Too Blessed to be Stressed by Debra Coty

Thousands of women have had the pleasure of reading the wit- and near-wisdom-filled books from beloved inspirational humorist, Debora M. Coty. Her Too Blessed To Be Stressed has become a perennial favorite, selling upwards of 46,000 copies since its 2011 release. Now, ready to rescue you from the joy-sucking dully-funks, is an all-new 365-day devotional featuring just-right-sized, truth-filled readings (gift-wrapped in humor) for your heart. The Too Blessed To Be Stressed daily devotional touches on everyday life topics like relationships, love, boundaries, hope, brokenness, and praise, while helping you to arrive at healing, refreshment, and revitalization of spirit, body, and faith.

Debora Coty is an inspirational speaker and author of the popular book series, Too Blessed To Be Stressed, with over 250,000 copies sold. Her passion is sharing an off-beat blend of biblical truth gift-wrapped in humor, encouragement, and unconventional wisdom with women of all ages. She believes that the stresses of life become manageable when we truly understand God’s blessings. Deb’s wit and insights have helped thousands of women.

No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending by Esther Fleece

Book Description:  If you’ve ever been given empty clichés during challenging times, you know how painful it can feel to be misunderstood by well-meaning people. Far too often, it seems the response we get to our hurt and disappointment is to suck it up, or pray it away. 

But Scripture reveals a God who meets us where we are, not where we pretend to be.

My Thoughts:  I rarely read a non fiction book but the title of this book, No More faking fine, caught my attention and as I began reading the first chapter I was hooked.

I've never thought of myself as a person who fakes being fine.  I think I'm a rather straight shooter kind of person with straight forward words.  But as Esther Fleece points out we all have moments of lamenting where we need to own up to emotions and the consequences of hurts in our lives.  Sometimes its not the hurts from others but the hurts that we cause other people that we need to give to God.  I love the definition that Esther gives to the word lamenting, "expressing honest emotions to God when life is not going as planned." If we all were honest with God and went to Him with our fears and concerns, our relationships with others would be o.so.much.better. 

The total premise of what I got from this book is that we all need to quit pretending.  We need to quit faking fine by being honest with God.  

This is one of those books that would be great for a ladies Bible study or Sunday School class.  This is a fantastic read that all should read. 

If you only read one non fiction book this year, I hope it will be this book.  😊  

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (January 10, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310344751
• ISBN-13: 978-0310344759

Fun Friday . . .

Bible Journaling

I love this little guy...

The Amish Cooking Class (The Seekers: Book 1 of Amish Cooking Class) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Book Description:  Heidi Troyer cooks up the idea of teaching classes in the art of Amish cuisine in her Holmes County, Ohio, home. But is it a recipe for drama when five very different men and women answer the advertisement?

Join a class of unlikely Ohioans who take cooking lessons at Lyle and Heidi Troyer’s Amish farm. A woman engaged to marry, an expectant mother estranged from her family, a widowed mom seeking to simplify, a Vietnam vet who camps on the Troyer’s farm, and an Amish widower make up the mismatched lot of students.

Class members share details of their disappointing lives, work to solve a mystery, and stir some romance into the pot. Soon Heidi’s cooking lessons turn into life lessons as they each share their challenges. . .and their souls are healed one meal at a time. Is this what God had in mind when Heidi got the idea for cooking classes?

My Thoughts:  I was so excited to receive Wanda Brunstetter's newest book, The Seekers.  This new "series" of the Amish Cooking Class is SOOO good!  And the recipes at the back of the book are great, too.

The Amish Cooking Class is actually about an Amish woman, Heidi Troyer, who can cook well and she decides to open a class for those who need to learn to cook.  To be in the class one does not have to be Amish. 

The students are a mix of unlikely people. 

The class members not only learn to cook but they share life experiences with these in the class. And they solve a mystery.

I LOVE this read!  And can't wait for the next one.

If you are a lover of Amish fiction mixed with wisdom and mystery, then this is the book for you!

