Tuesday, December 28, 2021

My Top 5 Reads of 2021!

Taking all the books that I read for the first time this year (there are several honorable mentions that were not first time reads- Looking at all of Roseanna M White's books here...) here are my top five reads for this year.

In fifth place, the most recent book in the Rizkaland Legends series by Kendra E Ardnek, Love and Memory. Love and Memory is a massive, I mean MASSIVE, tome of a portal fantasy and I adored every moment of it. The characters are complex, the world building is awesome, and can we have a moment of appreciation for Laura, who has to be the best character ever written ever. While some things can get a little confusing sometimes, Kendra does an amazing job with this series, which is Indie published, something I'm excited to share with you because that's impressive to get in the top five considering how many books I've devoured this year.

Coming up next, in fourth place Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham. I absolutely love Pepper because she takes me to the Blue Ridge in the most perfect way each and every time. This dual timeline story swept me right into the Biltmore estate, a place I've visited several times, and I couldn't have been more pleased with the special insight she brought to a place I already love. While it did take me a second to get into the dual timeline, I was hooked long before the ending, and definitely recommend it.

And on the podium, we have our third place, The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen. This was a new author for me, but I absolutely couldn't have asked for more. I adored the story, even spending my entire day off one week this summer reading it straight through. What's more, I even posted a review immediately, which generally only happens when I'm overwhelmed with how perfectly a story ended. I need to get my hands on more by this author in 2022.

Second place (Silver medal, anyone?) goes to A Deep Divide by Kimberley Woodhouse, whose new series explores the Harvey Girls in the southwest US. Emma's story resonated with me in a way I didn't expect, and Emma's verse was a verse that at that moment in my life, was already pulsing through my entire being, which just proves that God works in mysterious ways that include historical fiction. From Psalm 34- I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

And my top read of 2021 goes to... (((I really hope y'all are drumrolling)))

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep. This wasn't the first of her books I've read, but I think it's my favorite so far. I was so into the story and my goodness the plot just did exactly what I wanted it to (with of course a few frightening setbacks along the way...) and the characters were so real to me that I didn't want to book to end. Ever. I wanted to stay with them forever. I want a sequel. NOW. I absolutely adore this book, and you should definitely read it if you have time. (AKA make time...)

What about you? What were your favorite reads this year? Let me know in the comments. Anyone loving the same ones I do?

Friday, December 17, 2021

Series Review: Millie Maven by Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker

Millie Maven, a fearful orphan girl who lives with her strict, evil aunt is trapped in a life of cruel punishment without any friends. So on the night of her twelfth birthday, when old Aggie of the woods invites her to take a journey that can change her life forever, Millie knows she has to go. Unsure but desperate, Millie embarks on a great adventure that takes her to the distant, mysterious world of FIGS, the FarPointe Institute for Gifted Students, where she might discover her true value through gifts that defy belief.

I was not actually expecting these books to be as good as they were. There are three books in the trilogy, and they didn't take long for me to read. (Mainly because they're for 8-12 year olds... which I am not) I ordered these for my classroom during a Black Friday sale. I love the idea of a Christian portal fantasy aimed at kids, and I was hoping the storytelling wouldn't be too hokey, as sometimes happens in this sort of genre. Thankfully, I enjoyed the series. My one complaint is that I feel like the books could have been longer. They didn't really thresh out the depth of all the characters they were trying to spotlight. The worldbuilding also suffered from the lack of length, leaving somewhat to be desired with the world of FIGS. It felt rushed. So much happened, what could have taken a whole year at magical otherworld boarding school, and it only took three weeks or less from what I can tell. However, when I finished the last page of the last book, I wanted to go back and enjoy the adventure again, and I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to FIGS. I think the world of Millie Maven is a good choice for the age group, however, there are some spooky parts that the younger end of the range might be creeped out about. I enjoyed delving into the message of the series though and I think it's awesome for a children's series to so heavily emphasize that God's love, infinite, eternal, will strengthen us through every trial we face. I would say the theme of the series is that our identity is found in Christ, not feelings. I would recommend this series if your children enjoy fantasy type settings and you're looking for a clean but still magical story.

