Saying YES to helping others with food . . .
Love this fruit salad!
Love this fruit salad!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
{Kregel Blog Tour} Defy the Night, A Novel by Heather Munn & Lydia Munn
Book Description: In the midst of war, one teenager is determined to make a difference
If no one will do anything, she'll have to do it herself.
In 1941 France is still "free." But fifteen-year-old Magali is frustrated by the cruel irony of pretending life is normal when food is rationed, new clothes are a rarity, and most of her friends are refugees. And now the government is actually helping the Nazis. Someone has got to do something, but it seems like no one has the guts—until Paquerette arrives.
Smuggling refugee children is Paquerette's job. And she asks Magali to help.
Working with Paquerette is scary and exhausting, but Magali never doubts that it is the right thing to do. Until her brash actions put those she loves in danger.
My Thoughts: Having read How Huge the Night by this wonderful mother/daughter writing team I knew that I wanted to read Defy the Night also.
Defy the Night is written in the first person. In the "voice" of Magali the main character.
Hate! Torture! Hunger! Love! Faith! wow! this book brings "it" all to the table. So many feelings . . . and these feelings are "given" to the reader.
To be honest I had to set this book down at times because I became so heartbroken.
I cheered Magali on. She is a teenager who just wants to help bring children to safety. But her parents don't quite understand her need to help when danger is involved.
There are so many great characters in this book...Rosa whose story comes out in spurts, Lucy, Paquerette who works untiringly to bring the children out of the prison camps and to safety, Julien who wants to be brave but misses his parents. So many lives, not all Jews, who are displaced or hurt because of this monster Hitler and his hit men the Nazis.
I could go on and on. But instead, why don't you grab a copy of this wonderful read and read the story for yourself just make sure that you have a box of Kleenexes by your side.
This is definitely a grand read of defying the enemy during this terrible time in history!
*This book was provided for review by Kregel Publications*
Heather Munn was born in Northern Ireland of American parents and grew up in the south of France. She decided to be a writer at the age of five when her mother read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books aloud, but worried that she couldn’t write about her childhood since she didn’t remember it. When she was young, her favorite time of day was after supper when the family would gather and her father would read a chapter from a novel. Heather went to French school until her teens, and grew up hearing the story of Le Chambonsur-Lignon, only an hour’s drive away. She now lives in rural Illinois with her husband, Paul, where they offer free spiritual retreats to people coming out of homelessness and addiction. She enjoys wandering in the woods, gardening, writing, and splitting wood. 
Lydia Munn was homeschooled for five years because there was no school where her family served as missionaries in the savannahs of northern Brazil. There was no public library either, but Lydia read every book she could get her hands on. This led naturally to her choice of an English major at Wheaton College. Her original plan to teach high school English gradually transitioned into a lifelong love of teaching the Bible to both adults and young people as a missionary in France. She and her husband, Jim, have two children: their son, Robin, and their daughter, Heather. - Paperback: 312 pages
- Publisher: Kregel Publications (February 1, 2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0825443210
- ISBN-13: 978-0825443213
Monday, April 28, 2014
Death by the Book (A Drew Farthering Mystery) by Julianna Deering
Book Description: WHEN THE VILLAGE OF FARTHERING ST. JOHN IS Stunned BY A SERIES OF MURDERS, DREW FARTHERING IS DRAWN again INTO THE SLEUTHING GAME.
Drew Farthering wanted nothing more than to end the summer of 1932 with the announcement of his engagement. Instead, he finds himself caught up in another mysterious case when the family solicitor is found murdered, an antique hatpin with a cryptic message, Advice to Jack, piercing his chest.
Evidence of secret meetings and a young girl's tearful confession point to the victim's double life, but what does the solicitor's murder have to do with the murder of a physician on the local golf course? Nothing, it would seem--except for another puzzling note, affixed with a similar-looking bloodied hatpin.
Soon the police make an arrest in connection with the murders, but Drew isn't at all certain they have the right suspect in custody. And why does his investigation seem to be drawing him closer and closer to home?
