The Christmas Star: A Love Story by Robert Tate Miller

Book Description:  Paul Bennett had the perfect wife, the perfect family, the perfect life—until one fateful Christmas brought an unthinkable tragedy. In deep despair, he turns to drinking to drive away the pain, but he only succeeds in driving away his wife. His marriage shattered, his family gone, Paul now despises Christmas.

But can the holiday he so detests hold a miraculous surprise? After an accident in which he loses consciousness, he wakes up in the company of the shepherds who will soon travel to Bethlehem to see the newborn Christ in the manger. Can Paul find salvation on the night that forever changed the world? Can he discover the true spirit of Christmas?

My Thoughts:  For some unknown reason it seems that the unexpected, not.so.good thing(s) can happen during or at the Christmas holiday time.

Paul Bennett and the terrible.not.so.good accident turns his life to drinking and deep despair.  

Yes, this book reminds one of The Wonderful Life only because Paul has a similar experience.  

However, when Paul travels to Bethlehem during a non conscious state of mind he learns that he needs a Savior.  

Isn't the Savior being born what Christmas is truly about?

A grand story!  It will make your Christmas holiday so much more than presents and eating rich foods. 

*This book was provided for by the author.  And, as always, I did not have to present a favorable review.*

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Waterfall Press (October 10, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1503941345
• ISBN-13: 978-1503941342

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Easiest and BEST ever peanut butter fudge!

Picturing Heaven: 40 Hope-Filled Devotions with Coloring Pages by Randy Alcorn

Book Description:  Imagine Heaven the way the Bible describes it―a place of exquisite beauty brimming with marvelous detail and intricate patterns; a special dwelling place free of corruption and sin; and a place of both rest and enjoyable, meaningful work.

Let the power and majesty of Heaven fill your heart with joy as you color these 40 designs carefully interpreted from the pages of Scripture. Savor a respite from daily life as you read and meditate on devotions from best–selling author Randy Alcorn, a leading authority on Heaven. Picturing Heaven will offer you comfort and relaxation, while filling your heart with restful assurance that God prepares a special place for those who love Him.

My Thoughts:  I have truly enjoyed reading books authored by Randy Alcorn.  He presents heaven/paradise in such a pleasing and spiritual manner.  Mr. Alcorn has a way with words that brings the reader right into the devotional.

When I received this devotional with coloring pages I was delighted with the lovely coloring pages.  I like to use colored pencils when I color in a book.  Markers seem to bleed through the pages and it makes the back page look "ugly."  there are 96 pages to read, meditate and color.  Great for your devotional time.

There are 40 designs that go with the lovely devotionals.  

And, in my opinion, it's relaxing to sit and color these pages as I reflect on the Word of God.

For example:  

(Images take from Amazon.com page)

This is such a lovely book and would make a wonderful gift for a sick friend or a Christmas present for that "colorer" on your list.

*This book was provided for review by Tyndale*

Paperback: 96 pages

• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.; Clr Csm edition (September 5, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1496425278

Death at Thorburn Hall (A Drew Farthering Mystery) by Julianna Deering

Book Description:  The Fartherings' Scottish Holiday Takes a Dark Turn 

Drew Farthering arrives in idyllic Scotland for the 1935 British Open at Muirfield hoping for a relaxing holiday, but he soon finds a mystery on his hands. Lord Rainsby, his host at Thorburn Hall, fears his business partner may be embezzling and asks Drew to quietly investigate. Before Drew can uncover anything, Rainsby is killed in a suspicious riding accident.

Thorburn Hall is filled with guests, and as Drew continues to dig, he realizes that each might have had a motive to put Raisnby out of the way. Together with Madeline and Nick, he must sort through shady business dealings, international intrigue, and family tensions to find a killer who always seems to be one step ahead.

My Thoughts:  {{{HAPPY SQUEAL}}}  The Fartherings are in Scotland on holiday!  O, My! Happy!  

This is book 6 in the Drew Farthering Mysteries and I'm happy to report that I have been able to read them all!  I love, love these mysteries!

It's been exciting to follow Drew' life from a single man to a married man.  And Drew married a lady, Madeline, who likes to solve a good mystery, too.

Of course, Drew and Madeline are in Scotland for a relaxing break but when his friend and host, Lord Rainsby confides to Drew that he thinks his business partner is embezzling from his business he asks Drew to quietly look into the matter.  And then before Drew can even say embezzle Lord Rainsbury is killed in a suspicious riding accident.  Highly suspicious!

