Lake Season (A Bluebell Inn Romance) by Denise Hunter

 Book Description:  When their parents die in a tragic accident, Molly Bennett and her siblings pull together to fulfill their parents’ dream of turning their historic Bluebell, North Carolina, home back into an inn. Staying in town would be temporary—three years at most—then they plan to sell the inn, and Molly can get back to chasing her own dreamAdam Bradford (aka bestselling author Nathaniel Quinn) is a reclusive novelist with a bad case of writer’s block. Desperate for inspiration as his deadline approaches, he travels to the setting of his next book, a North Carolina lake town. There, he meets his muse, a young innkeeper who fancies herself in love with his alter egoMolly and Adam strike up an instant friendship. When Molly finds a long-lost letter in the walls of her inn, she and Adam embark on a mission to find the star-crossed lovers and bring them the closure they deserve. But Adam has secrets he isn’t ready to share. Past and present collide as truths surface, and Molly and Adam will have to decide if love is worth trusting.

My Thoughts:  After the Christmas rush I was excited to receive this book.  And a romance!  An it's the first book in a whole new series.  Ahh!  relaxing time!

Bluebell, North Carolina and an inn...kind of like a bed and breakfast.  Molly Bennett is trying ever so hard with the help of her siblings to fulfill their parents dream.  But as life would have it, dreams are not always what they seem nor do dreams always come out as expected much to our delight.

Molly and Bennett meet even though Molly isn't quite sure about Adam.  Molly fancies Nathaniel Quinn whom she doesn't realize at first is Adam!  Adam is a writer going by the name Nathaniel Quinn.

What really caught my interest in this romance was the long lost letter that Molly finds in the inn.  the mystery, the secrets that somehow incorporate into both Molly and Adam's lives.

This is a fun story with  lots of romance and bits and pieces of life on a North Carolina Lake.

I loved this story.  So much fun in a few pages.

Psalm 91 for Mothers (God's Shield of Protection for your Children) by Peggy Joyce Ruth & Angela Ruth Schum

 

Book Description:  A Place of Total Protection for Your Family 

                      

Did you know there is a place in God—a secret place—for those who want to seek refuge? It is a haven of physical safety and security that God tells us about in the Ninety-First Psalm—the one place in the Bible where all of the protection promises of God are brought together.

In Psalm 91 for Mothers Peggy Joyce Ruth guides you through a personal study of this psalm, explaining verse by verse God’s promises of protection, provision, and blessing for your children. Drawing from her personal experience as a mother and grandmother, she covers topics such as:

·          Accessing God’s shelter in times of danger

·          Protection from evils over which we have no control

·          Intervention of God’s angels on your child’s behalf

·          Teaching your child to call on God for protection

My Thoughts: I'm a mom and I long for total protection over my family. But how do I achieve this?  Through prayer and  God's care.  

Reading Psalm 91 is such an encouraging read for Mothers of all ages.

This read begins with the heart rending story of a too worn out mom who left a beautiful baby on top of her car with in an infant seat in the heat of the crazy Dallas traffic.  The author "just" happens to be behind this car and sees the infant carrier atop the car with the sweet little infant inside.  She is afraid for the child and out of urgency screams the name of Jesus four times just as the infant seat propels through the air towards traffic.  

This is quite an amazing story.  *true story*  And the rest of this book is chock full of life lessons and stories of God's amazing mercies and love to His people . . . based on Psalm 91,"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation."

I posted the whole of Psalm 91 because the reader must read this verse to understand the book. . . this book is all about 'I will not fear' based on this one Psalm from God's Word.

There's no need to live in terror or fear because when one believes God and His Word, He answers!
A wonderful encouraging read that makes a nice gift for that new mom, too!

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616387343
• ISBN-13: 978-1616387341
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches

Lightkeeper's Ball (A Mercy Falls Novel) by Colleen Coble

 

Book Description:  This Mercy Falls novel has romance, mystery, secrets and a bad guy. Coble wows the reader with a fresh storyline. Readers will enjoy peeling back the layers and discovering this is more than your average romance book. The characters are strong not only in themselves but also in their faith. 4 stars. --Romantic Times. Coble spins a tangled web in this third book in the Mercy Falls series (after The Lightkeeper's Bride), with red herrings and oodles of duplicity. -- Publishers Weekly

My Review:  The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble is the third book in the Mercy Falls series.  Although this is a series each book is stand alone read.  