My Thoughts: Oh, I loved the first Drew Fathering Mystery, Rules of Murder! And was so excited when I received this book, Death by the Book! Honestly, some of these great authors just can't pen a mystery/suspense book fast enough for me! I inhale a good book like some people inhale a wonderful latte!
In Death by the Book, it's the summer of 1932 in the small village of Fathering St. John. Yes, you guessed it! Drew Fathering is the lord of the manor! Drew Fathering is also bored most of the time...too much time on his hands so he "finds" murder mysteries to solve.
Death by the Book has a quote in a note...hmmm! can Drew get it in time?!?! This is the mystery of it all!
A well thought out plot with Downtown Abbey and Agatha Christie like characters, all of whom bring something interesting to the table or should I say the book.
I'm not sure about Madeleine, drew's girlfriend . . . Drew is a solid christian who seems to dote on her and love her and she isn't sure if she should marry Drew! Oh!pish!posh! Grab the guy, you dolt! (okay, maybe the book is a little too realistic for me, that's a good sign of great writing, right?)
This is a GREAT series. And, no, one doesn't need to read the first book to "get" the second book but one will want to read them all! Can't wait for the third, Murder at the Mikado, due out on July 1, 2014!
*This book was provided for review by Bethany House*
- Series: A Drew Farthering Mystery
- Paperback: 320 pages
- Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 4, 2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0764210963
- ISBN-13: 978-0764210969
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
A Table by the Window {Two Blue Doors Series} by Hilary Manton Lodge
Book Description: Heirloom recipes, family secrets…and a chance for love
The youngest heir to a French-Italian restaurant dynasty, food writer Juliette D’Alisa has spent her life negotiating her skill with words and her restaurant aspirations. When her brother Nico offers her a chance to open a restaurant together, she feels torn—does she really have what it takes? Should she risk leaving her journalism career?
After the death of her grandmother, Juliette discovers an antique photograph of a man who looks strikingly like her brother. As the truth behind the picture reveals romance and dark secrets, Juliette struggles to keep the mystery away from her nosy family until she can uncover the whole story.
Inspired by her grandmother’s evolving story, Juliette resolves to explore the world of online dating. To her surprise, she finds a kindred spirit in Neil McLaren, a handsome immunologist based in Memphis, Tennessee. With a long-distance relationship simmering, Juliette faces life-shifting decisions. How can she possibly choose between a promising culinary life and Neil, a man a world away in more ways than one? And is it possible her Grandmother’s story can help show the way?
My Thoughts: I love books that Hilary M. Lodge writes. I've read Plain Jayne and Simply Sara {her Amish books}. I've waited for a long time for Ms. Lodge to write a new book.
Ms. Lodge has an easy way with words that take a reader into another time and another place makes for one excellent story.
A Table By the Window isn't just an ordinary read but a special something read about a noisy, nosey family and a photograph from a different place and a different time. What could this antique photo mean? Secrets and mystery!
I love the cover with a girl by a window! I'm wondering if the window has some significance, like seeing into another life or living in a world of sunshine? Or maybe, just loving life!
And then there's the romance. A great guy who is funny and charming but whom Juliette has met online. Ah! Poor Juliette can't keep a secret like her long ago grand mere. Somethings, I guess, just aren't hereditary. He comes to Portland to meet her family...secret out!
But the pastries...ahh! the pastries! Makes the reader wish for her own pastry chef! Great recipes abound in this read!
I loved this absolutely delightful read! And, yes, waiting for the next book!
*This book was provided for review by Waterbrook/Multnomah*
- Series: Two Blue Doors
- Paperback: 320 pages
- Publisher: WaterBrook Press (March 18, 2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0307731758
- ISBN-13: 978-0307731753
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Life Hack!
Not a recipe today, instead you may need this life hack!
Such a good resource!
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Serve strong (Biblical Encouragement to Sustain God's Servants) by Terry Powell
Book Description: Serve Strong helps volunteers as well as vocational Christian workers combat discouragement, persevere through weariness, and cultivate endurance for the long haul.
