Hostage In Havana by Noel Hynd

 

Book Description:  When Alexandra LaDuca illegally enters Cuba on the trail of an unsolved mystery, she gets more than she imagined. The stakes? Her life … plus a decades-old mystery to be solved, a pile of cash, and an unlikely defector. Espionage and unexpected romance smolder together in this exciting thriller set in Cuba’s isolated capital.

My Review:  Noel Hynd brings another great read in Hostage In Havana the first book in the Cuban Trilogy!  

Fiesty U.S. Treasury agent, Alexander LaDuca (Alex for short) has found out that "The Dosi family is planning a counterattack....They've been hired to kill you." (p. 72) In the next few pages the action, the adventure and the romance are all spell bounding!

Alex has two missions that she must accomplish:  First, she must meet up

with Roland Violette, an exiled agent, who has traded names of undercover spies around the world for money, and bring him back to the United States. Secondly, she'll pose as Paul Guarneri's wife so that he can relocate hundreds of thousands of dollars that were hidden somewhere in Cuba by his father before the family escaped  "The Regime."

Then there's that assassin who uses the "a new bullet that was a head of the glass technology used by Mercedes Benz . . . Quite an efficient bit of shooting from a about four hundred meters at a fast-movingcar." (p. 73)

This read is a wonderful mix of smooth talking agents and rough cohorts that creates quite a spicy adventure!

If you've read the Russian Trilogy then you'll be familiar with Alex and the people she met that helped her with her spiritual journey.  If you haven't read the Russian Trilogy you won't be lost when you read this book.

This is one of those GREAT suspense novels that is a must read for summer!

The Russian Trilogy:

BUY BOOK HERE!

About the Author:

Noel Hynd lives in Culver City, California. He has over four million books in print throughout the world and is the bestselling author of the highly acclaimed novels The Enemy Within, Flowers from Berlin, and Cemetery of Angels, and the previous titles in the Russian Trilogy, Conspiracy in Kiev, Midnight in Madrid, and Countdown in Cairo.

Write to Zondervan authors or their estates in care of Zondervan. Your mail will be forwarded as soon as possible, but please note that the author might not be able to respond personally. Email zauthor@zondervan.com or send postal mail to:

Noel Hynd

c/o Zondervan

ATTN: Author Care

5300 Patterson SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49530

A Dangerous Stage {Protection for Hire} by Camy Tang

 

My Thoughts:  I loved the first book in this series Protection for Hire.  Now A Dangerous Stage is, again, about Tessa, but enter the lawyer, Charles Britton.  Charles is the lawyer who sent Tessa to prison (for a crime she didn't commit).  

Tessa's faith is tried, for it seems that lies abound everywhere she turns after she is hired by one of the contestants to delve into a shady singing competition.

Now, I REALLY love Camy Tang's books because they have a lot of action mixed with mounds of faith!  Camy isn't preachy but she gets the point across.  A lot like Tessa who lives her faith!

Tessa is one tough lady but she has a soft center just like a wonderful chocolate, caramel truffle but that tough exterior makes her seem like an iron maiden.   

I wasn't sure about Charles...can a "wimpy" lawyer truly help a feisty lady like Tessa?!  Will Charles really stand "tough?"  These were a couple of questions I had when Tessa meets up with Charles.

I must say that I enjoyed A Dangerous Stage even more than I enjoyed reading Protection for Hire.

One doesn't need to read Protection for Hire before reading A Dangerous Stage but reading the first book will help in understanding Tessa and her mafia family.

This is one great read!

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310320348
• ISBN-13: 978-0310320340

Fun Friday

 

WOW (Warm Oven Wednesday)

 No bake Chocolate Eclair Cake

Ingredients

2 (3.5 oz) package of instant vanilla pudding mix

1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping (COOL WHIP) thawed

3 cups milk

2 sleeves graham cracker squares

1 (16 oz) tub chocolate frosting

Directions

In a medium bowl, mix together the pudding mix, milk and Cool Whip.

In an 9 x 13 baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham cracker squares on the bottom. You may have to break them up a bit to get enough crackers to cover the bottom of your dish.

