WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 Easy, make ahead taco salad for a quick lunch.

Brown hamburger with seasonings, place tomatoes, cheese and 

sour cream in individual cartons, add lettuce in a baggie.

Follow picture for put together, refrigerate and grab and go for lunch.

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.

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 0764209663
ISBN-13: 9780764209666

Number of Pages: 352 Vendor: Bethany House

A Picture of Hope (Heroines of WWII) by Liz Tolsma

 Book Description:  Journalist Nellie Wilkerson has spent the bulk of the war in London, photographing mothers standing in milk lines—and she’s bored. She jumps at the chance to go to France, where the Allied forces recently landed. There she enlists Jean-Paul Breslau of the French underground to take her to the frontlines. On the journey, they stumble upon a great tragedy, leaving a girl with special needs being orphaned. 

Can Nellie and Jean-Paul see the child to a safe haven while being pursued by the Nazis, who are pressed by the advancing Allies and determined to destroy all they can before they flee? 

My Thoughts:  I find it interesting that the author, Liz Tolsma, has an adopted daughter with special needs. I would say that Mrs. Tolsma is writing from first hand experience about a girl who needs to flee from Hitler's wrath.

Journalist Nellie Wilkerson wants to go to the front lines for real news of the war.  So when the chance comes she jumps and lands in France where she asks Jean-Paul of the French underground to help her get to the frontlines.

Along the way she and Jean-Paul find a young special needs girl.  As you probably remember from history Hitler wanted to wipe out all special needs people.  So Nellie and Jean-Paul decide to risk it all and get this child to safety with the Nazis hot on their back as the Allies approach.

Such an interesting and different perspective of WWII.  I loved this story and the author has done her research and knows exactly what she's talking about.  A well written story.

*This book was provided for review by Barbour*

FUN FRIDAY

 

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.

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

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

{Barbour Blog Tour} Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Baking Cookbook

Book Description:  Fresh-baked buns or cookies waiting for a child's after-school snack is a delight many of us remember from our own mothers and grandmothers kitchens. You can now share the joy of baking for and with your own family through dozens of recipes provided by Amish bakers. Ideas for breads, rolls, cakes, cookies, and more will keep you busy taste testing and sharing all the goodies. Also included are step-by-step instructions, baking tips, and anecdotes from Amish bakers. Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, home bakers of all ages will be delighted to add this cookbook to their collections.

This is a must-have cookbook for anyone with a soft spot for baked goods, from New York Times bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter.

My Thoughts:  I admit that I love getting a new cookbook especially one of Wanda E. Brustetters' cookbooks.  

This cookbook has some great, unknown recipes or also called recipes I've not heard of.  

There are easy and delicious recipes or there are intricate and delicious recipes.  So many great new ideas.

I am especially interested in the bread recipes right now.  After all that has transpired in our world the past two years I've decided to learn to make an easy but good bread.  I found two recipes in this book that I'm going to try.   Pumpkin bread and Unleavened bread.  There's also a recipe for Friendship Bread but that's like taking on a new family member so maybe at another time for me.

This is a fantabulous cookbook so be sure to get a copy while they're flying off the shelves.

I did make the recipe below, Cherry Melt-Away Bars, the other day and they are DELICIOUS!

So I'm sharing the recipe with you:

*This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing*

 

FUN FRIDAY

 

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.

 

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

FUN FRIDAY

 

{Revell Blog Tour} A Christmas in the Alps: A Christmas Novella by Melody Carlson

 Book Description:  After a time of heartache and loss, Simone Winthrop discovers a tantalizing letter from her French great-grandmother, which seems to suggest that she is heir to a family treasure. Ever practical, Simone assumes the claim is baseless, but her best friend encourages her to find out for sure. Despite her deep-rooted fear of flying, Simone boards a jet to travel to Paris at Christmastime to uncover the truth.

During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who's on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone's family's clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.

My Thoughts:  It's never too early for Christmas reads.  And this story penned by Melody Carlson is one of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit, especially after the last year we all endured.

Simone is feeling weak, weary and discouraged.  She finds a letter from her great-grandma.  A letter that seems to suggest that Simone may be the heir family treasure.  But in order to find out what this family treasure is she must conquer her fear of flying and get on a plane bound for Paris at Christmas.

She makes it on the plane and then she meets a charming man, Kyle Larsson, who is going to France to be an apprentice in clock making.  Unfortunately, Kyle and Simone have to part ways rather quickly but as life would have it they meet again on the French Alps.

This isn't just a "regular"  Christmas read and definitely not your everyday romantic read.  If you know Melody Carlson then you know this is going to be a fun quirky story with a not so normal ending.  

The fun is in the reading of this adventure!

*This book was provided for review by Revell*

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Revell (September 7, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0800739337
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0800739331
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.3 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.6 x 0.8 x 8.6 inches

{Revell Blog Tour} Hostile Intent (Danger Never Sleeps, #4)

 Book Description:  Ava Jackson entered the military shortly after high school, but her mother's illness has forced her to request an early discharge. She already lost her father while deployed, and there's no way she's going to let her mother die alone. But after a visit to the nursing facility where her mother lives, Ava is attacked walking back to her car. Fortunately, FBI Special Agent Caden Denning arrives in time to help fight off her attacker.

Caden reveals to Ava that she may hold the key to the murders of three families, and he needs her help before anyone else is harmed. The hits show a pattern, and clearly the killer has an agenda. But if Caden and Ava can't discover what it is, Ava may be next on the hit list.

My Thoughts: This is the fourth book in the Danger Never Sleeps series.  By  Favorite suspense author and probably my favorite so far in this series.

I like Ava because she's gutsy and tough with a soft side too.  But even tough people need an ally.

Ava is discharged from the military in an early release so that she can be with her dying mom.  There's no one else to be with her mom at this stage in life so Ava deems it her responsibility.  However, on the way to her vehicle she is attacked.  the attacker got as good as he gave.  but the whole thing shook Ava up.  She doesn't understand the why of it all.

Then FBI Special Agent Caden Denning shows up and helps her fight off the attacker.

What Caden says later really has Ava in turmoil.  Caden mentions that Ava may be the key to the murders happening in the area.  this is where the story really begins.

A fast paced story with a twist of romance.  I loved it and you may too!

*This book was provided for review by Revell*

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Revell (August 3, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0800729374
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0800729370

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

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)

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 

FUN FRIDAY