Thorburn Hall is bursting at the seams with guests and Drew realizes that anyone of the guests could be the killer...and it seems that the killer is one step ahead of Drew.

GREAT read!  Don't mis this one!  

Also, makes a great gift!

*This book was provided for review by Bethany House*

• Series: A Drew Farthering Mystery
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (November 7, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764218298
• ISBN-13: 978-0764218293

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Thanksgiving Treat

We are making these today!  So cute and easy! 

  A great edible craft form Woman's Day:

ingredients

• 16 chocolate wafer cookies (such as Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers)
• 1 tube orange frosting with piping tips
• 16 small peanut butter cups

directions

1. Place cookies on work surface; squeeze a dime-size dot of frosting in center of each
2. Unwrap and invert peanut butter cups on frosting, pressing down gently
3. Using the round piping tip, pipe a "hat-band" with frosting around peanut butter cup and a square "buckle." Let frosting set before storing.

The Bracelet by Dorothy Love

Book Description:  “There are no secrets that time does not reveal.” 

Savannah, Georgia – 1858

Celia Browning dreams of the day when her childhood sweetheart Sutton Mackay comes home to Savannah after two years in Jamaica managing his family's shipping interests. Sutton has all but proposed, and their marriage will unite two of the city's most prominent families. But just as Sutton returns, a newspaper reporter arrives in town, determined to pry into twin tragedies that took place at the Browning mansion on Madison Square when Celia was a child.

While the journalist pursues his story, someone is trying to frighten Celia. When she receives a series of anonymous notes, and a bracelet imbued with a chilling message, Celia realizes that her family’s past has the power to destroy her future.

As the clouds of war gather over Savannah, and her beloved father’s health worsens, Celia determines to uncover the truth about what really happened all those years ago. 

Inspired by actual events in one of Savannah’s most prominent 19th-century families, The Bracelet is the story of a young southern woman whose dreams fracture under the weight of her family’s tragic past.

My Thoughts:  I found it interesting that The Bracelet by Dorothy Love is classified as Historical Fiction when, in fact, I feel the more proper classification would be more of Christian Mystery (Murder).

The setting for this book is antebellum Georgia, just before the division of the North and South.  There are many historical settings and details of the south.  

The mystery begins when a bracelet mysteriously appears on Celia's nightstand.  When she understands what the stones in the bracelet mean Diamond. Emerald. Amethyst. Diamond  = D. E. A. D. the "gift" has a troubling meaning. . . a mystery.  A family with hidden sins which just might include a murder.

The mystery of it all is mixed with the day.to.day flow of life. My only complaint of this story is that this day.to.day telling of all the day's events slows the story down quite a bit and can be somewhat frustrating. However, this is an easy, nice flowing read with some twists to spice up the mystery. 

I enjoyed the mystery of this story!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 9, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401687601
• ISBN-13: 978-1401687601

{Fiction Guild Blog Tour} Christmas at Carnton: A Novella by Tamera Alexander

Book Description:  Recently widowed, Aletta Prescott struggles to hold life together for herself and her six-year old son. With the bank threatening to evict, she discovers an advertisement for the Women's Relief Society auction and applies for a position - only to discover it's been filled. Then a chance meeting with a wounded soldier offers another opportunity - and friendship. But can Aletta trust this man?

Captain Jake Winston, a revered Confederate sharpshooter, suffered a head wound at the Battle of Chickamauga. When doctors deliver their diagnosis, Jake fears losing not only his greatest skill but his very identity. As he heals, Jake is ordered to assist with a local Women's Relief Society auction. He respectfully objects. Kowtowing to a bunch of "crinolines" isn't his idea of soldiering. But orders are orders, and he soon discovers this group of ladies - one, in particular - is far more than he bargained for.

My Thoughts:  It's so nice to be able to read Christmas stories before the Christmas season hits.

I love the cover of this read.  It's so romantic and beautiful.

The story is even better.  

A widow, Aletta Prescott and her son are struggling to hold onto their beautiful estate.  

Then there's Captain Jake Winston.  He's not in the mood for romance but quite by accident he finds himself in the midst of the Women's Relief Society.  Surrounded by women but one in particular catches his eye.  

A fun novella with just enough Christmas magic to make one's holiday reading a lovely affair.

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

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 3, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310293243
• ISBN-13: 978-0310293248

Dangerous Illusions (Code of Honor #1) Irene Hannon

Trish is overwhelmed with the deaths of her father and husband and helping her mother who is now disabled from the accident that killed their spouses. She's starting to forget some of the simplest things. But when a death is attributed to her forgetfulness, she will need the help of Detective Colin Flynn to sort out the strange occurrences that are happening all around her. 