Spread half of the pudding mixture on top of the crackers.

Layer another layer of graham crackers over the pudding mixture.

Then layer the other half of the pudding mixture on top of crackers.

Top with a final layer of graham crackers.

Put plastic wrap over dish and put in fridge for about 30 min to an hour to allow pudding to set.

When ready, put the tub of chocolate frosting in the microwave for about 15 seconds to soften (remove lid and aluminum foil top before microwaving).

Take out and stir frosting. It should be easily spreadable now.

Remove plastic wrap from dish and evenly spread chocolate frosting all over the top layer of graham crackers.

Place plastic wrap over top of dish and put back in fridge and let it chill overnight.

This dessert gets better over time. The graham crackers need plenty of time to soften up.

When ready, slice and serve!

The Inheritance (Secrets of the Shetlands) by Michael Phillips

 

Book Description:  Dramatic New Series from Fan Favorite Michael Phillips

The death of the clan patriarch has thrown the tiny Shetland Islands community of Whale's Reef into turmoil. Everyone assumed MacGregor Tulloch's heir to be his grand-nephew David, a local favorite, but when it is discovered that MacGregor left no will, David's grasping cousin Hardy submits his own claim to the inheritance, an estate that controls most of the island's land. And while Hardy doesn't enjoy much popular support, he has the backing of a shadowy group of North Sea oil investors. The courts have frozen the estate's assets while the competing claims are investigated, leaving many of the residents in financial limbo. The future of the island--and its traditional way of life--hangs in the balance.

My Thoughts:  When I was a young teen a remember my mom reading books by Michael Phillips and loving them.  I haven't seen any books authored by him for quite awhile and then this new book popped up...the Inheritance. . . Micheal Phillips' new series of Secrets in the Shetlands.  I was intrigued . . . 

The setting of the novel is in Scotland.  And from the descriptions this is a beautiful land!  The story is begins when David's great uncle passes away and there is no will, it seems that David may not inherit his uncles's land after all.  The courts freeze all the assets and then Loni Ford and up and  coming investor in America receives an intriguing letter from a Scottish firm.  And everything changes!

This is quite an interesting read with a lot of Scot culture as well as mystery in the "missing will." The mystery concerning the inheritance is well written. 

The biggest plus in this read, to me, is the wonderful journey of going to Scotland.  

This is a grand read!  One not to be missed!

• Series: Secrets of the Shetlands (Book 1)
• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764217488
• ISBN-13: 978-0764217487

Secrets Left Behind (Love Inspired Suspense) by Shannon Redmon

 Book Description: The more clues they uncover, the more deadly the investigation becomes.

After surviving several attempts on her life, Skye Anderson knows Detective Jake Reed’s suspicions of foul play about the accident that killed her husband must be true. Someone will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden—and all signs point to a drug ring Skye’s late husband was investigating. Can Jake keep Skye alive and identify the killers pursuing her?

My Thoughts:  I just love when faith, hope and courage are the main themes of a great story.

This story of Skye Anderson and Jake Reed begins with fast paced action.  

At first, I was just trying to keep up with the action and then I slowed down to get a "feel" for the characters.  I needed to search the clues for the culprit.

I loved Skye who is tough yet tender and Jake....well, let's just say Jake is the kind of guy every women wants to feel protected by.

This is a story, as the title states, about secrets.  What is the secret and why are so many people being harmed by it?  

This is a wonderful read!  And it's a fast read.  The kind of book you can take to the lake, the beach or your own backyard for a get away from it all couple of hours.

*This book was provided for review by the author*

The Crow's Call by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 

Book Description:  When Vernon King, his son, and son-in-law are involved in a terrible accident, three women are left to cope with their deaths, as they become the sole providers of the family they have left. The women’s only income must come from the family greenhouse, but someone seems to be trying to force them out of business.

Amy King has just lost her father and brother, and her mother needs her to help run the family’s greenhouse. It doesn’t seem fair to ask her to leave a job she loves, when there is still a sister and brother to help. But Sylvia is also grieving for her husband while left to raise three children, and Henry, just out of school, is saddled with all the jobs his father and older brother used to do. As Amy assumes her new role, she also asks Jared Riehl to put their courtship on hold. When things become even more stressful at the greenhouse, will Amy crumble under the pressure?