Serve the Lord long enough and discouragement or some form of opposition is inevitable. Joy-sapping workloads, feelings of inadequacy, lack of fruitfulness, or battle fatigue from spiritual warfare often spurs God's servants to quit or sabotages their passion. The purpose of this book is to infuse them with biblical perspectives that buoy flagging spirits, boost motivation, and cultivate endurance.
My Thoughts: Pastors and their wives are some of the first to become weary in well doing. Christian workers (i.e. Sunday School teachers, youth leaders and others who serve in any capacity in the church) are some of the most "worn out" peoples in our church groups. Why? Because we must give and give and be on call, sometimes without ever seeing the results of our labors. Working for God is not a nine-to-five job. It's a job of all times.
Even the great preachers like Spurgeon and Flavel became weary because people did not seem to heed God's call for salvation. Like Flavel I have wearied of going to church Sunday after Sunday, teaching a Sunday School class or seeing people sit in their pews and never respond to God. And like Flavel I've wanted to respond with, "How can I dismiss you with a blessing since many of you will be accursed when the Lord returns because you didn't love the Lord Jesus Christ." (p. 36) This, however, is not, the end.
God is the only true source of comfort and love. And He alone is working on "that" man, woman or teen to come to him. They must respond and seek God with their whole heart.
If you are a weary servant of the Lord then this encouraging read is for you. If you are a worker for the Lord then you, too, need to read how to Serve Strong.
Mr. Powell not only encourages but gives scripture and examples from God's word on how to serve strong and be all that you can be in Jesus.
*This book was provided for review by Leafwood Publishers*
- Paperback: 224 pages
- Publisher: Leafwood Publishers (March 11, 2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0891124322
- ISBN-13: 978-0891124320
Monday, April 21, 2014
COTT {Clash of the Titles} Permanent Resident at the Purse Table, a COTT Feature
"Keisha's debut novel is a sweet reminder of the redeeming power of love, along with a dose of drama between good friends! Her characters are so relatable because they're imperfect peoplewho've made some serious mistakes--just like the rest of us!"
-Michelle Stimpson,National Bestselling Author
About the book:
If you're size six, you dance. If you're Ava Alexander, you watch the purses while your girlfriends dance. Each man that passes her by takes alittle of her self-esteem. After escaping a mentally abusive relationship, she promises God she will wait on Him to bring her the right man. And shemeans it--Until Ishmael. When her best friend's fiancé throws a fewcompliments her way, she travels down the path of betrayal. Ava's choicestrains her friendship and sends her into a depression. Ava receives spiritual guidance from Dr. Glory Moses. Through God's Word,there is a glimpse of hope for a restored friendship, and a newfound lovefor the woman she is. In addition, a man she meets at the counseling centeroffers her a glimpse of what could be if she lines up with God's will forher life. Will Ava be able to overcome her insecurities and step into the life Godplans for her, or will she continue to self-destruct?
What COTT voters had to say:
* I'm happy to see a novel with a plus-sized woman as the main character.Thanks, Keisha!
* I voted for Permanent Resident at the Purse Table!! Good luck Keisha!
* Permanent Resident at the Purse Table!! You won't be able to put itdown!
* Keisha Bass, Your book sounds like a must-read! We've all soughtvalidation in a way that brought trouble. Can't wait to see how all turnsout! Lana K.
About the author:
Keisha Bass has a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Englishand holds teaching certificates in 
Permanent Resident at the Purse Table is Keisha's first novel. Shehas published non-fiction articles in magazines and two onlinepublications, TheChristianPulse.com and sober24.com. Her article, "HeartProblems", was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book ofMiracles.
Keisha, when is your next book due out and can you tell us aboutit?
"My next book, Permanent Resident at the Altar, is due out November2015. It takes a closer look at my main characters' lives from the firstbook and how they are moving forward in their newfound situations. There'sdrama, laughter, and definitely more chances to learn how to lean on God inevery area of their lives."
Connect with Keisha:
keishabass@att.net
Find more great reads every week at Clash of the Titles.com!
