Tell Her No Lies by Kelly Irvin

Book Description:  Nina Fischer carries a camera wherever she goes—so she can view life through a filter. Safely. After her mother abandoned her to the streets, Nina has kept people at a distance, including her uncle, who adopted Nina and her sister. Wealthy and proud, he is a good man, a fair judge, and someone many in San Antonio admire. 

But when he is murdered, and the detective assigned to the case accuses Nina of the crime, she knows she must act. She’s determined to use her journalism background to find the real killer. The two men in her life want to help, but can she trust them?  She’s known Rick since they were children, but now he’s an attorney whose political aspirations seem more important than Nina’s tragic loss. And then there’s Aaron, a news videographer; using their friendship could break the biggest story of his career.

My Thoughts:  Kelly Irvin is a new to me author.  But she's one I'll be keeping on my to go list.

Tell Her No Lies is filled with a lot of action, suspense!, and a smidgen of romance.  

I love, love suspense and this book kept me on the edge of my seat.  literally!

Nina is a strong young woman who has been dealt a rather bad hand in the life department.  But Nina is one to let it keep her down.  However, she does have an unusual way of dealing with her life...she keeps a camera hanging around her neck and looks a life through a filter.  

When her uncle is killed and she is accused of the murder she is more than determined to find the killer.

Using her journalism skills and her camera Nina is on the move to find the bad man but then Rick, whom she's known since childhood wants to help her and Aaron, the news videographer, wants to help her too.  But whom can she trust?  It seems the men in her life haven't always been a help.

Quite a story with a somewhat surprising ending!  Loved it!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook* 

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 13, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785223118
• ISBN-13: 978-0785223115

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake...Another great recipe from Pinterest!

Ingredients:

• 1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
• 1 pkg. (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (10 3/4 fl. oz.) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 bag (16 oz.) frozen broccoli, cauliflower and carrot medley, thawed
• 2 cups cubed, precooked chicken
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked instant white rice
• 1/2 cup (2 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking dish. 
COMBINE evaporated milk and cream cheese in baking dish with wire whisk until smooth. Add soup, water, garlic powder and pepper; mix well. Add vegetables, chicken and rice. Cover tightly with foil. 
BAKE for 35 minutes. Uncover; top with cheese. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and mixture is bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. 
FOR FREEZE AHEAD:
PREPARE as above; do not bake. Do not top with cheddar cheese. Cover; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
PREHEAT oven to 350° F.
BAKE, covered, for 45 to 55 minutes. Uncover; top with cheddar cheese. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and mixture is bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall

Book Description:  The Sound of Sleigh Bells

Beth Hertzler is unable to let go of a past tragedy, but when she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds. Determined that her niece meet the gifted artist, her aunt tracks him down, but it’s not that simple – will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love?

The Christmas Singing

Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve. Brokenhearted, Mattie moves away and pursues her longtime dream of becoming a cake decorator, and even finds a new beau. But when Mattie is forced to return home three years later, will learning the truth behind Gideon’s rejection restore her Christmas joy – or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?

   

The Dawn of Christmas

Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?

My Thoughts:  Wow!  I was so surprised when I received this book because it is a Three-In-One Amish novella read! 

The Sound of Sleigh Bells is a mainly about Beth and Jonah.  Lizzy is great about helping Beth to overcome the past.  Lizzy and Beth seem to have a Ruth and Naomi type of relationship.  

Both Jonah and Beth have "secrets" from their pasts and they both find it hard to open up to "new" love.  

The Christmas Singing was my favorite of the three novellas.  It's all about a cakes and decorating cakes.  And there are two recipes at the end of this novella for 3 Layer Strawberries-And-Cream Cake and Orange Coconut Cake.  My.Oh.My!

Gideon's rejection of Mattie three years ago still haunts her.  She and Gideon were going to marry but he broke it off with explanation.   A brokenhearted Mattie runs away and pursues her dream of being a cake decorator.  When she comes back she meets Gideon again.  And old feelings resurface.  

Gideon has a secret and he must tell Mattie so that she understands why he broke up with her three years ago. 

A sweet love story!

The Dawn of Christmas brings us Sadie.  Sadie has quite a bit of spunk and has been on the mission field in Peru.  But now, her Old Order family feels that Sadie must come home and marry!  

This was a fun story.  Sadie and Levi had me laughing at times.  Two very stubborn but loving individuals.

*This book was provided by Waterbrook/Multnomah*

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press; d edition (October 9, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307730999
• ISBN-13: 978-0307730992

On This Christmas: A Five-Year Journal of Your Favorite Traditions, Memories, and Gifts by Zondervan

My Thoughts:  Christmas after Christmas we think we're going to remember what happened last year.  But, lo and behold, another year passes by and we seem to forget the blessings from the year before.  So, when I saw this beautiful hard back keepsake book I thought what a wonderful way to preserve our memories.

This is a smallish book so it's easy to store year after year.  We store with  our Christmas decorations and that we we won't forget about it.

There are also beautiful pictures of Christmas scenes sprinkled throughout the book as well as lovely Christmas quotes.

This is a five year journal so one doesn't have to buy a different journal for each year.

It's a great family resource for keeping all this wonderful memories alive for each generation.

And instead of always writing in a space I've decided to a paste a picture for a better memory of that special Christmas gift or of a family member.

What a lovely book/journal. 

This also makes a wonderful gift!

*This book was provided by BookLook*

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (October 9, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780310452003
• ISBN-13: 978-0310452003
• ASIN: 0310452007

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

I love caramel apples in the fall!  

I needed a great dip for a get together and found this perfect dip on food.com

Directions

Ingredients

• 3 (8 ounce) boxes cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (12 ounce) bags mini chocolate chips
• 1 (8 ounce) bags toffee pieces
• 1 (20 ounce) bottles caramel ice cream topping

1. Cream together the cream cheese, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. In a casserole dish, spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of the pan.
3. Completely cover the cream cheese mixture with the chocolate chips and chocolate toffee bits.
4. Drizzle liberally with the caramel sauce.
5. Chill or serve immediately with apple slices. Enjoy.

On Magnolia Lane (A Blue Ridge Romance) by Denise Hunter

Book Description:  Falling in love with Daisy was easy for Jack. But finding the courage to tell her becomes problematic when his secret feelings lead to even bigger complications.

My Thoughts:  It's been awhile since I've read a novel by Denise Hunter.  So, I thought I'd give this novel a try.  It is the third book in the Blue Ridge Romances but seems like a stand alone read.

Daisy Pendleton and Pastor Jack McReady (I found this last name interesting considering his position) are not alike but, yet, Jack has fallen in love with Daisy as he counsels her.  And he can't tell her because he counsels her and he is her spiritual advisor.

Daisy he a pure southern lady who runs a flower shop.  she enjoys her life but would love to have someone share it with her.  Then she meets TJ.

And then the story becomes a little complicated because Jack's good friend, Noah, uses Pastor Jack's initials, TJ, on a dating app that Daisy is using.

Oh, the complications!

A humorous and romantic story.  

A fun read for the romantic at heart.

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: A Blue Ridge Romance (Book 3)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 6, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718090543
• ISBN-13: 978-0718090548

Simple Joys: Discovering Wonder in the Everyday by Candace Payne

Book Description:  Laughter that makes your stomach hurt, the perfect cup of coffee, a few moments alone with your Bible - these are moments of joy to be found on even the most difficult days. When you know you can trust God no matter what, lasting joy will be yours. Find your joy in Simple Joys: Discovering Wonder in the Everyday by Candace Payne.

My Thoughts: I've been trying to simplify my life.  Less stuff more joy!

So when I saw this book by The Chewbacca Mom...remember that sensational face mask Candace Payne had a few months ago?  Well, now she shares the simple joys found in life.

This small 176 page hardback book is full of love and laughter.  And joy.

Simple joys may include a fuzzy warm kitten, a baby's laugh and my favorite the perfect cup of coffee.  And there a few pages to write down your favorite fuzzy warm memories.

So, now as I read this book I know that everyday I need to find the Simple Joys in life.  And when I do life is so brighter and lovelier.

But at the base of the joy Candace reminds us the God must be number One and we need to bring our fears to Him to be replaced with Godly joy.

This makes a lovely gift.  Share the joy!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (September 25, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310089859
• ISBN-13: 978-0310089858

{Revell Book Blog Tour} A Sparkle of Silver (Georgia Coast Romance) by Liz Johnson

My Thoughts:   A great grandmother's diary with information about a treasure  on a an oil tycoon's land, a young lady who wants to find the diary and a security guard who takes his job quite seriously.

This is one of those reads that isn't really mystery nor is it a love story but my.o.my!  it's the best of both!

The mystery of the long lost diary and the young woman who sets out to find it---no matter the cost---because it's her heritage and, well, there's a treasure involved.  A treasure that the young lady, Millie Sullivan not only needs but feels that it's right to have.  

But there's this security guard, Ben Thornton, who takes his job quite seriously.

What a fantastic and fun read of dark hallways and escapades of trying to find the quite elusive diary.  

*This read was provided for review by Revell Books*

Lady of a Thousand Treasures (The Victorian Ladies Series) by Sandra Byrd

Book Description:  Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator of antiquities, trained to know the difference between a genuine artifact and a fraud. But with her father’s passing and her uncle’s decline into dementia, the family business is at risk. In the Victorian era, unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone.