Olivia has strong suspicions that her sister's death is foul play because her sister was deathly afraid of water!  So, why would she commit suicide using water or why would she be swimming?  Olivia decides she will investigate this case herself!  And find the truth of her sister's death.

Olivia's search brings suspense, mystery and romance!  This read also has some great history included in the story---Haley's Comet in 1920, bloomers, and the suffragette cause.

If truth is to prevail then half-truths or omissions can cause trauma.  Olivia finds that omitting truth can cause a good deal of grief!  Olivia is stressed by the omission of truth and it plagues her throughout the story.  A great lesson for us all.

After an attempt on her life, Olivia, is housed in the lighthouse.  Then a storm strikes.  and Olivia decides to have a Lightkeeper's Ball to replace all that was lost in the storm.

This read is full of how our actions and behavior can make or break us in life.  Also, if one of our close relatives passed away would we know that relative well enough to know the truth or fiction of what others tell us about said relative?  

A most.wonderful.read!  Colleen Coble outdid herself in this third Mercy Falls book!

About the Author:

I'm a reading addict. I'll read anything: cereal boxes, flyers, toilet paper bags. I grew up on Nancy Drew so I still love reading things that have some mystery or suspense in them, but romance is always at the heart of my books.

Controlling Interest by Elizabeth White

 Book Description:  THERE'S TROUBLE IN RIVER CITY Matt Hogan's Memphis detective agency has been on the skids since a recent attack of conscience cost him an important case. When a wealthy investor steps in and saves River City Investigations, Matt thinks all his prayers have been answered—until he finds out that with the investor comes a new partner. Fresh out of criminal justice school and a two-year stint in the Tunica County Sheriff's Department, Natalie Tubberville is out to prove she can cut it in the world of private investigations. But her reluctant partner is just as determined to have nothing to do with her—until Natalie makes him an offer he can’t refuse! If Matt solves the next case before she does, she will return her share of the company. And the race is on. As two strong personalities compete, mutual attraction grows…while a simple case of a runaway bride threatens to become an international incident. Will Matt and Natalie call off the competition—or discover an entirely new arrangement? 

My Review:  Natalie Tubberville is determined to make it on her own without her dad's money.  After her dad buys an Memphis Detective Agency, Natalie is going to prove her investigative skills to all.

Matt Hogan hasn't had much luck with his clients lately.  His last client turned out to be a crook which hurt his pride and his pocketbook.  So, he feels that he has no other alternative than to accept Eddie Tubberville's offer to finance his detective Agency even with the stipulation that Eddie's naive, wanna be daughter is to be his partner.

When Natalie and Matt have their first case together it turns out o be anything but fun!  Their first case, Yasmine Patel, has decided to run her own life and choose the man she will marry and now Yasmine is running for her life! Her fiance wasn't the upstanding man she thought him to be so now she is running scared.  She has asked Natalie and Matt to help her get out of this mess. 

This turns out to be a mess of an escapade for all involved! 

This in a great, fast read!  I love the story line!  Toss in unusual relatives, Yasmine's disappearance and a romance of two unwilling.to.bend individuals. All the characters are well rounded and fun to read about!

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 We love this cake:

Coca-Cola Cake

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup butter
1 cup Coca-Cola
3/4 cup miniature marshmallows
1 square (1 ounce size) semi sweet baking chocolate
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup cocoa powder
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 cups sugar
2 1/3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

***Frosting***
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup Coca Cola (plus 2-3 Tbsp. additional if needed)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chocolate syrup

PREPARATION:

Place in a sauce pan butter, cola, semi sweet baking square and bring to a boil remove from heat and add marshmallows and stir until all is blended and the marshmallows are disappear. Set aside to cool enough to tepid or room temperature. 

In mixing bowl blend the shortening, oil, vanilla and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and buttermilk and beat until smooth. Mix flour with baking soda, cocoa, baking powder and salt, add half of flour mixture to shortening, egg mixture, and beat. Scrape bowl time to time to clean the sides off so ingredients are blended in batter. Add cooled coca cola mixture and beat. Add remainder of flour and beat until completely smooth about 3 - 4 minutes. Batter will be thick. Place batter into a 13" x 9" x " 2 oiled and floured baking pan. Set pan on top shelf in a preheated 350* F oven for 35 - 40 minutes. Check for completed baking time with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean by sticking in the middle of the cake it is time to come out of the oven and cool. For Frosting: Cream butter, add cocoa, vanilla, Hershey's Syrup, and coca cola, beat until smooth. Add powder sugar a little at a time and beat constantly. Scrape the sides of bowl time to time to get all ingredients into the frosting. If the frosting seams a little dry add a little more coca cola and beat well. Frost warm cake. Serve with natural vanilla bean ice cream and enjoy.

