WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 Pistachio Salad

This is MY MOST favorite "salad!"  Love this stuff!

This recipe has been around for a long time but 

I got this recipe from sixsisters.com

1 small box of Pistachio INSTANT Pudding
1 (8 oz) container of Cool-Whip (lite is fine!)
1 (20 oz) can tidbit OR chunk pineapple (whatever you prefer)
1/2 bag of mini-marshmallows

Drain pineapple, pour pineapple juice into large bowl. Pour pudding into the juice and mix well. Fold the Cool-Whip into the pudding. Add pineapple and marshmallows and stir together gently.
Enjoy!

The Beautiful Word Devotional: Bringing the Goodness of Scripture to Life in Your Heart Hardcover by Zondervan

Book Description:  He has made everything beautiful in its time.

                            Ecclesiastes 3:11

Your devotional time is precious as you draw near to the Lord and experience His love in your life. The Beautiful Word Devotional is the perfect companion to help you experience His goodness through His Word as beautifully lettered Scripture.

My Thoughts:  This is a beautiful hardback book.  This isn't just another adult coloring book this is a lovely devotional.

Chock full of scripture and encouragement!  There are 182 full color verses and encouraging devotions for each day.  But what I like the best are the places that are "empty,"  the places with spaces for me to write my own thoughts and color my own pictures.  Sometimes I even draw my own illustrations, things that are important to me.  

I have found that when I draw or write the verses that stand out to me, I remember them so much better.

I was, also, drawn to this devotional because of the cover.  Yeah, covers do draw me and this one is beautiful.  But I am partial to colorful flowers.

This is one devotional that makes a grand gift!  It would make a great addition to any Easter basket for your favorite older person/teen.  Or it would make a great gift for you mom on Mother's day!  And for a birthday fantastic birthday gift for the colorer on your list.  So many gift ideas!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 11, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718088492
• ISBN-13: 978-0718088491

COTT {Clash of the Titles}

Clash of the Titles presents four new springtime reads! 