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

CelebrateLit Tour: Review: A Warrior's Heart by Misty M. Beller

Brielle Durand still feels haunted by the massacre that killed her mother a dozen years before. Vowing to never let it happen again, she’s risen to be the key defender for her people’s peace-loving French settlement living in hidden caves in the Canadian Rockies. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret homes, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. But now, what to do with this man who looks at her in a strange way and insists he can be trusted?

Hoping to escape past regrets, Evan MacManus ventured into the unknown, assigned to discover if the northern mountains contain an explosive mineral that might help America win the War of 1812. Despite being taken prisoner, Evan is determined to complete his mission. But when that assignment becomes at odds with his growing appreciation of the villagers and Brielle, does he follow through on the promise he’s made to his government or take a risk on the path his heart is leading him down? Either choice will cause harm to someone.

Brielle and Evan must reconcile the warring in their hearts, if they’ve any hope to find the peace the seek.

The characters in this book are so gripping. The setting is cool, the plot is interesting, but it's the characters that make the book so enjoyable. The internal struggles of each, the relationships that are built or examined. I love Brielle and Evan. They're the type of characters that make you want to stay up past your bedtime to finish the story. (May or may not be speaking from experience here) I've been in a bit of a funk lately and haven't been wanting to read as much, but this story kept me engaged and searching for more. Definitely recommend picking up a copy if you enjoy a great historical romance that is truly character driven. I really am in awe over the way the motivation holds up and the story moves along.

While I did receive a copy of this book for free, all opinions expressed are my own.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.
She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
More from Misty
A secret village living in hidden caves for a century…
One of the fun things about being a writer is letting your imagine run away with itself at times. In general, I’ve never considered myself a creative person. Not like my grandmother, who’s an amazing artist and decorator. She can look at something plain and normal and, with a little paint, create something truly beautiful.
But little by little, I’ve finally learned that just because I don’t feel creative like she is, I still have an imagination that can come up with intriguing ideas.
For example, I was listening to a historical podcast a few years ago that talked about the Vikings and the female warriors who would sometimes gain fame among them. As the hosts talked about the first Viking raids to North America, I started thinking… “What if one of those groups went farther west than any of us thought? What if they found the Rocky Mountains and lived there in a hidden community for centuries?” The thought took hold, and little by little, the idea for the Brides of Laurent series came to life.
I eventually changed the village to be a French settlement named Laurent. The village’s primary warrior was a woman named Brielle Durand, who’d worked hard to win her place as Le Commandant, leader of the Guards and Hunters. I love Brielle’s strength and wit, but also how real her personal struggles became as I wrote her character.
Add in a mountain man spy working for the United States government, and you have the secret for a romance with sparks to light up the mountain sky!
I pray you love A Warrior’s Heart, the first book in this new series. And keep an eye on some of the other characters in the book who might get their own stories soon!
Blessings!
Misty

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/11dc9/a-warrior-s-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 30

An Author’s Take, September 30

Remembrancy, October 1

Bigreadersite, October 1

lakesidelivingsite, October 2

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 2

Joanna Bair, October 2

Inklings and notions, October 3

To Everything There Is A Season, October 3

Reviewingbooksplusmore, October 3

Wishful Endings, October 4

For Him and My Family, October 4

Mary Hake, October 4

deb’s Book Review, October 5

Life of Literature, October 5

Betti Mace, October 6

Blossoms and Blessings, October 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 6

Blessed & Bookish, October 7

Connie’s History Classroom, October 7

For the Love of Literature, October 8

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 8

Connect in Fiction, October 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 9

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 10

Through the Fire Blogs, October 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 11

Simple Harvest Reads, October 11 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 12

Pause for Tales, October 12

Live. Love. Read., October 12 ((you are here))

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Review: A Deep Divide by Kimberley Woodhouse

With her past behind her, she has nothing--and everything--to lose.

After being kidnapped as a child, heiress Emma Grace McMurray has seen firsthand the devastation that greed causes in the world, and she wants nothing to do with it. When she discovers her father has offered her up as a bargaining chip to expand his empire, she disappears into the night. Determined to stay hidden, even if it means always looking over her shoulder, she finds herself working as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel.

When Ray Watkins arrives at the hotel on business, he is immediately captivated by the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Though his fame-seeking father aims to lure new investors to the Arizona Territory, Ray dreams of one day taking over the family business and doing good with the profits.

Ray immediately admires Emma Grace, and though an attraction begins to form, she can't let go of the deep-rooted fear that he's just like every other wealthy man she's known. When suspicious activity follows Emma Grace and Ray to the El Tovar, they are pulled into a mystery that stirs up their worst fears. And as shocking revelations come to light, they are left to question all they thought to be true.

When I started this book, I had no clue how pointed it would be. I mean, I should have, because I find Kim's books are often like that, but I wasn't prepared. Emma Grace, our lovely heroine, and might I add, bitter heiress, struggles with trusting others, especially men, because of past hurts in her life. She would rather build walls than friendships, and she finds that when she does let her guard down and accept friendship, it grows like wildfire without her consent. I found myself relating an uncomfy lot to her. What I thought was extra special was that recently I've been listening to this song every morning, and the verse that Emma Grace says to herself over and over throughout the book is from Psalm 34.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

I love everything that Kim writes. She does such a good job with setting and picture painting. She makes memorable characters and scenarios. I get so invested. I caught myself making worried sounds out loud while reading it. I laughed a tad bit loudly. I fought back the tears. Once I really sat down, I didn't move until I finished it, which is saying something because I've been in a funk for a few weeks and not felt like reading anything at all. I highly recommend this new one, and I'm just a tiny bit impatient for book two next October. I hope that Ruth and Frank get a book, because they sure as all get out deserve one!!!

While I did receive a gratis copy of this book, my opinions are, per usual, my own.

This book releases October 5th! Be sure to snag your copy wherever books are sold!

Or follow this link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Deep-Divide-Secrets-Canyon/dp/0764238000/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19WM47JNYZ15E&keywords=a+deep+divide+kimberley+woodhouse&qid=1633467080&sprefix=a+deep+div%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-1

Friday, September 24, 2021

Frosted Roses Tour: Guest Post: Sarah Pennington

Today we have the pleasure of a guest post from Sarah Pennington. Her beautiful Snow White and Red Rose retelling releases today!

A Day in the Life of the Cat

Hello, readers of Live. Love. Read! Sarah Pennington, author of Gilded in Ice, here! Thanks so much for having me here! For today’s guest post, I’ll be doing something a little different than the norm: instead of me telling you about my characters, I’m going to let him do it himself. Cat, it’s all yours.

Good morning! Lovely day, isn’t it? No, no, stop looking around like you think you’re hearing ghosts. I’m over here. Up a bit — ah, yes. Now you see me, sitting here on the wall. What, didn’t they tell you that cat is my species, not my name?

You want to know what my name is? Sorry, I’m afraid I lost it. Most people just call me what I am — though some people make it sound like an insult. Kona, on the other hand, calls me chaton, which goes to show you what a lovely gal she is.

Who’s Kona? I’ll get to her in a moment. If you’re in a hurry, according to the author, you can go read about her in the book she wrote about both of us, or you can visit somewhere called Fantastical Notions. Your choice. I’ll wait — or, at the very least, I’ll come back. A cat can’t always afford to hang around in one place too long, you know. People start trying to catch you. Or throwing things.

I’m told that I’m supposed to tell you about a day in my life, though there’s not much to say. I’m a street cat these days, with the whole city for my home. On good days, I’m not sure if that’s an upgrade or downgrade from where I used to live. On bad days — when you get the kind of downpours where you could drown on dry land or when the lake elementals get disturbed mid-hibernation and whip up a blizzard over the city — I don’t have a doubt which it is.