The Fire In Ember by DiAnn Mills

 

Book Description: John Timmons' life is planned and orderly. He cares for his mother and four younger brothers, and their future depends on him to keep their Colorado ranch profitable. Ember Farrar (Bert) has run away from her lawbreaking family in search of a new life. But, when she attempts to return a horse that her brother had stolen, ranch hands believe she is a thief and a boy and they plan to hang her. John, who is also a deputy marshal, breaks up the hanging. After paying for the stolen horse, he takes the boy home to work off the debt. Later he learns Bert is a girl who refuses to tell him who she is and why she possessed a stolen horse. When ranchers report stolen cattle, Bert is a natural suspect. John is touched by Bert's sweet spirit and natural gift of music. Surely she's not a cattle thief. Bert fears for their lives when she is forced to either help her brothers steal or put the Timmons in danger. When John thinks Bert has betrayed him, he ignores God and turns revengeful. Will John learn who Bert truly is? Will their lives ever return back to normal?

My Review: Diann Mills is among my favorite authors!  The Fire In Ember is one of those stories that makes one feel the pain and the misery of trying to right a wrong.

Bert (Ember) wants/tries to be different than her lawbreaking family.  She wants honesty and uprightness but at times it seems that the honesty may not be the best policy.  

That's how Ember feels after trying to return the horse her brothers stole.  John, the deputy marshal thinks Bert (Ember) is a young man stealing the horse not returning it to its rightful owners. John, still thinking that Bert (Ember) is a young man, pays for the horse so that Bert (Ember) won't be hung by the others for horse thievery.

Then John finds out that Bert (Ember) is a girl. A girl!  That changes many things.  

Ember won't open up to John.  She's afraid and he doesn't know why.  Intrigue!  Western days! and Romance!  Make this one of the best westerns I've read!  I loved the feelings that Ember displayed and the honesty and integrity of John.  

A well written, 5 star read for men and women!  This is the first book of the Timmon's and I look forward to reading more!

Collateral Damage (Danger Never Sleeps) by Lynette Eason

 

Book Description:  Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others--but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way--terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn't there--but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can't take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he's not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.

My Thoughts:  The subtitle to this story Danger Never Sleeps pretty much sums up Brooke Adams life after her near death incident in the army.  

It sees that Brooke is being set up for a murder rap when she walks into her office to find Asher James there with a dead body.

Of course, after she cries on his shoulder she can't take him on as a client.  As a counselor Brooke is to be above and not so emotional especially with a client.  Even though she can't take Asher James as a client she feels a strong pull toward him to help him.

And Asher James needs a counselor but how can he tell such a beautiful woman all his fears and disappointments.

I loved the fast paced story of both Brooke and Asher as they come to real life grips on their pasts and face the definite prospects of a beautiful future.

Of course, I love stories penned by Lynette Eason and this one didn't disappoint.

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Okay!!! This may be a new favorite for me....YUM!

NEW WALDORF SALAD

Active time 20 Min.

Total Time 45 Min.

Serves 4

Chopped apples and celery with walnuts.  Grapes (roasted in this version).  To lighten things up, fresh greens are tossed in, and a lemon vinaigrette replaces the mayonnaise dressing.

For the roasted grapes:

1 1/2 pounds red seedless grapes

1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

For the Dressing:

1 tablespoon minced shallot

1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

For the salad:

2 celery stalks, thinly sliced crosswise, plus 1/2 cup leaves

1 head frisee (this is Endive), trimmed

1 Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted

1. Roast the grapes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toss grapes with sugar and oil. Roast on a rimmed baking sheet until just starting to wrinkle and burst, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool.

2. Meanwhile, make the dressing: Combine shallot, vinegar, lemon zest and juice, and cumin in a bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Make the salad: Toss grapes (without pan juices) with sliced celery and leaves, frisee, apple and walnuts. Drizzle salad with dressing, and toss to coat.