And this makes for a great Valentine's present for that reader on your list!

*This book was provided the author and I received an advanced copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review* 😊

• Series: Amish Cooking Class (Book 1)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (February 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1624167446
• ISBN-13: 978-1624167447

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

I FOUND ANOTHER GREAT RECIPE FORM PINTEREST . . .THIS IS AN EASY AND DELICIOUS MEAL:  

INGREDIENTS

• 1 - 3-4 lb. chuck roast, remove excess fat (when I'm in a hurry I just use roast beef lunch meat from the deli)
• Montreal Steak Seasoning
• 2 olive oil
• 1/4 C soy sauce
• 1/4 C water
• 4 whole black peppercorns
• 2 C beef broth
• 1/2 tsp dried, crushed rosemary
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 TBSP minced onion
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 6-8 french rolls
• 6-8 slices of cheese, provolone is my preference

INSTRUCTIONS

• Remove excess fat from roast.
• Sprinkle with Montreal Steak Seasoning
• Brown in heavy pan with 2 tsp olive oil. Brown on both sides
• Place in crock pot
• Mix together soy sauce, beef broth, water, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme, garlic, onion
• Pour mixture over roast.
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6. Cook until tender and easy to shred.
• Shred with a fork and the place on sandwich buns.
• Strain remaining juice and use for dipping

Grace and the Preacher: A Novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Book Description:  At the age of twenty-four, postmistress Grace Cristler has all but given up hope of finding a husband among the narrowing group of eligible men in her town of Fairland, Kansas. But when her uncle decides to retire from the pulpit, Grace is responsible for corresponding with the new preacher set to take his place. She can’t deny the affection growing in her heart for Reverend Rufus Dille—a man she deeply admires, but has only met through his letters.

Theophil Garrison is on the run from a past and a label he’s desperate to escape. Ten years ago, his outlaw cousins convinced him to take part in a train robbery, but Theo fled the scene, leaving his cousins to face imprisonment. Now their sentence is complete, but the plan for vengeance has only just begun. Branded a coward and running for his life, a chance encounter could provide Theo with the escape he needs. 

But the young man’s desperate con might come at an enormous price for the tenderhearted Grace—and the entire town. Will Grace’s undeserved affection and God’s mercy make something beautiful from the ashes of Theo’s past?

My Thoughts:  I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the title to Kim Vogel Sawyer's new book, Grace and the Preacher. Simply because my mother's name is Grace and my dad was a preacher.  But that's where the family resemblance ends.  😊😊

However, this is the best book that Kim Vogel Sawyer has written.  And not just because it reminds me of my parents.

Grace Cristler is the ripe old age of twenty-four and has given up hope of marrying.  

But when her uncle decides to retire and give up his pulpit/church Grace is the one who has to correspond with he new preacher, Reverend Rufus Dille.

And there is Theophil Garrison aka Theo, an outlaw...running from his outlaw cousins who are seeking revenge.  Theo lands in Grace's territory and things get complicated, I mean, interesting.  😉

Oh.My.Lanta! This was such a great read!  

I loved the interaction of the characters, the romance and the life moments.

God's mercy can make life moments so much better!

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

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook (March 21, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307731413
• ISBN-13: 978-0307731418

COTT {Clash of the Titles}

Behind the Scenes of Shoba Sadler's Child of Dust

Today we'll sit down to chat with Shoba Sadler, author of the contemporary title Child of Dust. Shoba will take us behind the scenes of her unique new novel and give us a glimpse into her writing.

Shoba, why did you choose to write this type of novel?
Social status and cultural barriers makes for great conflict. Child of Dust is like a modern-day classic of Romeo and Juliet only instead of opposing families, these lovers, Kim and Bryan have cultural and social barriers to contend with.

Kim, the rich and spoilt socialite who loses her money is taken under the wing of her reluctant chauffeur, Bryan, who has his own struggles to deal with. They find love under the most unexpected circumstances.

Can you tell us why you started with an Asian setting for your first two novels?
I was founder of Agape Christian magazine in Malaysia. I also freelanced for the leading English, secular newspaper in Malaysia, The Star. My feature stories forThe Star were several page write-ups with gorgeous photos. Many of my stories were selected by the features editor to be cover stories as well.

As I interviewed people all over the world for Agape, I saw God moving powerfully in Asia and yet there were so few stories coming from there especially in the Christian romance genre.

In Asia, Christianity is seen very much as a Western culture. Yet so many Asians have had powerful encounters with Jesus Christ. Then there is the struggle to validate their faith in the midst of culture, tradition, loss of identity, social stigma and so on.

There alone you have so much material for backdrop, tension, drama, conflict and final resolution.

An example of what I mean can be seen in my short story Finding Enlightenmentthat was awarded second place at faithwriters.com. It can be read here:http://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article-level3-previous.php?id=54362

Talk a little about your unique setting.

When I read novels I am drawn to the backdrop and setting. A great description of the setting subtly woven into the story is what makes the difference between being a narrator who takes a person on a journey through his "telling" and a facilitator who steps out of the way altogether to allow the reader to explore the journey on his own. The writer should aim to be the facilitator and not the narrator.

There is nothing like a great setting to make the reader feel like they are there with the characters. It is like the difference between watching a 2D and 3D movie.

Unfortunately, many formulaic romance novels that are churned out in quick production-line succession fails to capture this allure of setting because it takes research and time. It is also not easy to write setting discreetly in the background and that is the only way to write it. Otherwise it will seem like reading lecture notes instead of a story.

I read one review of a multi-cultural romance set in an Asian country where the reviewer said she felt like she was reading a tour company's brochure and that is the wrong emotion to invoke.

So another reason I wrote Child of Dust was to give romance readers a chance to explore unique settings and backdrops not normally experienced by a reader in the current trend of romance novels available out there.

We'd love to hear a little about the historical background for your novel. Will you talk about that?
The main character, Bryan, Kim's chauffeur has been deeply affected by the Vietnam war in the sense that he is the illegitimate child of an American GI and a Vietnamese woman. This historical background sets a different dimension to the story and adds intrigue and authenticity.

Who would you say is the audience for this novel?

Child of Dust is an appealing read for anyone. As I have also written for the secular press, I am able to write in a manner that appeals to all walks of life both Christian and non-Christian. I have had non-Christians tell me they were so engrossed in the story that they didn't not notice the message of the gospel woven into the story. Yet that message is undoubtedly there.

I am an inspirational writer and everyone loves a good inspirational story just as they love watching a Hallmark movie.

What readers have to say about the novel:
"Make sure when getting ready to read Child of Dust that you don't have anything else planned for the day, you won't be able to put this book down. I could go on and on about this book. Highly and strongly recommend it. Is it possible to give a book 10 stars?" --- Debra Dunson, reviewer at The Edgier Christian Fiction Fan

"I found the writing of this story to be close to excellent.... I found this book to be one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a long time. It was interesting, the story kept moving along, and I learned a lot as I read this story. I found myself intrigued with the constant difficulties faced by the protagonists – and their stories were presented so much more like real life stories than any other book I have read in a long, long time." --- Marina, Community Writer, California

"This novel has a consistent rhythm, adding surprise after surprise, twisting our emotions at each new difficulty Kim faces. I couldn't put this book down, waiting to see if any or all the ends would be tired up. I would actually like to see the novel transcend into a movie. An amazing read." --- Brices Mice Christian Book Reviews


About Child of Dust: 

Beautiful but spoilt Vietnamese socialite, Cao Kim Lye, learns of her parents shocking death from the dashing Amerasian family chauffeur, Bryan Nguyen.

Kim steps out of a world of crystal and chandelier to enter the dust and chaos of working-class Hanoi. She finds herself living under the roof of a shop cum living quarters with Bryan and his adoptive family.

