WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

I found this recipe on Pinterest.  

It looks delicious and I believe it's from Gooseberry Patch.

1-1/2 c. prepared coffee, cooled

1-1/2 c. chocolate ice cream, softened

1/4 c. chocolate syrup

crushed ice

1 c. frozen whipped topping, thawed

Blend coffee, ice cream and syrup together until smooth; set aside. Fill 4 glasses three-quarters full with ice; add coffee mixture. Top with a spoonful of whipped topping; serve immediately. Make 4 servings.

Life Behind the Wall: Candy Bombers, Beetle Bunker, and Smuggler's Treasure Paperback by Robert Elmer

Book Description:  Cut off by the Iron Curtain This epic tale extends across generations and unfolds against the backdrop of a dangerous Cold War Berlin. This historically accurate, action-packed, three-books-in-one edition features three generations of resourceful teens living in the shadow of the Berlin Wall. Titles include: Candy Bombers: In spring 1948, teenage cousins Erich and Katarina are simply trying to survive in war-ravaged Berlin when the Soviets blockade the east side of the city, isolating its citizens---and starving them---behind the Iron Curtain. Beetle Bunker: In August 1961, Sabine discovers a forgotten underground bunker. Though she first uses it to escape her crowded home, she soon realizes her hideout could possibly take her family under the wall to West Berlin and freedom! Smuggler's Treasure: In spring 1989, life is good in West Germany, and even the Cold War seems to be thawing in the warmer weather. But as Liesl works on a class project about the history of the wall, she stumbles onto a startling secret no one will talk about.

My Thoughts:  Oh! Be.Still.My.Heart!  I could not believe my eyes when I saw this book . . . I was so excited. . . . like a kid on Christmas morning!  This is THREE books in one volume!  All three of the Life Behind the Wall books by Robert Elmer!  
I first read Candy Bombers about 10 years ago.  But I never got the next two books Beetle Bunker and Smuggler's Treasure.
I must tell you, that even though I am an adult, these are the best books ever!  
In Candy Bombers the reader is introduced to Erich and Katarina living in the city of Berlin after the Soviets blockade the east side of the city.
Then in Beetle Bunker, the reader meets Sabine who discovers an underground bunker.
And then in, Smuggler's Treasure the reader meets Liesl who lives in West Germany during the Cold War.
Sorry my book descriptions are short but I hope they are teasers for you (no spoilers) so that you will read this wonderful trilogy!
Yes, these books must be read in order because there are overlaps in each book from the previous.  And what a better way to read them in order than to have a 3-n-1 book!  
I love this trilogy!

• Age Range: 8 - 12 years
• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz; Revised edition 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031074265X
• ISBN-13: 978-0310742654

Gathering Shadows (Finding Sanctuary 1) by Nancy Mehl

Book Description:  Wynter Evans is a promising young reporter for a television station in St. Louis, but even a bright future doesn't take away her pain over the disappearance of her brother nine years ago. So when she stumbles across a photograph of a boy with an eerie resemblance to him, she can't pass up the chance to track him down. With research for work as her cover, she sets out with one of the station's photogs for the place where the picture was taken: the town of Sanctuary. 

Almost as soon as she arrives, she meets the town's handsome young mayor, Rueben King, and together they begin to uncover long held secrets that could tear the small town apart and change everything Wynter thought she knew about her life. As the truth of her family's past hides in the shadows, it's clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the answers she's searching for hidden forever--even if the cost is Wynter's very life.

My Thoughts: I absolutely love to read novels/stories by Nancy Mehl!

The Gathering Shadows (the first book in the Finding Sanctuary series) is classified as romantic suspense but, yet, Mrs. Mehl puts so much more into this story.

I love Wynter Evans . . .just love the way her name is spelled.  Wynter is strong and courageous but yet gentle and kind hearted.  Wynter struggles with her past.  And there is Rueben King {sigh!} the young mayor . . . here is the romantic part. 

Wynter's brother disappeared over nine years ago.  then Wynter comes across a picture of a big that resembles her lost brother.  She is drawn to and must go after the clues to see if this is really her brother.  

She travels to the town of Sanctuary.  Sanctuary is the town where Rueben King is mayor. 

There seems to be shadows everywhere Wynter looks.  It seems that the truth may never "show up."

This is quite a read!  The ending, the I.didn't.see.that.coming! and the suspense make for zone fantastic read!

But don't take my word for it....go read it for yourself! 

A great book for the beach or for relaxing by the grill this summer!

• Series: Finding Sanctuary (Book 1)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764211579
• ISBN-13: 978-0764211577

{Blog Tour} The Amish Christmas Matchmaker (Indiana Amish Brides) by Vannetta Chapman

Book Description:  With her wedding business thriving, Annie Kauffmann could never leave her beloved Amish community. So when handsome Amish cowboy Levi Lapp tries to convince her father to move the family to Texas, she must put a stop to it. If Annie finds Levi a wife, he might forget his dream of moving…but can she keep from falling for him herself?

My Thoughts:  In my book there is nothing better than a Love Inspired romance especially when it's about Christmas and is authored by Vannetta Chapman.  A win-win!

This fantastic story is almost an oxymoron...An Amish matchmaker?!?  But then again no matter what, we all need love in our lives.  

Annie Kaufman actually has a wedding business so it's not all love and games.  However, she doesn't seem to have any romance in her own life.  And it seems that Annie is quite happy with her life so when Levi Lapp begins to talk her father into moving-to Texas of all places!  Annie decides she'll have none of that nonsense.  But love can get in the way of most well laid plans.

In a fun loving sort of way, Vannetta Chapman captures the romance between two young Amish people and somehow gets their families involved too.

This is a great story to begin your holiday season!

*This book was provided for review The Blog Tour of 

The Amish Christmas Matchmaker*

• Series: Indiana Amish Brides
• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired; Original edition (September 17, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1335479430
• ISBN-13: 978-1335479433

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

{Fiction Guild Blog Tour} Hearts in Harmony (An Amish Journey Novel) by Beth Wiseman

Book Description:  Musical prodigy Levi Shetler hasn’t touched a piano since he secretly played one many years ago. His strict Amish community forbids instruments or the singing of any music not in their approved songbook. Levi asks God often why music tempts him when playing an instrument isn’t allowed in his world. 

One person knows Levi’s talents: Mary Hershberger, the girl who promised years ago to keep his secret. Mary comes from a more liberal district than Levi, but she’s facing family troubles of her own. The mutual care for an aging Englischer, Adeline, reunites Mary and Levi as young adults. They realize that, despite their differences, they have a shared love of music—and a shared confusion about whether their talents are God-given gifts or temptations luring them into the Englisch world. 

The couple realizes they must compromise or part ways, but a tragic accident shakes their decision. Both Mary and Levi will need to reconcile what they love with what their hearts say is right. 

My Thoughts:  I love stories about the Amish Community and Beth Wiseman, once again, writes an inspiring story of love and music.  What a combo!

Sometimes we don't think about what makes other people happy or what their gifts are in life and we expect them to conform to one idea.  Such is the case with Levi Shelter and Mary Hershberger.

Levi is gifted with playing the piano.  Such music that comes out of the piano is heavenly.

And Mary can sing like an angel.  Unfortunately, the Amish community that Levi belong to forbids such Englisch ways.  Now Mary's community is a bit more liberal but as they grow up, they go their own ways until one day as they both meet at Adeline's home, and realize that they share a common love of music.

Such a GREAT story of "hearts in harmony."

This is one of those true to the heart reads that makes the reader happy and feeling like all is right with the world.

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

• Series: An Amish Journey Novel (Book 1)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (March 12, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0529105403
• ISBN-13: 978-0529105400

Saving Amelia by Cathy Gohke

Book Description:  Increasingly wary of her father’s genetic research, Rachel Kramer has determined that this trip with him to Germany—in the summer of 1939—will be her last. But a cryptic letter from her estranged friend, begging Rachel for help, changes everything. Married to SS officer Gerhardt Schlick, Kristine sees the dark tides turning and fears her husband views their daughter, Amelie, deaf since birth, as a blight on his Aryan bloodline.

Once courted by Schlick, Rachel knows he’s as dangerous as the swastikas that hang like ebony spiders from every government building in Berlin. She fears her father’s files may hold answers about Hitler’s plans for others, like Amelie, whom the regime deems “unworthy of life.” She risks searching his classified documents only to uncover shocking secrets about her own history and a family she’s never known.

Now hunted by the SS, Rachel turns to Jason Young—a driven, disarming American journalist and unlikely ally—who connects her to the resistance and to controversial theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Forced into hiding, Rachel’s every ideal is challenged as she and Jason walk a knife’s edge, risking their lives—and asking others to do the same—for those they barely know but come to love.

My Thoughts:  I love summer and, again, this summer I entered the Tyndale Summer Reading Program.  So glad I did!  As one of my "prizes" I picked this book Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohke.

When I first saw the cover of this book I actually passed it up. Then I went back and read the description and thought it sounded interesting.

When the book arrived it sat on my TBR for a couple of months and then the other day, since I was finished with my last book, I decided to read it.

Well, this is one great read!  As I began reading I first thought the book was going to be about a rich young woman and how she saves a young deaf girl from the Third Reich.  Oh!not!so!  Well, this does come into play but there  is SO much more to this story.

I had to put the book down several time because it IS so intense!  

This book is about life . . .what is our duty to others AND Dietrich Bonhoeffer!  Wow!  

The suspense, the story line, the challenge of one's duty to Christ!  Cathy Gohke pens an incredible, not.to.be put.down story!

This is my favorite read this summer!  

You just gotta read this book . . . it will make you think!  

• Paperback: 464 pages

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

I found this wonderful salad on Pinterest and it is super yummy!

Ingredients

• For Salad:
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 2 scallions, finely chopped
• 2 cups mixed greens such as spinach and arugula
• 
  

Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to directions.
2. Meanwhile, combine all dressing ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Add more water, if necessary.
3. In a large serving bowl, combine cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, scallions and mixed greens; gently toss with Caesar dressing to coat.
4. Serve chilled.

Chloe May: Daughter of the Dust Bowl by Grace Lundmark

Book Description:  Chloe May's father found his wife's tactics incredulous as she dealt with their impoverished life and her own restlessness. Then came the Depression and the droughts of the Dust Bowl. It took more than their losses, near starvation, and apparent defeat to put a tear in her father's eye. In fact, even the women in the Whitehurst family were seldom reduced to tears-conniving and rash behavior, perhaps, but not to tears! The family knew laughter and fun, balancing heartaches and poverty. Chloe May: Daughter of the Dust Bowl is based on the true story of the author's mother, Chloe May, and her family's frequent moves in, around, and out of the Oklahoma Panhandle of the '20s and '30s. Laced with historical facts of the time, Chloe May: Daughter of the Dust Bowl is a must read for younger readers wishing for a glimpse into one of America's most difficult eras, and older readers who will identify with one family's modes of survival.

My Thoughts:  WOW! Over 75 years since the Dust Bowl.  My maternal grandmother lived through the Dust Bowl and told numerous stories to my mom and uncle.  When my grandmother passed away my mom wrote a book, Chloe May: Daughter of the Dust Bowl, as a tribute to her mother and as a living history for her children and grandchildren.  My mother was invited to Guymon, Oklahoma the weekend of April 2010 to share her story about the Dust Bowl.  She went and met others who had gone through the Dust Bowl and others who wrote about this dark time in history.  Chloe May is a great read!  

If you enjoy Janet Oke you'll also enjoy Grace Lundmark's story of the Dust Bowl! 

Paperback: 212 pages

• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1604621397
• ISBN-13: 978-1604621396
• 
  

About the Author:  Grace Lundmark was born and raised in the scorching, but beautiful, deserts of the Southwest. Her father, a Texan/New Mexican, and her mother, an Okie/New Mexican filled her head and heart with their stories of growing up in West Texas and the mountains of New Mexico. Her first novel, "Chloe May: Daughter of the Dust Bowl" is a true-life novel written from the stories her mother told of her family's struggle for survival on the high plains of Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. Now living in Texas, the wife, mother, and grandmother of eight, has finally found time to write about the people she has known and admired, in fiction form. She plans to continue writing about the people of the Southwest. 

   Chloe May:  Daughter of the Dust Bowl  may also be purchased at Amazon.

A Mother's Secret (Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel) by Amy Clipston

Book Description:  Carolyn Lapp dreams of marrying for love. But will the errors of her past destroy this dream forever?

Carolyn Lapp longs to have a traditional Amish family. But she lives on her brother’s farm with her parents and her 15-year old son, Benjamin. Carolyn has never revealed the identity of Benjamin’s father and lives daily with the guilt and shame of her youthful indiscretion. Her brother simply will not forgive her.

His answer is to arrange a practical marriage for Carolyn to Saul, a widower with a little girl. But Carolyn isn’t convinced that Saul really loves her and believes he is simply looking for someone to help raise his daughter.

When Benjamin causes trouble at a local horse auction, horse breeder Joshua Glick decides that he must be taught a lesson. Carolyn and Joshua are unmistakably drawn to each other, but Joshua mistakenly assumes that Benjamin is Carolyn’s brother. Carolyn fears that if he discovers the truth, her past will destroy their budding romance.

After years of shame and loneliness, Carolyn suddenly has two men vying for her attention. But which of them will give her the family—and the unconditional love—she’s longed for?

My Thoughts: I love the easy style with which Amy Clipston pens  a novel.  

A Mother's Secret is the second book in the Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel series.

Of course, this is an Amish read!  All about life!

Carolyn has a secret . . . she has never told anyone who fathered her son.  Now her son is fifteen.  And although she lives with her brother on his farm and works hard!her brother has never forgiven her for her youthful indiscretion!  And maybe, just maybe, it seems that her brother resents her son, Benjamin.

As life would have it . . . Benjamin gets in to one "of those" teen moments and causes trouble at a local horse auction.  Carolyn has had a budding romance with Joshua Glick the horse breeder but Joshua thinks that Benjamin is her brother.  Oy vey!  And he seems to be rather harsh in judgment of Benjamin.

Then there is Saul.  Saul is kind hearted and has a young daughter.  Now Carolyn feels torn between two men!

A great romance with a lot go.to.heart "dealings!" 

Love Amish reads and romance?  Then this is the book for you!

• Series: Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310335817
• ISBN-13: 978-0310335818

{Revell Reads Blog Tour} Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris

Book Description:  Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victim's husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes that the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.

My Thoughts:  Lisa Harris never disappoints when she writes a mystery/suspense/thriller.  This story is o.so.wonderful!

Caitlyn Lindsey's character comes alive in the first chapter when "things" begin happening that aren't suppose to happen.  She feels like someone is also watching her and maybe they are.

At first I wasn't sure about Josh Solomon...well, his character seems a bit weak but that soon changes and one can't help but fall in love with Josh.  He doesn't take on a super personality he just becomes more thoughtful.

As one reads on in the story there a lot of action takes place it seems that there is an under current of "something" happening but the reader can't quite figure out what.

Just when I felt I knew what was going on, well the game changed.

I loved, loved this story!  Great suspense and great mystery combined in one fantastic story of intentions gone haywire.

*This book was provided for review by Revell Reads*

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Revell (August 6, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800729161
• ISBN-13: 978-0800729165

The Yellow Lantern: True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime by Angie Dicken

Book Description:  In 1824, Josephine Clayton is considered dead by everyone in her Massachusetts village—especially the doctor she gas assisted for several months. Yet, she is still very much alive.

After the doctor’s illegal dealing with his body snatcher to obtain her body, Josephine awakens, positioned as the next corpse for his research. To cover up his crime, the doctor tries to kill her, but Josephine begs to be spared. They strike a deal—Josephine will leave her village and work at a distant cotton mill. All the while, she’ll await her true mission—posing as a mourner to help the body snatcher procure her replacement.

At the mill though, Josephine is praised for her medical remedies among the other female workers, gaining attention from the handsome factory manager, Braham Taylor. Yet, when Braham’s own loved one becomes the prey for the next grave robbing, Josie must make a choice that could put her dark past behind her or steal away the promise of any future at all.

My Thoughts:  This is an incredible story.  One that begs to be read.  The reader tries to put the book down but keeps wondering what happened?!?

the Yellow Lantern is not astray for the faint of heart.  Oh, no!  This story is about dead/living people and one young woman's mission to live.

Grave robbing?  When one hears those two words together one van't help but wonder shy would anyone want to see old bones.  Well, it turns out that there is profit to be made from old bones and body snatchers are a breed all their own.

This is the third book in the True Colors "series."  These books don't have to be read in order...they are stand alone mystery/suspense.  And.O.So.Good!

Angie Dickens writes with a scary pen bringing up things that happen in the dark but are brought to light.

I loved this story!

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

• Series: True Colors
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (August 1, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1643520830
• ISBN-13: 978-1643520834

The Healing Jar (The Prayer Jars) by Wanda Brunstetter

Book Description:  Lenore Lapp is an Amish schoolteacher in her late twenties still living at home with her parents and grandparents. She thought love had passed her by until she meets Jesse Smucker, a widower with a baby daughter. She quickly falls in love with them both and accepts Jesse’s proposal of marriage, but Jesse breaks off their engagement when he realizes he can’t marry only for convenience.

Resigned to living single, Lenore throws herself into caring for her elders. While working in her grandmother’s garden, she digs up an old jar. Will Lenore find healing for her broken heart and solve long-buried family secrets by reading the note contained inside?

My Thoughts:  This third novel in The Prayer Jars by Wanda Brunstetter is my most favorite out of the three.  Probably because it's about a school teacher and healing.  Isn't God good to give us healing?

Lenora Lapp is a loving. sensitive young lady who has much to offer.  So when Jesse Smucker asks her to marry him, even though he is a widower with a baby daughter, Lenora know that she loves Jesse and his sweet little daughter.  So when Jesse breaks their engagement, he breaks Lenora's heart as well.

Lenora decides to forget about love and help her aging grandparents.  Whole working in their garden one day she digs up a jar filled with slips of paper.

This is the beginning of the Healing Jar.  Oh, what a read!  O, What hope and healing!

Mrs. Brunstetter writes with such emotion that the reader feels as if she might be Lenora.

Loved this story!

*This book was provided for review by The Clippity Clop Club*

• Series: The Prayer Jars (Book 3)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (August 1, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1624167497
• ISBN-13: 978-1624167492

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Another great recipe I found on Pinterest . . . 

OH!MY!  SOOOOO GOOOOD!

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch salt, optional and to taste
1 cup coarsely chopped graham crackers and crumbs, about 4 full-size cracker sheets
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup butterscotch chips
3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut

DIRECTIONS:

1. To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugars, egg, vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed until well-creamed, light and fluffy, about 5 minutes (or use a hand mixer and beat for at least 7 minutes).
2. Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, optional salt, and mix until just combined, about 1 minute.
3. Add the graham crackers (include the fine crumbs too, they act as flour here and are important), chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut and beat momentarily to incorporate, less than 1 minute, or fold in by hand.
4. Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, form heaping two-tablespoon mounds (I made 22). Place mounds on a large plate, flatten mounds slightly with your palm, cover with plasticwrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 5 days, before baking. Do not bake with warm dough because cookies will spread and bake thinner and flatter.
5. Preheat oven to 350F, line a baking sheet with a Silpat, or spray with cooking spray. Place mounds on baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart (I bake 8 cookies per sheet). Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, or until edges have set and tops are just beginning to set, even if slightly undercooked, pale and glossy in the center. Do not bake longer than 9 minutes for soft cookies because they firm up as they cool (The cookies shown in the photos were baked with dough that had been chilled overnight, allowed to come to room temp for 15 minutes, and were baked for 8 minutes, with trays rotated at the 4-minute mark. They have chewy edges with soft, pillowy, gooey centers). Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before removing and transferring to a rack to finish cooling.
6. Store cookies airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Alternatively, unbaked cookie dough can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so consider baking only as many cookies as desired and save the remaining dough to be baked in the future when desired.

Deeper Than Red (Red Burning) by Sue Duffy

Book Description:  Twenty-year-old Tally Greyson isn’t consumed with her own education, social life, or career goals like most young women her age. Instead, she’s trying to save her mother from the grasp of a seductive cult. What Tally doesn’t realize is that in this community, there’s a far greater danger than any she can imagine—and she and her mother aren’t the only ones in its sights. There are plots brewing here that will threaten the fate of the world.

