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!

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

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!

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.

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

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

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!

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

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.

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

 

 This is an easy recipe.  

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

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

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

Fun Friday

 

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.

Happy Birthday, America!

 

Rebecca (Daughters of the Lost Colony 1607) by Shannon McNear

 Book Description:  Born the daughter of a Powhatan chieftain and a woman of unknown origins, Mato'aka enjoys a carefree life. When strange men from across the eastern waters appear near her home, she regards them at first as a mere curiosity. Soon, though, she finds herself torn between friendship with one of their leaders and the opinions and politics of her elders. Drawn to a young Englishman, John Rolfe, who has lost a wife and baby daughter, she shares his griefs. . .and perhaps something more. Could she have a future among the English of Jamestown, accepting their ways and even changing her name? Could her fate be a part of the lasting legacy of the Lost Colony of Roanoke?

My Thoughts: Not being a history buff I found this book of historical romance fascinating.  I'd heard of the lost colony of Roanoke but never really thought about it but what if? What is the Powhatan chief had a daughter?  Would the princess be interested in marrying John Rolfe, the Englishman who lost his wife and daughter.

Mato'aka enjoys the carefree life as a chiefs daughter then along comes the  Englishman, John Rolfe, and her life suddenly changes.  Changes she never thought about.  Such as can she fit into the English way of life?  Does she want to fit into the English way of life?  What is life with a man outside of the tribe?

The author did a fantastic job of writing about a "hard" subject.  There seem to be so many "what ifs" surrounding this historical but, yet, fascinating subject of the Lost Colony.

Whether you're a history buff or not you'll find this historical romance fascinating and it may just grab your heart strings.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

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