Ever conscious of the privileged class, Kim struggles against the emotional ties she forms towards Bryan, the reluctant saviour, who considers her an unnecessary hitch to his already complicated life.

He still bears the scars of abandonment by his mother and his American GI father when U.S. troops pulled out of Vietnam.

Eventually Bryan and Kim's powerful attraction to each other begins to break down the wall between them.

About the author: 
Shoba Sadler has been a journalist for 20 years and founder of Agape magazine in Malaysia. She is a versatile inspirational author that likes to write in multiple genres. She has pioneered a new genre in Christian multi-cultural writing with her novel Child of Dust and her many award-winning short stories can be read here http://shobasadler.com/?page_id=250

Her passion for writing is matched only by her passion for cooking with farm fresh produce. She lives a healthy lifestyle on a farm with her husband, Kevin, a talented musician, who also loves to surf and ski. They grow their own vegetables and fruits and share their home with a multitude of animals and wildlife. They are passionate about buying directly from local farmers who practice organic farming.

Maybe It's You (Crisis Team) by Candace Calvert

Book Description:  ER nurse Sloane Ferrell escaped her risky past―new name, zip code, job, and a fresh start. She’s finally safe, if she avoids a paper trail and doesn’t let people get too close. Like the hospital’s too-smooth marketing man with his relentless campaign to plaster one “lucky” employee’s face on freeway billboards.

Micah Prescott’s goal is to improve the Hope hospital image, but his role as a volunteer crisis responder is closer to his heart. The selfless work helps fill a void in his life left by family tragedy. So does a tentative new relationship with the compassionate, beautiful, and elusive Sloane Ferrell.

Then a string of brutal crimes makes headlines, summons responders . . . and exposes disturbing details of Sloane’s past.

Can hope spring from crisis?

My Thoughts:  When I read my first book by Candace Calvert a few years ago I was hooked.

I like the Candace incorporates the medical field into a suspense story.

In maybe it's you Sloan Ferrell who is an ER nurse must escape her risky past.  New everything...zip code, housing, and job.  Sloan must not trust anyone.

Micah Prescott is dealing with a family tragedy but he has a goal to improve Hope hospital's image. Micah likes everything by the book but some things in life just aren't cut and dry.  Some things take time to deal with and then there's forgiveness.

Then there is the smooth talking campaign man who has campaign to plaster an the one lucky employee's all over the interstate billboards.

Interesting read as Sloan tries to work and hide, Micah tries to work and find forgiveness, and then that unrelenting man who tries make Sloan's life somewhat miserable.

I think this is my favorite Crisis Team read!  

I loved the suspense and just a little bit of romance, makes for one wonderful read!

*This book was provided for review by Tyndale*

• Series: Crisis Team
• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (February 3, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 141439036X
• ISBN-13: 978-1414390369

Yay! Books!

😊

The Sisters of Sugarcreek by Cathy Liggett

Book Description:  Many lives were changed the day a fire burned down Faith Community Church, devastating the small town of Sugarcreek, Ohio.

Now a young Amish widow, Lydia Gruber faces an uncertain future. Her husband, a craftsman and volunteer firefighter, always took care of everything, keeping her isolated from others in their community. Without anyone or any skills, how will she survive?

With the death of her beloved aunt Rose in the fire, single mom Jessica Holtz inherits Rose’s Knit One Quilt Too cottage. Though determined to keep the shop open in her aunt’s memory, she doesn’t know the first thing about knitting and quilting and begins to see her aunt’s dream slip through her fingers.

When Liz Cannon lost her dear friend Rose, she also lost her partner in the Secret Stitches Society―the name they gave themselves while delivering gifts of hope to troubled folks in the dark of night. Liz convinces Jessica to keep the anonymous society going, despite the younger women’s inadequacy with knitting and sewing needles. But soon Liz has problems of her own as the life she has rebuilt for herself begins to crumble again.

When Liz and Jessica choose Lydia for their first mission, the three women cross paths and form an unlikely friendship in the aftermath of tragedy. As they walk together through triumph and heartbreak―through grief and new chances at love―they begin to discover that with friends by your side, a stitch of hope can be found anywhere.