In any case, no two days are really the same for me. Every day, I wake up and decide where I’ll wander. No point in staying in one place when it’s so easy to hop on the back of a streetcar and ride somewhere else, after all. One day I might prowl the rooftops of the Old City; the next I’ll lounge around the Innsjøby College campus; and on another day again I’ll nose through the streets of the southeast corner. When I get hungry, I’ll find a restaurant or a cafe or even just a market stand that seems friendly and see what I can get at the backdoor. I’ve found a few favorites — Anton’s on Mercer Street has very tasty chicken, and there’s a little Hellethene open-air place whose cook makes the best souvlaki I’ve ever had — but I try not to go anywhere too often.

Occasionally, for special occasions or when I want a treat, I’ll visit the restaurants downtown — there’s always tasty scraps to be had, and the chefs at the Ologbo Po believe it’s good luck to feet stray cats — or sneak into a theater or playhouse to catch a show or concert. Or I’ll go even further to the mansions up on the lake side of the city, to . . . to see what’s happening, I suppose you could say. Though I don’t make my way to that part of the city too often. I might be pedigree, but I find I don’t fit there quite like I should.

Of course, the other advantage of never going the same place too often is that it’s safer. There’s always someone who wants to get their hands on a cat like me. Better not to give them a pattern to follow.

There is one thing that stays the same every day, though. Each evening, I ankle down to a tenement apartment in the southeast corner, up to the fire escape where two lovely ladies are waiting for me. One’s Kona Dennel, the gal I mentioned earlier — the one who calls me chaton and knows just the right ways to brush out my fur and stroke my ears. The other’s her twin, Roselle — just as nice a girl, but she has her sights set on becoming a vet, so I find her sister to be the safer choice. They let me stay nights at their apartment in the winter and on rainy evenings — no small blessing, since they barely seem to have room for their own family there.

But even if I’m not their guest, we’ll meet to chat and trade stories of the day until there’s nothing left to say. Without them, my life would be a lonely one, since I can’t risk talking to most people. But I know I can trust them. They’re true friends, not mockingbirds. They’ll do just about anything for the people they care about, and I’d do the same for them. But I can’t help but wonder . . . just how far does anything go?

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Frosted Roses Tour: Review: As Long as We Live by Cortney Manning

It's my second post for this epic tour, and this time it's a review. Now, I'll be honest, this is a long one... an epic actually, and I have not had time to finish it, especially being a first year teacher, so I'm gonna give you what I've got.

This story captured me really from the beginning. The characters were instantly engaging and the beginning premise intriguing. I love seeing the inspiration of Snow White and Rose Red come out. Rose and Poppy are adorable. Ivy and Pierre are great older siblings. I love exploring new realms, seeing all sorts of different types of good fae magic, and knowing that I'll have plenty of time to get attached. So far, nothing has been added so quickly that it confuses me, but it's also not dragging along. I'm super excited to finish the novel, because I'm convinced I'm going to love every moment of it, and I'll update you guys on my final thoughts. Also, take a peek at this gorgeous cover, am I right?

Other stops and such found down here...

As Long as We Live
By Cortney Manning
An Epic Fae Romance
Goodreads||Amazon
September 22^nd

Interviews:
Mae Heller - Cortney Manning
Character Spotlights:
Rachel Rossano - Ivy
Laura A. Grace - Alain
Paper, Ink, & Lizard - Pierre
Guest Posts:
Dreams & Dragons - Sisters Red and White
Ellwyn's Blog - The Ungrateful Dwarf
Reviews:
The Arista's Directory
Blooming with Books
Live. Love. Read.
Light & Shadows
Fantastical Notions + Mini Interview!

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Frosted Roses Tour: Character Spotlight: Wickham from Runaway Lyrics

Let's meet a facinating character from C. O. Bonham's brand new book baby, Runaway Lyrics.

Character Spotlight:

Prince Wickham

By C.O. Bonham

Wickham is the younger half-brother of Prince Bayare. They share a father but not a mother. He is okay with not being king, preferring science and magic to politics and diplomacy. As a result, he is very knowledgeable and doesn’t care who knows it.