Enjoy, dear readers!

~~~~~

He's a nature photographer returning to make amends, and she's a camera-shy naturalist seeking privacy. Their love for a boy brings them together, but the camera could drive them apart.

~ ~ ~

Lifestyle magazine editor Heather McAlister was in the wrong place at the wrong time, witnessing a crime that shakes the roots of the town’s power brokers and sends her life into a tailspin. Previously burned by love, Detective Kyle Taylor has spent his entire adult life protecting his hometown, but now he’s protecting a woman he’ll risk everything to save.

~ ~ ~

She’s ready to fly free of a life-long cocoon; he’s looking for anything but Raine. Can Paradise Pines find a miracle for two unwilling hearts?

~ ~ ~

When a homeless man rescues Glorilyn Neilson from violent assault, he's not the man he seems. What powerful secret keeps him on the streets?

I have a dream . . .

And this is it!  A lovely library with wonderful books!

If I'm Found (If I Run Series) by Terri Blackstock

Book Description:  Is Dylan hunting Casey to prosecute her or protect her?

Casey Cox is still on the run, fleeing prosecution for a murder she didn’t commit. Dylan Roberts—her most relentless pursuer—is still on her trail, but his secret emails insist that he knows the truth and wants to help her. He’s let her escape before when he had her in his grasp, but trust doesn’t come easily.

As Casey works to collect evidence about the real murderers, she stumbles on another unbearable injustice: an abused child and a suicidal man who’s also been falsely accused. Casey risks her own safety to right this wrong and protect the little girl from her tormenters. But doing so is risky and just may result in her capture—and if she’s captured, she has no doubt she’ll be murdered before she ever steps foot in a jail.

My Thoughts:  First of all, I have waited and waited for this book!  😊

Secondly, it is the sequel to If I Run.   And thirdly, if Terri Blackstock has written I novel then I want to read it.

The reader MUST read the first book, If I Run, before reading this book, If I'm Found.  If the reader doesn't read the books in order a lot of the story won't make sense.

With that said . . .

You will remember from If I Run that Casey is running, literally.  But as she runs, hoping to find out the truth and trying to find out who set her up, she stumbles across another mystery.  It seems that wherever Casey runs, she is likely to run into people who are falsely accused.  

And Casey is all about truth.  So she helps those in need.  Even when Dylan is hot on her trail.

I've wondered from the beginning is Dylan trying to help Casey or capture her so he can benefit?

Then there is the heart wrenching abuse of a little girl that has Casey once again in the throes of a precarious situation. And now I'll anxiously wait for book three.  

This is quite a suspenseful read!  But o!so!good!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: If I Run Series
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (March 21, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310332486
• ISBN-13: 978-0310332480

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Such a cool, refreshing fruit salad!

I found this on Pinterest and it is Good!

I added fresh peaches. 

 I'm sure you can add your favorite fruits and it will be tasty, too!

Fruit Salad
Serves 3-4

2 tablespoons dry instant vanilla pudding mix
1 pound of strawberries, quartered
1/2 pint blueberries
1/2 pint raspberries
1/2 pineapple, cubed
1 bunch grapes

Mix fruit together and sprinkle with pudding powder. Serve immediately or allow to sit overnight.

Long Time Gone (The Cimarron Legacy, Book 2) by Mary Connealy

Book Description:  The Boden clan thought their problems had ended with the death of a dangerous enemy, but have they truly uncovered the real plot to take their New Mexico ranch? Rancher Justin Boden is now in charge. He is normally an unshakable and rugged man, but with his brother, Cole, shot and in mortal danger, even a tough man faces doubts. And it doesn't help that Angie DuPree, the assistant to the doctor trying to save Cole, is as distracting a woman as Justin ever laid eyes on.

With her and the doc's timely skills, Cole looks to be on the mend, and Justin and the rest of the Bodens can turn their attention back to the dangers facing them. It's clear now that everything that's occurred is part of a much bigger plot that could date back to a decades-old secret. Can they uncover all the pieces before danger closes in on them, or is the threat to the ranch even bigger than any of the Bodens could imagine?

My Thoughts:  Mary Connealy writes another great read!

Even though the Boden clan thinks their problems have ended with the death of their enemy, it seems that there is still plot to steal their ranch.  A ranch they have worked hard to cultivate with their blood, sweat and tears.  

Justin Boden is a John Waynes type of character.  Tough, unshakable but then when a pretty and tough doctor, Angie Dupree, comes to care for his brother, Cole, Justin finds that he is distracted by her beauty.

As Justin and his clan try to figure out what is going, it seems that there is a silent danger that they are fighting against.

It seems that Mary Connelly is quite familiar with New Mexico and it's vast lands, as well as, the ins and outs of ranch life.  😊  The descriptions and people make the reader feel that he is right in the midst of the ranch life.  

Mary Connealy pens a wonderful historical novel with western charm.  A wonderful western story!

*This book was provided for review by Bethany House*

• Series: The Cimarron Legacy (Book 2)
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 28, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076421182X