• Series: Code of Honor (Book 1)
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Revell (October 3, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800727673
• ISBN-13: 978-0800727673

Beneath a Prairie Moon: A Novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Book Description:  Abigail Brantley grew up in affluence and knows exactly how to behave in high society. But when she is cast from the social registers due to her father's illegal dealings, she finds herself forced into a role she never imagined: tutoring rough Kansas ranchers in the subjects of manners and morals so they can "marry up" with their mail-order brides. Mack Cleveland, whose father was swindled by a mail-order bride, wants no part of the scheme to bring Eastern women to Spiveyville, Kansas, and he's put off by the snooty airs and fastidious behavior of the "little city gal" in their midst. But as time goes by, his heart goes out to the teacher who tries so diligently to smooth the rough edges from the down-to-earth men. How can he teach her that perfection won't bring happiness?

My Thoughts:  This is such an interesting story.  I love the way Kim Vogel Sawyer brings Again Brantley's story from high society to a small western town in Kansas.

Abigail Brantley through no fault of her own is cast from the wealthy society to the lowest of the low in society simply because her father illegal activities.

So, Abagail finds herself in a small Kansas town tutoring Kansas ranchers on the etiquette of social manners so they can marry up as their mail order brides arrive.

This is not meant to be a humorous story but I found the ranchers to be hilarious...quite believable!  

Then there's Mark Cleveland he detests mail order brides but is finding that, against his will, he may be falling for the one who is helping the ranchers with their mail order brides.

A fun read for a winter day!

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

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook (March 20, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735290059
• ISBN-13: 978-0735290051

{Fiction Guild Blog Tour} Love Held Captive (A Lone Star Hero’s Love Story) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Description:  Major Ethan Kelly has never been able to absolve himself of the guilt he feels for raiding a woman’s home shortly before he was taken prisoner during the Civil War. He is struggling to get through each day until he once again crosses paths with Lizbeth Barclay—the very woman he is trying to forget.

Life after the war is not much different for former Captain Devin Monroe until he meets Julianne VanFleet. He knows she is the woman he’s been waiting for, but he struggles to come to terms with the sacrifices she made to survive the war.

When Ethan and Devin discover that their former colonel, Adam Bushnell, is responsible for both Lizbeth’s and Julianne’s pain, they call on their former fellow soldiers to hunt him down. As the men band together to earn the trust of the women they love, Lizbeth and Julianne seek the justice they deserve in a country longing to heal.

My Thoughts:   Love Held Captive is the third book in the Lone Star Hero's series.
I've not read the other two books but I would recommend reading them before this one.  However, since I didn't have the other two I chose to read this book as a stand alone read and I didn't find it confusing.  So I guess it's up to the reader.  😊
I liked the history in this read.  It's all about the Civil War and how it drastically changed men and women.  And how the Civil War brought about a great change in America.
When Captain Devin Moore meets Julianne VanFleet it's love at first sight for him.  But Julianne has made sacrifices and tragedy has been at her doorstep.
A story of people coming to grips with life and the devastation of war.

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

• Series: A Lone Star Hero's Love Story
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (October 10, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310345472
• ISBN-13: 978-0310345473

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

We love cookies and this is a GREAT recipe for the fall!

Pumpkin Oatmeal Double Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup white chocolate chip
• 2 cups rolled oats (oatmeal)
• ½ tsp of ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice
• 1 TB vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
2. Next beat butter, sugar and brown sugar until well creamed together.
3. Now add in pumpkin, egg and vanilla. Beat until combine well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until incorporated.
5. Next, stir in your oats. Mix well.
6. Stir in both the white and dark chocolate chips.
7. Drop cookie dough by the rounded tablespoon on to the prepared baking. sheet.
8. Bake cookies for 14-15 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. DO NOT OVER COOK. They will seem a little soft, but will firm up as they cool. You want to keep the nice, soft texture!

A Royal Christmas Wedding (Royal Wedding Series) by Rachel Hauck

My Thoughts: I get so excited this time of the years as the Christmas books begin to make an appearance.  Christmas is such a busy time that I love reading all about the sweetness of the Christmas spirit before it arrives.

A Royal Christmas Wedding is the fourth book in the Royal Wedding series and somehow I managed to miss all of the books but this one. {sigh}

But I went ahead and read this book as a stand alone read and I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't feel that I missed anything...now I'm sure that there is a lot of "background" that I should know. So, it is probably best to read all the books in order.

