WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} From Wanda Brunstetter's cookbook

 https://www.amazon.com/Brunstetters-Friends-Healthy-Options-Cookbook/dp/1643529250/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=healthy+living+cookbook+by+wanda+brunstetter&qid=1621613509&sr=8-2

The Discovery Series by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 

Book Description:  A young Amish couple faces formidable challenges in this innovative 6-part serial novel. Introducing you to Meredith and Luke Stoltzfus, whose marriage is threatened, Brunstetter leads you on a compelling journey of doubt, faith, love, and hope that will keep you reading---and guessing---until the end. A heartwarming saga! 128 pages each, six slipcased softcovers from Barbour.

My Thoughts:  This is one of the best "mini series" that I have ever read!  Each book is about this sweet, young Amish couple who are newly married, Meredith and Luke.

Intrigue, mystery and romance...along with Amish traditions.

Each of the mini books is a story within itself but each until you reach the sixth book has a wonderful cliff hanger.  

Yes, each book goes with the next.  

This is one great set....A must read for all Amish fiction lovers!

Format: Paperback Number of Pages: USA Vendor: Barbour Publishing ISBN-13: 9781624167515

Fun Friday!

 It pays to read the fine print!

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Hurricane Season: A Southern Novel of Two Sisters and the Storms They Must Weather by Lauren K. Denton

 

Book Description: Betsy and Ty Franklin, owners of Franklin Dairy Farm in southern Alabama, have long since buried their desire for children of their own. While Ty manages their herd of dairy cows, Betsy busies herself with the farm’s day-to-day operations and tries to forget her dream of motherhood. But when her free-spirited sister, Jenna, drops off her two young daughters for “just two weeks,” Betsy’s carefully constructed wall of self-protection begins to crumble.

As the two weeks stretch deeper into the Alabama summer, Betsy and Ty learn to navigate the new additions in their world—and revel in the laughter that now fills their home. Meanwhile, record temperatures promise to usher in the most active hurricane season in decades.

Attending an art retreat four hundred miles away, Jenna is fighting her own battles. She finally has time and energy to focus on her photography, a lifelong ambition. But she wonders how her rediscovered passion can fit in with the life she’s made back home as a single mom.

When Hurricane Ingrid aims a steady eye at the Alabama coast, Jenna must make a decision that will change her family’s future, even as Betsy and Ty try to protect their beloved farm and their hearts. Hurricane Season is the story of one family’s unconventional journey to healing—and the relationships that must be mended along the way.

My Thoughts:  If you are a woman and have a sister(s) you will appreciate how Lauren K. Denton develops the sister relationship in this story.  

Ms. Denton doesn't write a fru fru story full of ruffles and lace but a down to earth story that is a real tear jerker.

Betsy and Ty have always dreamed of having a family but it never happened.  So, when this childless couple suddenly have two sweet little girls dropped off for just two weeks at their farm, things change.

Betsy loves her and neices and so does her husband Ty.  The little girls add so much life, love and laughter to their very quiet home.

When Hurricane Ingrid arrives and threatens everything they've worked for it's interesting to see what becomes important.

Such a great read....life, love and relationships.

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 071808425X
• ISBN-13: 978-0718084257

Fun Friday

 

Along a Storied Trail by Ann H. Gabhart

Book Description:  Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn't mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in her books. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it--or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks?

Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long she's nearly as rocky as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped giving too much of herself away to others.

As is so often the case, it's easier to see what's best for others than to see what's best for oneself, and Perdita knows who Tansy should choose. But why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?

My Thoughts:  This lovely book cover drew me into a story of love and grace.

What really caught my attention about this story is Tansy Calhoun.  She's a horse packing librarian in a saddle.  She rides the rough terrain to give books to those in the Appalachian community books to ease their weary days.  Or to encourage their story telling.

Then there's sweet Perdita who sees herself as an age old sinister, one who has given up on true love.

I've heard of bookmobiles, libraries in a bus or truck, that one from town to town to let country folk enjoy books but I'd never heard of a horse mobile.  Tansy is a ;iberian on a horse carrying a few books with her so others may enjoy great literature.  Because there's nothing like a good read.

But this story isn't all about books, it includes love, grace and mercy.

Tansy thinks she's in love but Perdita who has been dumped by a man sees Tansy's love story in a different light and would like to speak with her but who listens to an old maid!?

This is quite a story!  A lovely story of love to come and love gone by.

*This book was provided for review by Revell*

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

A great soup!  One I make quite often.

