COTT {Clash of the Titles}

We have a Champion! Congrats to Kelli Hughett and Dangerous Alternative

Congratulations to Kelli Hughett and the novel Dangerous Alternative for taking home this month's Clash crown!

PURCHASE ON Amazon

About the book:

Summer in Southern California doesn’t get any hotter than this.

When Levi Boulter agrees to work for the FBI behind the scenes in Hollywood, he never plans on becoming an operative—or on keeping a deadly secret from the love of his life.

On the night he plans to propose to his girlfriend, Mahari Gillaspie, he’s attacked by a killer and thrown into fully operational status. Despite his lack of training, his job is to thwart a plan to assassinate the President’s wife, putting everyone he knows, including Mahari, in danger. He’s determined to keep the woman he loves safe, even if it means losing her forever. 

When Mahari steps off the cruise ship she’s worked for months, she dreams of a future with Levi and an acupuncture practice of her own. Mahari’s faith in Levi is shattered when she stumbles upon Levi and a beautiful actress. Their relationship lays in ashes, but she feels called by God to silence her broken heart in order to treat Levi’s injuries after he’s injured in an explosion, but he slams the door on her efforts. Later, she’s plunged into the heart of the trouble when she finds Levi’s landlord murdered.

Will Levi’s secret divide them forever, or will they come together in time to stop an assassination?

What Voters had to Say:

I've read Dangerous Alternative already and really enjoyed it--the diving scenes...  

I can't wait to read your next book Kelli Hughett!

Loved it. Great writing and suspense

Great book Kelli! Each book you write is a treasure!!

Love the book! Couldn’t put it down.

The emotions of the story are perfectly reflected in the face of the cover model. Well done, Kelli Hughett!

Fantastic story…great characters! I’ve read it twice now. Loved it both times.

I’ve read Dangerous Alternative already and really enjoyed it—the diving scenes were very realistic, the plotline was fast-paced, and the hero/heroine were easy to cheer for. Edge-of-your-seat suspense!

Have a blessed week, everyone!

From your friends at Clash of the Titles!

NIV Wonders of Creation Holy Bible, Hardcover: Illustrations to Color and Inspire

My Thoughts:  This is a nice hardback Bible.  It is also the NIV version, the New International Version so it easy fairy easy for young people to read and understand.

The interesting thing about this Bible are the color pages throughout the Bible.  There are 50 black and white pages to color in this Bible mostly animal figures like the picture of this peacock:

This Bible is labeled for ages 8 and up and I would agree...kids any younger would probably scribble in the entire Bible but older kids should understand the concept of coloring one designated page and not the written pages.

The coloring pages not only add color but add ownership to the Bible.  

This Bible makes a wonderful gift and even an adult would love this Bible.  I do!

*This Bible was provided for review by BookLook*

• Age Range: 8 and up 
• Grade Level: 3 - 7
• Hardcover: 1152 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (November 1, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310758912
• ISBN-13: 978-0310758914

Falling for good reads!

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Apple Biscuit Cups from Pillsbury...YUM!!

INGREDIENTS

1

can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury® Grands!® refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

2

tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

1

medium apple, peeled, chopped (1 cup)

3

tablespoons granulated sugar

1

teaspoon ground cinnamon

12

craft sticks (flat wooden sticks with round ends)

Icing

1/2

cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/4

cup milk

3/4

cup powdered sugar

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 12 regular-size muffin cups. Cut each biscuit into 6 pieces; place in large bowl. Add butter, apple, granulated sugar and cinnamon; toss gently to mix. Spoon mixture into muffin cups.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from pan.

Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, heat brown sugar and cream to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Beat in powdered sugar until smooth.Spoon warm icing over warm biscuit cups. Insert 1 craft stick into center of each biscuit cup or skip the sticks and make it a biscuit cup!

The Angel of Forest Hill: An Amish Christmas Romance by Cindy Woodsmall

My Thoughts:  I love Christmas reads!  And was excited to receive this lovely book...I saw this title last year and was anxiously awaiting the release of the book.  The cover is intriguing too.  

Rose Kurtz who is Old Order Amish is asked to leave her family and travel with Joel Dienner and his children to West Virginia.

Rose is a quiet young woman who has endured criticism and harshness so she is more than willing to travel with Joel and his children.  She hopes to make a new start.

When they arrive in Forest Hill, poor Joel realizes that he needs help so he and Rose marry . . . just a marriage in name only so that Rose can help with the children.

But as the children grow, Joel doesn't seem to see their sweetness so Rose tries to bring "back to life."

Rose would like for Joel to love her and the children and just when it seems that matters may change a beautiful widow moves into the community.

It seems that old and deep wounds may never heal.  

A wonderful Amish story of love and forgiveness and yes, a bit of Christmas, too!