My Thoughts:  Three women's paths cross after a tragedy.  They become The Sisters of Sugarcreek.

And as they walk the paths of tragedy to heartbreak, they also become each others cheerleaders as they walk from tragedy to  triumph.

Amish widow, Lydia Gruber, single mom, Rose Holtz, and Liz Cannon all have a common thread.  They all lost someone who gave them hope and love.

When the three women cross paths they, too, feel the need to bering hope to others in Sugarcreek.  

Lydia and Rose know next to nothing about quilting and knitting but when they meet Liz, Liz gives them lessons and hope as they begin to quilt and knit.  Not only does this bring hope to these ladies but it brings hope and closeness to the Sugarcreek community as the women share from their labors. I love the camaraderie these three women share.  They care for one another and for those in their community.  Their tragedy turns into a win win for all involved.

A lovely read that crosses the barriers of "blood" family showing that strangers can become sisters.

These sisters of Sugarcreek bring a whole new meaning to love, laughter, and family.

*This book was provided for review byTyndale*

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (February 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1496404890
• ISBN-13: 978-1496404893

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

So easy and so good for a quick muffin!

A February Bride (A Year of Weddings Novella Book 3) Kindle Edition by Betsy St. Amant

Book Description:  Allie left the love of her life at the altar - to save him from a lifetime of heartbreak. When a Valentine's Day wedding brings them back together, she struggles against her family's destructive history. Can Allie ever realize that a marriage is so much more than a wedding dress?

History repeats itself when Allie Andrews escapes the church on her wedding day - in the same dress passed down for generations and worn by all the women in her family - women with a long history of failed marriages. Allie loves Marcus but fears she's destined to repeat her family's mistakes. She can't bear to hurt Marcus worse.

Marcus Hall never stopped loving Allie and can only think of one reason she left him at the altar - him. When the two are thrown together for his sister's Valentine's Day wedding, he discovers the truth and realizes their story might be far from over. Can Allie shuck expectation and discover who she is as a bride and in the Bride of Christ? And if she ever walks down the aisle, what dress will she wear?

My Thoughts:  Another novella!  This novella was a quick read for me.  Not only did I love the story line, I loved Allie!  This novella has a bit of a mystery in it. Why did Allie leave her future husband at the alter?  Twice??  This fun read has a bit more of a twist in it.  Allie seems to have some issues that she can't get past.  Hurdles that keep her from loving any man.  And yet, she wants to love and be loved.  Sometimes it just takes that "special" man to see through the facade.  

This novella is a perfect before Valentine's Day read.  It's romantic, fun and yes, a bit over the top but that's the fun of reading a "made up story!"  A definite excuse to escape the cares of life!

• File Size: 1381 KB
• Print Length: 80 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Up to 5 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits
• Publisher: Zondervan (January 28, 2014)
• Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
• Language: English

A Terrifying Bike Ride and a Clue to the Missing Girl #2 in the Pennawawa Series By Greta Kay

Book Description:  A story of intrigue, an unsolved mystery, a warning ignored--draws the reader into the lives of Becca Nelson and Leigh Wilcox, who stumble into the center of a dark plot.

Is Think Tank Axis #1 an undercover organization bent on controlling the minds of teens? Do the points in the survey questions start them down a path of doubting their family life? Becca Nelson surmises this as fact. She confides her suspicion to Logan who listens, but is not alarmed.

My Thoughts:  Over the holidays I was looking for an interesting book for a tween girl who was visiting us.  Since she loves to read and loves mysteries I thought that this book A Terrifying Bike Ride and a Clue to the Missing Girl  would be a good read.

I had the thought to read this story before handing my Kindle over to her to read because I thought this would be a fun mystery read. 

This is suppose to be a read on self esteem which is fine but to be honest I found this story slightly confusing.  Too much information on life just for a simple mystery.

