A Path to Forgiveness by Carrie Lighte, Vannetta Chapman

Book Description:  Can love and forgiveness set them free?  Hiding Her Amish Secret by Carrie Lighte and A Widow's Hope by Vannetta Chapman

My Thoughts:  I love two books in one.  For one thing, as soon as you finish the first there is a second book to read.  

The first book is Hiding her Amish Secret by Carrie Lighte.  Carrie Lighte is a brand new to me author so I didn't know what to expect.  I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this story.  

Arleta Bontrager is Amish and during Rumspringa she got a tattoo.  Oh my! What was she thinking!  How would any self respecting Amish man marry such a tarnished Amish woman?

Having a tattoo to most Englisch people is no big deal but for Arleta who is Amish this is a huge no, no.

As the story continues Arleta needs a job and Noah Lehman's sick grandma needs help so Arleta takes the nursing job.

The more she works around the more she likes him.

A sweet story with a few laughs.  Loved it!

The next story A Widow's Hope by Vannetta Chapman is a reprint but I had kind of forgotten the story so I reread it.  

A tragedy claims Hannah's husbands life and her son's ability to walk she doesn't want another man but Jacob Schrock needs help.  So Hannah relents and agrees to help Jacob with his accounting issues.

A romance begins but not because two people are seeking romance.  It's a heart thing!

Loved this story and I may read it again!

*This book was thoughtfully provided by the author for review*

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

 

Another great recipe from Pinterest:

Ingredients

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

Directions

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

The 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     

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 
• ISBN-10: 1734046007
• ISBN-13: 978-1734046007

The Apple Creek Announcement (Creektown Discoveries, 3) by Wanda Brunstetter

 

Book Description:  Welcome to Apple Creek, Ohio, where piano teacher and artist, Andrea Wagner, has a fascination with painting the rural Amish landscapes around her home. She has made it to her thirties feeling like she has had a charmed life and finally has fallen in love with Brandon Prentice, a local veterinarian. But then she discovers she was adopted and all she thought she knew about herself has crumbled. Andrea becomes so fixated on finding her birth mother that she pushes Brandon away, so she writes to the "Dear Caroline" column in the newspaper for romance advice. What will Andrea lose before she finds herself again?

My Thoughts:  A new book in the Creektown Discoveries Series by Wanda Brustetter.  Andrea Wagner is a piano teacher and an artist but she feels something is missing in her life even though she has had a good life.

She has a handsome and smart boyfriend, Brandon Pierce but she then discovers she is adopted.  She feels her world crumbling about her.  Feeling down and somewhat discouraged she pushes poor Brandon away and begins writing a column in the local news paper titled "Dear Caroline."

Andrea doesn't find the answers she's seeking and life seems to bit muddled.  

There are some laugh out loud moments because well her approach is somewhat unethical.

After reading this story I had more of an appreciation for those who are adopted.  

Mrs. Brunstetter brings out the soft side of love and the somewhat mixed feelings an adopted child might have.

I loved this story.  It's a winner in my book!

*This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing*

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

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 
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 164352741X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1643527413

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 
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0800737318
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0800737313

Critical Alliance (Rocky Mountain Courage Book #3) by Elizabeth Goddard

 Book Description:  Mackenzie Hanson's special set of skills opened the door to a successful career as a professor of cybersecurity at a Michigan university, allowing her to put her criminal past behind her. But when a long-ago partner in crime delivers a cryptic message about her father's tech company being under cyberattack, she heads for Montana to secure exposed assets, close security breaches, and hopefully save lives.

Diplomatic Security Services special agent Alex Knight is back home in Montana to decompress from a mission gone wrong. But even as he's trying to relax, he's drawn into another mystery, complete with suspicious deaths, lethal threats, and whispers of espionage that all have one thing in common--a beautiful cybersecurity expert with a dark past.

My Thoughts:  Elizabeth Goddard does it again in Critical Alliance. A cover to cover action story of cybersecurity and crime.

Mackenzie Hanson has a successful career at the University of Michigan in cybersecurity. But just when things seem settled and fine in her life she gets word that her father's tech company is under cyberattack.  So off the goes to Montana.

But as life goes this isn't a simple fix and she needs help.  It just so happens that Diplomatic Security Services agent Alex Knight is back home in Montana after a mission go wrong.

When Mackenzie needs help Alex steps in to help her.  Hence the title, Critical Alliance.

This intriguing story is full of lethal threats and suspicious deaths.  These two things drew me into this story hook, line, and sinker.

I'm always intrigued with cybersecurity.  It amazes me and makes me wish I knew how to do more in the cyber world.  So this story was right up my alley.

I also enjoyed the light romance and learning more about Montana.  

What a great read!

*This book was provided for review by Revell Reads*

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

 This is an easy recipe.  

Either follow the picture or substitute your favorite veggies and meat.

Saving Amelia by Cathy Gohke

 

Book Description:  Increasingly wary of her father’s genetic research, Rachel Kramer has determined that this trip with him to Germany—in the summer of 1939—will be her last. But a cryptic letter from her estranged friend, begging Rachel for help, changes everything. Married to SS officer Gerhardt Schlick, Kristine sees the dark tides turning and fears her husband views their daughter, Amelie, deaf since birth, as a blight on his Aryan bloodline.

Once courted by Schlick, Rachel knows he’s as dangerous as the swastikas that hang like ebony spiders from every government building in Berlin. She fears her father’s files may hold answers about Hitler’s plans for others, like Amelie, whom the regime deems “unworthy of life.” She risks searching his classified documents only to uncover shocking secrets about her own history and a family she’s never known.

Now hunted by the SS, Rachel turns to Jason Young—a driven, disarming American journalist and unlikely ally—who connects her to the resistance and to controversial theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Forced into hiding, Rachel’s every ideal is challenged as she and Jason walk a knife’s edge, risking their lives—and asking others to do the same—for those they barely know but come to love.

My Thoughts:  I love summer and, again, this summer I entered the Tyndale Summer Reading Program.  So glad I did!  As one of my "prizes" I picked this book Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohke.

When I first saw the cover of this book I actually passed it up. Then I went back and read the description and thought it sounded interesting.

When the book arrived it sat on my TBR for a couple of months and then the other day, since I was finished with my last book, I decided to read it.

Well, this is one great read!  As I began reading I first thought the book was going to be about a rich young woman and how she saves a young deaf girl from the Third Reich.  Oh!not!so!  Well, this does come into play but there  is SO much more to this story.

I had to put the book down several time because it IS so intense!  

This book is about life . . .what is our duty to others AND Dietrich Bonhoeffer!  Wow!  

The suspense, the story line, the challenge of one's duty to Christ!  Cathy Gohke pens an incredible, not.to.be put.down story!

This is my favorite read this summer!  

You just gotta read this book . . . it will make you think!  

• Paperback: 464 pages

Off the Chain (Gone to the Dogs, Book 1) by Janice Thompson

 

Book Description:  The Town of Brenham, Texas, Has Gone to the Dogs!   Curl up with your pup and sink into a delightful small-town mystery as riddles and rescues stack up in book one of a new cozy mystery series.   Marigold Evans’ first attempt at rescuing an abandoned pooch lands her in a drainage pipe in Brenham Texas. . .and almost in jail, until Parker Jenson comes to her rescue. Then a bad day only gets worse as the Lone Star Vet Clinic, where they both work, is vandalized and the list of suspects starts to climb. With the help of her fellow employees, Marigold sets out to simultaneously solve the crime, rehab the rescued dog, and help more dogs in crisis.

My Thoughts:  I love mysteries and fun!  This story combines both.  And this story is set in the best place, Brenham, Texas.  The home of Blue Bell ice cream.

Off the Chain aptly describes the dogs that Marigold Evan's tries to rescue.  These sweet dogs don't like staying where they're put.  

But one day the Vet Clinic where Marigold works is vandalized.  Not only are there a few suspects but the day goes form bad to worse.  The dogs go off the chain and Marigold tries to rescue them but comes in contact with unsavory conditions and unusual people.

Then her co-worker, Parker, Jensen, comes to her rescue. *Cue the romance*  

It seems that Marigold has her hands full trying to solve the crime, rehab the dog and rescue the other dogs.

So many dogs in crisis.  Is it really worth her effort?

I loved this fun, romantic read!

Just so you know there are more:  More in the Gone to the Dogs Series: Book 1 - Off the Chain by Janice Thompson Book 2 - Dog Days of Summer by Kathleen Y'Barbo Book 3 - Barking Up the Wrong Tree by Janice Thompson.

*This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing*

The Scripture Memory Map for Women: A Creative Journal (Faith Maps) complied by the Barbour Staff

 

My Thoughts:  I'm always on the lookout for journals or devotionals that will help me in my walk with the Lord.

So when I was offered this small book, The Scripture Memory MAP for women, I jumped at the chance to use it.

Each section consists of two pages...there is a place at the top of the left hand page for the date, then a square for My Memory Verse For Today, Then a place for This  Verse is important to Remember Because and enough space for you to write, Then What It Means To My Faith, Then onto the second page where there is space to write How It Applies To My Life, Then a square for Knowing This Verse Will Be Helpful When, and lastly My Prayer For Today and a space to write your prayer. 

There are colorful hearts, butterflies and arrows that point you show you which way to go.  Thus creating a type of map.  

The creative part comes when you write in the sections.  😊

There are verses at the end of each section. 

I am in love with this creative journal.  This is a Fantastic plan for memorizing God's Word!

This makes a wonderful gift!  

• Series: Faith Maps
• Spiral-bound: 176 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1643520881
• ISBN-13: 978-1643520889

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.

The Book of Comforts: Genuine Encouragement for Hard Times by Kaitlin Wernet, Rebecca Faires, Cymone Wilder and Angie Smith

  

Book Description:  When someone is grieving, what should we say? How can we help? How do we comfort without offering shallow platitudes? In times of sorrow Scripture beckons us to look up and out, because our help comes from the Lord. The Book of Comforts stands in the gap between suffering and hope, offering readers the abiding comfort found in Scripture.

My Thoughts:  I wanted this book because, frankly, it's quite difficult for me to verbalize a comforting thought when someone is going through a rough time.  

This is a beautiful hardback book.  So much lovelier than the picture.  And quite a bit bigger than I expected.  It's not a small book but it's not overly large either.  

It's not colorful but on one side of the page is a dark grayish colored page or plain white page with gold lettering or plain white with dark gray print that has an encouraging statement.

I found that this book makes for a great devotional book especially for someone going through a difficult time.

The book is chock full of scripture and experiences that may help and encourage a fellow believer.

We all go through difficult/hard times and this book is a wonderful to help us and others.  It is also great for giving comfort from you to someone else.

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310452066
• ISBN-13: 978-0310452065