• ISBN-13: 978-0764211829

The Elusive Miss Ellison (Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace) by Carolyn Miller

Book Description:  Hampton Hall's new owner has the villagers of St. Hampton Heath all aflutter--all except Lavinia Ellison. The reverend's daughter cares for those who are poor and sick, and the seventh Earl of Hawkesbury definitely does not meet that criteria. His refusal to take his responsibilities seriously, or even darken the door of the church, leave her convinced he is as arrogant and reckless as his brother--his brother who stole the most important person in Lavinia's world.

Nicholas Stamford is shadowed by guilt: his own, his brother's, the legacy of war. A perfunctory visit to this dreary part of Gloucestershire wasn't supposed to engage his heart, or his mind. Challenged by Miss Ellison's fascinating blend of Bluestocking opinions, hoydenish behavior, and angelic voice, he finds the impossible becoming possible--he begins to care. But Lavinia's aloof manner, society's opposition and his ancestral obligations prove most frustrating, until scandal forces them to get along.  

            

Can Lavinia and Nicholas look beyond painful pasts and present prejudice to see their future? And what will happen when Lavinia learns a family secret that alters everything she's ever known?

My Thoughts:  Carolyn Miller is a brand new author for me.  So I didn't know what to expect when I began reading The Elusive Miss Ellsion.

Since this is a Regency Brides read the Victorian way of life is quite evident in this story.

Laviania Ellison is a sweet, kind, helpful person and not a lady who thinks lazy, non-responsible earls are good people.  So, when the seventh earl of Hampton Hall takes ownership Laviania is not impressed with him at all.

But life has a way bringing people into one another line of vision. 

As the story continues the reader finds out why Lavinia has issues with the new earl. 

When Nicholas and Lavinia meet, Lavinia is not impressed; in fact, she is quite aloof in her attitude towards Nicholas.  

Nicholas doesn't know quite what to think but think he does.

Love and forgiveness with a secret or two make this a most wonderful read!

*This book was provided for review by Kregel Publications*

• Series: Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace (Book 1)
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Publications (February 27, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825444500
• ISBN-13: 978-0825444500

Home by Ginny L. Yttrup

Book Description:  When novelist Melanie Vander faces a looming deadline, she decides it’s time for an escape to an inspiring, novel-worthy locale. She’s not running away. Really. She just needs time to focus. But as she disappears into her writing, she encounters a man whose tenderness leaves her reeling. Engaging and wise, psychologist Elliot Hammond tempts Melanie to question everything, including her marriage.

My Thoughts:  When I read a novel by Ginny Yttrup I never know what is going to happen.  She is the queen of delivering a "boom" at the end of her novels.

I loved Invisible.  So I was quite excited to receive another book authored by this fantabulous author.

Again, when one reads a book by Ginny Yttrup, one never knows what the surprises will crop up at the end of the read.  I just love this about her books! {**hint**Notice I wrote that twice.😉}

In this novel, HOME, Melanie and her husband are facing some marriageable issues.  Melanie goes to Dr, Hammond and he listens ever so well.  

Melanie feels that her husband, Craig, and she are headed in opposite directions.  But it seems that Dr, Hammond understands everything so perfectly.

The fact that we all need a Savior is evident tin this read.  Also, I love the way that Ginny Yttrup brings out the way humans can so easily decide themselves.
And home is where the heart is.

Quite an inspirational read!  Love, love Ginny's books!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.*

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (April 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1634099559
• ISBN-13: 978-1634099554

Go Green . . .

If you're lucky enough, then maybe, 

you'll catch a leprechaun.

Some cute reads for a fun day . . . 

Faithgirlz Promises for You Coloring Devotional: 60 Days Discovering God’s Hope and Love by Zondervan

Book Description:  Take time to enjoy God’s Word and color images from his beautiful world. In this 60-day coloring devotional filled with unique illustrations and patterns, you will read about God’s unchanging promises through NIV Bible verses, paired with detailed line art. Each page is printed on high-quality, thick paper stock that won’t bleed through. And when you’re finished coloring with markers, metallic pens, or colored pencils, you will have a chance to reflect and journal about each promise from Scripture, and find inspiration for every day.

My Thoughts:  I love the prayer/devotionals that one can color.  I wanted to see this new faithgirlz coloring journal because, well, I'm still a girl at heart.  😊

When I received this coloring devotional I was pleasantly surprised.  It is a wonderful hardback book.  It's small and compact and on one side there is a devotional with blank spaces below it for the girl to write her thoughts.  Then on the opposite page there is a page with incredible and lovely designs to color.  The following picture will give you an idea of how the pages look:

This is one of my favorite pages!

This is a fantastic book for girls ages 8-12 or for the "older girl"  who loves to color and read a devotional.

This would also make a wonderful addition to any girl's Easter basket.  

Loved, loved this wonderful book!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Age Range: 8 and up 
