Peace on Earth {A Christmas Collection} by Mary Engelbreit

Book Description:  I surely wish with all my heart, This day of Jesus' birth, That peace and love and happiness Soon cover all the earth. Mary Engelbreit rings in the holiday with a Christmas collection that includes many of her favorite carols, the story of Jesus' birth, and beloved poems that touch the heart and celebrate the miracle of the season.

My Thoughts:  I absolutely Mary Engelbreit's artistry!  So, I was excited to receive this beautiful, hardback book where every page is filled with  Mary Engelbreit's beautiful art! 

The book is full of Christmas poems, Christmas carols and the Christmas story from the book of Luke.  It is suppose to be for kids ages 4-8 but it's SO sweet and unique that this "big" kid loves it, too!  This is an all things beautiful about Christmas book!

It's a keepsake book that should be saved, read at Christmastime and handed down to the next generation.  It's a book that many adults would like to read and look at too!  

The art work is fantastic and ever so colorful!  A wonderful addition to any Christmas tradition.  

I love this book!  It would also make a great gift...to be opened on Christmas Eve.

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Hardcover: 40 pages

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Another GREAT recipe from Pinterest and it's not only delicious it doesn't stick to the hips!

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla
• pinch of salt
• 2 eggs- whisked
• 1/4 cup coconut oil-melted
• 1/3 cup pecans or walnuts
• 1 or 2 tbs raw honey, depending on how ripe your bananas are and how sweet you like it
• 1/2 cup Enjoy Life brand mini chocolate chips
• Silicone muffin cups – if you have them

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl smash the bananas.
2. Add eggs, vanilla, coconut oil and honey. Blend together.
3. In a larger bowl combine dry ingredients: almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and blend well.
5. Add all but a couple of tablespoons of your chopped nuts.
6. Add chocolate chips.
7. Blend together.
8. Pour into silicone muffin cups.
9. Sprinkle remaining nuts on top of muffins.
10. Bake at 350 degrees for about 22-25 minutes.
11. Store covered in fridge or freeze for an on-the-go snack!

Book Description: Callie Hoffman has a good life in Kingdom, Kansas. She's engaged to Levi Housler, the new pastor of Kingdom Mennonite Church, and she spends her days working with Lizzie Housler, her friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, at the town cafe. 

When a body is discovered on the road outside Kingdom and the deceased turns out to be the victim of a serial killer, the new county sheriff begins questioning Kingdom residents. Unsettled at the prospect of a killer in Kingdom, Callie is desperate to find answers for herself, especially when her own fiance seems to know more about the murder than he's telling. 

As the town battles an entirely unforeseen danger and Callie's very life is threatened, the stakes are as high as they've ever been and the people of Kingdom must learn anew to put their trust in God alone. 

My Thoughts: Another favorite author,Nancy Mehl, writes a fantastic novel in Unforeseeable!

I read the first two books in the Road To Kingdom series by Nancy Mehl and loved them!  So, again, I waited ever so {im}patiently for book 3.

Now Callie has a great life in Kingdom, Kansas and is engaged to Levi, the new pastor of Kingdom Mennonite Church.  

As the story begins the reader is hoping that Callie is on the road to a better life. And it seems like all is going well and, then, a body is discovered on the road outside of Kingdom. It seems that there is a serial killer in town.

Now Callie feels compelled to find the answers about the murders and it seems that her fiancee is "hiding" something from her.  Does he know more than he is telling?  The unforeseen danger of murder is like a milestone around the sweet town of Kingdom.  Can Callie help before the killer strikes again?  Especially when her own life is at risk?

What a read!  Full of light romance, mystery and suspense! 

The first two Road to Kingdom reads were great stories but this is by far my favorite!  

The first two reads in the Road to Kingdom:

• Series: Road to Kingdom (Book 3)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764209299
• ISBN-13: 978-0764209291

Harriet Beamer Strikes Gold {Harriet Beamer Series} by Joyce Magnin

Book Description:  After a whirlwind cross-country move, Harriet and her donut-loving basset hound, Humphrey, have settled into a new life in Grass Valley, California. When Harriet learns that she's going to be a grandma for the first time and get a new suite with room for her salt-and-pepper shaker collection, she can't wait for her best friend, Martha, to come visit so she can share her good news. But adventure is never far away when Harriet is around. After listening to the pleas of a desperate teen whose daddy needs money right away---and happens to have a gold mine to lease---Harriet falls hook, line, and sinker into the venture. Although she's nervous about her investment, Harriet chooses to keep it a secret from her son, Henry, and his wife. She can only imagine what she'll do if this turns out to be her ticket to a golden windfall. When suspicions arise, though, it becomes clear that Harriet may never see an ounce of gold. But will she continue to trust and risk losing everything? The fate of the young teen and a family emergency show Harriet where her true treasure lies.

My Thoughts:  I absolutely Loved the first book in the Harriet Beamer Series, Harriet Beamer Rides the Bus!

So, I waited and snatched up this book, Harriet Beamer Strikes Gold, as soon as it was available, because I knew that I would not be disappointed. 

Oh!My!  Joyce Magnin writes with a humorous flair that had me laughing out loud!  Harriet Beamer is a force to be reckoned with, for sure!

Harriet has a heart as big as Texas so when a "desperate" teen talks Harriet into leasing a gold mine her daddy has for lease....well, Harriet secretly makes her investment. Harriet just knows that this will be the best investment for her and help others too.  

Then there's Harriet's unbelievable salt and pepper shaker collection.  She collects the most unique salt and pepper shakers.  I think her collection shows her love for people who are most unusual.  She sees the heart.

Then the fun begins!  

Never try to cross a woman, especially an older woman who is quite determined.  Just when things begin to go sour, Harriet (and the teen) learn where "real gold" lies.

This read was beyond my expectations!  Loved, loved it!

GO HERE to visit Joyce Magnin's blog!

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031033358X
• ISBN-13: 978-0310333586

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.

A Christmas Gift for Rose by Tricia Goyer

Book Description:  Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But as she prepares to marry, she's thrown into confusion when she learns the truth of her birth. She was born Englisch and abandoned when the family moved on in search of work.

Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind---Englischers? And was her intended's gift of discovering her birth family given out of love or fear?

My Thoughts:  Christmas!  A time of forgiveness and love!  

Rose has grown up in the midst of the Great Depression.  Rose and Jonathon are in love and Rose is ready to marry Jonathon.  

Then she finds that she was born English.  And Rose also feels abandoned.  Rose wonders if she is really Amish or English?

But Jonathon has been a medic in the war.  No amish man would even join a war!  And Rose turns her back on Jonathon because he isn't part of the Amish now.  Some twists and turns!  

Rose and Jonathon learn about forgiveness, love, acceptance and God's mercy.

For such a short book this story reads smoothly and with a lot depth. This is a "wonderful gut" Christmas novella!  But the reader must read it and decide for herself what the Christmas gift is all about!

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310336783
• ISBN-13: 978-0310336785

The Candle Classic Bible, Retold in 365 Stories

Book Description:  A Bible story for every day—365 of the best-loved Bible stories fully illustrated in a classic style will become favorites for children and parents alike, with each story divided into easy-to-read sections with the day, heading, and Scripture reference. Children are encouraged to spend family time together reading a new story each day.

Old Testament: From the Story of Creation to Isaac, from Joseph to Ruth, from Job to David, from Elisha to the Prophets.

New Testament: From John the Baptist to the story of Jesus, to the story of the Apostles, to John’s Vision of Heaven.

My Thoughts:  This book was quite a surprise . . .  a nice surprise!  I was expecting a soft back, kind of cartoony looking book but instead this is a lovely hardback book with realistic looking "drawings" of biblical characters and sceneries.  

The biblical "stories are short, almost like a novella, a retelling of the Scripture, not the exact Scripture.  However, the retelling does not stray from the Scripture.  The "story" form just makes it easier for kids to read and comprehend.  The Bible reference for each retelling is right below the title of that retelling.

This is a book for older children.  The suggested ages are 8-10 years old but I would extend the ages from 7-12.  Actually any elementary age child that is  reading would probably enjoy this book.

Kids like short, to the point lessons.  And this is one of those books that gives the kids a non-detailed version.  But it would be great for the parent to read the Bible verses to the child or with the child.  

I think this could be a great devotional tool.  

This book would also make a great gift!

We loved the book!  My 13 year old said, "Wow!  Nice book"  Now that's a great compliment from a young teen.

• Age Range: 8 - 10 years
• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1859858678
• ISBN-13: 978-1859858677

A Christmas Prayer by Wanda 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.

Paperback: 176 pages Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (September 1, 2018) Language: English ISBN-10: 9781683226574 ISBN-13: 978-1683226574 ASIN: 1683226577

The Pages of Her Life by James L. Rubart

Book Description:  Allison Moore is making it. Barely. The Seattle area architecture firm she started with her best friend is struggling, but at least they’re free from the games played by the corporate world. She’s gotten over her divorce. And while her dad’s recent passing is tough, their relationship had never been easy.

Then the bomb drops. Her dad had a secret life and left her mom in massive debt.

As Allison scrambles to help her mom find a way out, she’s given a journal, anonymously, during a visit to her favorite coffee shop. As the pressure to rescue her mom mounts, Allison pours her fears and heartache into the journal.

But then the unexplainable happens. The words in the journal, her words, begin to disappear. And new ones fill the empty spaces— words that force her to look at everything she knows about herself in a new light.

Ignoring those words could cost her everything . . . . but so could embracing them.

My Thoughts:  The storyline was fine.  I'm sure it's just me but I just could not get into this story.

I know the way authors pen a story affects how a reader reacts to the story.  The way this story is presented is fine and to be honest I'm tired of divorce stories.  There are so many more of us that are married than are divorced.  

Okay maybe I like a cotton candy story with lots of sweetness and fluff.  This was not such a story.

you be the judge and read it for yourself.

*This book was provide for review by The Fiction Guild*

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 21, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718099427
• ISBN-13: 978-0718099428

{Fiction Guild Blog Tour} The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay

Book Description:  One of Madeline Cullen’s happiest childhood memories is of working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly twenty years later, family troubles and her own bitter losses have hardened Madeline’s heart toward her once-treasured aunt—and the now struggling bookshop left in her care.

While Madeline intends to sell the shop as quickly as possible, the Printed Letter’s two employees have other ideas. Reeling from a recent divorce, Janet finds sanctuary within the books and within the decadent window displays she creates. Claire, though quieter than the acerbic Janet, feels equally drawn to the daily rhythms of the shop and its loyal clientele, finding a renewed purpose within its walls. When Madeline’s professional life takes an unexpected turn, and when a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions, she questions her plans and her heart. She begins to envision a new path for herself and for her aunt’s beloved shop—provided the women’s best combined efforts are not too little, too late.

My Thoughts:  Love lost, friendships won, life in a bookshop.

This is an interesting and times riveting story of life all from the pages of a bookshop.

I notably love books, I love a great book shop.  

The smell of print, the eye candy of books and the quietness that seeps into the book soul.

Madeline Cullen wants to sell the bookshop since life seems flat to her.  She finds that of her employees have a different idea though.

Janet suffering from the effects of a recent divorce and Claire loves the stability of the shop.

As Madeline's life changes with a romantic love in view she begins to realize just what the bookshop means to her and other people.  

This story is more that black and white pages it's all about love and new beginnings.

Loved this story!

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

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 14, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785222006
• ISBN-13: 978-0785222002

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.

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Book Description:  On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can scarcely believe it when he's forced off the train by a retired outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the minister she requested for her birthday. Worried this unfortunate detour will ruin his chances of finally serving a congregation of his own, Crockett is determined to escape. But when he finally gets away, he's haunted by the memory of the young woman he left behind--a woman whose dreams now hinge on him.

For months, Joanna Robbins prayed for a preacher. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. A man to help her discover answers to the questions that have been on her heart for so long. But just when it seems God has answered her prayers, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett to stay in her little backwoods community? And does the attraction between them have any chance of blossoming when Joanna's outlaw father is dead set against his daughter courting a preacher?

My Thoughts:  I love books that are set in my "area."  Since I live in the piney woods of East Texas I could just imagine all the sights and sounds that Ms. Witemeyer describes. 

But it's the story that really grabbed my attention...who would steal a preacher?!?!  Isn't that kind of contradictory?! 

Well, as odd as it sounds Joanna sends out a posse to do just exactly that!  Steal a preacher!  Crockett Archer (don't you just love that name!) is the preacher that is "captured/stolen."  

Crockett believes that all things work together for good, for God's purposes.  So, even though he struggles with being "stolen"  he goes a long.

Now, Joanna doen't want Crockett for her own gain.  No!  He is a must for her to carry out her dying mother's request.  And all that Joanna wants for her birthday is a minister to help her bring God back into their abandoned church.

A humorous read that brings life into history.

Book Trailer

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 0764209663
ISBN-13: 9780764209666

Number of Pages: 352 Vendor: Bethany House

COTT {Clash of the Titles}

Clash of the Titles brings you the latest in Christian fiction.

If you enjoy fiction, romance, or quilts, you'll want to check out today's featured new release. If you love all three, you'll want to run (not walk!) to your nearest bookstore--or for Amazon.com shoppers, click the cover image below.

A Healing Heart

by Angela Breidenbach

About A Healing Heart:
Will Joel help Mara or take everything she has left? Mara Keegan is an uber-successful mother and a widow of three years. She's been chasing success and all the "good things in life" for her family to make up for the cruel whim God played on them by taking her husband. In an effort to be the perfect mom, she decides to make a photo memory quilt, a graduation present for her daughter, Cadence.She's not yet finished when she experiences a heart attack. How can Mara trust the one man who nearly destroyed her life and business? While Mara recuperates, she's forced to face her physically and spiritually broken heart. The memory quilt must be finished in time for Cadence's big day, but Mara struggles with her burgeoning feelings for the man who must keep Mara's business going during her recovery, Joel Ryan. Can Joel find his way into Mara's heart and onto Cadence's quilt? Or will he betray a vulnerable woman and her children?

