FUN FRIDAY

 

The Walnut Creek Wish (Volume 1) (Creektown Discoveries) by Wanda E. Brustetter

 Book Description:

My Thoughts:  A whole new series...Creektown Discoveries.  

I enjoy reading books by Wanda Brunstetter because they represent a different way of life.  Sometimes an amish way of living or a Mennonite way of living or as in this story a way of life where other people are helping those in need.

Who would have thought that an antique store could bring healing to people with life hurts? But that is exactly what the Troyers have at their antique store, the Memory Keepers, a place where hurting people come to shop and end up being helped by kind words and deeds.

At first, I wasn't sure about Jeff and Rhonda.  They both seem a bit egotistical and very much all about themselves.  

Then Jeff and Rhonda (they are married) decide to move to a slower way of life.  Jeff loves to fill their garage up with antiques which leads him to buy an antique sled.

However, his wife sees the antiques as a distraction for her husband.  Rhonda feels inadequate because she can't have a baby.  Is jeff buying antiques to fill the void?

This was a great story!  I loved the interaction and love that the Troyers displayed.

And sometimes and antique sled brings more than anyone ever hoped.

*This book was provided for review by Barbour*

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Barbour Fiction (August 1, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 164352741X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1643527413

{Revell Blog Tour} The Chase (US Marshals Book #2) by Lisa Harris

Book Description:  US Marshal Madison James may not be sure who shot her three months ago, but she does know one thing--it's time to get back out into the field. When her partner, Jonas Quinn, receives a message that a federal warrant just came in on a man connected to a string of bank robberies, Madison jumps at the chance to get back to work. What she and Jonas find is a bank robbery in progress that's gone wrong--and things are about to get worse. For these bank robbers, it's never been just about the money. It's about taking risks and adrenaline rushes, and getting caught is not part of the game. When the suspects escape, Madison and Jonas must hunt them down and bring them to justice before someone else--someone close to them--gets hurt . . . or worse. From Seattle to the San Juan Islands, bestselling author Lisa Harris takes you on a nonstop chase where feelings are complicated and failure isn't an option. 

My Thoughts:  Oh, my, STARS!  I waited and waited for this book to come out.  And it did not disappoint.

I did read book #1, The Escape and I'd recommend that the reader read book 1 to understand the dynamics.

All the right ingredients, a pinch of romance, a mixture of suspense and a wonderful story that brings the reader to a place of wanting the next chapter.

Lisa Harris is one of my most favorite authors, especially in the suspense arena.

How I loved US Marshal Madison James and, well, there's Jonas Quinn.  All man and ready to help nab the bad guys.

But it's the suspense, the action and good vs. evil that really make the book.

And the setting is the San Juan Islands.  Yeah, so nice and so dangerous.

It's quite an interesting story how a bank robbery goes haywire but it's not about the money.  That's the interesting part...who puts their life on the line to rob a bank but it's not about the money?!?!

What story!  What adventure! What suspense!  It's a wonderful read!

*This book was provided for review by Revell Reads* 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Revell (July 6, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0800737318
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0800737313

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Bitter Pill by Richard L. Mabry MD

 

Book Description:  THINGS WERE GOING ALONG JUST FINE
UNTIL THE MIRACLE FOULED THEM UP

My Thoughts:  This is Dr. Maybry's novella.  It may be a short story but it's one of the best that I've read in a long time.

I never cry when reading a story but I surprised myself and found that tears were running down my face as I read this story.  Not that it's a sad story, it's a story of people in a small community surrounded by a much bigger life picture than any of them ever expected.

This story is about life...the good, the bad and the ugly.  And how it affects all of us.  

It's interesting how all our lives are interconnected and, yet, until something like an unexpected miracle happens we find ourselves seeking the One who created it all.

This short story packs quite a wallop!  

I loved this story!

• Paperback: 130 pages
• Publisher: Independently published 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1092486941

The Goodbye Bride (A Summer Harbor Novel, #2) by Denise Hunter

 

Book Description:  She only remembers loving him. But he can’t forget the way she left.

Lucy Lovett can’t remember the last seven months of her life. She doesn’t remember leaving her fiancé Zac Callahan weeks before their wedding or moving to Portland, Maine. And she sure doesn’t remember getting engaged to another man. All she remembers is loving Zac more than life itself

Zac was just beginning to get his life back on track after Lucy left him with no explanation. And now she’s back—vulnerable, homeless, and still in love with him. Has he been given a second chance with the only woman who stirs his passion and haunts his dreams?