Love Finds Faith (The Homeward Journey, book 2) by Martha Rogers

 

Book Description:  Why can’t people see what is on the inside?

Hannah Dyer has just moved to Texas to help her brother-in-law in his medical practice. Despite her handicap of having one leg much shorter than the other, she is a great nurse whose skills help make the practice the most successful in the area.

When Micah Gordon returns home after some shady escapades, his father hopes he will settle down to ranch life. Hannah is smitten by his good looks and roguish ways, but because of her leg, she has no hopes of attracting his attention.

My Thoughts:  Love Finds Faith is book 2 in the Homeward Journey.  I enjoyed book one, Love Stays True, but there was something about book 2!  I enjoyed this story so much more! Of course, Hannah is in Texas, maybe, just maybe, that has something to do with making this a great read!  

Hannah is helping her brother-in-law with his medical practice.  Which seems ironic in some ways since Hannah has a handicap.  She has one longer leg than the other or some would say she has a much shorter leg than the other.  Either way, this makes Hannah limp/walk quite badly.

As much as Hannah enjoys helping others she wishes for a life of her own, a family and a husband who loves her.  But she feels that no man would be interested in a "cripple."  Poor Hannah! 

But wait!  For God always knows the path we walk eve before we get there!  {Don't you just love God's plan, even when there seems to be no plan!}  Great life lesson here!

And then Micah Gordon returns home to ranch life and boy!o!boy!  Hannah is smitten.  But is Micah as smitten with Hannah?  Or does he feel sorry for her because of her condition?  Can a man really look at her heart and not see her handicap?

This is a story for faith and love!  Even when "life" seems to much too bear God brings all things together for our good!

A great read!

• Series: The Homeward Journey (Book 2)
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Realms
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1621365468
• ISBN-13: 978-1621365464

Amish Cooking Class - The Blessing by Wanda E. Brustetter

  

Book Description:  Despite stressful changes occurring in their lives, Lyle and Heidi once again open their Ohio home up to those seeking to learn about Amish cooking. This time a teenager helping her divorced dad cook for the family, a caterer needing new recipes, a food critic, a hunter looking to impress his buddies, a wife given the class as an unwanted gift, and a mailman lured in by the aroma of good cooking gather around Heidi’s table.

During each class, Heidi teaches culinary skills, but it is her words of wisdom that have a profound effect on her students—though, this time Heidi’s own hurting heart will need some healing nourishment.

My Thoughts:  Wanda Brustetter is one of my favorite authors.  And the Amish Cooking Class books are so much fun to read.

This book, The Blessing, is the second book in the Amish Cooking Class.  The Seekers is the first book but I don't think you need to read one to understand the other.

As it turns out Lyle and Heidi once again decide to have cooking classes in their home.  Cooking classes seem to quite popular with the Englischers, do we English not cook?  Anyway, six people sign up:  a teen who wants to help her divorced dad, a caterer, a food critic, a hunter, a wife who didn't want this cooking class as a gift, and a mailman.

The funniest one of the group to me is the mailman.  He signed up for the class simply because of the aromas coming from Heidi's kitchen.  😊

Heidi teaches the classes but as she teaches she also incorporated words of wisdom.  These words of widest help nourish hungry souls and hearts just as her food helps nourish the body.

And the blessing!  O the blessing!  I won't tell you, you must read it for yourself.

I loved this book!  And I, too, wanted to be apart of Heidi's cooking class!

• Series: Amish Cooking Class (Book 2)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1624167454
• ISBN-13: 978-1624167454

Fun Friday

 

{Barbour Blog Tour} A Bible Study Journal for Women by Barbour Publishing

 Book Description:  You want more from your time alone with scripture. . .A Bible Study Journal for Women provides helpful instruction and ample space for you to jot down your reflections.

My Thoughts: This is one of the most beautiful journals I have ever seen.  The cover is in bright pinks and a soft blue, it just catches the eye.  But the most impressive feature of this journal are the pages it has for the journaler to write on.

The pages give one room to write and express what one has read in the Bible.  It's not not those itty bitty little spaces but real room to freely express thoughts.

Also this journal has stained glass edges which makes it a beauty and a bookmark to save your place for later writings.  And two-color interior writing.

It's probably the journal I've been looking for most of my life.  

I love it!