My Thoughts:  Oh.be.still.my.beating.heart!  The long awaited Amish mystery by Mrs. Wanda Brunstetter is finally here! The first book in the Amish Greenhouse Mysteries.

I love suspense/mysteries so when this book came in the mail I delved right into this story.  And what a story!

The cover of this book is interesting because it shows three things that are the main events in this story.  First the crow, then the flowers and thirdly, Amy King. 

Amy King is single but dating/courting when her precious father, brother and brother-in-law are killed.  After their deaths the women  of the family seem a little lost at what can be done to keep money coming in so they can all survive.  

No, this isn't a story about survival but about family ties, love and moving on in life when all seems lost. And the mystery of the greenhouse.

This is a GREAT read!  Don't miss it!

Title: The Crow's Call #1
By: Wanda E. Brunstetter
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 320
Vendor: Shiloh Run Press
Publication Date: 2020

Fatal Code (The SNAP Agency Book #2) by Natalie Walters

 Book Description:  In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those five scientists, aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession--and a target on her back. 

SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she's his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because . . . well, he kind of likes her.

As Elinor follows the clues her grandfather left behind to a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. When Elinor learns he has been spying on her, she's crushed. But with danger closing in on all sides, she'll have to trust him to ensure her discoveries stay out of enemy hands.

My Thoughts: This is such an interesting story!  First of all, it's unlike any story i've ever read and secondly I love the way the author makes the story flow.

The Los Alamos Five are asked no ordered to quit what they are working on.  It's fairly hush-hush assignment.  So, they disband.

But years later the granddaughter, Elinor Mitchell, finds information that makes her pause for thought.  

First of all, it places a target on her back and secondly it's from her grandfather.  

She feels that he left this information behind is a clue to more than meets the eye.  States secrets kind of stuff.

But then Kekoa Young is given the job of following Elinor to see what she info she has obtained.  Kekoa isn't sure about tattling on Elinor because he kind of likes her.

When Elinor finds out Kekoa has been spying on her she feels deflated.  But as life would have it someone makes no bones that they want the info she has obtained.

What a grand story!  I loved the action, the romance and the danger.

*This story was provided by Revell*

Season of My Enemy (A book in the Heroines of WWII series) by Naomi Musch

 

Book Description:  Only last year, Fannie O'Brien was considered a beauty with a brain, and her future shone bright, despite the war pounding Europe. With her father's sudden death and her brothers overseas, Fannie must now do the work of three men on their 200-acre farm until eight German prisoners arrive and, just as Fannie feared, trouble comes too. Someone seems intent on causing accidents and Fannie is certain the culprit is one of the two handsome older Germans or possibly both. Can she manage the farm, keep the prisoners in line, and hold her family together through these turbulent times?

My Thoughts:  I absolutely love the cover of this book.  I try not to pick books by their covers but this one called out to me.

And the story!  I enjoy stories about WWII and this one was not the run of the mill WWII story.

Such an unique take on not just WWII but farm life.  

Fannie O'Brien is a gutsy lady living in perilous times.  But, yet, she lives liz to the fullness trying to keep up and do her duty.

When Captain Wolfgang Klonginger everyone is suspicious of him because he is German.  And things are mysteriously happening.  Accidents that could be avoided are going on.  Making ice difficult for a few people.

Fannie O'Brien decides to take matters into her own hands She is determined to get to the bottom of this mess.

As Fannie sets out to see what is going on, despite all the work that must done at her farm, she is surprised and, maybe, a bit shocked at what she finds out.

A fantastic read with just a pinch of love, a bushel of intrigue and a dash of everyday farm life.

*This book was provided for review by Barbour*

Fun Friday

 When the movie doesn't follow the book.

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

The Cherished Quilt (An Amish Heirloom Novel) by Amy Clipston

 

My Thoughts: Amy Clipston is a favorite author of mine.  