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
A Lady's Honor (Cliffs of Cornwall #1) by Laurie Alice Eakes
Book Description: On the cliffs of 19th-century Cornwall, a spirited, impetuous young woman is torn between the honor of her family and the longing of her heart. England, 1811 A tarnished reputation. A distant home. A forced engagement to a dangerous man. When Elizabeth Trelawny flees London, she has more than one reason to run. And when her carriage, pursued by her would-be fiancé, is caught in a storm, she quickly accepts the help of a dark stranger. Anything to get back to Cornwall. Rowan Curnow is not exactly a stranger. Not quite a gentleman either, class disparity once kept him from courting Elizabeth . . . even if it didn’t keep him from kissing her. The couple elude their pursuers and reach Bastian Point, Elizabeth’s future inheritance and the one place she calls home. But in the very act of spiriting her to safety, Rowan has jeopardized Elizabeth’s inheritance---if her Grandfather ever learns she spent the night, however innocently, in the company of a man. When smugglers unite the pair in a reckless, flirtatious alliance---an alliance that challenges the social norms that Elizabeth has been raised to revere and rattles Rowan’s fledgling faith in God---Elizabeth must choose between the obedience of a child and the desires of a woman: whether to cling to the safety of her family home or follow the man she loves.
My Thoughts: This is the first book that I've read by Laurie Alice Eakes.
This story begins with a lot of action and excitement. The story really grips the reader.
Honor is something that is worth more than gold. It seems that Elizabeth is in quite a quandary! Her fiancee is literally chasing her on a dark and stormy night. But lo and behold! there is a kind, handsome dark stranger on that very road, Rowan!
It seems, to me, that Elizabeth may be a bit spoiled (not sure if that is what the author intended for the reader to see in her character) but this character trait makes me like her cousin.
It seems that Rowan is always coaxing Elizabeth to meet him unchaperoned and alone. Even though Rowan is suppose to be a "good" guy this character trait makes me "wonder" about his intentions. After all, this is a read about honor, especially keeping a lady's honor.
This was an okay read. The story begins so well but begins to lag . . . maybe because I didn't like the character traits I saw in the main characters.
You, dear reader, may enjoy this story. You may see a different character trait in these fictional characters.
*This book was provided for review by BookLook*
- Series: A Cliffs of Cornwall Novel
- Paperback: 336 pages
- Publisher: Zondervan (April 22, 2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0310332060
- ISBN-13: 978-0310332060
WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Sopapilla Cheesecake
Making this delicious and easy Soapapilla Cheesecake for our Easter lunch!
Sopapilla Cheesecake
2 cans Pillsbury Crescent rolls
2-8oz Cream Cheese (room temperature)
1 1/2 cups Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 stick butter (1/2 cup real butter not margarine)
2-8oz Cream Cheese (room temperature)
1 1/2 cups Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 stick butter (1/2 cup real butter not margarine)
Spray a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray. Unroll and press 1 can crescent rolls into the bottom of your baking dish press the seams together. In a separate bowl blend the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and 1 tsp vanilla spread over top of dough. Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and place on top of the cream cheese mixture pressing seams together again. Melt butter and pour over top layer of crescents. Mix the reaming 1/2 cup of sugar & cinnamon together. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until bubbly and bottom crust is slightly brown. So easy and delicious! Cool, slice and enjoy!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
{Kregel Blog Tour} Badge of Honor & River of Peril (Goldtown Adventures 1 & 4) by Susan K. Marlow
Book Description: Twelve-year-old Jeremiah "Jem" Coulter knows that Goldtown, California, has seen the last of the gold rush. But the flecks of gold he and an old prospector, "Strike," find in their played-out claim on Cripple Creek spur Jem's hope of striking it rich. In the meantime, he and his sister, Ellie, sell frog legs and firewood to bring in extra cash. When Jem's father accepts a job as sheriff of lawless Goldtown, Jem is suddenly saddled with an additional responsibility--to run their broken-down ranch. He faces a hard path as he tries to be a man and make his father proud, but then Cripple Creek mysteriously dries up and Strike suddenly disappears. Jem is determined to find out why. Can anything be worse than being a sheriff's kid? Will outlaws use his father's badge for target practice? Is that silver star just a target . . . or truly a badge of honor?