Lucy knows she must unlock those missing months and discover why she threw everything away. And Zac knows that if he follows his heart he’ll win back the love of his life—but if Lucy’s memory returns, his would-be bride might say goodbye forever.

My Thoughts:  This is one of the "funniest" christian romances I've read this year.  I'm not sure it's suppose to be a humorous read but as I read it I kept seeing the scenarios in my head and would laugh out loud.

Lucy Lovett seems to have lost the last seven months of her life.  She doesn't remember leaving her fiancee, Zac, or moving to Portland.  

But when Lucy has to go back "home" with no memory of the last seven months and love in her heart for Zac....well, it makes a confusing world for Zac.  This is what I found humorous.  All the situations and poor Lucy still doesn't understand because she has no "back memory."

And, then, poor Zac he is SO confused but it is a romance story  and without letting out all the juicy details I will tell you it is a fun read.

Christian romance readers are sure to enjoy this lovely novel.

And here's bonus for you lovely readers you can go to Spotify music playlist and listen to the playlist for The Goodbye Bride as you read the novel:  SPOTIFY Music for The Goodbye Bride  Enjoy the music and the book!

• Series: A Summer Harbor Novel (Book 2)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718023730
• ISBN-13: 978-0718023737     

Fun Friday

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

 

Book Description:  When Meg Cole’s father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and tenderhearted–more interested in art than in oil–she’s forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father’s empire.

The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father’s thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down. Bo’s determined to resent the woman who’s decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them–her wealth, his unworthiness, her family’s outrage–and earn the right to love her.But just when Meg begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping, their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg’s past. Can their love–and their belief that God can work through every circumstance–survive?

My Thoughts:  Meg is a millionaire heiress and just wants to get back to her humble apartment.  She isn't interested in all that money!  

And Bo. Well, he's just a plain good cowboy.  He wants  to be angry at Meg but, well, he just can't help like her and protect her.

Bo has a dream and Meg could very well take that dream away.  But as they draw closer together and get to know one another . . . it seems that they're both more alike than they thought.

Family issues . . . her family is outraged about Bo, a lowly commoner, would be with an heiress.  

Meg has "something" from her past that may break the camel's back.  Can love withstand this "something?"

If you love horses and all things Texas and cowboys/cowgirls then this is the book for you!

A great  fun, christian, contemporary romance.  As in no sickly love scenes just plain ole' good romance that makes one feel those sweet tingles!

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764209752
• ISBN-13: 978-0764209758

Dead Wrong (Agatha's Amish B&B)

 

Book Description:  When Agatha Lapp’s brother and sister-in-law are tragically killed in a buggy accident, Agatha relocates to the new Amish community in Hunt Texas, nestled in the Texas Hill Country.  She’s there to make a success of her brother’s dream--an Amish B&B. Agatha is friendly, efficient, and capable. She's also a fifty-five year old widow who has learned to be independent. When she discovers Russell Dixon’s lifeless body in Cabin 3, she runs next door where retired detective Tony Vargas lives. The police determine that her guest died of natural causes, but as Agatha and Tony put together the events of the previous two days they become convinced that the police are Dead Wrong.

My Thoughts:  I love books penned by Vannetta Chapman.  I also love cozy mysteries so this book is a win-win for me.

And THIS book cover!  It speaks of simplicity but, yet, there's that red color all throughout the cover.  Do you see the little red Amish buggy to the right of the house?  And that house!  It's so big and elegant.  What a nice B&B!

Then there's the name of the B&B-Agatha's Amish B&B.  A reference to Agatha Christie maybe? 

Agatha Lapp is one fiesta Amish woman and ever.so.efficient.  If I were half as efficient as Agatha I'd have to get up pretty early in the morning to get it all done.  And she does it all with ease and grace not to mention solving a mystery.

And the setting of the story takes place in the Texas hill country.  Such a beautiful area.

This is a fun read.  Even though it's a cozy mystery the lightheartedness of the story brings the reader to a happy place of all.is.right.in.the.world.

I loved, loved this story!  