He is very close to his older brother, who insists on calling him Wicky. Wickham pretends to hate this, but is secretly glad. His brother is one of the few people who treats Wickham like he’s normal.

Wickham’s mother treats him like he’s breakable. She’s always asking if he’s okay, trying to get him to rest. Never wanting him to go anywhere or do anything. She would keep him beside her at all times, if he would let her.

When Wickham was younger, he suffered from a mysterious draining illness that sapped his energy for days at a time, leaving him bedridden off and on, until his late teens.

Fun fact: history actually inspired the idea of having an ill prince. The royal families of England and most of Europe suffer from hemophilia (google it, it’s fascinating). This was going to be my reason for the younger brother to not be in the story much, but that didn’t feel right, so I made him a shape-shifting character named Wicky.

Despite his love of studying and his vast store of magical knowledge, Wickham does not appear to possess any magical abilities. Though he has a hazy memory of showing his mother a crackling purple spark that arced across his fingertips.

He started attending the university in the fall of his eighteenth year and was taking many of the same political and diplomacy classes that his brother had before him. Wickham made a deal with his mother that if he did well in these boring classes, then she would let him take alchemy during the summer months. Alchemy class does not go as he expects. Wickham’s search for answers directly leads into the events of Runaway Lyrics.

During Runaway Lyrics, Wickham finds himself drugged, kidnapped, lost in the woods, and transformed into a great forest owl.

Wickham never had much interest in girls, worried that they either just wanted to marry a prince or that they would smother him the way his mother did. But then he meets an outgoing girl named Rose that shares his love of magic.

Has he finally found someone who can see past his outward weakness and help bring out his inner strength?

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Review: The Cost of Betrayal~ Henderson, Pettrey, and Eason

Another post I dragged up from my archived drafts. Enjoy my weirdly old writing style. I hope to pop out a few new reviews soon, but just now my brain is already on overload!

I hope you'll forgive me for skipping the blurb... there being three of them for this book.

Is it really fair to review this as one? I mean... they are all in the same book, but there are three separate entities going on here. Here I go anyway though...

I'm giving this set overall 4 stars.

This was the first story by Dee Henderson that I'd ever read, though I know several people who are avid fans. I enjoyed the whole novella that started this collection. The characters were strong and there was a doggy for goodness sake! The suspense was great, and my inability to beat the ending to solve the case was annoying. Not...however... as annoying as having a (what I assume to be actually realistic) ending like that... which is to say, it wasn't a proper ending at all. If you like to have your mystery solved definitely, then I suggest you skip this one, "or wonder till it drives you mad" I suppose. Dani's novella excited me (having recently finished Dead Drift, I was "in the mood", you know) and it was suspenseful, and guessing the bad guy was really impossible. Unfortunately, it wasn't my favorite of her stories. Don't get me wrong! The farther in I was, the more I liked it. I suppose I'm just used to her series books. And last, but furthest from least, Lynette's story about Ruthie St. John, which, I'll admit, was the whole reason I bought this book. I couldn't stand by and lose a story right in the middle of a series, could I? Of course, having already had a background on the characters and the story, I think, made it easier for this to be my favorite. I was excited to see a glimpse of the police Chief, and to see more of the brothers and sisters that had already wormed their way into my heart.

Truly, I do recommend this set. I know it sounds like I said a lot of negative things, but the chills up my spine weren't imaginary! (Although, I'm sure they were caused by an overactive imagination!) A nice set of mysteries that are easy reads by three incredible authors. I'm excited for this to grace my shelves! (I've a nice place for it right between Code of Valor (Eason) and Blind Spot (Pettrey)!)