Emily is a kind and generous young woman who feels that life is like a quilt and can be stitched together.  And it seems that quilting and Amish women go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Emily is anxious to meet her father's new employee, Christopher.  But when they first meet...it seems that an Christopher has an iceberg for a heart.  Poor Emily.  However, Emily is not deterred.

She feels that Christopher needs friendship and so she decides to make him a quilt.  

And then Christopher must leave and return to Ohio for some emergency....just when he and Emily might be having "feelings" for one another.  

I like the easy way this story reads.  And, yes, it is somewhat predicable, but I like it.  It makes for a great holiday read to warm one's heart and a reminder that everyone is going through something.  So, be nice to everyone you meet.

A great story and a would make a great gift for that reader on your list!

Meet the Author:  

Amy Clipston has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her fiction writing "career" began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. She is the author of the bestselling Kauffman Amish Bakery series with Zondervan, which is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. An advocate for organ and blood donation, Amy donated a kidney in 2011 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Through her donation, her husband received a second kidney transplant. Amy and her husband matched another couple and swapped kidneys with them. Amy's memoir, A Gift of Love, will be available in early 2014. She hopes her story inspires others to become organ and blood donors. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and four spoiled rotten cats. You can find her on the web at www.AmyClipston.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmyClipstonBooks.

Series: An Amish Heirloom Novel

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310341965
• ISBN-13: 978-0310341963

Swept Away (Trouble in Texas) by Mary Connealy

 

Book Description: When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas! Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future. Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she's going to have to go with him. But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

My Thoughts:  Cowboys to the rescue!  And cute ones at that!  Mary Connealy once again sweeps us away to smelly cows, handsome cowboys and damsels in distress.  But Ruthy MacNeil isn't feeling very distressed.  She's separated from her "adopted" family . . . but this is a good thing!  They only worked her to the bone, anyway!  But Luke comes to Ruthy's rescue.  Gotta love a determined cowboy!

I liked this read even though Luke and Ruthy's romance is a bit fast.  Gotta love Ruthy!  She's a firecracker fur sure!  A can.do.it.all kind of gal.  And Luke!  Well, do they make cowboys like him anymore? 

A nice, clean read with lots of cowboy grit and determination!

Meet the Author: 
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist. 

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy. 
The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. 
Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist. 
The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats. 
She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days. 

Paperback: 320 pages

• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764209140
• ISBN-13: 978-0764209147

Fun Friday

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

 

Book Description:  Michigan, 1880

Annalisa Werner's hope for a fairy tale love is over. Her husband failed her in every way and now his death has left her with few options to save the family farm. She needs a plentiful harvest. That, and a husband to help bring it in. Someone strong, dependable. That'll be enough. A marriage for love...that's something she's given up on. So her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom. Then a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany and a former schoolteacher--or so he says. He's looking for work and will serve on the farm until her husband arrives. With time running out, she accepts his help, but there's more to this man than he's admitting. He's also gentle, kind, charming--unlike any man she's ever known. But even as Carl is shining light into the darkness of her heart, she knows her true groom may arrive any day. 

My Thoughts:  I was intrigued by this book cover on A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund.  How many books have a handsome, noble man depicted on the book cover?!?! Hardly any that I've seen.  So, with this handsome guy peering over his shoulder, I'm wondering what this read has in store for the reader?

Annalisa Werner and her small daughter are having a hard time surviving with a husband and father who doesn't care about their well being.  Then one day Gretchen sees her Papa laying down on the ground and calls to her mama, Annalisa, to come see Papa.  Annalisa finds her husband, Hans, dead.  Well, it sure looks like someone murdered him.  But why?
This is the beginning of this intriguing story.  
The reader is told of Hans untimely death, then the story goes to the old country where Annalisa's father lives.  Without  a husband Annalisa writes to her father for help.  This is where the Noble Groom comes into the story.
Annalisa thinks she just needs a man who is dependable, she does not need love. This is a fast paced story with quite a cast of characters and romance.  Carl is a good man but is he the groom for her?
And, Oh!What!A!Story!
For the reader who enjoys a good, clean, Christian romance with a mystery.