My Thoughts: Badge of Honor by Susan K. Marlow is definitely some of the finer fiction for young readers ages 8-12.
This story is about Jeremiah "Jem" who lives with Aunt Rose and his Pa in the gold mining town of Goldtown, California.
The story of Jem and his friend, the old prospector, Strike, brings a story of adventure and friendship.
Jem is unhappy, to put it mildly, that his pa has accepted the sheriff's badge. Being a sheriff's kid is about the worse thing that can happen to a boy growing up in a gold mining community.
Jem also worries that his pa's badge will make his pa look like a neon bright target to all the outlaws. How can a sheriff have a badge of honor?
This is a wonderful story that will capture the attention of preteens. There are many life lessons and truths that help preteens to understand life. Boys especially will like the escapades that Jem gets himself in to.
Action, adventure and faith . . . a story for the armchair cowboy!
Action, adventure and faith . . . a story for the armchair cowboy!
*This book was provided for review by Kregel publications*
- Age Range: 8 - 14 years
- Series: Goldtown Adventures (Book 1)
- Paperback: 144 pages
- Publisher: Kregel Publications (October 23, 2012)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 082544294X
My Thoughts: This is book 4, River of Peril. In the first book we meet Jem and follow along as he has a high adventure.
But in book 4, there's even more adventure!
Jem and his dad are on a trip to the bustling city of Sacramento. Oh! the sights and sounds!
This would be a great trip but Jem can sense that something is bothering his pa.
Then at the end of a very tiring two day journey highway men who go by the name of Knights of the Golden Circle steal the precious gold shipment.
But Jem's pa isn't upset about the robbery. Then one day as Jem and his new found friend Nathan and his sister, Ellie, are having fun on the river wharf they stumble upon a dangerous smuggling operation
Pa is off on business and Aunt Rose is worried sick about Jem and his escapades.
Then the bandits show up and Ellie goes missing. Jem feels that it is up to him to find his sister before the bandits leave the area.
A fun and exciting read for preteens! This is a series that I think families would enjoy reading out loud. . . at family time.
*This book was provided for review by Kregel publications*
GREAT Deal for blog readers:
GREAT Deal for blog readers:
Canyon of Danger and River of Peril
By Susan K. Marlow
Canyon of Danger ebook
Free April 14, 2014
$1.99 April 15 through 18, 2014
| |
River of Peril ebook
Free April 14, 2014
$1.99 April 15 through 18, 2014
|
- Age Range: 8 - 12 years
- Series: Goldtown Adventures (Book 4)
- Paperback: 144 pages
- Publisher: Kregel Publications (February 1, 2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0825442974
- ISBN-13: 978-0825442971
Monday, April 14, 2014
COTT {Clash of the Titles} Escape to Ireland in "Londonderry Dreaming"
"If you need one of those “Ahh…” moments, consider taking a trip with Keith and Naomi and read Londonderry Dreaming"
--Sandy Ardoin, Romance Author and Blogger
About Londonderry Dreaming:
Acclaimed New York artist, Naomi Boyd, and music therapist, Keith Wilson, loved one another five years ago, until her grandfather with his influence over Naomi separated them.
That root of bitterness keeps them apart until a letter from Keith’s grandmother, Ruth, draws Naomi to Londonderry to find she’s too late. Ruth has passed on. After the death of his beloved grandmother, Keith has also come to Londonderry only to open the door to his past…Naomi...beautiful as ever, the girl who broke his heart.
A mysterious painting in Ruth’s attic brings up questions about their grandparents’ entwined past and their own broken romance. But more comfortable with the unspoken languages of art and music, Naomi and Keith find it difficult to share their old hurts and true feelings.
Will the majestic coastline of Northern Ireland inspire them to speak the words to bring peace to their grandparents’ memory and to rekindle love?