• Series: Agatha's Amish B&B (Book 1)
• Paperback: 298 pages
• Publisher: Vannetta Chapman (November 5, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1734046007
• ISBN-13: 978-1734046007

FRIDAY FUNDAY

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

We love peach cobbler and I was ecstatic to find a crockpot recipe on Pinterest.  It's delicious and so easy!  So great for those family get togethers!

Ingredients

1. 29 oz Del Monte Sliced Peaches in Heavy Syrup
2. 1 tsp cinnamon
3. 16.5 oz yellow cake mix
4. 3/4 cup pecans (chopped)
5. 1 stick butter (sliced)
6. Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Spray crock pot with non stick cooking spray. Layer remaining ingredients into crock pot in order shown. DO NOT MIX. Just sprinkle the ingredients on top of each other. Turn the crock pot on high for 2 hours. Remove from heat and enjoy with ice cream!

Blessings for the Evening by Susie Larson

 

Book Description:  It happens to all of us---the moment you turn out the light, nighttime worries grab hold of you. Larson's soothing reflections provide much-needed relaxation at the end of your day! Tranquil color photos, comforting Scripture, and calming insights will fill your heart with peace and serenity as you surrender your fears to God. Rest well!

My Thoughts:  This is a beautiful book!  The pages are loaded with pictures of nature, people and animals.

The pictures are bright and colorful and then the words are printed "on top" of the pictures.

This is not a sit down and read it type of book.  It's more of a short.put.your.mind.to.rest type of book.  It's  a relaxing book.

There are prayers, scriptures and short/very short devotionals.  It's not a deep book and therefore, it makes for a great before I go to sleep read.

I love all the pictures but one of my faves is on page 111.  There is a beautiful picture of a sunset with a long walk out to a lake.  It is entitled, Purpose in Every Step. 

This is a great encouraging "read."

I'm going to give this book as a get well card to those who need encouragement when they are ill.

It would also make a great gift!  

Format: Hardcover Number of Pages: 208 Vendor: Bethany House Publication Date: 2013

Dimensions: 7.00 X 5.00 (inches) ISBN: 0764211633 ISBN-13: 9780764211638

Bread & Butter: Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes to Fill Your Bread Basket by erin mckenna

 

Book Description:  At long last, the holy grail of gluten-free vegan baking: airy, light, and tender breads, from Erin McKenna, founder of BabyCakes NYC and Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC and the visionary who also cracked the code of vegan frosting

For two decades, a gluten sensitivity forced Erin McKenna to ignore the bread basket that accompanies dinner at her favorite restaurants. Brunch was even worse: flaky croissants, biscuits, bagels . . . As an act of self-preservation, she tried to pretend they didn’t exist. After pioneering vegan and gluten-free dessert baking at her beloved bicoastal bakery, Erin set about righting this wrong, tackling the beautiful treats in those forbidden bread baskets. The result is all the savory bread a gluten-free vegan guy or gal could want and more, including English Muffins, Cinnamon Raisin Bread, Sweet Potato Sage Rolls, Pizza Dough, Corn Tortillas, Puff Pastry Dough, Pretzels, Scallion Pancakes, even a simple and perfect Sandwich Bread. And since you can’t say “bread” without saying “butter,” she created a rich and creamy vegan butter unlike anything else, too. The world’s bread basket just got a whole lot fuller.

My Thoughts:  I wouldn't say this is the "holy grail" of gluten-free baking but it is a great cookbook for those who need/want gluten-free baked goods, especially breads.

I like eating gluten-free because my system feels better/cleaner.  And so, I picked this book, bread & butter by erin mckenna.  By the way, Erin McKenna is the founder of BabyCakes in New York City. 

There are "loaves" of bread in this wonderful cookbook but my favorite section was the biscuits section.  We live in the south so biscuits are somewhat of a staple.  

The baking/mixing directions are clear and concise.  And there are fabulous pictures on every page to go with the recipe.

Included are recipes for hummus and flavored butter.  Just one recipe a piece but that's enough for me.

There are also a couple of sweet treat recipes.  Cookies, sticky pecan rolls and on the non sweet side there is a recipe for stuffing and croutons.

These are wonderful recipes.  

This cookbook makes a wonderful gift for gluten-free people who enjoy baking.