Saturday, July 3, 2021

CelebrateLit Tour: Review: Bridge of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse

Repairs on the Golden Gate Bridge Uncover a Century-Old Murder

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Underwater archaeologist Kayla Richardson is called to the Golden Gate Bridge where repairs to one of the towers uncovers two human remains from the late 1800s and the 1930s. The head of the bridge restoration is Steven Michaels, who dives with Kayla, and a friendship develops between them. But as the investigation heats up and gold is found that dates back to the gold rush, more complications come into play that threaten them both. Could clues leading to a Gold Rush era mystery that was first discovered during the building of the bridge still ignite an obsession worth killing for?

Guys guys guys. I love this book. I was a little nervous going in, because my mood lately has been hit and miss on those dual timeline books, but after only a few chapters, I was in. Of course, I shouldn't be surprised. I've loved Kim's historical books as well as her contemporary suspense novels. I expected to be more involved in the historical timeline, since that's my usual take on these time slip novels, but I was actually loving the modern day most! I found the humorous approach exactly what I needed for my stress relief, and I found that some of the struggles Kayla was going through helped me understand some of my own issues. My one complaint was that the book was so short. I wanted it to last longer. I wanted a chance to get more attached to the characters. I also felt that the ending just happened so quickly that I couldn't really catch my breath. But I absolutely would recommend reading it, and even put my copy in the living room of the dorm hoping that the other girls will pick it up and read it during their free time.

While I did receive a free copy of this book, as always these are my own honest thoughts and opinions.

Click here to get your copy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than twenty fiction and nonfiction books. A popular speaker and teacher, she’s shared her theme of “Joy Through Trials” with more than half a million people across the country at more than 2,000 events. Kim and her incredible husband of twenty-five-plus years have two adult children. She’s passionate about music and Bible study and loves the gift of story.
You can connect with Kimberley at: www.kimberleywoodhouse.com and www.facebook.com/KimberleyWoodhouseAuthor

More from Kimberley

BRIDGE OF GOLD was a blast for me to write. Not only do I love writing dual-timeline stories, but the present-day hero and heroine are named after my daughter and her husband. Steven and Kayla in the book are fictitious, but there are a few things in the book that do mimic their real-life namesakes.

One of them is food.

My son-in-law Steven in real life is six-foot-four and active military. The man can eat. It’s amazing to me how many calories it takes just for him to survive! Then there’s my daughter, Kayla. She was an elite swimmer for many years along with her brother. I could never keep them fed when they were at the height of their swimming careers. In fact, I joked that all I did was cook and load the dishwasher during those years.

To celebrate the release of BRIDGE OF GOLD, I’m going to give out a recipe that I created almost thirty years ago. It went through many revisions the first few months as I perfected it and now you get a special treat because I do not give this recipe out. In fact, one of my dearest friends begged for it when our kids were little. I gave in but made her promise to close her eyes while she made it (LOL) and to never, ever give it to anyone else.

Enjoy! And thanks for joining us on the tour for BRIDGE OF GOLD. I hope you love it.

Kim’s Chocolate Chunk Cookies – recipe by Kimberley Woodhouse

2 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. kosher salt

¾ cup melted/browned butter (this is important! Don’t skip this step)

2 Tb. Hot chocolate mix

1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

½ cup white sugar

1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk

1 – 12 ounce package mega morsels (I use Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips)

Directions: combine the first three dry ingredients and mix well. In a small saucepan on the stove, melt and brown the butter. Medium heat is recommended but you’ve got to watch it so it doesn’t burn. You want a beautiful caramel color. Set aside and allow to cool to around 100 degrees F before continuing. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Once the browned butter is cool, add the hot chocolate mix to it. Transfer to a stand mixer and blend the butter mixture with the sugar. Whip it until well combined and frothy about 2 mins. Gradually add eggs and flour mixture, beating on low just until blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Using a cookie scoop, drop heaping TB scoops 2 inches apart on parchment paper lined cookie sheets. Bake at 325 degrees for 12-14 minutes, watching carefully. Allow to cool on cookie sheets for 5 minutes and then transfer to cooling racks. Enjoy!

For other fun tidbits about BRIDGE OF GOLD make sure you check out my blog at – kimberleywoodhouse.com