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Getting used to a new school isn’t easy, especially for someone as paranoid as Buddy Norman. In “A Predicament of Biblical Proportions” he envisions wacky worst-case encounters with townsfolk who seem like mobsters, snoops and fairy-tale tyrants—until he gets to know them. He’s also a little confused about Bring Your Bible to School Day. What’s it about? Should he participate? See Odyssey through Buddy’s eyes in this witty celebration of religious freedom.

Listen to this story through a two-week trial only on the Odyssey Adventure Club.

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

It's that time of the year, again!  Enjoy a new way to love S'Mores!

INGREDIENTS

8

graham cracker squares

2

milk chocolate candy bars (1.55-oz each), each halved

4

large marshmallows

4

long-handled forks

• On each of 4 graham cracker squares, place candy bar half.
• Spear each marshmallow on long-handled fork; toast over campfire coals or over grill with low heat.
• Place 1 toasted marshmallow on top of each chocolate bar. Top each with cracker; press together and hold for a few seconds to melt chocolate.

EXPERT TIPS

Mint S´Mores - Substitute chocolate-covered mint cookies for the crackers.

Peanut Butter S´Mores - Substitute chocolate-covered peanut butter cups for the candy bars.

Rainy Days S´Mores - Substitute marshmallow creme for the toasted marshmallows. Spread marshmallow creme on cracker tops.

Scotchie S´Mores - Substitute chocolate graham crackers for the regular graham crackers. Drizzle butterscotch ice cream topping over the candy bar before adding marshmallow.

Striped S´Mores - Substitute chocolate-striped cookies for the graham crackers.

Keep S'Mores ingredients on hand for upcoming backyard cookouts. At a picnic, put out a variety of chocolate candies so everyone can experiment and discover their favorite combination.

All Is Bright: A Devotional Journey to Color Your Way to Christmas by Nancy Guthrie (Author), Lizzie Preston (Illustrator)

My Thoughts:  I love adult coloring books but All Is Bright is not just a coloring book it's a devotional too!  Win!

When the Christmas season is upon us it's nice to have a devotional book that one can read during the special holiday.

There are enough pages to color for 31 days and to connect with the Christ of Christmas.

The devotionals by Nancy Guthrie are short and on target and then there are intricate holiday designs by Lizzie Preston to color or outline.

This is such a lovely book that once all the coloring is finished it makes a nice keepsake for the next holiday.  It will be illustrated and ready to read!

Our family is each taking pages to color and then at the Christmas holiday we will read the devotionals together.

Then next year we will have a completed All Is Bright book to use for Christmas devotionals.  

This makes a lovely family heirloom and keepsake for year after year.

And don't forget to date each page and have the "colorer" sign the page as a reminder for year to year of who colored each page. 

*This book was provided for review by Tyndale*

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale Momentum; Clr Csm edition (October 1, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1496418026
• ISBN-13: 978-1496418029

COTT {Clash of the Titles}

Olympia Award 2016: We Have a Champion!

Many deserving competitors entered the fray. One became the victor!

Congratulations Jennifer Uhlarik,  

2016 Olympia Award Champion.

We took a few moments to get to know Jennifer a little better, and now here's your chance to do the same:

Jennifer Uhlarik discovered the western genre as a pre-teen, when she swiped the only “horse” book she found on her older brother’s bookshelf. A new love was born. Across the next ten years, she devoured Louis L’Amour westerns and fell in love with the genre. In college at the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. Armed with a B.A. in writing, she has won five writing competitions and finaled in two other competitions. In addition to writing, she has held jobs as a private business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, and her favorite—a full-time homemaker. Jennifer is active in American Christian Fiction Writers and lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband, teenaged son, and four fur children. 

How did you come up with the idea for this book and what made you want to write this particular story?


While working with a few other authors on some novella collection ideas, I came up with the idea of three adult siblings who reunite after being separated by adoption in their youth. This story and the two that follow it are the result of that idea—three strong siblings devoted to law and justice, each in their own way. 


What does winning the Olympia Award mean to you?


It is such an honor! I love the Olympia since the first round is judged by readers. That is probably the truest group of judges one can have. And I know the competition is always stiff in contests, so just to final is quite humbling. To win is indescribable (and I’m an author, so that says a lot. I’m speechless. LOL)


How can people find you online/contact you?


I can be found in the following places:

Website: www.jenniferuhlarik.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferUhlarikAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniferUhlarik
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jenuhlarik/

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Chase the Lion: If Your Dream Doesn't Scare You, It's Too Small by Mark Batterson

My Thoughts:  Ever since my husband met Mark Batterson a few years ago, we've enjoyed reading his very interesting take on life through a christians's perspective.

I love the way he begins this book...Run TO the Roar.  Most of us are afraid of the roar (the challenge) so we tend to run FROM the roar but Mark Batterson encourages us to wake-up and live with purpose.  Quit being afraid of the life/dream that God has for you. This brings us to the subtitle of this book...If Your Dream Doesn't Scare You, You're Dream Is Too Small.

Also, he encourages us to not be afraid of achieving what we would deem impossible.  Don't we all have an impossible dream that God could/would make possible. And, sometimes, our dream doesn't have to be a multimillion mission, sometimes our dream is just quit our present job and go onto something better.  All dreams are not the same but all dreams do require the faith to carry them out.

I found this to be such an encouraging read!  Encouraging me to take up  my dream and believe that with God all things are possible . . . just believe and be willing for my God given dream.

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

More about the author and his other books:

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah (September 6, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601428855
• ISBN-13: 978-1601428851

The Loyal Heart (A Lone Star Hero's Love Story) by Shelley Shepard Gray

My Thoughts:  I was excited to see a new read by Shelley Shepard Gray. And, to.top.it.off the setting is in the Lone Star State....Texas! Yay!

Robert Truax is a confederate officer in the Civil War. He travels to Galveston, Texas to see his best friend's widow, Miranda Markham.

But when he arrives in Galveston he finds that poor Miranda can barely keep her head above water with all the name calling and mud slinging that people are doing to her deceased husband's name.

Now, like most men, Robert was going to make a quick trip to Galveston, help Miranda, see if she needs anything and be on his way.

But Robert isn't prepared for the beauty that greets him. His heart is lost.

He knows he must fight for her and her husband's honor. And then Robert is vexed because, well, Robert, isn't the man that Miranda thought he was.

This was quite an interesting story with a lot of Confederate War history and the unlikely romance of two very different people.

A great read!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Not long ago I posted about Sheri Shepherd's book, If You Have a Craving, I Have a Cure?  See book review HERE!
 Today I'm sharing one of her good and healthy recipes...It Works For Me!  

HONEY-BAKED ALMOND BRITTLE
Serves 4

Ingredients:
1/4 cup honey
1 cup almonds
Dash sea salt
{I added a cup of sunflower seeds for added crunchiness!}
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Heat honey in microwave for 30 seconds.
3. In a bowl, pour honey over almonds (& sunflower seeds) and mix evenly so every almond is coated.
4. Coat sheet with non-stick spray, spreads almonds on cookie sheet, and sprinkle with sea salt.
5. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, or to desired taste. Let cool, and enjoy!

{Kregel Blog Tour} Fifth Column (The Blitz Detective) by Mike Hollow

Book Description:  An attractive young woman is found dead on a bomb site in the early hours of the morning. At first glance, she is just another casualty of the previous night's air raid, but when the post-mortem shows signs of strangling, DI Jago is called on to investigate. The dead woman is smartly dressed but carries no identity card. However, a local engineering company reports a member of staff has failed to appear at work that morning and the body is quickly identified as that of Miss Mary Watkins. DI Jago's initial interviews yield little fruit, no one can think of a reason why Mary would be murdered, but as the investigation continues DI Jago starts to uncover a trail of deception and betrayal.

My Thoughts:  When I read Direct Hit by Mike Hollow I loved it so much that I keep my eye out for any new books by him.  So, you guessed it!  I did a happy dance when I received Fifth Column (The Blitz Detective) in the mail.  

Fifth Column has no "carryovers" from Direct Hit...they are two separate reads.  Not counting Detective Inspector Jago and the pretty war correspondent, Dorothy Appleton, who seems to distract poor Jago.

A young woman's dead body has been found among the debris.  The corpse is Mary Watkins.  But it seems that no one cares that anything happened to poor Mary even her family seems uninterested.

As Jago becomes entangled in this mystery, he finds more and more intrigue.  It seems that Mary didn't even live on the the street where she was found, nor was it the bomb that killed her.  For the post-mortem shows that poor Mary was strangled.  

It seems that Mary may not be whom everyone thought she was.  Even though she worked at a chemical plant and chemicals are missing . . . no one seems to care to talk about "it."   "Things" just don't add up for Jago and the delightful Miss Appleton.  What a team!

What a mystery!  What intrigue!

Another great hit by Mike Hollow!

*This book was provided for review by Kregel Publications*

• Series: The Blitz Detective
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Lion Fiction (June 27, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1782641866
• ISBN-13: 978-1782641865

Twilight at Blueberry Barrens (A Sunset Cove Novel) by Colleen Coble

My Thoughts:  Another favorite author, Colleen Coble, has written another great read, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens!

Of course, this book isn't just about blueberries but here is a little fact that I looked up to understand blueberries:  "The glacially formed "barrens", vast rolling plains of sandy soil, are perfect for raising wild, lowbush blueberries. Thus, the growing, harvesting and processing of the blueberry is a major industry in Washington County. Nearly a quarter million acres of barrens yield an average of 30 million pounds of blueberries annually, all of which are canned within the county."

Now, you may have a better idea of what Kate Mason's job entails as she cares for the family's blueberry barrens.  As much care and time that Kate has given to the blueberry barrens...they aren't producing fruit so Kate must take on another job to make ends meet.  

So, when Drake comes to her looking for a place to rent and a nanny for his two girls Kate rents them a cottage and cares for the two girls.

But there is a mystery in this novel too that involves Kate's uncle and a stalker.   And will Kate's blueberry barrens eve produce fruit again?!?!

Loved this read!!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: A Sunset Cove Novel
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 20, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401690300
• ISBN-13: 978-1401690304

The Things We Knew by Catherine West

Book Description:  When their tragic past begins to resurface, can he help her remember the things she can’t?

After her mother’s death twelve years ago, Lynette Carlisle watched her close-knit family unravel. One by one, her four older siblings left their Nantucket home and never returned. All seem to blame their father for their mother’s death, but nobody will talk about that tragic day. And Lynette’s memory only speaks through nightmares.

Then Nicholas Cooper returns to Nantucket, bringing the past with him. Once Lynette’s adolescent crush, Nick knows more about her mother’s death than he lets on. The truth could tear apart his own family—and destroy his fragile friendship with Lynette, the woman he no longer thinks of as a kid sister.

As their father’s failing health and financial concerns bring the Carlisle siblings home, secrets surface that will either restore their shattered relationships or separate the siblings forever. But pulling up anchor on the past propels them into the perfect storm, powerful enough to make them question their faith, their willingness to forgive, and the very truth of all the things they thought they knew.

My Thoughts:  A brand new author...Catherine West.  This story has a lot of family drama that seems to hold each family member in the depths of its claws...only to come unraveled as they seek the truth!

Lynette only has her twelve year old memories of the tragic day her mother died.  

And then slowly, one by one, her siblings leave their Nantucket home and no one will talk of that fateful day.

Her father is in poor health and then Nicholas Cooper returns.  Her crush from so many years ago!  

It seems that Nicholas knows the truth of her mother's death and yet, no one will acknowledge the truth,

An interesting story line and the importance of family.  Also, it seems to me that the author brings out that keeping secrets helps no one, only brings grief and hinders all.

As Lynette learns, truth brings healing!

An interesting perspective on life.

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (July 12, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718078101
• ISBN-13: 978-0718078102

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Another GREAT recipe from Pinterest and it's not only delicious it doesn't stick to the hips!

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla
• pinch of salt
• 2 eggs- whisked
• 1/4 cup coconut oil-melted
• 1/3 cup pecans or walnuts
• 1 or 2 tbs raw honey, depending on how ripe your bananas are and how sweet you like it
• 1/2 cup Enjoy Life brand mini chocolate chips
• Silicone muffin cups – if you have them

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl smash the bananas.
2. Add eggs, vanilla, coconut oil and honey. Blend together.
3. In a larger bowl combine dry ingredients: almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and blend well.
5. Add all but a couple of tablespoons of your chopped nuts.
6. Add chocolate chips.
7. Blend together.
8. Pour into silicone muffin cups.
9. Sprinkle remaining nuts on top of muffins.
10. Bake at 350 degrees for about 22-25 minutes.
11. Store covered in fridge or freeze for an on-the-go snack!

A Love Made New (An Amish of Birch Creek Novel) by Kathleen Fuller

My Thoughts:  Poor Abigail.   Her heart has been betrayed by the man she thought she loved and whom she thought loved her.  She has no one to love and now it seems that everyone is pairing up and getting married....everyone except her.

And Abigail feels like fine china, she could crack at any moment but then she finds chocolate in the pantry.  Gotta love Abigail.  A woman after my own heart.  Chocolate can mend a broken heart.  I love this about Kathleen Fuller's novels she puts "the real" right in the story and makes the characters feel like real people going through real trials.

Asa Bontrager doesn't like lack for feminine company.  And then he feels that God is calling him to pursue Abigail.  Abigail seems to rebuff him.  Maybe God's not calling him, maybe he just likes Abigail.

A fun Amish read.  I loved this story because it's just a "tiny bit" off the beaten Amish storytelling path.  Kathleen brings out the very human heart of love.

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: An Amish of Birch Creek Novel
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 13, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718033205
• ISBN-13: 978-0718033200

COTT {Clash of the Titles}

This Month's Clash Champ: Congrats to One Thursday Morning and T.K. Chapin!

Congratulations to T.K. Chapin

and his novel

One Thursday Morning

for taking home this month's Clash crown!

PURCHASE ON Amazon

About the book:
Running not only for her own life, but that of her unborn baby, Serenah moves across the country to a little town outside of Spokane Washington called Newport. It's here she'll begin to build a new life and go by a different name in the hopes of staying hidden from her abusive husband John. Can Serenah find happiness in her new life? Or will the past eventually catch up to her?

From the best-selling Inspirational Christian Romance Author T.K. Chapin comes a story of love, faith and passion that will keep your fingers turning the page to see what happens next. 

One Thursday Morning is book one in the Diamond Lake Series by T.K. Chapin.

What Voters had to Say:

Thank you T.K. Chapin for providing real life in your books.

I really like books by T.K.Chapin, Because he writes with a theme of religion and hope. I especially like One Thursday Morning.

Excellent story. I have also read Friday Morning. Good story line Makes me feel like I am at the Lake with them.

T.K. Chapin, I was enticed by the beautiful cover and description of the novel,  One Thursday Morning.  Can't wait to read it. 

I love your stories. Very enjoyable, heartwarming and inspiring. Keep them coming,

I enjoy finding new authors and found T.K. Chapin's writing adding to my authors' list.

I think "One Thursday Morning" by T. K. Chaplin will be one popular book.  I love the plot and can't wait to read it.

I love to read and discover new authors. T.K. Chapin is quickly becoming a favorite! He tackles tough topics, and tells the story in such a way as to keep you interested. Ups and downs, twists and turns, T.K. knows how to keep the plot line tight and the story believable and uplifting.

Sounds like a good book. I hope you have a great career!

Keep writing.  It helps me escape my everyday life.

TK - love your writing and your interest in your reader's lives.

 I love TK CHAPIN books!

Have a blessed week, everyone!

From your friends at Clash of the Titles!

The Hawaiian Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter & Jean Brunstetter

My Thoughts: I love books authored by Wanda Brunstetter! And now her daughter-in-law, Jean, co-authors this wonderful novel, the Hawaiian Quilt.

This is not your "regular" Amish story.  In this lovely story about four Amish friends  who take a cruise to the Hawaiian Islands.  

The cruise is nice but the beds not.so.much to the four friends disappointment.  Love the real descriptions of the ship and the "funny.to.me" reason Mandy and her three friends decide to take a cruise because their Amish parents wouldn't approve of flying in an airplane.  

When Mandy and her friends decide to split up in to two groups of two to see more Hawaii and then share their experiences later at supper, Mandy loses her phone and this incident causes she and Ellen to miss the ship.

I love the Hawaiian Christian couple, Luana and Mikaio,  who take them in at the bed and breakfast and whose Hawaiian quilts fascinate Mandy.  

This is not your "regular" Amish read!  It's about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing life and God's people.

Loved, loved this fantabulous read!  

Make sure to buy a copy for that Amish reader on your Christmas list!  

            *This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing and the author*

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (September 1, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1634092244
• ISBN-13: 978-1634092241