Avery Truitt and Prince Colin of Brighton Kingdom met in college but he pushed her away five years ago and now she has to go back to Brighton for the Cathedral City's Christmas season. 

It's quite different for Avery since her father passed away and now her sister is pregnant....one of the reasons Avery is back in the city.

Avery realizes that it will be almost impossible to not see Colin and her heart aches for what might have been.

Colin, too, misses Avery.  But he has choices to make and love isn't always easy.

An enchanting holiday love story.  

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: Royal Wedding Series
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (October 18, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310344530
• ISBN-13: 978-0310344537

{Kregel Blog Tour} Noah: A Wordless Picture Book Hardcover by Mark Ludy

Book Description:  Mark Ludy s latest book will appeal to adults and children alike. Digging deeper than the Sunday school tale of cuddly animals on Noah s ark, the story follows the biblical text and illumines Noah s relationship with God, his wife, family, nature, and humanity. Ludy s world-class artwork lets people see, as though for the first time, the beauty within this story - revealing a clearer picture of the nature and character of God and his relationship to humankind. It s immersive and epic in scale and scope. The wordless format invites conversation and storytelling, key building blocks of literacy. And as with his previous books, Ludy's signature mouse Squeakers appears hidden on every page.

My Thoughts:  We all seem to know the story of Noah and the Ark but have you ever tried to tell the story to a youngster with out words?  This incredible book and I do mean incredible has no words...it is a wordless picture book.  I've never seen such a beautifully illustrated book in all my life.

There isn't a need a for words...the pictures really do tell a story all their own and may inspire a conversation between you and your child about the Bible!  As much as words are descriptive and we need words, words aren't needed to "read" this story AND there are no words to describe the illustrations in this book!  

This book is such a joy "read" through.  The pictures are bold and bright but more than that they are {almost} jumping off the page in 3D illustrations!  Don't forget to look for Squeakers the mouse .... on ever page.  So much fun!

I love this book!  

This book makes a GREAT gift for a child {actually an adult would love it, too}!

This picture is from the book to show you an example of the                       greatness of these illustrations:

*This book was provided for review by Kregel Publications*

• Age Range: 2 - 18 years
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Plough Publishing House; Sew edition (October 24, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874866391
• ISBN-13: 978-0874866391

31 Proverbs to Light Your Path by Liz Curtis Higgs

Book Description:  Wherever you are on your journey, here is the wisdom you need for the road ahead. Maybe you’re stuck and want to move forward. Or you feel anxious and long to know what’s next. Or you’re ready for an uplifting reminder that God holds your future in His loving hands.

Chosen by hundreds of women as their favorite verses in Proverbs, these thirty-one nuggets of truth reveal how faithfully God honors His promise, “I will instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths” (Proverbs 4:11).

My Thoughts:  Liz Curtis Higgs has long been a favorite author of mine so when I saw this nice, hardback devotional I knew it was for me.

Of course, if you've read anything by Liz Curtis Higgs you know she has a great sense of humor so her humor is spread throughout this sweet book.  Then there is a "One Minute, One Step Challenge" that is a do-it -now task that requires one minute or less.  Somewhat of a spiritual uplift for your devotional.

The book of Proverbs is a great book for giving advice and encouragement to the weary world traveler.

This is a beautiful book.  The pages are nice just right for a devotional.  Not too long and filled with neat ideas and uplifting scripture.  The sprinkling of honor adds a nice touch to a long day.

This is also one of those books that makes a great gift.

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

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook (October 3, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601428936
• ISBN-13: 978-1601428936

A Matter of Heart (Lone Star Brides) by Tracie Peterson

Book Description:  Texas born and raised Jessica Atherton is a wealthy young woman whose heart was broken when the man she intended to marry wedded another. But her world is upended when two new men come into her life, and both manage to stir her heart.

Harrison Gable is a successful young lawyer with ambitions that match Jessica's dreams. His warm, attentive manner and thoughtful gifts make her feel special.

Austin Todd, a former Secret Service agent, enjoys working now as a Texas Ranger cattle inspector. But after learning of forged gold certificates and missing printing plates, he's drawn back into the world of intrigue and agrees to help solve the case. Jessica is drawn to his kind nature and the unspoken pain she sees in his eyes. 

If Jessica follows her heart, where will it lead?

My Thoughts:  Tracie Peterson is another favorite author of mine.  In A Matter of Heart we meet Jessica Atherton.  Jessica is a Texan. . . I love books about Texas!  Anyway, Jessica was all set to marry and her intended ran off and married another.

