Author: Dora Hiers

Roping the Marshal – coming soon!

/ Dora Hiers

She could resist the confidence

She could resist the confidence. The sweet and kind? Not so much.

After her not-so-friendly divorce, freelance photographer Summer Kyleson moved to Texas, intent on putting a little distance between her and her irresponsible ex-husband. She sets her heart on marrying a cowboy, someone kind and hardworking, a family man who’d be a good daddy to Logan. All things her ex-husband isn’t. Rugged and sexy didn’t work for her, and another law enforcement officer hubby ranks dead last on her list.

Deputy US Marshal Maverick Kester knows he disappointed his father when he chose law enforcement over ranching, but Maverick wasn’t cut out for long hours on the back of a horse. Now, with fractured ribs and a wounded spirit, he seeks refuge at his family home, Kester Ranch, but peace is elusive with Summer’s three-year-old terror roaming the grounds. It doesn’t take long and the little guy ropes his heart, just like Logan’s mama.

When Maverick gave up ranching, had he also sacrificed true love and a chance for a family? Will he convince Summer to relinquish her dreams of marrying a cowboy and allow him to be a father to her son?

Coming February 2, 2016

Pre-order here

Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

/ Dora Hiers / 19 Comments

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to Afton Pub & Pizza in Concord, NC. This family owned restaurant offers a complete list of Italian dishes, specialty pizzas, sandwiches and a variety of appetizers. 

Dora here. Afton Pub & Pizza (Pub) is the sister to Afton Tavern (Tavern), my go-to restaurant (read favorite). From the picture, you might be able to tell it’s tucked in a mixed residential/retail environment, a fabulous, relaxing place to hangout on the weekend or stop by for dinner on your way home from work. While we visit the Tavern for our favorite salads, the Pub is all about the pizza for us. 🙂

We start with Garlic Knots. Warm fresh baked dough, drizzled with garlic butter, flaked with parmesan cheese and served with marinara sauce. These garlic knots were large, soft, and full of garlicky flavor and the marinara sauce complemented well. They were outstanding and I could have made an entire meal just eating them. 

Garlic Knots

Dora here. Me too! Buttery. Soft. Doughy. Lick-your-fingers for the last speck of parmesan delicious!

We followed that with a Ryan’s 4 X 4 pizza. Pepperoni, bacon, prosciutto, and a ton of cheese including mozzarella, parmesan, Monterey jack, and cheddar with a hint of red sauce. This pizza was great, cooked perfectly, and loaded with ingredients. This thick crust pie is the best that we have tasted since living in North Carolina.

Ryan’s 4×4 Pizza, extra parm on hubby’s side

Dora here. Everybody has their favorite pizza, right? I’m a Chicago style pizza fanatic, but good luck finding a deep dish like that here! The Pub’s 4×4 comes in a close second. Thick and cheesy, with just the right amount of dough to cheese ratio, and I really appreciate that it’s not heavy on the marinara. Totally satisfying for those pizza cravings, and of course, we brought much of this big boy home.

We rate this restaurant 5 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving outstanding food.

What’s your perfect pizza?


Afton Pub & Pizza Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato