Together at the Table: A Novel of Lost Love and Second Helpings (Two Blue Doors) by Hillary Manton Lodge

Book Description:  Three months ago, Juliette D’Alisa’s world changed.

In a bittersweet series of events, her mother’s health took a turn for the worse. Juliette and her brother opened their restaurant together to rave reviews, but her romance with Memphis immunologist Neil McLaren ended in anger and tears.

As autumn sweeps into the Pacific Northwest, Juliette feels that she’s finally on the cusp of equilibrium. The restaurant continues to thrive, and her family is closer than ever. She and sous-chef Adrien are seeing each other, both in and out of the kitchen. Just when she thinks her world might stop spinning, a trip to the waterfront lands a familiar face into her path.

Rather than dwell on her personal life, Juliette throws herself into work and research. After reading her grandmother’s letters from war-torn Paris, she still wants to know the full story –  and she’ll travel across countries and oceans to find it.

But even Juliette can’t outrun the man who stole her heart. As she finally uncovers the truth about her family history, what will it mean for her own chances at lasting love?

My Thoughts:  I had mixed feelings about reading this book, simply because it's the third book in the Two Blue Doors trilogy.  It's the last book.  Maybe I'm too sappy but I enjoy reading a "series" of books and learning all about a characters life. 

This "last" book is simply wonderful!
It's interesting that the title of this book is Together at the Table because this book is chock full of wonderful, delicious foods.  Quite a few recipes are included too.  Yummy!

Juliette's family is all together in this last "chapter."  I loved reading about all of them, reading about all the fine food and well, the romance.

If you read, Reservations for Two, then you'll remember that the story didn't end well.  Neil and Juliette ended their relationship in tears and anger.  And Juliette goes back home and begins working with and seeing sous-chef Adrien.

Juliette feels that her heart just belongs to another.  

Then she begins reading her grandmother's letter from war-torn Paris.  It seems that these letters "speak" to Juliette's heart.

And Juliette uncovers truth in her family history.

I loved this ending to the triology of the Two Blue Doors.  

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

The first two books:

• Series: Two Blue Doors
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook (May 3, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307731790
• ISBN-13: 978-0307731791

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

I saw this recipe for Miranda Lambert's meatloaf ( actually I believe that her mom, Bev, makes it but it's the family fav!)in a magazine.  

We are not fans of meatloaf

but I wanted something different for supper.

  WOW!  It's great!

Miranda's Meatloaf Recipe

 2 lbs. ground beef

1 lb. ground breakfast sausage (mild or regular)

1/2 sleeve of finely crushed saltines or Ritz crackers

2 eggs

1 dash of Worcestershire

1 tsp. prepared mustard

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. ketchup

1/2 c. finely chopped bell pepper

1/2 finely chopped onion

Mix all the above ingredients together ( use two hands for better mixing).

Put into a baking dish (casserole or loaf style).

Bake at 350° for 1 hour. 

Prepare topping while baking.

 Topping: Blend together 1 c. ketchup and 1/4 c. brown sugar.

 After baking, pour grease off of loaf. Spread topping over meat generously. (If using a large pan you may need extra...follow above measurements).

Place pan back in the oven for 15 minutes to bake. 

Let cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting.

Happy Eating!

Siren's Song (The Storm Trilogy) by Mary Webber

Book Description:  “The realization hits: We’re not going to win. It’s why I couldn’t defeat Draewulf in Bron—because this power was never mine anyway. I drop my arms and let the energy die off. And turn around to Face Eogan.”

After a fierce battle with Draewulf, Nym barely escaped with her life. Now, fleeing the scorched landscape of Tulla, her storm-summoning abilities are returning; only . . . the dark power is still inside her.

Broken and bloodied, Nym needs time to recover, but when the full scope of the shapeshifter’s horrific plot is revealed, the strong-willed Elemental must race across the Hidden Lands and warn the other kingdoms before Draewulf ’s final attack.

From the crystalline palaces of Cashlin to the legendary Valley of Origin, Nym scrambles to gather an army. But even if she can, will she be able to uncover the secret to defeating Draewulf that has eluded her people for generations? With a legion of monsters approaching, and the Hidden Lands standing on the brink of destruction, the stage is set for a battle that will decide the fate of the world.

This time, will the Siren’s Song have the power to save it?

My Thoughts:    I was a little perplexed by the title, "Siren's Song" so I looked up the word siren.  I was surprised to find out that a siren is from Greek mythology.  A siren was a beautiful but dangerous creature, one who lured sailors to ship wreck by their enchanting music and voices.  

After finding out about a siren, I began to read this story.  I didn't read the first two books in this series and I think it's a must to read the other two stories first....because this is the conclusion.

Even though this isn't the type of reading material I would choose, I must say that this is one fast paced read.  And the author does a great job with description.  

The reader can probably tell by the book cover that this is story is labeled as christian fantasy.  

To tell the truth I have a hard time reading fantasy...any kind.  I just don't enjoy it.  It seems too made up to me.  

Even though this is a well written book, I just couldn't "get into the story."

This is book for this christian fantasy readers.  And it has a grand ending!

*This book was provided for review by the Fiction Guild*

• Series: The Storm Siren Trilogy
• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 1, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401690408
• ISBN-13: 978-1401690403

The Goodbye Bride (A Summer Harbor Novel, #2) by Denise Hunter

Book Description:  She only remembers loving him. But he can’t forget the way she left.

Lucy Lovett can’t remember the last seven months of her life. She doesn’t remember leaving her fiancé Zac Callahan weeks before their wedding or moving to Portland, Maine. And she sure doesn’t remember getting engaged to another man. All she remembers is loving Zac more than life itself

Zac was just beginning to get his life back on track after Lucy left him with no explanation. And now she’s back—vulnerable, homeless, and still in love with him. Has he been given a second chance with the only woman who stirs his passion and haunts his dreams?

Lucy knows she must unlock those missing months and discover why she threw everything away. And Zac knows that if he follows his heart he’ll win back the love of his life—but if Lucy’s memory returns, his would-be bride might say goodbye forever.

My Thoughts:  This is one of the "funniest" christian romances I've read this year.  I'm not sure it's suppose to be a humorous read but as I read it I kept seeing the scenarios in my head and would laugh out loud.

Lucy Lovett seems to have lost the last seven months of her life.  She doesn't remember leaving her fiancee, Zac, or moving to Portland.  

But when Lucy has to go back "home" with no memory of the last seven months and love in her heart for Zac....well, it makes a confusing world for Zac.  This is what I found humorous.  All the situations and poor Lucy still doesn't understand because she has no "back memory."

And, then, poor Zac he is SO confused but it is a romance story  and without letting out all the juicy details I will tell you it is a fun read.

Christian romance readers are sure to enjoy this lovely novel.

And here's bonus for you lovely readers you can go to Spotify music playlist and listen to the playlist for The Goodbye Bride as you read the novel:  SPOTIFY Music for The Goodbye Bride  Enjoy the music and the book!

*This book was provided for review by the Fiction Guild*

• Series: A Summer Harbor Novel (Book 2)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 8, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718023730
• ISBN-13: 978-0718023737     

COTT {Clash of the Titles}

And now... the Laurel Finalists!!

Congratulations!

Clash of the Titles would like to offer a HUGE congratulations to our three Laurel contest finalists! Our contestants made it a tough competition this year with wonderful entries. Our panel of judges, made up entirely of readers, has narrowed it down to three finalists. And they are...

Paula Wiseman's Touched

Delia Lathem's At First Sight

H. L. Wegley's Voice in the Wilderness

Congratulations to our three authors and their books! We at COTT are proud to honor your work, and we wish you luck in the next round.

The annual Laurel Contest is a reader-judged competition that Clash of the Titles offers to highlight published novels in Christian fiction. We love to showcase wonderful talent and to make readers aware of fabulous reads!

All three of our finalist entries will stand before our judging panel again, and a winner will be chosen from among them. We offer a sincere thanks to our reader judges and all our entrants for participating in this contest!

Be sure to check back--the winner will be announced in early May!

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

SoooGoood!  Pumpkin Pie French Toast!

I won this cook book from $5 meals

and love this recipe for a fun supper:

Ingredients

• 12 slices whole wheat sandwich bread 
• 3 eggs 
• 1/2 cup milk 
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin 
• 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• Butter and syrup for serving 
• Fresh fruit or smoothie as side 

Directions

• Set out the bread for dipping.
• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin and pie spice until smooth.
• Dip each side of the bread and cook on a hot, greased griddle or skillet. Flip after 1 – 2 minutes.
• Once all are cooked, serve with butter and maple. And a side of fresh fruit or bacon/sausage.  
• If freezing, let cool completely to reduce freezer burn.
• Enjoy this perfect fall “breakfast for dinner”!

NIrV, Under the Sea Holy Bible by Zondervan (Author)

Book Description:  The Under the Sea Holy Bible, NIrV is a perfect gift for children ages 6 to 10. Themes of underwater fun and sparkling fish grace the interior of this wonderful children’s Bible. The outside is covered in foil and sparkle. The interior has color inserts featuring whimsical underwater scenes with themes of God’s care and love for each of us and all of creation.

My Thoughts:  When my son was little he loved the show Under the Sea.

Maybe it was all those cute, colorful fishes or they fun way of presenting their lesson...whatever it was, when I saw this beautiful, hard cover Bible I knew it would be a great gift for the young lady in our family.

Now this Bible is for the younger set.  Ages 6-10, even though a five year old might like it too.  

It's written in NIrV (New International Reader's Version ) for a child to understand.  This version is a simplified version of the NIV.  

The Bible is 1,152 pages long and is interspersed with eight glossy colored under the sea themed pages.  

My only disappointed with this Bible was the small print.

Most children ages 6-10 are not always confident readers so a larger font would have been nicer for the young reader.

Overall, the Bible is nice and the hardback cover may be a plus for a young reader since it can withstand more hands.on trauma. 

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Age Range: 6 - 10 years
• Grade Level: 1 - 5
• Hardcover: 1152 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (March 1, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310754046
• ISBN-13: 978-0310754046

Good and Simple: Recipes to Eat Well and Thrive by Jasmine Hemsley, Melissa Hemsley

Book Description:  Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley are revolutionizing how we eat. Experts on wholesome, nutritious cooking and living a healthy, fashionable lifestyle, the sisters teach people how to enjoy real food to feel happier and more energized. Their simple philosophy of eliminating gluten, grains, and refined sugars, while focusing on maximizing nutrition has revolutionized the way people think of “diet.” And, the best part is, preparing such meals is easy and fun.

My Thoughts:   A lot of days I think . . . What am I going to cook?  Have you ever been there?  Well, Hemsley Hemsley (siblings!) have written a cookbook filled with recipes that are for people to eat well and thrive.

Well, I admit I was a little skeptical that any cookbook could be easy and fun but hey, I like being wrong for a good cause.

I loved the Chocolate Avocado Frosting.  I'm trying VERY hard to eat healthy and yet, I miss some of the desserts.  However, with this recipe one can have dessert and eat healthy too.  A little secret:  When I made this frosting I didn't tell my family the ingredients.  My picky eaters loved it!   Maybe because it was so smooth, filling and chocolatey!  

And then there's this scrumptious Roasted Squash Soup.  We love soup and again, I didn't tell my eaters the ingredients in the soup.  We all had seconds.   Enough said.  

There are 140 recipes.  Tasty and somewhat easy....one still has to cook.  But I will have to say this, if you are wanting healthy recipes then this are the recipes for you!  Not necessarily low cal... but healthy!

I found this cookbook to be a great help to my new healthy way of eating!  

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

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter (April 12, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1101905506
• ISBN-13: 978-1101905500

COTT {Clash of the Titles}

Sneak Peak at Salsa and Speedbumps by Susan M. Baganz

One moment of sin leads to a path of pain . . . and unexpected love.

Welcome to Stephanie and Roberto's story! They have serious chemistry, but how many hurdles can they overcome? Both fun and deeply moving, this book will engage you from the start. Here's what readers have to say:

Fantastic read. Riveting from cover to cover. Susan has great storytelling skills that speak volumes. Although the book itself is fiction it did bring to the forefront the reality and seriousness of human trafficking. 
Althea Zamzow (Amazon Review)

This book skillfully handles many issues in today’s society: date rape, addiction to pain killers, kidnapping, human trafficking, and the mafia. The well-written story keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and the book is hard to put down. How much more can Robbie and Stephanie take before they’re broken apart by life’s circumstances?

Victoria Pitts Caine (Amazon Review)

Listen in on a conversation from the book:

“Christmas is just around the corner.”
“Really? I hadn’t noticed.”
“Come on, dad and I didn’t do too bad getting a tree up and decorated.”
“You did a fine job. Much better than I could have managed with my bulging belling getting in the way.”
“I happen to be fond of your bulging belly. Reminds me of Santa Claus.”
“Very funny.” She snuggled up to Robbie’s side. “If you had a wish for Christmas, what would it be?”
“That forty years from now I would be as in love with you as I am today.”
Stephanie smiled. “I like that.”
“Did you have Christmas wish?”
“Mine wasn’t big enough.”
“What was it?”
“Really? You will laugh at me.”
“Really, I want to know.”
“I want a puppy.”
“A puppy.”
“Yes, a puppy.”
“We may need to wait awhile for that one. Dogs are not allowed on our lease.”
“I know, but you asked. Wishes don’t have to be realistic.”
“No, they don’t. But how about I lick your face and pant in your ear. Will that do in the meantime?”
Stephanie grinned and gave her husband a kiss, “Oh, that will do.”

So where did this story come from? 

Susan, can you tell us what inspired you to write Salsa and Speedbumps?

The title was suggested by a friend after I wrote the first draft of Pesto & Potholes. I hadn’t really thought of writing a second novel but figured Renata’s roommate, Stephanie, who seemed to have things all together, might need to have her world shaken up a bit. I also knew someone who had been a victim of a date rape but those were words not really used much years ago. She kept the baby, met a great guy, became a Christian and married after the child was born. He adopted the little girl. And Roberto . . . well, I had to get some salsa in there somewhere so having a Hispanic character seemed a good way to do that along with busting some stereotypes about that culture in the process. Roberto’s back issues . . . well, I’ve struggled some with that but have known people with far worse pain like what he experiences . . . so he struggles with an issue many people have but don’t talk about, intense pain while recovering from an addiction to narcotics. The story became far more intense than I ever anticipated too and the heat between Roberto and Stephanie starts to build pretty early in the story.

The bigger question other than the issues was how does a Christian woman and man stay true to their faith and have integrity when life throws curveball after curveball their way. How do they navigate a relationship in the midst of those trials as well? It was fun to explore.

About the book:

Stephanie’s life hits a speedbump in the wake of her boyfriend’s sin. Splitting up with him, she faces a future of difficult choices shaded in shame. She wants to do what is right but the new man in her life leaves her fantasizing about a future that is now beyond her grasp.

Roberto finds his heart and professional world turned upside down by the beautiful bombshell. He struggles with his own inner demons and past so he’s not about to cast stones. When he is accused of immoral behavior, and temptation haunts him from every side, can he stand true to the calling God has given him? 

Joining forces to face the future though comes at a high cost for them both as their individual pasts rise up to destroy them and their relationship. Integrity comes with a high price tag. With a deep faith in God and the help of friends at Orchard Hill Church, can they find happiness and love they long for? 

Find the book on Amazon

Meet the author: 

Susan M. Baganz chases after three Hobbits and is a native of Wisconsin. She is an Acquisitions Editor with Prism Book Group specializing in bringing great romance novels and novellas to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical world-view.

Susan speaks, teaches, and encourages others to follow God in being all He has created them to be. With her seminary degree in counseling psychology, a background in the field of mental health, and years serving in church ministry, she understands the complexities and pain of life as well as its craziness. She serves behind-the-scenes in various capacities at her church as well as on the board of the local ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writer’s) chapter. Her favorite pastimes are lazy ones—snuggling with her dog while reading a good book, or sitting with a friend chatting over a cup of spiced chai latte.

You can learn more by following her blog www.susanbaganz.com, her twitter feed @susanbaganz or her fan page, www.facebook.com/susanmbaganz/me

The Inheritance (Secrets of the Shetlands) by Michael Phillips

Book Description:  Dramatic New Series from Fan Favorite Michael Phillips

The death of the clan patriarch has thrown the tiny Shetland Islands community of Whale's Reef into turmoil. Everyone assumed MacGregor Tulloch's heir to be his grand-nephew David, a local favorite, but when it is discovered that MacGregor left no will, David's grasping cousin Hardy submits his own claim to the inheritance, an estate that controls most of the island's land. And while Hardy doesn't enjoy much popular support, he has the backing of a shadowy group of North Sea oil investors. The courts have frozen the estate's assets while the competing claims are investigated, leaving many of the residents in financial limbo. The future of the island--and its traditional way of life--hangs in the balance.

Loni Ford is enjoying her rising career in a large investment firm in Washington, DC. Yet in spite of her outward success, she is privately plagued by questions of identity. Orphaned as a young child, she was raised by her paternal grandparents, and while she loves them dearly, she feels completely detached from her roots. That is until a mysterious letter arrives from a Scottish solicitor...

My Thoughts:  When I was a young teen a remember my mom reading books by Michael Phillips and loving them.  I haven't seen any books authored by him for quite awhile and then this new book popped up...the Inheritance. . . Micheal Phillips' new series of Secrets in the Shetlands.  I was intrigued . . . 

The setting of the novel is in Scotland.  And from the descriptions this is a beautiful land!  The story is begins when David's great uncle passes away and there is no will, it seems that David may not inherit his uncles's land after all.  The courts freeze all the assets and then Loni Ford and up and  coming investor in America receives an intriguing letter from a Scottish firm.  And everything changes!

This is quite an interesting read with a lot of Scot culture as well as mystery in the "missing will." The mystery concerning the inheritance is well written. 

The biggest plus in this read, to me, is the wonderful journey of going to Scotland.  

This is a grand read!  One not to be missed!

*This book was provided for review by Bethany House*

• Series: Secrets of the Shetlands (Book 1)
• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (April 5, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764217488
• ISBN-13: 978-0764217487

Restore My Soul Coloring book

Book Description:  Restore My Soul is a beautiful, interactive devotional designed to celebrate our unique creativity and connect us with the ultimate Creator. Find refreshment in short reflections on Scripture and be inspired as you color accompanying intricate illustrations created for meditation and prayer. Both contemplative and imaginative, Restore My Soul is the perfect space for the artist in us all.

My Thoughts:  YAY! for more color!  I love, love adult coloring books! But, by far, my most favorite coloring books are those that uplift and have biblical sayings/verses.  The verses from the Bible help keep God's Word in my heart....an added bonus! More like a "light" devotional as I color.

This is a lovely coloring book and as I color with my favorite colored pencils the anxieties of the day seem to slowly fade away.  A great way to rest and relax!

Occasionally I use gel pens and when I tried gel pens on these color pages the ink did not bleed through.  I like that aspect because I dislike color "added" to the next page before I even get chance to detail the pictures.
There are 112 pages of verses and pictures to color.

This is an excellent book for those who love to color!  And yes, this book makes a wonderful gift for the "colorer" on your list!

Need an idea of what is in this lovely book . . . 

(an exact page from the coloring book from Tyndale Facebook page)

*This book was provided for review by Tyndale*

Paperback: 112 pages

• Publisher: Tyndale Momentum (April 1, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1496414063
• ISBN-13: 978-1496414069
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 9.7 x 0.4 inches

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Easy Cake

Add a can of soda - no eggs, no oil. Just add a can of soda to the cake mix. And bake per directions on cake box. That's it... Done.

Wonders of Creation Illustrations to Color and Inspire by Zondervan

Book Description:  Wonders of Creation explores the wonders of our created world though detailed black-and-white illustrations—each one ready to be filled with the hues of your imagination. From amazing Eden-esque gardens to the creatures God made that still ramble through our world, this ninety-six-page book offers hours of coloring inspiration and relaxation for any age.

My Thoughts:  I love this adult coloring book!  I love the scriptures and the novel pictures.   Actually this not just an adult coloring book, kids ages 8 and up might enjoy it too. 

We live in a stressed society and a busy time. . . it's relaxing to me to sit down with a scripture and pretty images and just color away.

The following images are small but they give you an idea of what is in the coloring book. 

There is a lot of detail so it makes a nice picture to use colored pencils or fine tipped markers.

And this coloring book is all about God's wonderful creation.  So, there are plenty of neat animals to color or interesting trees or blooming flowers whatever makes you sigh and relax.

This is not a thin little book, no, it is 96 pages long and has nice paper so that the ink or colors do not leak through to the next page. And this coloring book makes a wonderful gift to that special "colorer."

These pages can also be colored and framed or colored and used as nice card for someone on your list.  I know one woman who colors and then frames some of the pages to use as decorations in her home.  So many ideas . . .

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Age Range: 8 and up 
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; Clr Csm edition (March 22, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310757398
• ISBN-13: 978-0310757399

Code 13 (The Navy JAG Series) by Don Brown

Book Description: THE U.S. NAVY’S BILLION-DOLLAR CONTRACT FOR THE SALE OF DRONES LANDS TWO NAVY JAG OFFICERS IN THE GUN SIGHTS OF A KILLER.

 Caroline is just getting her feet wet at the prestigious Code 13, but is thankful for at least one familiar face—her old flame, P.J. MacDonald. He loops her into the assignment he is currently working on—the legality of a proposed drone-sharing contract with Homeland Security that would allow the sale of drones for domestic surveillance. The contractor wants a legal opinion clearing the contract for congressional approval. But the mob wants the proposal dead-on-arrival.

When P.J. is gunned down in cold blood and a second JAG officer is killed, one thing becomes clear: whoever is ordered to write the legal opinion on the drones becomes a target. Which is exactly why Caroline goes to her commanding officer and volunteers to write the legal opinion herself. She is determined to avenge P.J.’s death and trap the killer, even if that means making herself a target.

It is a deadly game of Russian roulette for the sake of justice, but Caroline is determined to see it through, even if it costs her life.

My Thoughts: It's been quite a few years since I've read a novel by Don Brown.  So, when I saw that this story was about  the military'a JAG (Judge Advocate General), I grabbed the book.

If you've ever watched JAG on TV you may remember that this is an elite group of lawyers who take on the "hard" cases in the military to find the truth.

Caroline is a newbie in the Code 13 unit but there is one familiar face, P.J. McDonald, her old flame.  However, not too far into the story P.J. is gunned down and a second JAG officer is also killed.  This is where Caroline takes on the case.  She is determined to avenge P.J.  

I was sad to see P.J. die so soon in the story...well, I was hoping that he and Caroline would take up their romance again.  But as the story continues, and what a story! The reader is taken on quite a ride trough the "game of justice" as Caroline goes for the jugular!  

I throughly enjoyed this action-packed-mob-threatening thriller.  

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: The Navy JAG Series
• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (April 5, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310338077
• ISBN-13: 978-0310338079