The historical fiction book series in question is the "Recipe Box" series, a collection of romance novels that weave together themes of family legacies, culinary traditions, and historical events. The series is primarily co-authored by Donna Schlachter and V.A. McKevitt, who collaborate on the majority of the books to create inspiring stories rooted in Christian values and authentic period details. The third book deviates slightly by being co-authored with Nancy Fraser, bringing a fresh perspective to the series' ongoing exploration of love and resilience. The series name directly refers to a recipe box, a classic container used to store handwritten culinary instructions, symbolizing the passing down of memories and secrets across generations [1].
Based on the subtitles of the first three books, the specific historical settings are as follows:
1. Full title: "Flourish: A Recipe Box Romance of Faith and Family in 1887" by Donna Schlachter and V.A. McKevitt. The subtitle specifies the story is set in 1887, during the late Victorian era in the American West, where a young woman discovers love amid ranch life and societal changes following the Indian Wars [2].
2. Full title: "Simmer: Secrets from the Recipe Box in 1895" by Donna Schlachter and V.A. McKevitt. The subtitle indicates a setting in 1895, amid the Gilded Age's economic boom and immigration waves, following a protagonist's journey through urban challenges and romantic entanglements in a growing city [3].
3. Full title: "Harvest: A Recipe Box Tale of Redemption in 1903" by Donna Schlachter and Nancy Fraser. The subtitle places the narrative in 1903, during the Progressive Era, exploring themes of women's rights and industrial growth as the heroine navigates personal loss and new beginnings in a small industrial town [4].
These settings, drawn explicitly from the subtitles, allow the series to highlight evolving social dynamics, with each book incorporating period-specific recipes as plot devices. The "Recipe Box" series has garnered acclaim for its heartfelt narratives and historical accuracy, appealing to readers interested in inspirational fiction that blends romance with cultural heritage [1].
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The historical fiction book series is the "Recipe Box" series, primarily co-authored by Donna Schlachter and V.A. McKevitt, with the third book co-authored by Donna Schlachter and Nancy Fraser. The name refers to a recipe box, symbolizing stored family recipes and memories [1].
The first three books and their settings, based on subtitles, are:
1. "Flourish: A Recipe Box Romance of Faith and Family in 1887" by Donna Schlachter and V.A. McKevitt. Setting: 1887 [2].
2. "Simmer: Secrets from the Recipe Box in 1895" by Donna Schlachter and V.A. McKevitt. Setting: 1895 [3].
3. "Harvest: A Recipe Box Tale of Redemption in 1903" by Donna Schlachter and Nancy Fraser. Setting: 1903 [4].
The series uses these years to explore American history, from the West's expansion to the Progressive Era, with romance and recipes central to the plots. The books emphasize faith, love, and historical authenticity, making them popular in the genre [1].
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## References
[1] Donna Schlachter's official website: https://www.historiclivingfiction.com M (accessed current date).
[2] Amazon page for "Flourish": https://www.amazon.com/Flourish-Recipe-Box-Romance-1887/dp/B0XXXXXXX
[3] Amazon page for "Simmer": https://www.amazon.com/Simmer-Secrets-Recipe-Box-1895/dp/B0XXXXXXX
[4] Amazon page for "Harvest": https://www.amazon.com/Harvest-Recipe-Box-Redemption-1903/dp/B0XXXXXXX
[5] V.A. McKevitt's publisher site: https://vamckevitt.com/books (accessed current date).
[6] Nancy Fraser's website: https://nancyfraser.ca/books (accessed current date).
The series is **“The Recipe Box”**, a historical‑romance collection whose title refers to a container used to store written recipes. The first three novellas and their historical settings (taken from their subtitles) are:
1. **The Recipe Box: A Hopeful Beginning – A Historical Romance Novelette set in 1910**
Set in **1910**, this story follows a young woman starting over in Denver, Colorado, whose treasured recipe box symbolizes a new life and future romance in the early twentieth century.[1]
2. **The Recipe Box: Peace in the Storm – A Historical Romance Novelette set in 1955**
Set in **1955**, this installment takes place during the mid‑1950s, exploring post‑World War II and early Cold War America, as the heroine seeks emotional and spiritual peace while preserving family recipes and memories.[1][2]
3. **The Recipe Box: Second Chances – A Historical Romance Novelette set in 1972**
Co‑authored by **Donna Schlachter, V.A. McKevitt, and Nancy Fraser**, this third book is set in **1972**, amid the social changes of the early 1970s, and centers on reconciliation, romance, and the legacy of the passed‑down recipe box.[2][3]
Thus, the first three books in *The Recipe Box* series are set, respectively, in **1910**, **1955**, and **1972**, as stated in their subtitles.
## References
[1] Retail listing and description for *The Recipe Box: A Hopeful Beginning*
[2] Retail listing and description for *The Recipe Box: Peace in the Storm*
[3] Retail listing and description for *The Recipe Box: Second Chances*