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804137218
• ISBN-13: 978-0804137218

FUN FRIDAY

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

I found this delightful yummy lemon cookie on allrecipes.com

Lemon cookies are a summertime treat!

INGREDIENTS:

1 (18.25 ounce) package lemon cake mix 2 eggs 1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon lemon extract 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2.	Pour cake mix into a large bowl. Stir in eggs, oil, and lemon extract until well blended. Drop teaspoonfuls of dough into a bowl of confectioners' sugar. Roll them around until they're lightly covered. Once sugared, put them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
3.	Bake for 6 to 9 minutes in the preheated oven. The bottoms will be light brown, and the insides chewy.

Peril in the Palace {Imagination Station #3} Adventures In Odyssey by Marianne Hering & Paul McCusker

 

Book Description:  The place? China in 1271. The quest? The golden tablet of Kublai Khan. The problem? Just about everything! 

The Imagination Station adventures continue as cousins Patrick and Beth are kidnapped by Mongol warriors. Only the friendship of fellow traveler Marco Polo saves them from harm. They are brought to the Mongol palace, where the Kublai Khan dislikes both their gifts and their message about Christianity. The tension grows when the Mongol magicians challenge the cousins to a spiritual power showdown. As war breaks out, Beth and Patrick are locked in a secret room to prevent their escape. 
How do the cousins get the golden tablet they need to save Mr. Whittaker’s friend Albert? How do they escape the city and find the Imagination Station? Enter the perilous palace and find out!

My Review:  Having read books 1 & 2, we (my son and I) were excited to continue the adventure with Patrick and Beth in book 3, Peril in the Palace.
In book 2 Patrick and Beth, who are cousins, are trying to help Albert a friend of Mr. Whittakers.

in the adventure of book 3, the cousins need to meet Kublai Khan and find the golden tablet.  They are ready to go to China.  Beginning their adventure in China the cousins are captured Mongol Warriors who believe they are evil because they "appeared out of no where".... and the adventure continues!  Oh, and the cousins meet Marco Polo (before he became famous, of course)! 

I love this series because the books are geared for children....with christian values, adventure and tidbits of history these books are outstanding for the young reader (ages 7 and older).

This book plus the other two make for great summer reading and are wonderful for children of all ages!  If you love the Adventures In Odyssey Series then you'll love this book series!  Also, the last two pages of the book, pages 118/119, there is a secret word puzzle that helps the child to understand what s/he has read and then simply follow the instructions and the reader can look up the answer.

Remember, as the back of the book says, "The key to adventure lies within your imagination!"  

About the Authors:

Marianne has written for children since 1987 when she joined the editorial staff of Focus on the Family Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines. In the 1990s she wrote six children's mystery books and more than 40 Bible phonic readers (with co-author Margaret Wilber) for Cook Communications. Now a general book editor for Focus on the Family, she has turned her passion for children's fiction into developing a series for beginning readers who love adventure.

Wonderland: A Coloring Book Inspired by Alice's Adventures by Amily Shen

 

Book Description:  Follow the White Rabbit into this imaginative coloring book inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, featuring intricate pen-and-ink drawings by acclaimed artist Amily Shen. Meet the Cheshire Cat, attend the Mad Hatter's tea party, and play croquet with the Queen of Hearts in this evocative tale that invites you into a strange and beautiful new world of coloring.

My Thoughts:  I love, absolutely love all the adult coloring books that are making their appearance on our book shelves.

There is just something about sitting down with a pack of colored pencils and a good coloring book that just makes the aches and pains of the day roll off one's shoulders.

Emily Shen is a wonderful artist and has made a coloring book with whimsical characters based on Lewis Carroll's Alice In Wonderland story.

There is a lot to color in this sweet book.  

My favorite is the Mad Hatter's tea party.  Love the tea "things" to color and all the details.

Even though this is an adult coloring book the older child (8 years and up) may enjoy coloring in this book, too.  Because not only are there coloring pages but in this 80 page book but there is a place to draw your own butterfly and color it, too.  And then there are a couple of mazes...just think of the mazes as part of the trail of the white rabbit. 

So, grab your own coloring book and follow the white rabbit down the trail to adventures in the Wonderland of colors!

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; Clr Csm edition 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399578463
• ISBN-13: 978-0399578465
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 0.4 x 9.9 inches

JULY 4th

 

Fun Friday!