Concert pianist Liesl Bower has put her own dangerous past behind her, and in her Charleston family home, surrounded by those who love her, she’s preparing for a world concert tour with her dear friend, violinist Max Morozov. She thinks she’s safe; the man who tried to kill her is dead, his coconspirators have been rounded up, and no one knows she had anything to do with saving the world from a new revolution.

That is, until a world leader is assassinated on the other side of the globe, setting events into motion that could kill the U.S. president, destroy Washington—and take everything and everyone Liesl loves with it. A madman is at the controls now. Even with the backup of the CIA and the dubious protection of a former KGB agent, this time they may all be too late.

My Thoughts:  I truly enjoy stories penned by Sue Duffy.  I enjoyed reading the first two books in this Red Burning trilogy.  

Deeper Than Red is the third book in this trilogy and probably my favorite of all three reds (reads, *punny)!

All three Red Burning books are inter-related.  So, yes, it would be recommended to read them all in order.  But, yet, there are three different ladies with three different  issues/problems to be solved.

In Deeper Than Red, a cult that seems to good to be true, a young lady with only her mother's well being at heart, and a world leader who somehow seems connected to it all. Also, we meet Tally Greyson whom is trying to tie this all together.  I like Tally for she is tough and spunky with enough guts to know when to be afraid and when to ask for help.

And then concert pianist, Liesl Bower, from the previous story is back as she prepares for an upcoming piano concert with violinist, Max Morozov.  It's interesting how Ms. Duffy takes one story and ties it into the next.  Related and mysterious!

I love the action, suspense and mystery with a biblical basis that is written into these fantastic christian suspense reads!  The romance is low key and does not over shadow the suspense/mystery of all that is happening.

If you love a good, clean suspense read with christian values and light romance then this is the read for you!

(Books 1 & 2 in the Red Trilogy)

Dixie Belle (Uptown Belles) by Debbie Mayne

Book Description:  In book one of the Uptown Belles series, sparks fly when Cissy Hillwood arrives in New York City from her Alabama hometown and meets her uncle’s fiercest competitor.

My Thoughts:  I love the cover of this book.  It reminds of that.coming.of.age where we all spread our wings and fly.

This is a refreshing read.  The author writes about life.  Real life issues! And how to deal with them as a christian.  

Small towns can be ever so cruel and this happens to be the case with Cissy Hillwood.  She's had a crush one of the football players for a very long time and when he asks her out she is so excited.  But they haven't been dating long when she finds out what kind of character he has.

She is visiting with her friends when he comes up and tells her that she will date him exclusively and then too prove it hits her hard across the face.  Cissy tells him no one hits her!  She ends up calling 911.  The police come and arrests Mr. Tough Guy and the town won't let her live it down.  Terrible!  Just terrible!  Like it's her fault!   ugh!

Anyway, Cissy's mother calls her brother in New York and makes a way for Cissy to go live away from the small mindness of the people in their community.

Cissy is no sissy, though.  And throughout the story we find that Cissy is tough as nails.

I love the way that Ms. Mayne writes about christianity.  How it's so easy to be a weekend christian but a follower of Christ is an everyday fellowship, in our every dealings of life.

A great read!

• Series: Uptown Belles (Book 1)
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Realms 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1621365247
• ISBN-13: 978-1621365242

The Scripture Memory Map for Women: A Creative Journal (Faith Maps) complied by the Barbour Staff

My Thoughts:  I'm always on the lookout for journals or devotionals that will help me in my walk with the Lord.

So when I was offered this small book, The Scripture Memory MAP for women, I jumped at the chance to use it.

Each section consists of two pages...there is a place at the top of the left hand page for the date, then a square for My Memory Verse For Today, Then a place for This  Verse is important to Remember Because and enough space for you to write, Then What It Means To My Faith, Then onto the second page where there is space to write How It Applies To My Life, Then a square for Knowing This Verse Will Be Helpful When, and lastly My Prayer For Today and a space to write your prayer. 

There are colorful hearts, butterflies and arrows that point you show you which way to go.  Thus creating a type of map.  

The creative part comes when you write in the sections.  😊

There are verses at the end of each section. 

I am in love with this creative journal.  This is a Fantastic plan for memorizing God's Word!

This makes a wonderful gift!  

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

• Series: Faith Maps
• Spiral-bound: 176 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (August 1, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1643520881
• ISBN-13: 978-1643520889