90 Days of God's Goodness Devotional by Randy Alcorn

 

Book Description:  Daily Assurance in the Face of Life’s Hardest Struggles

When life throws challenges at us, our view of God’s presence can become cloudy. If God is good, why is there so much evil and suffering? In times of hardship, it’s easy to lose sight of God’s purpose, goodness, and love. 

90 Days of God’s Goodness helps disperse the fog—little by little, discovery by discovery, day by day. Through these thoughtful, inspiring devotional readings, bestselling author Randy Alcorn brings clarity to the question of God’s goodness. 

For anyone who’s ever suffered, or shared in a loved one’s suffering…or for anyone who’s ever been painfully distressed by the prevalent evil in this world…90 Days of God’s Goodness opens a wide door to healing and the reassurance of a God whose love we can count on and always turn to.

My Review:  90 Days of God's Goodness by Randy Alcorn is another great devotional with daily reflections that shine light on personal darkness.

Best selling author, Randy Alcorn, offers his unique insights on the ups and downs of life.  

This nice, hardback book includes 90 devotionals with thoughtful mediations that will help one to see and recognize the wonderful works of God.

At times life throws us challenges.  Some times those challenges can lead us to a dark maybe depressive place; however, this devotional challenges us to rely  on the One who created us for a specific reason.

Chapter 6, Suffering Is No Accident, is one of my favorite chapters.  The chapter begins with Psalm 34:11-19, then a short devotional, and lastly a prayer to go with the devotional.  Each devotional is roughly two to three pages long and each devotional brings a thought provoking idea for the reader.

This is a great 5 star devotional for those going through a rough time or simply a devotional for those who want to draw closer to the Lord in times of learning.  This read would also make a great "Get Well Card" for someone who is learning to trust the Savior!

As Randy Alcorn tells us, "God is in charge."  What a grand thought!

FALSE WITNESS by Randy Singer

 

Book Description:  Clark Shealy is a bail bondsman with the ultimate bounty on the line: his wife’s life. He has forty-eight hours to find an Indian professor in possession of the Abacus Algorithm–an equation so powerful it could crack all Internet encryption. Four years later, law student Jamie Brock is working in legal aid when a routine case takes a vicious twist: she and two colleagues learn that their clients, members of the witness protection program, are accused of defrauding the government and have the encrypted algorithm in their possession. After a life-changing trip to the professor’s church in India, the couple also has the key to decode it. Now they’re on the run from federal agents and the Chinese mafia, who will do anything to get the algorithm. Caught in the middle, Jamie and her friends must protect their clients if they want to survive long enough to graduate.

My Review:  Not having read any books by Randy Singer I wasn't sure what to expect.  I can

only say, "WOW!", "INCREDIBLE!"  How did he come up with THIS story?  I know he tells

us at the very first of this read on the Author's Note page how he came up with this story but

REALLY this story is INCREIDBLE!                                                                                  

In researching Randy Singer I found out that this book,  False Witness,  was originally published on June 28, 2007.  Because of the many recent historical events and advances in technology, the author believed it was necessary to make substantial changes; therefore,  False Witness  is a Christian version of the best James Bond movie and John Grisham novel all rolled into one book.   Since I didn't read the first book I don't know what changes were made in this 2011 copy.

I've been longing for a great not run.of.the.mill or mundane thriller/suspense book.  So, to be honest when I received this book to review I thought the cover looked...well, boring!  Was I ever wrong!

From the first page I was taken into a world of algorithms (a set of rules for solving a problem in a finite number of steps, as for finding the greatest common divisor). This whole story centers around a professor who has found the key to unlocking ALL encryptions in the computer world. This means whoever holds this algorithm holds the key to unlocking billions of dollars from peoples accounts all over the world-simply by logging into the internet.  INCREDIBLE! (is this really made up?!?!).

As one continues on into the read we are introduced at a VERY fast pace to Clark Shealy (bail bondsman) and his lovely wife, Jessica.  I like Clark because he has heart!  He truly doesn't like hurting people but he also has a very strong desire for justice to be served.

Then enter the Xu...not a likable fellow.  

Xu wants Professor Kumari who now is the only living soul who knows the algorithm.  Jessica is captured by Xu's men and kept as the ransom until Clark delivers Kumari.

There is MUCH action, some torture, little romance and probably one of the BEST thrillers I have ever read!

Learning about India, the intricate world of the web, and how true justice is served are probably the top three things I gleaned from this read!

