{Blog Tour for Believer's Trust} The Torchlighters . . . The Jim Elliot Story & The Corrie ten Boom Story AND $10 off

I began to show the Torchlighters dvds in our church when they first came out.  And I love them as much as the kids do!  These wonderful dvds are about missionaries and those Heroes of Faith who have gone before us to spread the Gospel of Christ.  The Jim Elliot Story and The Corrie tenBoom Story are just two of the great dvds.  See the list of all the dvds towards the end of the post.  Love these dvds!
WOW!! Today you have the opportunity buy these wonderful dvds at a discount; $10 off, set of 12!! Please Note:  Use Promo Code: tl12tbp.  All codes will expire on June 1, 2015. Promo Codes will only work on the Torchlighters 12 pack (item #501631d).  A $10 discount will show on the cart summary on the bottom of the page.  Readers can also call (800 523 0226) to order also as long as they mention the promo code.  
To learn more about Torchlighters, visit http://www.torchlighters.org.

ABOUT THE JIM ELLIOT STORY

In 1956, news from the steamy jungles of Ecuador spread rapidly around the world. Five young American men had been mercilessly killed by members of the Auca (Woadani) tribe - the very same people those young men had gone to serve and befriend. That seemingly senseless tragedy has become an inspirational marvel as family members of those young men have now befriended that very same tribe.

This is the story of one of the brave torchlighters who lost his life that fateful day. Jim Elliot spent his youth preparing to share the Gospel with those who'd never heard it. But nothing could have prepared him for the dangers and challenges he would face in the jungles of Ecuador. The remote Auca tribe was suspicious and antagonistic toward even the friendliest gestures from outsiders.

ABOUT THE CORRIE TEN BOOM STORY 

Corrie ten Boom and her family repair broken clocks and watches. But as the evil of World War II sweeps through their city, a new kind of "watch" comes to their care: an innocent Jewish baby, desperately needing protection from the cruelty of the Nazi invaders. How will the ten Booms keep this baby and many others out of harm's way, and what will be the cost of serving God amidst unthinkable evils? When faith is tested, hope is tried, and love is strained, will Corrie's God prevail? This gripping episode of theTorchlighters is an amazing story of courage, sacrifice, and forgiveness.

ABOUT THE TORCHLIGHTERS

The Torchlighters series began when creator Bill Curtis was reading biographies of great Christian heroes to his 10 year old daughter. After finishing a chapter about missionary Gladys Aylward, she looked up at her dad and said, "I want to be a missionary when I grow up."

Realizing how clearly the power of this story moved his own child's heart, the Torchlighters Heroes of the Faith animated series for children was conceived. 

"Young people are often drawn to heroes in the sports and entertainment industry," says Curtis. "Many of these figures convey values contrary to our faith. We wanted to offer parents an alternative. We wanted to offer parents the opportunity to share with their children the stories of real heroes whose lives have had a lasting impact for the Kingdom of God."

The first 12 episodes have been bundled into a 12-pack. Each of the 12 discs includes a 30-minute animated story, four-lesson curriculum in PDF, feature-length documentary on the hero, and English and Spanish languages and subtitles. The episodes included in the 12-pack are: 

 

Jim Elliot	Gladys Aylward	William Tyndale
Richard Wurmbrand	John Bunyan	Perpetua
Eric Liddell	Amy Carmichael	William Booth
Samuel Morris	Augustine	Corrie ten Boom TorchlightersTrailer:

A Heart's Obsession (A Journey of the Heart, Book 2) by Colleen Coble

Book Description:  Will Sarah’s journey west lead her back into the arms of the one man she can trust?

When her father succumbs to a long illness, Sarah Montgomery is freed from duty to family. At last she can be with the love of her life, Rand Campbell, who has gone out west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Sarah and her younger brother Joel make the arduous journey filled with hope.

But at Fort Laramie, the reception Sarah meets isn’t what she had hoped for. Her friend Amelia is thrilled to have her, but Rand seems to be in the clutches of Jessica DuBois, the scheming daughter of the post commander.

Sarah resolves to remain at Fort Laramie and try to win Rand back. But things will get tougher before they get easier . . . especially when her ex-fiancé Ben Croftner arrives in Wyoming, obsessed with having her back in his arms.

My Thoughts: After reading the first book, A Heart's Disguise, I so wanted to read this book.  This is a "series" of mini books that are taken from a much larger book and are now divided into this "mini series."  

*You may read my review of the first book HERE to get an idea of why you might like this mini series.*

In the first book we met Sarah and learned a little about her life.  

In A Heart's Obsession Sarah is freed from duty to the family since her father has passed away.

So, Sarah heads out to Fort Laramie to meet up with the love of her life. But when she arrives her reception is not quite what she expected.

This is another great read.

Of course, this book is short and sweet too.  But Oh, how love a mini series.  It reminds of those stories that use to be in GoodHousekeeping years ago and my mom would wait expectantly for each month to roll around so she could read that next installment.  There's just something about waiting for that next part of the story.  

The next book is A Heart's Danger (Book 3) due out in May.

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: A Journey of the Heart (Book 3)
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 5, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718031660
• ISBN-13: 978-0718031664

COTT {Clash of the Titles} The Salt Covenants: A Novel on the Spanish Inquisition

“In her historical novel, The Salt Covenants, Sylvia Bambola paints a masterpiece with words.” Micki Sorbello, artist and free lance writer

The Salt Covenants 
by Sylvia Bambola

About the book:

“But these plans they have laid out for me like an embroidered rug, showing me where my feet must travel, is to me an awful penance for sins I did not commit.” --Isabel

Spain 1493: Millions of Jews are forced to convert to Christianity or flee their homeland or die. Caught in this web is young Isabel, who has broken her mother’s heart by her sincere conversion to Christ. But her conversion is not enough to shield her from the eyes of the Inquisition, and in order to save herself, she is forced to marry a man she does not love and flee to a faraway land with Christopher Columbus on his second voyage. Here she struggles to make a life in this wild new land, struggles to adjust to her new faith, and struggles to find love. But how is she to survive? With all the risks and hardships? And can she find love with the sophisticated Antonio Villarreal who unexpectedly enters her world? And what of the dangerous Enrique Vivar? Will his hidden agenda cost her her life?

Purchase Book

Amazon

barnsandnoble.com

bookamillion.com

What others are saying:

“Bambola (Rebekah’s Treasure) elevates a simple historical tale into something transcendent, in this beautifully written novel about a young Jewish noblewoman, Isabel, who flees the Inquisition on Christopher Columbus’s second voyage to the New World.” Publishers Weekly starred review

“This is not a quick read, but Bambola (Rebekah's Treasure) adeptly depicts a time and place not often explored in Christian historical fiction. Her theme of loss of ethnic culture suffered by the Jews and Native Americans should resonate with readers. Isabel is a well-developed character living in a cruel world, who never succumbs to becoming cruel herself. There may be some crossover appeal to readers of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir.” Library Journal 1/1/15

“Bambola’s gift for storytelling in this work of historical fiction is noting short of remarkable.” Sallie Yusko, pastor, founder of Women of Worth and Destiny, conference speaker and writer

“In her historical novel, The Salt Covenants, Sylvia Bambola paints a masterpiece with words.” Micki Sorbello, artist and free lance writer

What COTT voters had to say:

--It's been a long time since I've read anything set during the Spanish Inquisition. I would LOVE to get my hands on this book. :)
--Sylvia this looks very interesting!
--I really love the cover of "The Salt Covenants"! I have a thing for beaches and the model really makes an eye-catching cover. Plus the book description sounds really unique.
--I love books that touch the heart. By Chapter 3, I cried about the injustice of the Inquisition period. Sylvia must have spent hours researching the data given. Excellent and spell-binding !
--Sylvia is a very talented author. Her books are ones you don't want to put down.
--Sylvia this sounds fascinating.
--I totally enjoyed this book. I hated to put it down and was sorry when I reached the end. Great Job Sylvia!
--This is a fantastic book. Very impressed with this author! Well written as she takes you along the journey of the Inquisition and travels to the new world. Highly recommended!
--Sylvia your next book looks wonderful!!!
--Historical fiction is a challenge for an author to fit the characters to the time in a believable manner.. Sylvia Bambola does it!
--I'm sure God has given each of you such talent that you are pleased to share with us. However, I based my vote on the novel historicity displayed in The Salt Covenants. Rosie
--Your novels are always well researched and address interesting issues. This one is of particular interest to me because of the time period...amaangela
--Creative, ingenious, captivating...your books always take me With them! Looking forward to going on the Salt Covenant journey.

A moment with Sylvia:

What is the one take-way you’d like to leave your readers?

Answer: Well, there’s actually two. The first is that forgiveness is paramount. Both getting it and giving it. Without it we will never heal those deeply buried wounds. The other thing is that as Christians we must not allow history to repeat itself. The ill-treatment of Jews by the Church and the rabid anti-Semitism during the Spanish Inquisition was troubling. But now that anti-Semitism is once again rearing its ugly head, we, Christians, must take a stand against it, as well as to stand with God’s chosen people.

What do you find most challenging about being a writer:

Answer: For me, the most challenging thing is the marketing. I’m not a fan. But I do it. I suspect that’s a problem with most writers. Still, I’d like to be like Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote, whose only responsibility (regarding writing) seemed to be to write novels while someone in the background handled all the p.r. and marketing for her. I guess one can dream.

About Sylvia:

Born in Romania, Sylvia Bambola lived her early years in Germany. At seven she relocated with her adopted family and saw the Statue of Liberty and America for the first time. But the memory of those years in post World War Germany inspired her to write Refiner’s Fire, which won a Silver Angel Award, and was a Christy Finalist. Her frequent moves as an “army brat” gave her an opportunity to see America and fall in love with her new country. Bambola has authored seven novels, has two grown children, teaches women’s Bible studies, and is learning the guitar. 

{Tyndale Blog Tour} Double Cross, Book 2 by Diann Mills

Book Description:  FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead.

Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.

As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.

My Thoughts: Ever since I read Firewall by DiAnn Mills, I've been waiting of the next book in the FBI: Houston "series."  I loved Firewall and just knew that Double Cross would be as great of a read.  I was not disappointed!

When DiAnn Mills writes it feels as if the reader is right there in the action.  And there is a lot of action and suspense in this read!  Love it!

FBI agent Laurel Everston is investigating a scam on elderly people.  There are quite a few twists and turns in this investigation. And then during the investigation she meets Houston police officer, Daniel Hilton, who wants to protect his family (interestingly enough in real life quite a few people become police officers or investigators because they want/have a need to protect others)....anyway, Laurel and Daniel meet.  

When Laurel and Daniel meet, Daniel wonders why Laurel has agreed to use the help of a felon.  But after talking, they both agree for the good of the people being scammed to team up.  Quite a team!

But is the felon, Morton Wilmington leading them straight into a double cross?

Loved this story!  Full of information, a "tad" romance and lots of action!

*This book was provided for review by Tyndale House Publishers*

• Series: FBI: Houston (Book 2)
• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (April 1, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414389949
• ISBN-13: 978-1414389943

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Just In time for Easter:

I found this wonderful cookie recipe on Pinterest!  Oh!So!Good!  
Just In time for Easter

Cookies:
1 18 oz box white cake mix with pudding in the mix
2/3 cup flour
2 large eggs
1/3 cup canola oil
2 T sour cream (I used reduced fat)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large mixing bowl, stir together cake mix and flour.  Add eggs, oil and sour cream and mix on medium speed until incorporated.  Batter will be fairly stiff.  Use a cookie scoop or roll into approximately one inch balls and bake on a baking sheet lined with a Silpat or parchment paper.  This will help keep the bottoms of the cookies from browning.  Use the heel of your hand or a glass dusted with sugar to gently flatten cookies to about a half inch thick.  You don't want the bottoms to be browned or you've overbaked these.  Bake approximately ten minutes until just set.  Let cool about one minute on the pan and then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 T heavy cream
1 T vanilla extract
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1 T meringue powder
Food coloring or sprinkles as desired

Beat butter on medium speed for about two minutes until smooth.  Add cream and vanilla and beat about one more minute to incorporate.  Add sugar, one cup at a time mixing on low speed until incorporated until you reach the desired consistency.  Add meringue powder  (this will help your frosting crust so that you can stack the cookies without smearing your frosting all over the place, I use a sheet of wax or parchment paper in between layers).  You want the frosting to be fairly stiff so that it doesnt run off your cookies.  Frost cooled cookies and decorate as desired.  Store cookies in an airtight container.

River's Edge (Cape Refuge Series) by Terri Blackstock

Book Description:  Was Lisa Jackson’s disappearance related to politics, her husband’s affair, or her long-term infertility? 

Ben Jackson is going head to head with Jonathan Cleary in Cape Refuge’s mayoral race—and he’s even expected to win—when his wife Lisa turns up missing the day before the major debate. Suddenly the town is in turmoil as proof of an alleged affair surfaces, indicating that Ben Jackson might have had motive to kill his wife. 

Meanwhile, newspaper owner Blair Owens has other suspicions—and so does Police Chief Cade. Together they dig deeply into the mysterious disappearance that soon spirals into a web of confusion, dark secrets, and unsettling fraud. 

Then the town’s psychic reveals the location of Lisa’s body—at the bottom of the river. Even though Blair doesn’t believe his paranormal gift is real, she can’t imagine how he knew where the body was. 

The small-town scandal quickly turns into a national media event. Is the murderer one of the obvious suspects . . . or someone they have no reason to doubt?

My Thoughts:  I enjoy reading books penned by Terri Blackstock.  This is book 3 in the Cape Refuge Series...yeah, I did it again and began in the middle of a series.  But after reading this book I'm not sure series is a good word.  To me this is a stand alone read unless I missed something and didn't know it.

Lisa Jackson has disappeared...gone missing the day before her husband, Jonathan, is throwing in his hat for the mayoral race.  Oh!my!what!turmoil!  The whole town hears of the affairs that Ben Jackson has been involved in.  It sure looks like Ben had motive to kill his wife.

But on the other of town...Blair Owens, newspaper owner, and the Police Chief have a different idea of why and where Lisa Jackson may have disappeared.

This is quite a read.  Suspicion, murder, suspense galore!  

I think Terri Blackstock must be the Queen of Christian Suspense!  

What a grand read!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: Cape Refuge Series (Book 3)
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (January 13, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310342791
• ISBN-13: 978-0310342793

When Mercy Rains, A Novel (The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy, book one) by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Book Description: She left, heavily weighted with secrets.

But God reveals all things, in His timing. 

And He redeems them.

 Suzanne Zimmerman was only seventeen and pregnant when her shamed mother quietly sent her away from their Old Order Mennonite community in Kansas. With her old home, family, and first love firmly behind her, Suzanne moved to Indiana, became a nurse, and raised a daughter, Alexa, on her own.

Now, nearly twenty years later, an unexpected letter arrives from Kansas. Her brother asks her to bring her nursing abilities home and care for their ailing mother. His request requires that Suzanne face a family that may not have forgiven her and a strict faith community. It also means seeing Paul Aldrich, her first love.    

Paul, widowed with an eight-year-old son, is relieved to see Suzanne again, giving him the chance to beg her forgiveness for his past indiscretion. But when he meets Alexa, his guilt flickers in the glare of Suzanne’s prolonged secret—one that changes everything. 

Suzanne had let go of any expectation for forgiveness long ago. Does she dare hope in mercy–and how will her uncovered past affect the people she loves the most?