Then enter not one but two eligible men!  Harrison is a lawyer, warm and attentive to Jessica. Austin in a Secret Service Agent.  

This is not a spoiler alert---I kept rooting for Austin because well, his name is Texan and he's kind.of tough and mysterious.  I love that he's a secret service agent.  I liked Harrison, too, but lawyers are a dime a dozen.

When forged gold certificates and printing plates are missing Austin is on the job.  

There's mystery and intrigue in.this.here book!  And as a reader I enjoyed it immensely!

This is the third book in the Lone Star (Texas, ya know) Brides "series." I didn't get a change to read the first two books and was not lost because this is a stand alone read!

This is a great read by Tracie Peterson!  Enough good clean romance and mystery to keep the reader involved and turning the pages!  Enjoy!!

*This book was provided for review by Bethany House*

Series: Lone Star Brides (Book 3)

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (October 7, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764210602

NIV Streams in the Desert Bible: 365 Thirst-Quenching Devotions

Book Description: At some point in our lives, we encounter the trials and deep mysteries of the Christian faith. And when we do become like a thirsty traveler, what we most desire is for hope, comfort, and encouragement to burst forth like a sparkling, clear river.

The hopeful daily readings in this Bible promise to revive and refresh you—one of today’s generation of faithful sojourners—by providing daily devotions in modern, easy-to-understand language that beautifully captures the timeless essence of the original. These devotionals are presented alongside Scripture using the popular New International Version of the Bible.

While the devotions in this Bible were originally written by L. B. Cowman—a pioneer missionary in Japan and China from 1901 to 1917—this devotional Bible has been edited by James Reimann. It maintains the beauty of the original Cowman writings while making the devotionals more accessible for the readers of today.

My Thoughts:  I love Bibles!  So, when I had the opportunity to read this Bible, Streams in the Desert:  365 Thirst-Quenching Devotions, I knew I had found the perfect combinations for me! A great Bible with devotions (daily readings) ...two in one!  I love it! And there's more:  • 365 daily readings of strength and encouragement from L. B. Cowman and a pretty ribbon marker so the reader won't lose her place.

I've always loved reading the Streams in the Desert devotionals but having the devotionals and the Bible together is a sweet plus for me.

This is one Bible that would make a great gift for that college student.  It's easy to understand, there aren't two books to carry around and it's just plain wonderful!

I love the description on the back: "Are you in a desert experience? Let your thirsty soul be restored and refreshed through the daily devotions in the NIV Streams in the Desert Bible."  Well said!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Paperback: 1536 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; Box Lea edition (March 5, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310441854
• ISBN-13: 978-0310441854

Colors of Christmas: Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate the Hope of Christmas by Olivia Newport

Book Description:  Christmas in Blue

In the wake of a personal loss deeper than anyone realizes, Angela plans to bypass as much of the season as possible and get through her duties as the church organist by going on autopilot. Instead, she finds herself in charge of the town’s celebration. After a mysterious young man arrives, townspeople suspect he is the reason that one set of plans after another disintegrate until little is left of their traditions. Yet Angela warms to Gabe because she suspects they share a secret—his real reason for coming to town. Even when all they have to work with is a garish supply of blue Christmas decorations, Gabe helps Angela discover the hidden beauty of hope.

Christmas in Gold

After eighty years, change is nothing new for Astrid. By the time she was twenty, she survived the destructive Nazi regime, caring for her family under brutal circumstances, moving to America, and losing her husband. At forty she was widowed again and left to build a new life with her children. Now, when she faces a move into an assisted living community and meets a young woman on the brink of despair, she resolves to stir up hope through tragedy one more time.

My Thoughts:  I'm loving all the Christmas reads that are coming out.  I love Christmas!  And like the colors on a Christmas tree this book with two short stories is aptly named Colors of Christmas.

And Olivia Newport is a brand new to me author.  A win win!

Christmas in Blue would make a wonderful Hallmark Christmas show.  A grieving, tired woman is in charge of the town's celebration.    And here Angela just wanted to by pass this season.

Then Gabe, the mysterious stranger, comes to town.  All the townspeople are suspicious of him but Angela welcomes and warms up to Gabe.  

A light, sweet novella.

Christmas in Gold is a more emotional, heartwarming short story of an older woman who has seen a lot and gone through a lot in her lifetime. 

She's outlived two husbands, gone through the Nazi regime and moved to America.

Now another change comes to her life.  She is suppose to move to an assisted living community but meets a despairing young woman.

Astrid's life story is a compelling story of God's faithfulness.

*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 (October 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683223357
• ISBN-13: 978-1683223351