PURCHASE
What COTT voters had to say:
* Christine, I am glad to see that you have given your talents to the age old problem of "family feuds" which can go for generations and young ones don't know what the feud is all about. I am sure that the 'attic painting' will be a puzzle too good to put down. Maggie
* I am such a fan of Christine's and love her novels!* Londonderry Dreaming - Have thoroughly enjoyed this new author, Christine Lindsay's books. Anxiously waiting for the release of her 3rd book in the trilogy The Twilight of the British Raj. Brenda C.* I've just finished reading Londonderry Dreaming, and it is definitely my choice. Christine Lindsay is an extraordinary writer!* Simply put, I am a fan of Christine Lindsay's writing and I haven't read the others' work. I know what to expect and I know I'll be delighted!* I've loved all of Christine's books. This one will be no different!
Christine Lindsay was born in Ireland, and is proud of the fact that she was once patted on the head by Prince Philip when she was a baby. Her great grandfather, and her grandfather—yes father and son—were both riveters on the building of the Titanic. Tongue in cheek, Christine states that as a family they accept no responsibility for the sinking of that great ship.
It was stories of her ancestors who served in the British Cavalry in Colonial India that inspired her Multi-Shadowed in Silk, Book 2 Captured by Moonlight, and Christine is currently writing the final installment of that series calledVeiled at Midnight to be released August 2014.
award-winning, historical series Twilight of the British Raj. Book 1
Londonderry Dreaming, Christine’s romance novella set in N. Ireland released Feb. 21, 2014.
Aside from being a busy writer and speaker, Christine is also VP of Christian Authors’ Network. She makes her home in British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada with her husband and their grown up family. Her cat Scottie is chief editor on all Christine’s books.
Christine, we hear you had a lot of fun writing the Irish brogue into your book.
"I really hope readers enjoy this humorous aspect, especially the dialogue from the fictional 'Irish cousins'. I was born in Ireland and raised in Canada, but all my extended family is Irish---so I know how they talk and think. Much of what the Irish cousins say in the book is what I have heard my cousins say when they tease each other. I get such a kick out of their blarney...oh...my...do I love their blarney."
Connect with Christine:
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Love Finds Faith (The Homeward Journey, book 2) by Martha Rogers
Hannah Dyer has just moved to Texas to help her brother-in-law in his medical practice. Despite her handicap of having one leg much shorter than the other, she is a great nurse whose skills help make the practice the most successful in the area.
When Micah Gordon returns home after some shady escapades, his father hopes he will settle down to ranch life. Hannah is smitten by his good looks and roguish ways, but because of her leg, she has no hopes of attracting his attention.
My Thoughts: Love Finds Faith is book 2 in the Homeward Journey. I enjoyed book one, Love Stays True, but there was something about book 2! I enjoyed this story so much more! Of course, Hannah is in Texas, maybe, just maybe, that has something to do with making this a great read!
Hannah is helping her brother-in-law with his medical practice. Which seems ironic in some ways since Hannah has a handicap. She has one longer leg than the other or some would say she has a much shorter leg than the other. Either way, this makes Hannah limp/walk quite badly.
As much as Hannah enjoys helping others she wishes for a life of her own, a family and a husband who loves her. But she feels that no man would be interested in a "cripple." Poor Hannah!
But wait! For God always knows the path we walk eve before we get there! {Don't you just love God's plan, even when there seems to be no plan!} Great life lesson here!
And then Micah Gordon returns home to ranch life and boy!o!boy! Hannah is smitten. But is Micah as smitten with Hannah? Or does he feel sorry for her because of her condition? Can a man really look at her heart and not see her handicap?
This is a story for faith and love! Even when "life" seems to much too bear God brings all things together for our good!
A great read!
*(This review is based upon a copy of this book which was provided free of charge from Bookteria/Realms. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.)*
- Series: The Homeward Journey (Book 2)
- Paperback: 304 pages
- Publisher: Realms (February 4, 2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1621365468
- ISBN-13: 978-1621365464
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