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764210475
• ISBN-13: 978-0764210471

Rock Harbor Search & Rescue by Colleen Coble

 

Book Description:  In Rock Harbor Search and Rescue, a middle grade fiction novel based on Colleen Coble’s bestselling Rock Harbor series for adults, kids will enjoy the mixture of pets, adventure, suspense, and a mystery. 

Emily O’Reilly is obsessed with all things Search and Rescue. She volunteers with the team and goes on rescue missions with her stepmom. She is even selling homemade jewelry to save up for her own Search and Rescue puppy. But when an expensive necklace is stolen from a renowned jewelry artist at Rock Harbor’s fall festival and Emily is accused of the crime, it looks like she’ll never get her puppy and be able to join the Rock Harbor Search and Rescue team. 

Emily isn’t willing to give up on her Search and Rescue dreams that easily, and she sets out to find the real culprit and to restore her reputation. With a few suspects in mind, Emily is determined to uncover the truth, but she isn’t prepared for the secrets she and the Search and Rescue dogs sniff out in the process. This exciting mystery is filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats and have them pining after a Search and Rescue puppy of their own!

My Thoughts:  I always enjoy a story written by Colleen Coble.  So, when I had the opportunity to read her new book with co-author Robin Caroll I knew it would be fantastic!

This is a youth read and I had to keep this in mind as I read about Emily, her dad, stepmom and siblings.  Emily's dad is very concerned about Emily being responsible for the jobs she takes on.  

As the story beings . . . Emily and her stepmom, Naomi,  are on a search & rescue mission when Emily is told that she can have her own search & rescue puppy if she can pay half the money ($150).  Emily then comes up with the idea to sell her homemade jewelry at the next community wide sale.  This is where the mystery "happens."

Of course, as an adult I was slightly put out with Emily's dad . . . didn't he trust her?  But then I remembered that the authors are trying to make a point with young readers that parents are there to guide and help their children.

I loved learning about search & rescue dogs and their owners with a mystery thrown in!  I kind.of knew who was behind the theft but I think younger readers will be kept guessing.  I, also, liked the idea that Emily had to pay half for the expensive dog.  A great lesson in not living the "entitled life."

This is a great read for ages 8-11 (but adults and older teens may love it too!  I did!).

• Age Range: 8 - 11 years
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400321069
• ISBN-13: 978-1400321063

Fun Friday

 

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends 4 Seasons Cookbook: Over 200 Recipes for Eating with the Seasons

 My Thoughts:  Over 200 recipes that can only be classified as good eating.  Having visited the Amish country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I can attest that the Amish do have some of the best recipes in the country.                             

In this cookbook which is smallish and lies flat, author Wanda Brunstetter has complied these recipes into seasons:  Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring so that you, the cook, can get the best produce and ingredients that are available for that season to make these recipes.  There are main dishes, desserts and side dishes.  Also, tips on what produce makes the best dish. These recipes are in a quest for good healthy meals and dishes.  There are so many good recipes that I can't choose just one.  So, I'll be trying many of these fine dishes.  

Mother's Day is coming in the next few days and if you have a mom that enjoys cooking and trying new dishes she may truly love this cookbook.  A win-win in my book.                                                      

Hint**It's easy to order this cookbook on Amazon.

*This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishers*

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Miracles and Moments of Grace: Inspiring Stories from Moms by Nancy B. Kennedy

 

Book Description:  Hear touching and inspiring stories from women who have taken on the toughest, yet most rewarding, assignment of their lives--motherhood!

In Miracles & Moments of Grace: Inspiring Stories from Moms, fifty mothers--from new moms to seasoned moms--share their most memorable moments. From the hilarious to the heartbreaking, these stories reveal the depth of a mother's love and her delight at wearing the title of ''Mom.''One mother tells a lyrical bedtime tale of her daughter's adoption. Another shares a stark story of taking in a runaway Amish boy. The mother of an autistic boy shares her story of three magical days with him, and yet another takes a startling phone call from her adult son, who has made a heart-stopping decision.  "God believes in mothers," one woman says in relating the harrowing birth of her child. In these stories, God does indeed speak clearly to the heart of mothers. One mother awakens in the middle of the night burdened to pray for her son. Another mother hears a voice calling her to go to her pregnant daughter, no matter that they are separated by many miles. Lives are changed--and saved--by the faithful actions of loving mothers. The mothers in these stories all have one thing in common--they adore their children, they are in awe of them at times, and they wouldn't trade a single moment of their lives.

