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}

 

Sugarcreek Surprise, #2 By: Wanda E. Brunstetter

 

Book Description:  Welcome to Sugarcreek, Ohio, where the Amish schoolteacher has a determined admirer. Tragically losing her parents as a child, Lisa Miller has grown up being afraid of loving and losing. She dedicates herself to teaching at an Amish schoolhouse and helping the grandparents who raised her, all the while avoiding the advances of newcomer Paul Herchberger. Paul enjoys antiques and meets Orley Troyer while looking for unique old milk bottles at yard sales. Orley and his wife offer prayers and advice as Paul tries to reach Lisa’s closed heart. But when secrets are revealed, will Lisa use them as an excuse to close herself off again?

My Thoughts:  I am really enjoying this new series of Wanda Brunstetter's Creek Town Discoveries.

This is the second book in the series.  If you remember the first book you'll remember that this is set around an antique store with some unusual pieces and unusual folk.

Of course, it is about Amish folk.  Now that Orley Troyer and his wife own the local antique shop and are dedicated to the Lord.  So when they have a garage sale and Paul Herchberger who is a newcomer to their area arrives looking for antique milk bottles.  Orley and his wife talk with Paul and then offer to pray with him as he needs some guidance.

Also Lisa Miller is the new school teacher in their area.  She is helping her grandparents.  Lisa is afraid of loving and losing because it seems that all her life she loved someone and they left.  So when Paul wants to get to know her she backs way off but Paul doesn't let up.

A sweet and insightful story on the dealings of the human heart.

A grand story!

*This book was provided for review by Barbour books*

Beautiful Wisdom Daily Devotions by Barbour Books

Book Description:  God's Word is living and powerful and sharper than a sword (Hebrews 4:12), and through His Son, we have new life (Romans 6:4). This lovely daily devotional collection will bless women of all ages with scriptures carefully selected from the easy-to-understand New Life Version of the Bible.  Each devotion includes a title, scripture, faith-building reading, and prayer—designed to draw you closer to your heavenly Father through daily quiet time with the One who loves you most.  This gorgeous devotional is perfect for personal use or makes a thoughtful gift that will be cherished for years to come and pairs perfectly with the Beautiful Wisdom Bibles, available from Barbour Publishing!

My Thoughts: I love, simply love devotional books! I'm always on the lookout for THAT one special book.  Well today I believe I have found THAT book for this year.

It has 365 Encouraging readings for the believe to read and think about.  

At the top of each page is the day.  Eg. Day 183.  Then the title of the devotional.  Then a scripture that goes with the devotional.  Next the devotional which takes up most of the page which is appropriate since it is a devotional book.

At the very end of the page is a short prayer for you to pray after reading the devotional or add to the prayer somewhat like a prayer starter.

It's a beautiful devotional chockfull of God's goodness for every day of the year.

The only drawback of this devotional book which doesn't affect me but something to be aware of when buying is that the font is small not tiny but maybe small for some to read.

It's the perfect gift for a young woman for graduation or for a birthday gift.  It also makes a nice "card" for that person who needs encouragement.

*This book was provided for review by Barbour Books*

Fun Friday

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

With This Ring?: A Novella Collection of Proposals Gone Awry by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, Melissa Jagears

 

Book Description:  Humorous Historical Romance Novella 

Collection Offers Love and Laughs

Four top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor. In Karen Witemeyer's "The Husband Maneuver," Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins when the ranch foreman she loves seems to be leaving forever. Regina Jennings offers "Her Dearly Unintended," where friends stranded by a rising river pretend to be newlyweds when a dangerous stranger arrives. 

Mary Connealy's "Runaway Bride" finds a Texas ranger getting more than he expected when he rescues a young woman fleeing a dangerous arranged marriage. And Melissa Jagears' "Engaging the Competition" finds a young woman forced to assist the man she's often sparred with after an accident leaves him helpless. Each tale is a fun blend of history and romance that will delight readers. 

My Thoughts:  A fun and light read for the reader who needs a laugh...somtimes a belly laugh from the antics of these proposals gone south.

The novellas are wonderful short stories of love and romance but there's a hitch!  These grooms.to.be aren't in the know or are truly lacking in the romance department.  

Love can be quite unexpected and sometimes quite unplanned.

The Husband Maneuver:  This story is about Marietta Hawkins who feels that she must take the lead in the romance department when the ranch foreman, Daniel Barrett, decides he is leaving forever.  Marietta comes up with a plan to lasso Daniel to the altar.
Her Dearly Unintended is a more serious story with Josiah Huckabee trying to save Katie Ellen Watson when a storm comes.  But with a washed out bridge and no way out they must stay put...and then a menacing stranger comes along.  Josiah and Katie [pretend to be married to save their reputations but also to save a life.  However, can a pretend marriage turn into a real marriage?

Runaway Bride is another mini story about a man trying to keep a woman safe by helping her escape from a "bad" man intent on marrying her.  Carrie and Big John, a solitary Texas Ranger, soon finds himself not just taking care of a lady but falling for this lady.  A cute story.

Engaging the Competition introduces us to a tomboy, Charlotte Andrews and Harrison Gray,,,they have been rivals for years.  And Charlotte is intended for another man.  But when Charlotte breaks Harrison's glasses, he cannot see thing.  Charlotte must help him with his teaching position making for a fun read.

A thoroughly enjoyable read with four great mini stories from four great western authors!

Fun Friday

 

Finding Her Way Back: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (K-9 Companions, 2) by Lisa Carter

 Book Description:  After a tragic event leaves Rob Melbourne’s little girl traumatized, he’ll do anything to help her recover—even enlist his first love, Juliet Newkirk, and her therapy pup, Moose. Working with Juliet stirs up old feelings for Rob, a distraction he doesn’t need. But with the dog’s help, the road to healing his daughter might just give Rob and Juliet a second chance at happiness…

My Thoughts: I enjoy reading Love Inspired novels.  They are short and most can be read in a day or two.  And to top it off they have such a lovely message of hope and healing.