The death of a longtime client, Baron Lydney, offers an unexpected complication when Eleanor is appointed the temporary trustee of the baron’s legendary collection. She must choose whether to donate the priceless treasures to a museum or allow them to pass to the baron’s only living son, Harry―the man who broke Eleanor’s heart.

My Thoughts:  I like to switch up my reading every once in awhile.  So this time I chose a historical  novel set in the Victorian Age.

Sandra Byrd did some extensive research for this novel.  It's accurate and every so good.

Eleanor Sheffield's father has just passed away and it's up to her to keep the family antiquities business running.  But there is one small problem...Eleanor is unmarried and cannot run the business as a "lone woman."

Now there is a man who could help her but he broke her heart in the past and she isn't quite sure she should or could trust him.  But she really needs his help.

As only Sandra Byrd can she writes in the setting of the age she is writing about.  She keeps the times with the characters of her novel.  In other words it's not fakey but ever so real.

Loved this read!

*This book was provided for review by Tyndale*

• Series: The Victorian Ladies Series (Book 1)
• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (October 9, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781496426833
• ISBN-13: 978-1496426833

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

The Cow Said Neigh!: A Farm Story by Rory Feek

Book Description:  The Cow Said Neigh! is the story of some peculiar farm animals who wish they were like other animals on the farm. The cow wants to run free like a horse, the sheep wants a snout like a pig, the dog wants to be inside like the cat. Soon the entire farm is in chaos!

My Thougts:  The youngest boy in our family is two years old and he loves, loves cows.  So, when I saw this book I knew it was for him.

It's the cutest story about being who you were created to be.

Our little guy kept saying no, "Cow say moo."  Because in this story the animals are all trying to be something their not.  And the sounds that come out are not only funny but even a two year old knows that the animal doesn't make that sound.  

This is not a little book but a regular sized book which makes it nice for parents to read to little ones.

Such a fun and silly but, yet, profound message in a children's book.  

{picture from Amazon page}

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 3
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 2, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400311713
• ISBN-13: 978-1400311712

My Christmas ABCs (An Alphabet Book) by Jordan Wray

Book Description:  Your family will love the festive charm of this darling holiday board book. This is the perfect way to celebrate the fun parts of Christmastime while helping your toddlers and preschoolers master their ABCs. 

My Thoughts:  We have 2 two year olds in our family.  And they both love books.  So, being on the lookout for great books for toddlers I came across this lovely Christmas book.

Not really a story book and not really an activity book but with it's bright colors and cheery pictures its a great book for the holidays.

There is glitter on every page....under plastic of course.  And it makes for an eye catching picture for little ones.

The one thing I really like about this book is that there is absolutely not one reference to or about Santa Claus.  The focus is on the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus.  But there are pictures of candy canes and Christmas trees which is just fine with us.

Such a lovely little board book for lovely little people.

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Age Range: 2 - 4 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - Kindergarten
• Board book: 20 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 9, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781400209811
• ISBN-13: 978-1400209811
• ASIN: 1400209811

A Christmas Prayer by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Book Description:  Only the brave—or foolhardy—would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail.

Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. When a widowed father heading to a California ranch and a gold prospector both show an interest in Cynthia, she weighs her dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid heart?

My Thoughts:  I love when Christmas reads begin to make to arrive.  And when I receive a book by one of my favorite authors it's like Christmas in a mailbox.

Three wagons with a few brave souls are headed to California make a monumental trip things don't go as planned.  

The three wagons left Missouri in April but the traveling has been slow.  So, low and behold, the people find themselves in a blizzard of epic proportions as they cross the Sierra Nevadas at Christmas time.

Cynthia Cooper feels that she has a responsibility to care for her mother and she plans to marry the man who is on the wagon train with them.  But when they all have to hunker down in cabin to wait out the storm Cynthia's feelings begin to change towards her intended bridegroom.

Loved, loved this heartwarming story!

A wonderful Christmas story about changes and following your heart.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review." Paperback: 176 pages Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (September 1, 2018) Language: English ISBN-10: 9781683226574 ISBN-13: 978-1683226574 ASIN: 1683226577

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

It's getting cooler in our neck of the woods and time for soup.

Here's one of our favorites!

**Even though this is a crockpot soup, if I forget to put everything in the crockpot in the morning I just make it on the stove top using the same ingredients but I cook it for 45 minutes and then the last 30 minutes with cream cheese.  It's still great!

Paula Dean's crockpot potato soup recipe

Combine 1 bag frozen hash browns ( I use the small, diced hash browns)

2 (14oz) cans chicken broth, 1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2c chopped onion

 1/3tsp black pepper

Cook in crock pot on low for 5 hours. 