My Thoughts:  When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer is the first book in the Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy.  

We meet Suzanne Zimmerman, aka Suzy, who always listened to her mother except for the one time when she made "the mistake."  The mistake cost her a move and she was "removed" from her family because of the child she carried.

Suzy grows up quickly...she delivers a sweet little girl, Alexa.  She goes to school and becomes a nurse.  She has made a new life.

However, after twenty years her brother contacts her and asks that she come home and take care of their ailing mother...these mother/daughter relationships are tricky and somewhat hard to understand.

Suzanne decides it's time to go home.  She meets Paul...the father of Alexa.  Paul wants Suzanne's forgiveness and then he meets Alexa.  Paul seems to feel guilty and he seems to feel betrayed...he never knew about Alexa.

A story of love and forgiveness and also, something much deeper . . .  sometimes other people in our lives don't make the best decisions for us.  And, yet, we follow their advice and sometimes, lose what is most dear to us.  Forgiveness becomes bitterness and yet  . . .  it's the choice of life . . . to forgive or not to forgive?  Not only is it a question it becomes a way of life.  

An interesting read about Old Order Mennonites.

Looking forward to reading the second book in this trilogy, When Grace Sings.

*This book was provided for review by Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing*

• Series: The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (October 7, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307731316
• ISBN-13: 978-0307731319

COTT {Clash of the Titles} Olympia Finalists!

Olympia Finalists!

by Michelle Massaro

Hello, hello! Today is a big day!

I am very excited to announce this year’s Olympia Finalists!! Please congratulate:

*Kelly Goshorn

*Madelyn Herbert

*Mary Vaitkevicius-Vee

All three authors’ entries will go to our Round 3 judges: Karen Ball, Becky Philpott, and Becky Wade (links below)

Acquisitions Editor Becky Philpott of Harper Collins Publishers

Agent Karen Ball of the Steve Laube Agency

Award-winning Author Becky Wade

The winner will be announced on April 8th!  But in the meantime, I had a little Q & A with our finalists:

Q: What genre and how long have you been writing? 

Mary:

I write YA mystery/adventure/with droplets of speculative fiction. I have been writing for ten years flittering from one genre flower to another. Last year I landed on a mystery flower and tasted the sweet nectar of the genre. It has become my intrigue and stay.

Madelyn:

A Farewell, Mrs. Wheatley is a historical fiction novel that was developed out of my undergraduate thesis on Phillis Wheatley.  My writing today finds its roots in everything that I have read.  Growing up, I would sleep with books under my pillow and my Mom and I would spend hours at the library. (We even discovered that a library card has a 100 book limit.)  As a college student, I was an English Major with a literary emphasis.  I gained exposure to the classics while learning how to understand the analytical and critical aspects of reading.  When I started my Master’s program in Creative Writing, I had a strong foundation that allowed me to explore writing that reflects literary knowledge.

Kelly:

Ever since Laura Ingalls peered into Almanzo Wilder’s eyes and called him “Manly”, I’ve been a pushover for historical romances. But, believe it or not, I wasn’t much of a reader until my sister introduced me to Janette Oke’s, Love Comes Softly. It’s been a love affair ever since.

So many writers say they’ve wanted to write since they were a child. That is not my story. I have always enjoyed writing, but not even in the deep recesses of my mind, did I ever aspire to be an author. In fact, my only experience was writing research papers for my history classes in college and graduate school. My youngest son enjoys writing and he inspired me to tinker around with writing fiction. It didn’t take long for the “bug” to bite. I’ve been earnestly writing historical romance for a little more than two years.

Q: What does Finaling in the Olympia mean to you? 

Kelly:

Where would any writer be without readers? That’s who we write for. We long for someone to step into our story world, fall in love with our characters, and take their journey with us. Having people who love inspirational fiction as much as I do say they enjoyed my story is a tremendous blessing. I pray daily that God would inspire me to write stories that encourage and entertain others, while glorifying Him.

