Welcome to my #TuesdayTea review of an intriguing debut novel by Laura Conner Kestner. Isn’t the cover stunning? I completely enjoyed this visit to Moccasin Rock, Texas. The assorted characters are all so captivating. And following the journey of Caleb and Abby as they fall in love is fun and unpredictable.
I’m serving POTATO Chip Cookies with warm spiced apple cider today….the cider because it’s autumn and you’ll find out why I’m offering POTATO chip cookies as you read Remember Texas. I’ll include my mother’s recipe for the cookies.
ABOUT REMEMBER TEXAS
Award-winning fiction. Abigail Horton’s life is turned upside down during the last night of a week-long revival when her father—believed dead—shows up in the custody of a Texas Ranger. Abby is thrilled to see him, and equally devastated to learn he’s been living the life of an outlaw. Texas Ranger Caleb Calhoun stops in Moccasin Rock to let his prisoner, Bob Horton, visit briefly with family before transporting him to Austin for trial. Caleb takes a room at the family’s boarding house, planning to be in and out of the small town by morning. But within hours he’s kissed Abby Horton, made an enemy of her naïve suitor, and let his prisoner escape. As Caleb searches for the missing outlaw, and Abby struggles to keep the man’s whereabouts a secret, they also battle a growing attraction to each other. Throw in a Calhoun family mystery, an elderly preacher on a mission, an old flame of Caleb’s, a secretive spinster, a team of surveyors, and Abby’s mother and brother—and you have a compelling story of faith, family and forgiveness.
MY REVIEW ON GOODREADS
Remember Texas by Laura Conner Kestner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Remember Texas is such an engaging story! I loved it!
Romance and intrigue fill the pages of a fast-paced historical book set in early Texas. This book is an award winner, and I certainly understand why!
Caleb Calhoun is a Texas Ranger on a mission to bring an outlaw to justice when he meets Abigail Horton in tiny Moccasin Rock, Texas. The town setting, with its interesting assortment of townsfolk, invites you into a place of warm relationships, intricate family bonds and some dangerous elements. The tangles of the situations the various characters find themselves in are all so believable. The story moves along quickly with plenty of action and lots of questions about unusual events surrounding the area and its residents.
The hero’s actions caused my heart to warm as he falls for the reluctant heroine during some lovely romantic moments. I really enjoyed all the fascinating characters as they transformed during the course of the story, some from quite unlikeable individuals turning into delightful additions to the group.
I especially like the way the author brings all the intriguing details together by the end for a very satisfying conclusion, including a lovely proposal and beautiful epilogue. More stories by author Laura Conner Kestner are much anticipated! If you enjoy faith-filled historical romance, I believe you will be truly engaged with Remember Texas, a fun book to read!
Favorite quotes:
“I do believe that sometimes what people call coincidences are really part of God’s grander plan for us.”
“The words don’t have to be fancy, son. Just tell God what’s on your mind and in your heart.”
MEET AUTHOR LAURA CONNER KESTNER
You’d enjoy visiting Laura’s website for more information about her writing journey (including many awards) and some interesting historical tidbits about her home state of Texas. LAURA CONNER KESTNER’S WEBSITE
MOM’S POTATO CHIP COOKIE RECIPE
Mix together until combined:
1 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
Add:
2 beaten eggs
Sift together:
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
Then add to the sugar/egg mixture.
Then mix in:
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups crushed potato chips
6 oz. butterscotch chips
Drop drop dough by tablespoonful-sized scoops on to an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Watch carefully so the cookies don’t burn. Enjoy!
Thank you for visiting with me today. May you be blessed with the treasure of encountering interesting places and books which bring the past alive.
Blessings and prayers always,
Sherida
*I appreciate comments. Your comment will appear after moderation. I apologize for delays.
Sherida Stewart 
The cover is so beautiful I’d pick it up just to read the back cover. It sounds like a great story, and I look forward to reading it. Congratulations, Laura!