The author, in my opinion, tries to put too many "things" into this read. I understand that preteens/teens need to understand what a testimony means, how to present one's self as a christian and how to treat their friends and family but, just maybe, each of these "issues" should be a separate book and not all in one book.

The tween ended up not wanting to read this story.  So, I'm not sure how the younger generation feels about this story.  But I found it a bit trite. 

*This ebook was provided for review by BookLook*

• File Size: 231 KB
• Print Length: 81 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: WestBow Press (June 23, 2016)
• Publication Date: June 23, 2016
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B01HIXVLSG

In the Shadow of Denali (The Heart of Alaska) by Tracie Peterson, Kimberley Woodhouse

Book Description:  Cassidy Ivanoff and her father, John, work at the new and prestigious Curry Hotel outside Mt. McKinley. While John will be expedition and wilderness exploration guide for the wealthy tourists, Cassidy has signed on as a cook's assistant. Both are busy as the hotel prepares to welcome the president of the United States on his way to drive in the golden spike to officially complete the railroad.

Allan Brennan travels to the Curry Hotel to be an apprentice of a seasoned Alaska mountain guide. Ever since his father's death climbing Mt. McKinley, he's worked to earn enough money to make the trek to the Alaska territory himself. His father's partner blames their guide for the death of his father, but Allan wants to find the truth for himself. He finds an unlikely ally in Cassidy, and as the two begin to look into the mystery, they suddenly find that things are much less clear, and much more dangerous, than either could ever imagine.

My Thoughts:  I've always loved books authored by Tracie Petersen and now she has teamed up with Kimberley Woodhouse to write a great story set in Alaska.

Cassidy Ivanoff and her father, John, are in Alaska to work at the famous Curry Hotel which is within view of Mt. McKinley.

Cassidy is working as a cook's assistant and her father will be a guide in the wilderness for wealthy guests.

Then Allan Brennan comes along to be an apprentice as a mountain guide.

This historical romance was fascinating!  And Cassidy's cooking skills...as well as, the mountain guides adventures was a fun lesson for this reader.

There is a bit of a mystery in this read too.  Allan's father's guide blames the death of his father on their guide but Allan is there to be an apprentice so he can to find out the truth concerning his father's death.

Meeting Cassidy and finding that she is a great partner in helping him find out the truth in this somewhat dangerous mystery.

Then the president of the USA is making a stop at the hotel as he travels to drive the golden spike to complete the railroad.

A lot of history and mystery combined with some sweet romance.

*This book was provided for review by Bethany House*

• Series: The Heart of Alaska (Book 1)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (January 3, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764219235
• ISBN-13: 978-0764219238

{Blog Tour} The Kill Fee by Fiona Veitch Smith

Book Description:  Poppy Denby, arts and entertainment editor at the Daily Globe, covers an exhibition of Russian art, hosted by White Russian refugees, including members of the surviving exiled Romanov royal family. There is an armed robbery, a guard is shot, and the largest Fabergé egg in the collection is stolen. While the egg itself is valuable, the secrets it contains within are priceless--secrets that could threaten major political powers.

Suspects are aplenty, including the former keeper of the Fabergé egg, a Russian princess named Selena Romanova Yusopova. The interim Bolshevik Russian ambassador, Vasili Safin, inserts himself into the investigation, as he believes the egg--and the other treasures--should all be restored to the Russian people.

Poppy, her editor, Rollo, press photographer Daniel, and the other staff of the Globe are delighted to be once again in the middle of a sensational story. But soon the investigation takes a dark turn when another body is found and an employee of the newspaper becomes a suspect. The race is on to find both the key and the egg--can they be found before the killer strikes again?

Fiona Veitch Smith offers up another rollicking mystery set in 1920s London, when women's emancipation, the jazz age, the consequences of the First World War, and the aftermath of the Bolshevik revolution were rearranging the cultural landscape.

My Thoughts:  Yay!  Another story about Poppy Denby. I enjoyed book one in the Poppy Denby Investigates stories and was excited to receive the second book.