• Series: Faithgirlz
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz; Clr Csm edition (March 7, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310761190
• ISBN-13: 978-0310761198

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

I love Walking Tacos!  

Not only are they delicious but they are great for groups. 
This recipe comes from Food.com 

Meat Mixture: 

1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix

Toppings: {It's nice to have all the toppings on a table in separate bowls, so people can walk around and get ingredients}
tomato, chopped
lettuce, shredded
onion, chopped 
black olives, sliced
shredded cheese 
sour cream
taco sauce or picante sauce
individual lunch-sized bags of corn chips (We use Fritos)

Directions:
1  Brown ground beef, drain, return to pan.
2  Add Taco seasoning mix according to directions on packet.
3  TO ASSEMBLE: Carefully open a bag of corn chips along the sealed direction being   careful not to"tear" the bag (because it is your bowl!!).
4  Add all the veggies and cheese your bag will hold.
5  Be careful not to fill bag to full as it will be hard to mix it up.

Truth Stained Lies (Moonlighters Series) by Terri Blackstock

Book Description:  Cathy Cramer is a former lawyer and investigative blogger who writes commentary on local homicides. When she finds a threatening note warning her that she's about to experience the same kind of judgment and speculation that she dishes out in her blog, Cathy writes it off as mischief ... until her brother is caught in the middle of a murder investigation---the victim is his ex-wife. As her brother is tried and convicted in the media, and bloggers and commentators like her have a field day, Cathy wonders if she should have taken the threat more seriously. Cathy and her two sisters, Holly and Juliet, moonlight as part-time private investigators, working to solve their brother's ex-wife's murder. Juliet, a stay-at-home mom of two boys, and Holly, a scattered ne'er-do-well who drives a taxi, put aside their fear and lack of confidence to learn the art of investigation. But will it be too late to save their brother from a murder conviction, or his five-year-old son who's the killer's next target?

My Thoughts:  I love to read books authored by Terri Blackstock.  

I liked this read for two reasons:  It's a suspenseful thriller mystery and Cathy and her two sisters are moonlighting as private investigators.  Have you ever seen three sisters in action?  Well, while reading this novel I could only imagine the catastrophes and feelings that these sisters are dealing  with, as each sister brings her own truth to help the brother.

And the title!  Truth stained lies?  This title seems like such an oxymoron to me...somewhat like, the deafening silence of injustice!

Cathy is an investigative blogger (didn't know this existed!), Holly is oh!so! funny!  She drives a taxi!  And Juliet is a stay-at-home mom.

The sisters come together with all their gifts to try  and save their brother.  

A remarkable story!  One of Terri's finest works ever!  I'm {im}patiently waiting for the next moonlighters read!

A fun, not.so.light read {kinda.scary! we share so much personal info on the net now and don't even realize it!} but with escapades and godly influences around every corner! 

*This book was provided for review by BookSneeze/Thomas Nelson*

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (March 12, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310283132
• ISBN-13: 978-0310283133

Trisha's Table: My Feel-Good Favorites for a Balanced Life by Trisha Yearwood & Beth Yearwood Bernard, Garth Brooks

Book Description:  Country music superstar, Food Network standout, and bestselling cookbook author Trisha Yearwood shows how delicious foods and wholesome dishes are part of the same balanced lifestyle.  

Trisha Yearwood is as much a force in the kitchen as she is on stage. But after years of enjoying decadent Southern comfort food, her culinary philosophy is evolving. As Trisha says, “I have adopted an 80/20 rule: 80 percent of the time I make good choices; 20 percent of the time I let myself splurge a little.” 

Whether surprisingly virtuous or just a little bit sinful, the recipes in Trisha’s Table all bring that unmistakable authenticity you’ve come to love from Trisha. You’ll find brand-new dishes emblematic of the variety and balance Trisha champions. They skimp on anything but flavor, including dairy-free Angel Hair Pasta with Avocado Pesto, low-calorie Billie’s Houdini Chicken Salad, vegetarian Smashed Sweet Pea Burgers, and tasty, high-protein Edamame Parmesan, alongside too-good-to-give-up family favorites, such as Slow Cooker Georgia Pulled-Pork Barbecue, Chicken Tortilla Casserole, Snappy Pear-Cranberry Crumble, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls. 

Trisha wants to feed her loved ones—and yours, too—food that tastes good and food that’s good for you. So pull up a seat at Trisha’s Table and dig in!

My Thoughts: I'm not a country music fan.  But I do like a good cookbook.  And trisha's table, featuring Trisha Yearwood who also happens to be married to Garth Brooks, is a wonderful mouth watering cookbook.

Southern comfort food at its best.  Now I'm from the South and a southern cook is always looking for a great dish to serve her family and friends.

But what I like most about this cookbook are the low calorie, not.so.heavy on the mayo recipes.  And the beautiful photos!

I made Billie's Houdini Chicken Salad not just because it's low calorie but because we love chicken salad.  We eat chicken salad by itself, we eat on bread-to make a sandwich, we eat on a hoagie roll, we eat on Hawaiian bread....well, you get the idea we eat chicken salad!