If you love a a thriller that leaves your heart pounding and an ending that just.can't.be.guessed then this the read for you!  INCREDIBLE!

About the Author:

Randy Singer is a critically acclaimed author and veteran trial attorney. He has penned nine legal thrillers, including his award-winning debut novel "Directed Verdict." In addition to his law practice and writing, Randy serves as a teaching pastor for Trinity Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He calls it his "Jekyll and Hyde thing"--part lawyer, part pastor. He also teaches classes in advocacy and ethics at Regent Law School and serves on the school's Board of Visitors. He and his wife, Rhonda, live in Virginia Beach. They have two grown children. Visit his Web site at www.randysinger.net

READ!

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Caramel Apple Pie Quesadillas

Caramel Apple Pie Quesadillas are the quick and easy way to get that apple pie flavor any time you want! It is an amazing fast dessert perfect for fall!

 Servings 4

 Author Parrish

Ingredients

• 8 Mission® Super Soft Flour Tortillas
• 8 tbsp tbsp caramel
• 2 cups apple pie filling
• cinnamon sugar for topping

Instructions

1. Start with Mission® Super Soft Flour Tortillas and place it in a greased pan over medium heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of caramel.
3. Next add 1/2 cup of the pie filling.
4. Top with another tablespoon of caramel.
5. Top with another tortilla and spray the top of that one with cooking spray or melted butter.
6. Flip the quesadilla over when first side is brown.
7. While second side is cooking sprinkle top side with cinnamon and sugar.
8. When second side is done cooking place onto plate that has a layer of cinnamon sugar on it.
9. Slice in 4ths and serve!

Recipe Notes

Servings: 4

The Chocolate Diaries: Secrets for a Sweeter Journey on the Rocky Road of Life by Karen Scalf Linamen

 

Book Description:  Ready to Make Some Sweet Changes?

Karen Linamen dishes up a satisfying blend of moxie and mocha, sharing stories from dozens of women who reveal savvy strategies for embracing a sweeter life—even while traveling rocky roads. If you’re hungry for more joy, reasons to laugh again, ideas to help you heal, and reliable hope leading to a sweeter future, this journey will leave you satisfied.

 Funny, transparent, and uplifting, The Chocolate Diaries is like taking a road trip with good friends who are wise about life. And while you’re at it, indulge (just a little) in the quirky recipes for concocting chocolate delights out of whatever ingredients you can round up in your kitch. The road may still be bumpy, but you’ll be having too much fun to care.

My Review:  Anything that has to do with chocolate must be good!  The Chocolate Diaries is definitely "Secrets for a Sweeter Journey on the Rocky Road of Life." (actually this is the subtitle on the front of the book).  

Most women relate to chocolate....we love dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate truffles, chocolate coffee cream (well, this is my personal favorite) and the list  goes on.  So much chocolate so little time <smile>

Now in The Chocolate Diaries the author, Karen Linamen, shares stories about her family, relationships with other women and how other women have overcome struggles....all involve chocolate! 

One of my favorite chapters is entitled, Sweet Secrets, Because Real Women Don’t Need a Cookbook.  And on page 94 there is a recipe for Fab Fondue~Chocolate, of course!  It's sweet and easy to make in your crockpot!  Then you dip your favorite fruits in this wonderful fondue!  

This is one of those reads that will make your life journey sweeter.  You'll feel that the author is your friend because many of the situations that she talks about are things we all can relate to.  Karen gives sage advice about life and brings us tips on how to deal with these life situations.

My favorite quote from this great read is, "When we're traveling the rocky roads of life, sometimes we need endurance for the long haul ahead.  Sometimes we need healing for whatever it is we've just come through.  Sometimes we need compasses to make sense of the crazy terrain we have to negotiate."  And then right across the page is the recipe for a French Twist:  Slice a croissant in half, fill with chocolate chips, microwave about 20 seconds and viola! instant indulgence! 

Loved this book!  A great-tastic 5 star not.to.be.missed.read!

Read the first chapter HERE! 

About the Author:

No stranger to good chocolate, Karen Scalf Linamen is a popular speaker and the author of fifteen books for women, including Just Hand Over the Chocolate and No One Will Get Hurt and Chocolatherapy: Satisfying the Deepest Cravings of Your Inner Chick. Karen writes, entertains, cooks, and pursues the sweet life with her family in Colorado Springs, Colorado