This time Poppy, as the arts and entertainment editor at the Daily Globe, gets to cover the Russian exhibit. 

And while Poppy is covering the exhibit an armed robbery occurs.  The guard is shot, the largest Fabergé egg in the exhibit is stolen but all the secrets that this egg hold are priceless.  Secrets that it seems someone will kill for. 

Well, soon the newspaper staff is involved in this cover story.  But when dark secrets take a turn for the worse and another person is killed.  Which makes a member of the newspaper staff look guilty, Poppy knows this is a mystery she needs to solve. For someone wants this story to be stopped...hence the name Kill Fee (The kill fee is a negotiated payment on a magazine or newspaper article that is given to the freelancer if their assigned article is "killed" or canceled.)

A lot of action and suspense in this grand read.  A great mystery!  Actually loved this story more than book one!   

I love how Fiona Smith incorporates history from the 1920's into the story.  A mystery with history!

*This book was provided for review by Kregel Publications*

• Series: Poppy Denby Investigates (Book 2)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Publications (November 27, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1782642188
• ISBN-13: 978-1782642183

Bible Journaling

I love Bible Journaling!  And, even though, this not a page that I created

 I wanted to share this sweet page from Tyndale House.

One can write notes for Bible journaling, draw pictures or do both.

Do you do Bible journaling?

What do you journal?

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Parmesan Baked Tomatoes (again, another great recipe from Pinterest!)

Parmesan Baked Tomatoes

2 medium tomatoes
1/3 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan
fresh oregano
salt
freshly ground pepper
olive oil

Preheat the oven to 450 F (230 C).

Cut the tomatoes lengthwise into approximately 1/3-inch (1 cm) slices. 

Place them on a baking sheet. 

Top with Parmesan, oregano, salt and pepper (season according to your taste). Drizzle with some olive oil and bake until tomatoes are tender and the cheese is melted, for about 10-15 minutes.

**We eat them like this but some say they like them on French bread, hamburgers, sandwiches . . . well, the list is endless!

Because You're Mine by Colleen Coble

Book Description:  Alanna has been plagued by tragedy. So it should come as no surprise that in the beauty that surrounds Charleston, all is not as it seems.

When her husband is killed by a car bomb while their band is on tour in Charleston, Alanna doesn’t know where to turn. Her father-in-law is threatening to take custody of the baby she carries, but the one thing she knows for sure is that she can’t lose the last piece of Liam she has left.

Their manager offers her a marriage of convenience to gain her U.S. citizenship and allow her to escape her father-in-law’s control. It seems like the perfect solution . . . but her doubts begin almost as soon as she arrives at Barry’s family home, a decaying mansion surrounded by swamp.

To make matters worse, Liam’s best friend survived the car bomb. She’s never really liked Jesse and now she can’t seem to get away from him. When he takes Liam’s place in their band, it’s almost more than she can bear.

But then things start happening. Things that could easily cost Alanna her life—or the life of her unborn child. Are they merely coincidences? Or is there something much more sinister at work?

My Thoughts:  Anytime Colleen Coble writes a new story I grab it.  She is one of my to.go.authors. 

As I began reading Because You're Mine I was immediately immersed in the story of Alanna and her unborn child.  

Alanna has not had the best of luck.  So, when her husband is killed by a car bomb while their band is on tour.... it seems that her life will not get better.  Poor Alanna!  It seems that life goes from bad to worse.  But there is always hope and Alanna holds on to life and hope for herself and her unborn child.  An interesting part of this story for me was the strong bond that a mother has for her child even her unborn child. And all that she will do to protect her child.

There are twist and turns in this spellbinding read!  

Of course, there are a couple of characters in this read that seem all to real and not likable at all.  But in true "Colleen Coble fashion" the twists come when the reader least expects them.

This is one of those reads that the mystery/suspense reader will not want to miss!

This book would make a great Valentine's gift for that reader on your list!  💕

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Reprint edition (January 10, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718083806
• ISBN-13: 978-0718083809