This weekend I'm going to make the Chicken Tortilla Casserole.  And I'd may add the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls, too.  And I made the White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies...Oh!My!Word!!! they are SO Good!

There are sooooo many wonderful recipes to try.

As we all try to eat healthier and a little lighter I think this recipe book will help with those goals.

This hardback book also makes a GREAT gift!  

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter (March 31, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804186154
• ISBN-13: 978-0804186155
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 0.8 x 10.3 inches

Written in Love (An Amish Letters Novel) by Kathleen Fuller

Book Description:  When a postal error creates pen pals of two young Amish people, can they put behind their past mistakes to see the bright future God has written for them?

Jalon Chupp has a past he isn’t proud to claim. He’s worked hard to overcome his youthful mistakes, and he has recommitted himself to his faith. When he receives a sweet note included in a piece of misdirected mail, he can’t help but write back. Soon, the letters he receives from Phoebe are the highlights of his days, and with a hopeful heart, he suggests they meet in person.

Phoebe, too, looks forward to every single one of Jalon’s letters. Living with her overbearing aunt, Phoebe doesn’t have too much to look forward to. But when Jalon suggests they meet, she panics—although she has shared some of the deepest longings of her heart with him, she hasn’t been entirely truthful about her past. But when Jalon shows up at her aunt’s doorstep, everything is revealed. And she can only pray he’ll forgive her for holding back the truth.

In order to reach beyond the errors of their pasts, both Phoebe and Jalon must put their faith in something—or Someone—bigger than either of them could pen.

My Thoughts:  Kathleen Fuller is one of my favorite authors.  And so I was quite excited to received her newest book, Written in Love.

This story reminds me of what it was like to have a pen pal before computers came into play and when we actually received mail instead of email.  

As luck would have it, Jalon Chupp receives a letter in his mailbox that is not intended for him.  But when he reads the sweet note from Phoebe he is inspired to write back to her. So, he does write her a letter.

Phoebe lives with quite an overbearing (to put it nicely) aunt. Actually her aunt is controlling and mean.  so, Phoebe's life is a bit dull.  

Phoebe begins to look forward to Jalon's letters.  His letters become a lifeline for her.

Then Jalon wants to meet Phoebe.  Whoops!  This is where Jalon shows up, literally, on her aunt's doorstep to meet her.

Phoebe hasn't been quite as honest and up front with Jalon as he expected.

A sweet, witty story of perseverance, love and acceptance.

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: An Amish Letters Novel
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 14, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718082524
• ISBN-13: 978-0718082529

Home Is Wherever Mom Is Adult Coloring Book: Creative Coloring and Hand Lettering (Coloring Faith) by Thomas Nelson (Author)

Book Description:  This is the perfect gift for mom to celebrate the role of motherhood through uplifting quotes, by spending time enjoying a favorite hobby of coloring, and by learning a new craft in hand lettering.

With adult coloring books continuing to expand, Home Is Wherever Mom Is: Creative Coloring & Hand Lettering shows moms how much they are loved with uplifting quotes and messages about motherhood, surrounded by more than 100 intricate and beautiful pages to color. In addition, she will love the simple tutorial and templates for hand lettering, which add a wonderful and unique element to the book.

Treat your mom to something special this Mother’s Day with a new Creative Coloring & Hand Lettering book. Combining two major trends of coloring and DIY and by adding hand-lettering guides and stencils to the beautiful pen-and-ink artwork, this book will generate hours of peace, reflection, and enjoyment.

Mothers are truly the heart of the home, so take a moment to thank your mom for who she is and all she does with Home Is Wherever Mom Is: Creative Coloring & Hand Lettering.

My Thoughts:  I love adult coloring books!  And I especially like this particular coloring book because it has these neat hand lettering templates.  

Templates make it easy for the "artist" to copy and make her own design.  Love, love it!

So, in this book not only does one get to color inspirational pictures with nice sayings and pictures with biblical references but there are the afore mentioned templates....I love these!  And this is the reason I wanted this book.

I use the hand lettering for cards, bulletin boards and journaling.

This is the perfect book for the lady who loves to color or hand letter.

And it is by no means a small book.  It's a nice size with a lot to do in it. Perfect for a lazy summer day or for a long vacation ride.

A book with so many wonderful things to write and color!  

This book also makes a perfect gift for that mother/lady on your gift list.

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: Coloring Faith
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 21, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718092724
• ISBN-13: 978-0718092726

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Love this Smoothie!  Yes .... they are SO good!

Chocolate Banana Smoothie (Makes one smoothie)

1 cup chocolate milk

1 medium, ripe banana (frozen)

small container vanilla yogurt (either 6 oz or 8oz works)

Directions:

Add all three ingredients to blender and blend away until smoothie is thick and frothy.  Pour into a glass and enjoy!