Zina Abbott Books: July 2022

The following snippet was taken from

Figgy Pudding by Francine

Old Timey Holiday Kitchen series, Book 9

by Zina Abbott

(This book on sale 7/23 & 7/24)

After opening the bottom drawer of her personal work cabinet in which she stored files and books of scientific interest, Francine pulled out the stack of newspapers she had collected. She searched until she found the one detailing where the totality of the eclipse could be viewed. Although she read these articles at the time she purchased the papers, this letter from Mr. Morgan―at least, from someone purporting to be Eli Morgan―renewed her interest.

Francine found several issues regarding Rawlins, Wyoming Territory, as a gathering place for serious scientists. Evidently, that was the location chosen by the famous inventor, Thomas Edison, who planned to test some equipment there. She continued thumbing through the editions until she found the announcement regarding the eclipse party being organized by noted astronomer, Professor Henry Draper of New York. He solicited applications and reservations from those who wished to travel on a special rail coach to Rawlins.

If she recollected properly, one of the few western cities where this phenomena might be viewed was Denver, the home city of one Lila Cleod, sixteen-year-old student, who currently remained stuck at the academy for the summer. She claimed it was not a case of her father not wanting her to come home. For the second summer in a row, he was unable to leave home himself long enough to escort her to and from the school.

Francine’s level of anticipation moved up a notch as she recalled the scientist who announced she planned to study the eclipse from that locality―noted American female astronomer, Maria Mitchell of Vassar College for women. Francine almost riffled past it, but the article caught her attention just in time. Once she pulled it from the stack, she placed the other papers on the side of her desk and settled against the back of her chair as she studied the headline. Taking a deep breath, she unfolded the newspaper and began reading. Yes, Maria Mitchell and a group of her Vassar graduates planned to travel to Denver to study the 1878 total solar eclipse.

Francine’s mind began working faster than a spinning top. If, somehow, she could convince Mr. Cleod to allow her to stay in a guest room at his house for two weeks during the time of the eclipse, she would gladly chaperone his daughter home and then back to school. She could afford her own train tickets for the journey between Albany and Denver. She would assure him that most days and evenings she would be tied up in independent study within the city. She would take responsibility for her own meals and expenses. It would give Francine the opportunity to take her own telescope―as small and inadequate as it was―to view the solar spectacle. Although she would not be publishing papers or achieving anything that would bring her renown, she could record her own findings. It would help her become a better science teacher, especially on the subject of astronomy.

If you have not yet read Figgy Pudding by Francine, now, while it is on sale, is an excellent time to purchase it. It is the middle book in my own mini-series that is spread across three multi-author projects. Mail Order Blythe is the first book. The final book, Ellie, part of the Runaway Brides of the West series, will tell the romance of the third scientist who traveled to Rawlins, Wyoming Territory, in 1878 to view the total solar eclipse.

You may find the book description and purchase link for Figgy Pudding by Francine by CLICKING HERE.

To find the book description and pre-order link for Ellie, please CLICK HERE.

Set in the days of the Oklahoma Land Runs, Joshua's Bride is now available for purchase as an ebook and in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited .

For the book description and link, please

CLICK HERE.

My recently published book, Pearl, part of the Prairie Roses Collection, is a Christian wagon train romance that is now available either for purchase or at no additional cost with your Kindle Unlimited subscription. It will be available in print soon.

To find the book description and link, please

CLICK HERE.

Have you read my Gamble on Judgment duo yet? If not, here are the links to the book descriptions and purchase options. Click on the book titles:

Abilene Gamble ~ Indianapolis Justice