Lisa Carter is one of my most favorite authors so I know whatever she writes is going to be a grand slam.

Finding Her Way Back is an inspirational story of a sweet little girl and her very handsome dad.  Like most parents Rob Melbourne will do anything to help his lovely little girl.  Unlike most parents Rob does not have a helpmate for he and his little girl, Sophia, are on their own.

When Juliette hears that she is to help Rob and his little girl with her therapy pup, Moose, she cant believe that it's Rob her first love!  As nervous as she is about meeting him again it all goes well and unexpectedly when Sophia and Moose make an instant connection. But this is just the beginning.  

This novel deals with the hard issues in life...grief, seperation and trauma. .   What a lovely read!  And a timely one!

Grab a copy for yourself or a special reader...it makes a GREAT Valentine's Day gift!

*A copy of this book was provided for review by the author*

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

All's Fair in LOVE and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

 

Book Description:  Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more. 

Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie’s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.

But when Lucas Brannen, Kat’s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself—her—is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat’s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.

My Thoughts:  Betsy St. Amant pens a "sweet read" in All's Fair in LOVE and Cupcakes!  

I admit that I chose this book based on the title and the picture (shameful, I know!)  But I love cupcakes and was caught up in the reality cupcake bake off.

I like Kat she is slowly coming into her "own."  And then there's Lucas...oh! Lucas!  

Lucas sees Kat's potential and he signs her up for a reality bake off show.  Kat is not sure about going on national TV for a bake off.  But she wants something more in her life than plain chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.  {This seems to be the catalyst of the story.}

The relationship between Kat and Lucas was, at times, a little like plain vanilla . . . they're friends but not sure if they should love each other.  The romance part of this story was clean and best described as young love.  Kat and Lucas like each other and are the best of friends BUT they are in love and can't seem to get the love part out. 

The best part of this story are the cupcakes and bakeoff.  

A fun, light read!

A Brand New Love Inspired Valentine's Read

 

The Prince and the Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith

Book Description:  Joseph is the pampered favorite son of the patriarch Jacob. His older brothers, deeply resentful of his status in the family, take advantage of the chance to get rid of him, selling him to slave traders and deceiving their father about his fate. It seems like their troubles are over. But for Joseph and older brother Judah, they are just beginning.

While Joseph is accused of rape and imprisoned, Judah attempts to flee the memory of his complicity in the betrayal of his younger brother. After decades apart, the brothers will come face-to-face in a stunning role reversal that sees Joseph in a position of great power while Judah begs for mercy. Will forgiveness or vengeance win the day?

My Thoughts:  This is an interesting take on the story of Joseph and his older brother, Judah.

I've never read a story a biblical story with a take on the oldest and one of the younger siblings.  

Joseph seems to be the pampered and more loved son of Jacob but as we all know he also save a nation and saves his family from starvation. 

Judah was one of the brothers who sold Joseph into into slavery but as we read in this story Joseph and Judah must come to some sort of agreement for the good of the family.  Joseph has become wiser and older by the time Judah comes to seek food in Egypt so Judah does not recognize his little brother, Joseph.

The prince Joseph must for give the prodigal Judah. This story is more about family dynamics and forgiveness.  

The author did a marvelous job of providing biblical background with just enough imaginative fiction to make this wonderful story of Joseph and Judah pop!

*This book Was provided for review by Revell*

 

The Giving Manger by Worthy

 I received The Giving Manger after Christmas but it's so cute and so neat for little people.  I'm surprised at the quality of all the things in the box.  There's a manger, a Baby Jesus, and the neatest straw to go in the manger.  But best of all there is a book to read that tells us how to interact with The Giving Manger. Next Christmas this will be the first thing out and on our family table.

We will be enriched as a family for Giving in the season of Jesus' birth as we fill Jesus' manger with Acts of Kindness.

This is a GREAT gift or a GREAT family activity for the Christmas season.  It's never too early to plan on using The Giving Manger.

*This box of The Giving Manger was provided for review by Worthy*

Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War (Heroines of WWII) by Mary Davis

Book Description: A WASP Goes Above the Call of Duty to Free Captive American Soldiers

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes; the heroines of WWII. Peggy Witherspoon, a widow, mother, and pilot flying for the Women’s Airforce Service in 1944 clashes with her new reporting officer. Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg was injured in combat and is now stationed at Bolling Field in Washington D.C. Most of Peggy’s jobs are safe, predictable, and she can be home each night with her three daughters; until a cargo run to Cuba alerts her to American soldiers being held captive there, despite Cuba being an ally.

My Thoughts:  Heroines of WWII is something I never thought of.  Women who made a difference in the war.  They are fighting so much for themselves but for the good of their children and families.

Peggy Witherspoon is a widow, a mother and a pilot int he Women's Airforce Service.  Peggy has three daughters but when duty calls...when there are American soldiers being held captive in Cuba even though Cuba is a so called ally, Peggy answers the call.

She hesitates to leave her daughters but when they tell her to go and she realizes that they'll be safe and have help Peggy goes and does a grand job.

There's sight romance because, well, Peggy is a widow and a nice looking lady at that!  Plus, she's a strong moral minded woman!  Men seem to flock to her.

It's quite interesting how Peggy decides to do the rescue mission.  And she's a great pilot to boot.

Such an interesting and insightful story.  This is a great story to give as a gift for Valentine's day for that wonderful reader on your list.

*This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing*

Fun Friday

 

Fun Friday

 

WOW (Warm Oven Wednesday)