Mary:

Finaling in the Olympia contest is like receiving a hug from God. I am humbled and encouraged beyond my wildest imagination.

Madelyn:

Being a finalist in the Olympia is very motivating as a writer.  So often, as writers, we discredit our own work.  We find reasons to push it aside and discard it before we even give it a chance to succeed. We tell ourselves that we are not qualified to write.  But finaling in the Olympia reminds me that writing is a calling.  Writing is a vocation. God has given writers the gift of words.  I look forward to responding to God’s calling.

Q: What advice would you give other unpublished authors out there?

Madelyn:

If you mom likes your work – believe her! Every writer needs someone to hold them accountable and to provide motivation.  For me, that is my mom.  I have been ready to push A Farewell, Mrs. Wheatley aside many times and not finish. But what keeps me going is her honest feedback after each round of revisions. This manuscript would not have been written if it weren’t for her support.

Mary:

The advice I'd like to share with fellow unpublished authors is taken from one of my favorite movie quotes: "Never give up. Never surrender." Anything worth pursuing will not have an easy road. Each step forward is an accomplishment, each step back is a lesson. I haven't crossed the publication finish line, yet, but with God's help, I will one day and so can you.

Kelly:

Oh wow, what a question! Two things: 1) Don’t Quit! Believe in yourself and the story God has placed on your heart! Determine in advance that you will not give up—even if you only have a few hours each week to write. Read books on the craft or attend a conference, but keep learning and keep writing. 2) Join a critique group. I joined American Christian Fiction Writers last May and immediately began subbing on their Scribes critique loop. Some of those initial critiques were painful (wincing now), but the amazing community of Christian writers gathered there want to help you succeed. Many of those first critiquers have become trusted friends whose comments and suggestions I rely on heavily.

***

Fantastic answers from all of you, and what a wonderful glimpse into each of your hearts. Clash of the Titles is rooting for all of our contestants and praying the best for each of you!

If you’re an unpublished novelist interested in entering the next Olympia, submissions open in the Fall. Dates to be announced.

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Chicken Salad with Watermelon and Peaches

Another great recipe from Reader's Digest:

Ingredients

3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon dried dill leaf or
1 tablespoon fresh snipped juice from a lemon
dash of salt and pepper to taste
2 peaches seeded and chopped
2 cups chopped seeded watermelon

Instructions

Mix together the chicken, yogurt, mayonnaise, dill and lemon juice.

Servings

Makes 4 to 6 Servings.

The Paleo Chef: Quick, Flavorful Paleo Meals for Eating Well by Pete Evans

Book Description:  Acclaimed international chef and television personality Pete Evans takes a whole new approach to making gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free, completely Paleo recipes that are worthy of a restaurant but effortless to prepare. 

More and more people are discovering the health benefits of the Paleo lifestyle by cutting out processed, sugary foods and instead eating quality proteins and fats, fresh vegetables and fruits, and nuts and seeds. However, following this way of eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or spending a long time in the kitchen. In The Paleo Chef, Evans provides more than 100 recipes for gorgeous food that is satisfying, distinctive, and good for you, including Kale Hummus, Vietnamese Chicken Wings, and Key Lime Tart.

Each and every one of Evans’s innovative recipes pops with flavor and is brought to life with stunning, full-color photography. Living—and eating—the Paleo lifestyle has never been so effortless and so delicious.

My Thoughts:  It seems that "the Paleo diet" has overtaken our world.  So, not one to be left behind....I decided to join the "paleo movement."  But didn't know where to begin.  That's when I saw this wonderful, hardback book with LOTS of great Paleo recipes.  Can you say...WOW!  Oh!Yeah!  Just the book to get started!

Since I was so excited to begin this new phase in my life,  I quickly opened the book and began to make a grocery list. Uh!oh!  Each recipe has at least one exotic ingredient.  And it seems that most (maybe all of the recipes) use coconut oil.  I live in the boonies of Texas...this may not work!

