the reach of the kids but in clear sight to guide her through so many meals, its integrity remains intact. CJ feels honored each time Eliza tries one of his new creations, asking for a copy so she can add it to the collection, keeping the family history moving forward. Now, settled back in Spring Forrest with all of this history at my fingertips, it’s my pleasure to keep these memories and creations alive. When the day comes that I'm no longer here to take the stage and tell the stories, it will be my secret comfort knowing that thumbing through these pages will do just that, simply stir up some of our fondest memories as we serve these familiar dishes. Affectionately, Aunt Mildred (Proudly added to the Simple Stitch Series)

Words Matter Publishing 2020

There is a newfound excitement at 'A Simple Stitch.' With wedding plans in full swing, Eliza soon realizes that although she is always the planner and the worker bee, it's not the case when you are the bride. In the meantime, Jon is also learning that when it comes to building their home, it's not going to be made in a day if he intends to go it alone. As plans fall in place, Slipknot Farm comes alive. Memories of Caleb and Caroline's (Papa & Mimzie's) building of the Homestead and their own wedding continue to parallel the events taking place on Jon and Eliza's journey. Starting their lives together, Jon and Eliza graciously accept help and enjoy being on the receiving end of the generosity that they so often are giving of themselves. New friendships are nurtured, relationships are strengthened, and some are put to the test. Watch as the entire community of Spring Forrest steps up to help recreate the 'Familiar Pattern' that is taking place right before their eyes.

Words Matter Publishing 2017

Living above her yarn shop, A Simple Stitch, on Main Street in her hometown was the perfect life for Eliza. One of the original downtown buildings in Spring Forrest provided her the setting for the collection of antiques passed down and finds she picked up along the way. Her regulars at the Friday Knit Out group had become like a second family, leaning on each other through many of life’s obstacles and celebrating life’s joys. Her nephew CJ returned to open the old Café across the street after one short semester away at college. Eliza could see CJ was searching to fill a void in his life. It became more obvious with the holidays approaching. Feelings he couldn’t explain, but Eliza could certainly understand. The Homestead, still intact from generations past, known as Slipknot Farm had become more important to CJ this year than ever before. Annie Simpkins, the new fifth-grade teacher from Texas, caught his eye and stirred his interest. Now, CJ felt the need for a family gathering stronger than ever before. During the fall, Main Street comes alive with return customers, old friends, and new faces. Slipknot is transformed with the changing seasons. Visitors drop in, stories are told of the days gone by, and Eliza’s recipe box gets a workout. Everyone has a few surprises in the works, trying to make certain this season is more memorable than the last. Family priorities are realized, bonds are strengthened, and futures are as bright as the full moon shining over the barn at Christmas time. Come along and relive the stories of Mimzie and Papa at the Homestead. As their values and strengths are remembered, A Common Thread becomes more obvious to everyone. Take this journey, and you will want to join the gathering every Christmas at the Homestead and feel like you are there.

Words Matter Publishing 2017

Summer brings a new season in Spring Forrest. A Simple Stitch is open, and Eliza is anticipating new customers, returning visitors and the weekly Girls Knit Out group that gathers on Friday evenings. The school is out. The Café is as busy as usual. Aunt Mildred has settled comfortably in her Spring Forrest home. It has only been six short months since the gathering at Slipknot Farm celebrating the holidays, yet it feels like an eternity. Relationships were started, and others strengthened during this festive time. Now, life back to usual, the excitement has faded, and Eliza is feeling an unfamiliar emptiness. Always considering herself the strength in the family, she isn’t hiding this restlessness as well as she thinks. Looking forward to her weekend at Slipknot Farm to nourish her soul, an accident takes her by surprise. As expected, she immediately steps up. Changes are necessary. Decisions are made without hesitation. During this much needed Time to Mend unforeseen events unfold taking relationships to new heights. While some have tough decisions to make, others can easily see the answers. You are invited back to A Simple Stitch to watch this quaint shop evolve. Slipknot in the summer is certainly the place to be for working in the garden, cooking and finding rest while sitting on the swing and watching the sun go down. So, as with every season there comes change, although not always easy, it can be a true blessing in disguise.