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Investigating Food Used in Novels

This month’s food scene and recipe comes from Ann Cavera’s middle grade novel, Ride a Summer Wind.

(Ann is offering two free books. Read on to find out how to win.)

In this excerpt, the lead character, 13-year-old Buddie who is being raised by her grandfather, is assisting him in making a banjo.

Here’s the Scene:

Grandpa knelt and spread the calfskin on the floor while he whistled “Rocky Top” beneath his breath. He placed the maple rim of a banjo we’d started a few weeks earlier in the center and handed me a piece of charcoal. I drew a circle larger than the rim, picked up a pair of shears, and began cutting the circle.

I took a deep breath. “Guess I should have told you sooner. People have been asking questions about your vase.”

He stopped whistling. “What people?”

“Miss Emily.”

“Emily? Of course,” he repeated softly, leaning back on his heels. “I figured she’d see the vase and be curious.”

“You’re right. She’ll be stopping by to ask you a few questions.” Taking an even deeper breath, I added, “Mr. Webb mentioned the vase too.

“What did he say?”

I kept my eyes on the shears, trying hard to concentrate. “Not much. He wanted to know if you have anything else you’d like to get rid of. He’ll be happy to help you with an auction.”

“I bet he would. That man never misses anything worth more than ten cents. Of course, that’s because of the business he’s in.”

“No need for Mr. Webb or anybody else to wonder about your vase now.”

“Why?”

“A thief broke into Mrs. Nelson’s house this morning. The vase is gone.”

Grandpa’s hand shook when he tried to fit the neck for the banjo into the rim.

“I’m sorry Gramps. I’m really, really sorry about giving the vase away without asking. This is all my fault.”

He sighed. “Don’t fret too much. Our vase might find a way home when the time is right. Let’s put this banjo away and make a pot of vegetable soup for supper.” 

Author Ann Cavera shares this notation and recipe for soup that Grandpa Lutie may have made from his vegetable garden.

What’s in the Garden? 

Though soup is usually served in cooler weather, this soup from the garden offers a quick and easy summer meal. Garden vegetable soup uses whatever needs to be eaten, plus whatever you might have on hand. Using readily available ingredients, the cook becomes an artist. While basics stay the same, the end results may vary.

                       Garden Vegetable Soup

For the recipe click here.

For additional recipes on this blog, click here.

More about Ride a Summer Wind:

In the summer of 1977, thirteen-year-old Buddie McBride is a shy mandolin player. She lives with her grandfather in the fictional town of Whistler, Indiana near Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood home. When Buddie gives away her grandfather’s old vase without asking his permission, he is furious. After learning the reason behind her grandfather’s anger, Buddie and her friends follow the vase into a summer of mystery, danger, and discovery. Will unconditional love and forgiveness be enough to save Buddie, her friends, and the vase?

Cavera doesn't shy away from the grim reality of poverty and loss, and—as honest and broken as some of her characters are—readers are left with a sense of hope as well as a reminder of the value of regarding others with respect and love.
                                             —Jennifer Grant, award-winning author of many books for adults and                                                                                        children, including Finding Calm in Nature.

Free Book Opportunity. (Ends June 7, 2025)

In the comments below, share something about an unsung parenting hero you know.

Ann is offering two books, so there will the two winners from those who share!

About the author:

Growing up in a military family, Ann Cavera attended nine schools in twelve years. Along the way she learned good people can be found everywhere. Ann served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Liberia, West Africa, where she met and married her husband, Jim. Her favorite place to be is in the company of children, usually with a plate of fresh-baked cookies. Ann’s writing connects readers to the love of God and the beauty of his creation. Connect with her at  anncaverawriter.com, podcast: Speeding Past 80 (Apple, Spotify, Podbean), email: [email protected]

Sweet Double-Cross made its debut. And Surprise! Amazon has it on sale, ½ price (as of this writing). I don’t know how long the ½ price offer will last. Apparently it’s an Amazon thing, so take advantage. Reviews have been great.

To celebrate the release of Sweet Double-Cross last week, I offered a copy of Sweet Deceit,  book #1 in the series. And the winner is:

Ann-Marie W.

Congratulations, Ann-Marie!

For more books and food scenes, click here.

For more recipes inspired by novels, click here. 

Visit me again as I Investigate Foods Used in Novels!

Blessings, 

Sally Jo

I am thrilled to announce Elk Lake Publishing is releasing my new Sweet County Secrets Series book, May 14, 2025!

For Free Book opportunity Read on.

Sweet Double-Cross

A scientific mission turns into a harrowing day of death and destruction. 

Dedicated biologist Trudy Fields is passionate about her invasive plant species research in northwest Florida. When real estate developer Kirt Mayfair arrives in Sweet County to learn how to eradicate a kudzu infestation on property he plans to purchase, Trudy is assigned to assist him. Their instant connection surprises them both—especially when Kirt impulsively proposes marriage.

But research and romantic interest takes a deadly turn when a colleague of Trudy’s is shot and killed on the way to the isolated kudzu experimental island. On the run from a ruthless killer with precision sniper training, Trudy and Kirt must navigate treacherous terrain, dangerous wildlife, and a shocking conspiracy.

As bullets fly and bodies pile up, Trudy discovers Kirt is hiding his own secret. Amidst unexpected attraction and lethal betrayal, can the two survive this double-cross? 

Although this is book#2 in the series and has cameo visits from book #1 characters, the book can be read as a stand alone. 

Free Book Opportunity. Leave a Comment for chance to win. (Offer good through May 21, 2025)

To celebrate the launch of Sweet Double-Cross,  I am offering the opportunity to win and copy of book #1, Sweet Deceit. Read below to discover how to enter. 

Sweet Double-Cross deals with the invasive kudzu plant known as the “vine that ate the South.” Did you know there are over 1000 identified invasive plant species in the U.S.? I’m interested to hear from readers if you have dealt with kudzu or any invasive plant species. Please comment below and I’ll enter you for a chance to win Sweet Deceit.