I decided that even though this is a beautiful book with wonderful pictures it just won't work for me. I've decided to eat plainly and not so vainly.

I love this book, as a book!  But decided it is probably just a tad.too.exotic for me.  

Now, if you are a cook and love making everything from scratch and have access to "exotic" ingredients, then you'll love this cookbook.

Recipe examples taken from the book and provided by the publisher:

Root Vegetable Slaw

Go here for recipe:  http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/RANDO/ASAP/Root_vegetable_slaw.pdf

Brownies

Go Here for recipe: http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/RANDO/ASAP/Chocolate_Brownies.pdf

*This book was provided for review by Waterbrook/Multnomah*

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press (December 30, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160774743X
• ISBN-13: 978-1607747437

COTT {Clash of the Titles} Featured Novel: "This Redeemer"--Not All Prisons Have Bars

“An exhilarating ride full of suspense and hope...” 

“…hits the ground running and never lets up…” 

“A riveting story with great characters…”

About This Redeemer:

Not all prisons have bars.

Charlotte Davis should know—she’s lived in one for years. She can handle getting slapped around by her boyfriend, Tommy, and even being forced to do things she would never choose, but when Tommy turns on her 10-year-old daughter, Charlotte must try to escape. With nowhere else to turn, Charlotte runs to the stranger her dying mother believed would help her.

Looking only for shelter or cash, Charlotte finds a family she longs to call her own and a gentle man she could learn to love. But if Tommy catches up with Charlotte, these strangers could discover the truth about her. Will they send her back to Tommy? Or can a Father’s love set her free?

PURCHASE

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

"Jerusha keep up the good work I cant wait to read the next book!"
"I just finished reading This Redeemer by Jerusha Agen, and it was excellent -- the best of the series!"
"Love Jerusha's writing style!"
"I am excited for you! Jerusha Agen this is just the beginning of more great things to come!"
"I loved This Redeemer and think it's Jerusha's best book yet. Great characters!"
"Jerusha Agen, your writing is amazing! Thank you very much for sharing your incredible talent!"
"Jerusha! Keep up the excellent work!"

About Jerusha:

Jerusha Agen is a lifelong lover of story--a passion that has led her to a B.A. in English and a highly varied career. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Jerusha is the author of the Sisters Redeemed Series, which includes the titles This Dance, This Shadow, and This Redeemer. Jerusha co-authored the e-books A Ruby Christmas, A Dozen Apologies, and The Love Boat Bachelorfrom Write Integrity Press. Jerusha relishes snowy Midwest winters spent with her three large, furry dogs and two small, furry cats.

Visit Jerusha’s website at www.SDGwords.com. 

Follow Jerusha on Twitter @SDGwords and Facebook (Jerusha Agen – SDG Words).

Q&A Interview with Jerusha Agen, author of This Redeemer, Book Three in the Sisters Redeemed Series:

What message do you hope your readers will take away after reading your novel?

I hope and pray that women who are in abusive relationships, poverty, depression, or any other type of seemingly hopeless situation will see in this story that there is hope even in the most desperate of situations, and that His name is Jesus. For readers who have no experience with such desperation, I hope that they will be convicted of the need to selflessly love the “unlovable” in the world and to humbly forgive the “unforgivable.” For all of us, there is hope! 

Do you have any practical advice for writers on how to keep their sanity in our run, run, run world?

Staying sane in our hectic culture is my daily struggle! Some things that help me most are setting writing goals for each day and actually quitting for the day when I reach the goal. I’ve found that I have to limit when I’ll allow myself to check email or go online, so that I don’t end up letting my sleep or work time disappear into the Internet vacuum. 

As a writer, it’s also too easy to work whenever I’m home, even on Sundays, which translates into no day off from work and eventual burnout. I believe that rest, especially on our day set aside to worship, is crucial to staying in the rat race for the long haul, so I’ve now made every Sunday a no-writing, no-Internet day. I end up with a free, restful day away from social and work pressures that allows me to recharge for the work week ahead. The other essential for sanity is sleep!

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