PURCHASE AT:

AMAZON.COM

BARNES AND NOBLE.COM

Praise for A Healing Heart:
“A heart-warming and romantic story of new beginnings and hope through the fog. A story of real life filled with true emotion and characters you can't help but love.”—NY Times bestselling author, Tosca Lee, www.toscalee.comTosca’s latest book: Iscariot“A Healing Heart is an emotional story of learning to let go of the past and embracing the future. Angie Breidenbach deftly creates lifelike teenagers, a frazzled mother, and a caring hero you will love. This charming book tugs at your heart and encourages you to reevaluate what’s important in your life.”—Vickie McDonough, author of 25 books and novellas, including End of the Trail

About the Author: 

Angela Breidenbach is a captivating speaker, coach, and author of A Healing Heart, April 2013 from Abingdon Press in the Quilts of Love series. Her family tradition is to create the life story on a photo memory quilt for each graduating senior. She is certified in mentor/peer counseling as a CTA life coach, as a Stephen Minister, and a weight loss/nutrition coach. Follow humorous #Muse (the cat) posts as he prowls around facebook and twitter.http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.comTwitter/Pinterest: @AngBreidenbachFacebook Page:http://www.facebook.com/AngelaBreidenbachInspirationalSpeakerAuthor

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

I found this wonderful cookie recipe on Pinterest!  Oh!So!Good!

Cookies:
1 18 oz box white cake mix with pudding in the mix
2/3 cup flour
2 large eggs
1/3 cup canola oil
2 T sour cream (I used reduced fat)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large mixing bowl, stir together cake mix and flour.  Add eggs, oil and sour cream and mix on medium speed until incorporated.  Batter will be fairly stiff.  Use a cookie scoop or roll into approximately one inch balls and bake on a baking sheet lined with a Silpat or parchment paper.  This will help keep the bottoms of the cookies from browning.  Use the heel of your hand or a glass dusted with sugar to gently flatten cookies to about a half inch thick.  You don't want the bottoms to be browned or you've overbaked these.  Bake approximately ten minutes until just set.  Let cool about one minute on the pan and then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 T heavy cream
1 T vanilla extract
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1 T meringue powder
Food coloring or sprinkles as desired

Beat butter on medium speed for about two minutes until smooth.  Add cream and vanilla and beat about one more minute to incorporate.  Add sugar, one cup at a time mixing on low speed until incorporated until you reach the desired consistency.  Add meringue powder  (this will help your frosting crust so that you can stack the cookies without smearing your frosting all over the place, I use a sheet of wax or parchment paper in between layers).  You want the frosting to be fairly stiff so that it doesnt run off your cookies.  Frost cooled cookies and decorate as desired.  Store cookies in an airtight container.

Misery Loves Company by Rene Gutteridge

Book Description:  Don’t tell me it’s terrifying. Terrify me.

Filled with grief, Jules Belleno rarely leaves the house since her husband’s death while on duty as a police officer. Other than the reviews Jules writes on her blog, she has little contact with the outside world. But one day when she ventures out to the local grocery store, Jules bumps into a fellow customer . . . and recognizes him as her favorite author, Patrick Reagan. Jules gushes and thoroughly embarrasses herself before Regan graciously talks with her. And that’s the last thing she remembers—until she wakes up in a strange room with a splitting headache. She’s been kidnapped. And what she discovers will change everything she believed about her husband’s death . . . her career . . . and her faith.

My Thoughts:  I love to read books authored by Rene Gutteridge because I never know what is really going to happen.

I began reading Misery Loves Company and thought well, it's pretty much going to be about a grieving widow who blogs and she enjoys reading.

Not so!  Wow!  

It seems that sometimes we think we know people, especially our spouses, but in reality we are just living side-by-side without any real knowledge of their true lives.

This read had more twists and turns than an Arizona mountain road on a rainy day!  

What a fantastically written novel! I loved it! 

List Price:     12.99 

ISBN:

978-1-4143-4933-6 

Trim Size:

5 1/2 x 8 1/4 

Binding:

Softcover 

End of Summer but not end of great reads!

Today I want to share some of my most favorite reads with you.  

I absolutely LOVE the sisterchick books.  Each sisterchick book by Robin Jones Gunn is a stand alone read.  Each book has two or more different women that love the Lord and are on a journey...sometimes for rest, sometimes for service and sometimes for inheritance. 

I love each book and I just can't pick a favorite that's why all of the sisterchick books are posted.  I actually re-read each book when I have no other books to read!

I love the nuggets of truth that are planted throughout the story!  OH!SO GOOD!

As I read these books my faith is increased and I'm ready to go on a sisterchick journey myself!

{not posted in any specific order}