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

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook (October 4, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601427050
• ISBN-13: 978-1601427052

The Cottage (Secrets of the Shetlands, book 2) by Michael Phillips

My Thoughts:  Michael Phillips continues the saga of Shetland Islands Saga.

I missed book 1 in this saga but I delved right into book 2, the cottage and even though, I may have missed a "thing or two" it didn't take away from the wonderful story of Loni Ford.

Ahh, Loni Ford made me laugh.  She has inherited property on the Shetland Islands and she doesn't want it. She wants nothing to do with it!  She, actually, wants to sell it and be done with it all!

So, off she goes to see the cottage and sell this property.  But when she reaches the North Shore enclave she is surprised to see that the cottage isn't a cottage at all but a mansion of sorts.

It seems that the islanders thought David Tulloch would be the rightful heir and then there's Hardy Tulloch who also claims to be an heir.  It seems that Hardy Tulloch would like to own the island and is backed by oil investors . . . this brings into play an  "unpeaceful" atmosphere to a very peaceful place.  Secrets, secrets and more secrets!  Will Loni ever find the truth?

As only Michael Phillips can....he writes about Scotland and makes the reader feel that she is on the island with the mist and the greenery. A story that brings the old in with the new.  What an intriguing and enjoyable read!

*This book was provided for review by Bethany House*

Series: Secrets of the Shetlands (Book 2)
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Reprint edition (October 4, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764217496
ISBN-13: 978-0764217494

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/

The Berenstain Bears Christmas Fun Sticker and Activity Book (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights) by Jan & Mike Berenstain

My Thoughts:  I love all things Christmas!  And, so, when the Christmas books begin making an appearance in the early fall....well, yay!  

The Berenstain Bears have long since been a favorite at our house so when we received this sticker and activity book I knew just who would love it for the holidays.

I must admit, though, that after looking through this fun book I was tempted to keep it for myself {do we really ever out grow these fun books?}  

The book has colorful stickers with all the Berenstains and friends on them and there are pictures wot color along with mazes to figure out and so many other fun activities.

It truly is a book chock full of Christmas fun!

An one need never grow up to enjoy these fun books!  So, yes, ages 

9-99 will enjoy this book!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 3
• Series: Berenstain Bears/Living Lights
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz; Act Csm St edition (October 11, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310753848
• ISBN-13: 978-0310753841

COTT {Clash of the Titles}

September Releases Fall into the October Clash

Autumn leaves are falling from the trees, and we've raked in some great books for this month's Clash of the Titles!
Vote for your Fave!

Scroll through these releases and cast your vote for your fave.

It's a tough choice, but it's up to you to determine our Clash Champion!

Love's Faithful Promise  by Susan Anne Mason 
Widower Dr. Matthew Clayborne is devoted to two things: his work with wounded soldiers and his four-year-old daughter, Phoebe. When Deirdre O’Leary, a feisty New Yorker, arrives requesting he use his skills to help her stricken mother, he has no idea how his life is about to change.
~~~~~~

Feta and Freeways by Susan M. Baganz


Nikolos Action is the lead singer of the band and doesn't realize love is right in front of him until their manager, Tia, is almost killed trying to save his life. After years of ignoring her is it too late to earn her trust...and her love?

~~~~~~ 

Dangerous Alternative by Kelli Hughett

Hollywood grip, Levi Boulter unknowingly puts himself in the crosshairs of a murder plot. Now, he'll do anything to keep the woman he loves safe, even if it means losing her forever.

~~~~~~ 

Inconceived by Sharyn Kopf

Realizing you’re a spinster is one thing; understanding what that means and how to handle it is another. And, it would seem, Jolene, Uli and Catie still have a ways to go before they truly comprehend what God is trying to show them not only in their desire to marry but in their longing to have children of their own.

~~~~~~ 

Child of Dust by Shoba Sadler

After the sudden death of her parents, Vietnamese socialite Cao Kim Lye steps out of a world of crystal and chandelier to enter the dust and chaos of working-class Hanoi when she goes to live with her Amerasian chauffeur and his adoptive family at a shop cum living quarters.

VOTE HERE!

If you have trouble viewing the entire survey, CLICK HERE to load a dedicated page to the survey. 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Crock pot Potato Soup

We love soups....especially potato soup!  And I love using my crock pot!

Potato Onion Soup

5 cups cubed peeled potatoes
5 cups water
2 cups finely chopped onions
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup sliced carrots
1/4 cup butter or margarine
4 tsp. chicken bouillon granules
2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
4 tablespoons chives

In a large slow cooker/Crock Pot, combine the first nine ingredients.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 7 hours or until vegetables are tender.
Add milk, parsley and chives, mix well. Cover and cook 30-40 minutes                  
 longer until heated through. Yield 8-10 1 cup servings (3 quarts in total).

{Fiction Guild Blog Tour} Just a Kiss (A Summer Harbor Novel) by Denise Hunter

My Thoughts:  After reading so many suspense/mystery books it's time for a little romance to sweeten life.

Just a Kiss by Denise Hunter is the third book in the Summer Harbor "Series." Where we meet Riley Callahan and Paige.  

Paige and Riley's brother began dating when Riley decided that he would ask Paige out on a date.  Since Paige is "taken", Riley's heart is broken so he heads to Marine book camp. 

He becomes a marine and as the evil side of war takes young Riley Callahan to the Afghanistan war where he sees death and destruction.  

After his tour of duty is about finished and he has decided to tell Paige how he feels about her and then an IED takes a fellow soldier's life and leaves Riley an amputee.  Now what does he have to offer Paige?

A sweet, interesting story that seems like a true.to.life story.  Not quite what I was expecting.  But a great story about relationships and what really matters in life!

*This book was provided by the Fiction Guild*

• Series: A Summer Harbor Novel
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 6, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718023757
• ISBN-13: 978-0718023751

{Kregel Blog Tour} A Day and A Life (The Hawk and the Dove Series) by Penelope Wilcock

Book Description:  The monastic rhythm of life at St. Alcuins means that all is peaceful on the surface, but beneath there are strong currents as each monk contends with his own hopes, fears, challenges, and temptations. 

Not every monk is settled and secure. Sadness permeates the monastery when it is discovered early one morning that one of the novices, Brother Cedd, has disappeared. It quickly becomes clear that disturbance in the life of one can impact many. As the day goes on, the question looms: will Brother Cedd return? And what will be the consequences if he doesn't?

My Thoughts:   This is the ninth book and the conclusion to the Hawk & The Dove Series by Penelope Wilcock.

I have happily been able to read all the books and love this series.

It's interesting that the title of this book is A Day and A Life. Because so many things can happen in one day and sometimes one life can be taken or a life can be born.

It seems that in this monk realm of St. Alcuins that even though all seems well on the surface, many of the monks are feeling as if something is wrong.  And then a lower monk/ a novice disappears.  Where did he go?  And why?

As the day lingers on Brother Theodore, the novice master, feels as if something good has been taken/lost.

A thought provoking and somewhat mysterious look into the lives of the monks.  

A mystery but yet some history about the lives of monks and how we are all needed in this planet of life.

This last book of this series was one of my favorites.  A great read for any day!

*This book was provided for review by Kregel Publications*

• Series: The Hawk and the Dove Series (Book 9)
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Lion Fiction (September 27, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1782642005
• ISBN-13: 978-1782642008

{Thomas Nelson Street Team Blog Tour} The Wedding Shop by Rachel Hauck

My Thoughts: Who doesn't love weddings?  And when Rachel Hauck pens a story about a wedding one knows it will be a great read.  Plus the book covers are so beautiful!  Makes one just want to delve into the story!

The Wedding Shop is "back and forth" story about Haley and Cora.  Their stories are intertwined thought out 80 years and they both revolve around a wedding dress.

Haley is a somewhat tired.worn out young woman just out of the Air Force.  So, when she heads home to Heart's Bend, TN she decides to reopen the wedding shop.  Now the shop is worn out and in need of repairs somewhat like Haley.  

The stories of Cora's romantic relationships and Haley's romantic relationships are somewhat "paralleled" in this story...that is the back and forth of the story.

I, aslo, like this story because my name is in it...Tammy is the best friend of Haley and together they had a dream.

A sweet story with lots of romance and dreams!

*This book was provided for review by The Thomas Nelson Street Team*

In case you missed the first two books:

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (August 16, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031034154X
• ISBN-13: 978-0310341543

A Royal Christmas To Remember (The Princess Parables)

My Thoughts:  About a year ago I was looking for a cute, somewhat sweet  book for two little girls in our family.  And I found this "princess" series.

The girls who are 8 and 6 love, love these books!  

So, I was excited when A Royal Christmas to Remember came out.  

This is such a cute, pretty princess book that I actually thought about keeping it for myself.

When I was little I remember the stories about Cinderella and Snow White.  What little girl doesn't want to be a princess!  But those stories do have somewhat "evil" intentions in them....funny as a kid I didn't see the evil.  

Anyway, A Royal Christmas to Remember is what I would call the christian version of Snow White and Cinderella.

Of course, this story is all about Christmas but more than that it focuses on the true meaning of Christmas...Jesus' birth.

Such a wonderful book for girls (of all ages).

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 3
• Series: The Princess Parables
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (October 11, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031074802X
• ISBN-13: 978-0310748021