**Must be last **Stir in 8oz block of cream cheese, cook 30 minutes, stir occasionally.

Garnish with bacon bits, onions and/or shredded cheese.

OH!SO!GOOD!!

Jesus Calling for Christmas by Sarah Young

My Thoughts:  I've been looking for a nice but "meaty" devotional for the Christmas season.  And, lo and behold, I found this one.  

So many of my church friends have told me what a lovely devotional Sarah Young has complied.  I just never took the time to look one up.

So when I saw this lovely small hardback book I knew this would be the devotional for me.

First of all there are only 50 devotions so this is great for the advent season.  Of course these 50 devotions are a compilation from her other devotional books.  This is great for the person who is new to Sarah Young.  Then there is the Christmas story and Old Testament prophecies are also included.These prophecies make the reader stop and ponder all that happened before the birth of Christ.
Sarah Young pens great imagery as she brings the birth of our Savior to life.  It truly lifts one's spirits!
One of the best "holiday" devotionals.  
This small devotional makes a great Advent gift or simply a friend gift for the holidays.  

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: Jesus Calling®
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 25, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400309182
• ISBN-13: 978-1400309184

Overcomer: 8 Ways to Live a Life of Unstoppable Strength, Unmovable Faith, and Unbelievable Power by Dr. David Jeremiah

Dr. David Jeremiah is in the middle of his Overcomer tour.  He just came to Dallas, Texas and so many people were raving about his teaching.  Since I had to miss the meeting I was excited to review the book.

Dr. David Jeremiah takes Ephesians 6:10-18 as his text.  Many people have trouble understanding this Scripture so he explains it in detail.

As we live in a time of uncertainty and trouble, Dr. David Jeremiah tells us to take up the whole armor of God.  And how important it is to daily put on this armor and face our fears with God as our Helper.

He explains that we need 8 Ways to Live a Life of Unstoppable Strength, Unmovable Faith, and Unbelievable Power.  We need to quit living in defeat as children of the Most High King.  He encourages the children of the King to be overcomes and quit living in defeat.

Great teachings on the Armor of God and each usage of the armor.  And what the armor meant in the Bible times and why we as Christians need the armor in our lives today.

And this is a wonderful hardback book.

Unwrapping Christmas by Ann Voskamp

Book Description:  Based on the overwhelming success of The Greatest Gift, Ann Voskamp has expanded her presentation of the timeless Advent tradition of the Jesse Tree so families can celebrate together. Each day, families can read the provided Scripture passage (in connection with the original book), engage with a specially written devotion to help children of all ages understand the Advent theme for the day, and participate in suggested activities to apply the theme.

This special edition is beautifully illustrated. It can serve as a precious guide to help recapture the sacredness of the Advent season and to help the entire family understand and celebrate the epic pageantry of humankind from Adam to the Messiah.

My Thoughts:  Yay!  Another Christmas book.  I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I picked this book so I was amazed when I received it.  It's a beautiful book...hardback, lovely illustrations and such a nice cover!  

This is one book that will be on our living room table for the month of Christmas.

Each day there is a scripture passage/devotion to be read and then there are activities to do as a family.  A great way for a family to connect at the onset/Advent of the season.  

As more and families are trying not to get lost in the busyness and materialism of the Christmas season...this book is a great way to bring your family into the "worship" of the season and why we celebrate the birth of the Savior.

I love the title, Unwrapping the Greatest Gift:  A Celebration of Christmas, because this is exactly what the book brings to each member of the family...the greatest gift of all!

***From the Back Cover

Unwrap the greatest Gift with your family this Advent season!
Person by person, story by story, retrace the lineage of Jesus. Fall in love with Him all over again as you experience God’s plan of salvation for us—from the Garden of Eden to the manger and beyond.

With vivid, full-color illustrations, downloadable ornaments, and moving scenes from the Bible, this book is a gift your whole family can unwrap each day leading up to Christmas.

Each devotion includes the following:

• Scripture readings to go along with each story
• Questions and activities to engage the entire family
• Beautiful illustrations to further enhance each reading

Celebrate the best love story of all time with your family!

This book would be a great Christmas card to give to a family before the season begins.

*This book was provided for review by Tyndale*

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (November 1, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414397542
• ISBN-13: 978-1414397542

Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie

Every once in awhile I get a chance to review a movie.  Believe it or not!  Neither my husband nor I have ever seen Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie.  
It's a classic (old movie) and it's ever so suspenseful!
Actually there are more twists and turns in this story line (that's what makes it so good!) than curls on Shirley Temple's sweet head!
If you want a good movie to watch then this is the one for you!