Small Town Holidays

by Kathryn Hills

It still astonishes me sometimes that I live in a small town in northern New England. I grew up in suburbia surrounded by traffic and crowds. It’s refreshing to live in a place where the only traffic is at my bird feeders and the crowd is congregated at the back door when our four hounds want to go outside. The contrast between where I started and where I am now influences my sweet holiday romances set in the fictitious town of Dickens.

Have you visited Dickens yet? There are currently 30+ books written by a group of very talented authors. From Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah through New Year’s Eve, there’s something for everyone in this holiday-themed romance series. (You can find the entire series via the link below.)

My latest book, CALL ME CRAZY – A DICKENS HOLIDAY ROMANCE, addresses some of what it’s like living in a small town versus a place like NYC. My hero and heroine might as well be from different planets. Or…maybe that’s not the case. Perhaps they have more in common than they realize. You’ll have to read to find out.

Something I’m certain of is that they love small town holiday traditions, one of which they share in a cozy farmhouse kitchen. Here’s a bit about the book and a link if you’d like to learn more: https://books2read.com/u/mKBO2L 

In Dickens, the magic of Christmas might sneak up on you. In the snow and with a net. But true love always finds a way.

The prospect of a giant reset button is what brings business mogul Trevor Branstone to Dickens for Christmas. He’s looking to shake off the breakup that’s left him questioning his life choices. Renting a mountainside luxury home to relax and ski is exactly what he wants. And Trevor always gets what he wants. Quiet time alone will allow him to search his weary heart and brilliant mind for answers to the question… What’s next? That is until he collides with a force known to townsfolk as “Becca.” He’s been warned: “If she shows up on your doorstep with a passel of possums, don’t let her in!”

Rebecca Gallagher is searching, too … under porches and behind dumpsters for the missing, injured, and abandoned animals of the area. She’s the Dickens Animal Control Officer, working tirelessly to help both domesticated animals and wildlife. Becca doesn’t have a hot minute to question her mission. It’s a calling—a life’s purpose—and she takes names whenever someone or something gets in the way of saving a life.

Is there anything leftover for her when the work gets done? And why is she so attracted to a man that might as well be from another planet? Then again… Skippy, her trickiest rescue yet, loves the handsome visitor, and that’s saying something. Isn’t it?

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I thought you might also enjoy something special from the book. Trevor and Becca make birdseed ornaments to hang on the evergreens that line the driveway of her family’s farm. It’s a charming holiday tradition and a fun project for all ages!

Holiday Birdseed Ornaments

What You’ll Need

• 2 packs of plain/unflavored gelatin

• ½ cup boiling water

• 2 cups of your favorite birdseed mix (I use a mix that does not contain things like berries or raisins)

• Baking sheets

• Cookie cutters (Pick simple, sturdy ones. Tight corners don’t work well)

• Parchment paper

• Spray oil

• Plastic straws (Cut in half)

• Ribbon, string, or twine

Instructions

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper and spray cookie cutters with oil. The oil helps the seed cakes to slide out once they’re cool and dry.

Mix 2 packs of gelatin with boiling water in a bowl.

Once the gelatin is dissolved, add 2 cups of birdseed. Mix well.

Arrange your cookie cutters on the lined baking sheets and spoon/press the wet birdseed mixture into them. You can use the back of a spoon if it helps. Smooth and tap the mix until the cakes are uniformed and flat.

Insert a straw into each seed cake/ornament. The straws make holes so that you can string your ornaments later, once they’ve cooled and dried.

Set your trays aside to allow the ornaments cool and dry overnight, or for at least 10-12 hours.

Once they’ve hardened, you can gently work them free of the cookie cutters and string with ribbon/string/twine. Hang outside for your backyard friends.

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Thanks so much for visiting with me. And thank you Liz for hosting!

Happy holidays, everyone. Wishing you all JOY this holiday season and in 2025!

~ Kathryn Hills ~

KATHRYN HILLS...Best-selling and award-winning romance author, ghost hunter, dog lover, and iced coffee addict. She’s hauntingly romantic unless she’s writing sweet. From graveyards to country inns, get ready to explore spooky mysteries and have some fun!

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