*This journal was provided for review by Barbour Publishing*

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Another great recipe from Pinterest:

Ingredients

• 5 tbsp butter, divided
• 3 large carrots, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 c. or a 32 oz. box, low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-3/4 inch cubes
• 1 celery root, peeled and cut into ¼ inch cubes
• 2 medium heads broccoli, chopped into florets
• 1 small head cauliflower, chopped into florets
• ¼ tsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. ground black pepper
• pinch paprika and cayenne pepper
• 6 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 3 c. milk (1%, 2% or whole)
• ½ c. half & half (non-fat, low-fat or regular)
• 2 c. shredded medium or sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz block)

Directions

1. In a large pot over set over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter. When the butter has melted, add the carrots, celery and onion and saute for 4 minutes. Add garlic and saute for a minute longer. Stir in the chicken broth, potatoes, celery root, thyme, salt, pepper, paprika and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, cover and allow to simmer for 15 minutes (or until the potatoes are almost tender). Stir in the broccoli and cauliflower, cook for 5-7 minutes longer or until veggies are tender.
2. Meanwhile, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly for about a minute. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking vigorously as you add the milk little by little. Whisk until smooth. Constantly whisk as the mixture comes to a gentle boil. When it begins to thicken add the half & half, then remove from heat and pour into the soup (after the veggies are fully cooked). Stir everything together, then turn the heat off. Gradually add the cheddar, stirring until the soup is nice and smooth

{The Fiction Guild} The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel

 

Book Description:  As a counselor, Sophia Barrett is trained to help people cope with their burdens. But when she meets a new patient whose troubles mirror her own, she realizes she hasn’t dealt with the pain of her recent past. After making a snap decision to get away for the summer, Sophia moves overseas to an apartment above a charming bookstore in Cornwall, England. She is hopeful she will find peace there surrounded by her favorite thing: great literature. 

Bookstore owner Ginny Rose is desperate to save her business without asking for help from a husband who’s decided to take a break from their marriage. Ginny never imagined she’d be solely responsible for keeping afloat her husband’s dream, but the unexpected friendship with her new renter has her feeling more optimistic. Between the two of them—and Ginny’s brother-in-law, William—the bookstore might stand a chance. 

Then Sophia finds a notebook in the bookstore that contains journal entries from Emily Fairfax, a governess who lived in Cornwall more than 150 years ago. Sophia learns that Emily harbored a secret passion for becoming an authoress—as well as a deep love for her childhood friend, Edward, whose station she dared not dream to touch. 

My Thoughts:  Three people, three stories and a bookstore.  

A new to me author and a wonderful read.

This novel is all about a charming bookstore in an English village.  The bookstore though is a catalyst for people who need each other and need "something" in their lives.

Sophia moves from the States to England to live  above the bookstore .  She is seeking peace and needs to make amends with her past.

Ginny owns the bookstore but due to unforeseen life changes...her husband needs break form their marriage....Ginny isn't sure she can handle everything.  But then her friendship with Sophia changes her outlook on life.

Then from the far past, when Sophia finds a journal in the bookstore, and reading begins reading it so many things come together and makes sense.

This is kind of like three books in one since three are three people involved in different years.  The author does a great job of keeping the stories flowing and relatable.

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

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718075722
• ISBN-13: 978-0718075729

The Mockingbird's Song (Volume 2) (Amish Greenhouse Mysteries) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 

Book Description:  Sylvia has been nearly paralyzed with grief and anxiety since the tragic death of her husband, father, and brother in a traffic accident. She tries to help in the family’s greenhouse while caring for her two young children, but she prefers not to have to deal with customers. Her mother’s own grief causes her to hover over her children and grandchildren, and Sylvia seeks a diversion. She takes up birdwatching and soon meets an Amish man who teaches her about local birds. But Sylvia’s mother doesn’t trust Dennis Weaver, and as the relationship sours, mysterious attacks on the greenhouse start up again.

My Thoughts:  After reading The Crow's Call by Wanda E. Brunstetter I was so excited to receive this next book.  

This is a wonderful story of love and grace.  And it's a somewhat   sequel to The Crow's Call.  The women who lost their husbands in the tragic buggy accident.  So, in a way the books should be read in order.

Poor Sylvia she was once a married woman and independent in the community.  And then she becomes a widow with two young children.  

And mothers!  Mothers try so hard to help but so many times they inadvertently get in the way.  Hence, Sylvia's mother, who also lost her husband, is giving Sylvia a headache by trying to run her life.

A wonderful story.  This is not a fast paced story so if you're looking for a fast paced mystery, this isn't it.  This is more of a cozy mystery with alot of Amish facts for those of us who love reading about the Amish community.

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

Fun Friday

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 Pretty simple..follow the picture or

put in veggies you like.

Recipe