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Jackie, the cover is amazing….gives that Texas feel…plus I love steam trains. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Laura’s book. Thank you so much for stopping by for cider and cookies today. Blessings!
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This book looks fascinating and I must admit I’m intrigued to try potato chip cookies! Thank you for the wonderful review! It’s on my TBR!
Huge Congratulations to Laura Conner Kestner on her gorgeous debut!!
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Sharee, with your love of suspense, I know you will be intrigued with Laura’s book. All the “loose ends” are tied up beautifully in the conclusion. And after reading Remember Texas, you’ll understand why potato chip cookies were the perfect treat for today’s tea. Even if these sound a bit unusual, they are good. Thank you so much for stopping by to celebrate Laura’s debut! Blessings!
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Congratulations, dear Laura! Woohoo! Stunning cover and I can’t wait to read Remember Texas!
Wonderful review, Sherida! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
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Cynthia, with your love of small towns…and their characters….you will find this historical small town quite interesting. I believe you’ll agree Remember Texas is a captivating book. Thank you for visiting with us. I’ll pour you another mug of warm spiced cider as it’s getting chilly in your Ozark area. Blessings to you!
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Congratulations to Laura on her debut novel – – LOVE that cover (and the title, too)!
Wonderful review, Sherida! I am SO excited about reading this book, and plan to start it TODAY! 🙂
Thanks for sharing another lovely post with us (including that recipe—YUM!).
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Patti Jo, you will truly enjoy REMEMBER TEXAS. Yes, I agree….great title and cover. You are always so faithful to stop by for #TuesdayTea. Someday we’ll meet in person for an afternoon tea celebration. Blessings and hugs to you, sweet friend!
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Thank you so much for spreading the word about my first book, Sherida, and for all the kind words! And thank you to Jackie, Sharee, Cynthia and Patti Jo for the sweet comments! Potato chip cookies sound really good – must try them. Or as Bliss would say, “You flung a craving on me.” 🙂 Thanks for everything, Sherida!
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Laura, thank you for stopping by to celebrate your amazing book. Yes, I love Bliss and his expressions….and all the folks of Moccasin Rock, Texas.
During my #TuesdayTea celebrations, I like to serve a tea treat inspired by the novel I’m featuring. You and your readers will understand how excited I was when today’s treat…POTATO chip cookies….popped to mind….and this is my mom’s recipe. Perfect snacking while reading REMEMBER TEXAS! Congratulations and blessings to you, Laura!
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What a delightful review! I’m going to get Laura’s book and read it! My sweet hubby, when he was little, wanted to be called “Tex.” His family said he couldn’t because he wasn’t from Texas. He was so disappointed.
When some church friends visited their friend the Governor of Texas at that time and shared my husband’s sad tale, the Gov sent back a certification declaring my sweetie to be an Honorary Texan! He could now officially be called Tex! My daddy was born in Texas…so I guess I’m bound to love all things Texan! LOL Thanks for sharing that yummy cookie recipe!
Love your Tuesday Tea Time!!
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Kate, what a fun story about how your husband could officially use the name Tex!
Last year, we traveled across the state of Texas on Amtrak’s Sunset Limited. Our view out the window of the passing landscape was beautiful and so varied. Though my husband spent some of his high school years in Houston, there is much more of the state to explore. I want to visit some historical areas, such as Laura mentions on her website.
Thanks so much for visiting my #TuesdayTea post. You know how we both love tea! Blessings to you!
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A very good evening to you, dear Sherida! I wanted to thank you for the incredibly kind and gracious comment you left on my blog the other day. Oh, how your words touched and blessed my heart. I truly appreciated what you had to say.
I hope you have a beautiful and joyous week. Love and hugs to you! Stephanie-The Enchanting Rose
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Stephanie, thank you for stopping by with your lovely comment. Your post was touching. I always enjoy a visit at your beautiful blog. I’ll be baking your Apple Fritter Bread one day soon. Yum! Blessings and hugs to you, my friend!
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