My Thoughts:   This is an interesting read with many different "voices." 

Fifty moms, from the newbie to the well seasoned mom, give their "take" on the ups and downs of motherhood.

I enjoyed all the memories but the one that caught my interest the most was the memory by Lori Gard, Mother's Day Mania.  In this memory Lori recalls a special Mother's Day  . . .  "The day carries so many expectations and so much pressure.  I'm not sure I can handle more that one day of special treatment per year -  it might just do me in."  

As you can see there is quite a bit of humor intermingled throughout these memories.

So, whether you're new to motherhood or a more experienced mom, this is a most wonderful read that will inspire you and, maybe, like me, make you know that you're not the only mom on the planet who experiences the griefs and joys of motherhood.

This would make an excellent Mother's Day gift for that special mom or grandma on your list and then write out on decorated paper your special memory of your mom or grandma.

About the Author:

I am a long-time writer and editor. For many years, I was a financial writer for magazines and newspapers, including the online Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, and for companies in the financial services industry, including Merrill Lynch. Before that, I edited the Wall Street Journal and Barron's for a Dow Jones financial data service.
My newest book, Miracles & Moments of Grace: Inspiring Stories from Moms, released from Leafwood Publishers in March 2013. In it, I share fifty stories of memorable moments from moms who are in all phases of motherhood, from new moms to empty nest moms. It is the third title in the series, following collections of stories from doctors and military chaplains.
My book of weight loss success stories, How We Did It: Weight Loss Choices That Will Work for You (Leafwood, 2012), tells thirty stories of personal weight loss success and examines the many paths people took to success -- every weight loss plan you can imagine from Atkins to the Zone.
My two children's books, Make It, Shake It, Mix It Up and Even the Sound Waves Obey Him, pair simple science activities with stories of faith. I also write articles and personal essays for books and magazines, including the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, many of which you can read at my website www.nancybkennedy.com.

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Leafwood Publishers 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891124047
• ISBN-13: 978-0891124047

Hadley Beckett's Next Dish: A Novel by Bethany Turner

 

Book Description: Celebrity chef Maxwell Cavanagh is known for many things: his multiple Michelin stars, his top-rated Culinary Channel show To the Max, and most of all his horrible temper. Hadley Beckett, host of the Culinary Channel's other top-rated show, At Home with Hadley, is beloved for her Southern charm and for making her viewers feel like family.

When Max experiences a very public temper tantrum, he's sent packing to get his life in order. When he returns, career in shambles, his only chance to get back on TV and in the public's good graces is to work alongside Hadley.

As these polar-opposite celeb chefs begin to peel away the layers of public persona and reputation, they will not only discover the key ingredients for getting along, but also learn the secret recipe for unexpected forgiveness . . . and maybe even love. In the meantime, hide the knives.

My Thoughts:  A new book and a new to me author.  It's like Christmas!

This is such a fun foodie read with all the cooking of delicious dishes and all the temper tantrums, er, happy cooking times😊 makes this read down to earth real.

Hadley must have the heart of a saint to deal with the very grumpy, not so nice Maxwell.  

You know what happens to grumpy, not so nice people they end up losing their nice jobs.  And just like that Max is out and Hadley is in.  

Hadley brings a whole new southern charm that the people love.  

Poor Max has to eat crow and see if he can get his job back.  And this is where alot of the fun and humor begin.  So Hadley ends up working with Max again.  But this time Hadley is in charge.

This humorous, all about food and life, read makes for a fun afternoon in the sun.

I loved this story and think you will too.

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Revell; 4/2 edition (May 5, 2020)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800735234
• ISBN-13: 978-0800735234