Friday, September 29, 2023
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Lost and Found by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Book Description: Trudy Yoder shares a passion for birding with Micah Weaver--and she has an even greater passion for Micah. Their friendship is finally turning romantic when Micah abruptly grows cold. Worse still, he wants to leave Stoney Ridge. Micah Weaver thought he was over Trudy's older sister. A year and a half ago, Shelley had broken his heart when she ran away from Stoney Ridge to pursue a singing career in Nashville. Then, out of the blue, she's started to leave distressing phone messages for him.
When the bishop asks for volunteers to scout out a possible church relocation in Tennessee, Micah is the first to raise his hand. Despite scant details, he's confident he can find Shelley. After all, his reputation as a field guide is based on finding birds that don't want to be found.
My Thoughts: Suzanne Woods Fisher pens a delightful story about a young man and two sisters.
As delightful as this story is at times I became quite frustrated with Micah Weaver. He doesn't see what is right before his very eyes and, yet, he sees so much more. How can one man with two very different sisters not see that the more stable sister, Trudy Yoder, shares his interest while the more flighty sister, Shelley Yoder, just wants to use him.
This is what makes for a great story by a great story teller...making the reader feel the emotion of the story through words. It's like being right there in the distressing moments as well as the sweet moments.
Trudy is a true blue friend but she also wants to be more to Micah than just his good friend. Micah thinks his heart belongs to Shelley. Shelley lives in her own world.
This is a a great Amish story in Stoney Ridge and then there is much about Nashville, TN.
Don't miss this fantastic story of what is lost and what is found.
*This book was provided for review by Revell*
WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}
Another great recipe I found on Pinterest . . .
OH!MY! SOOOOO GOOOOD!
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch salt, optional and to taste
1 cup coarsely chopped graham crackers and crumbs, about 4 full-size cracker sheets
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup butterscotch chips
3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch salt, optional and to taste
1 cup coarsely chopped graham crackers and crumbs, about 4 full-size cracker sheets
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup butterscotch chips
3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
DIRECTIONS:
- To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugars, egg, vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed until well-creamed, light and fluffy, about 5 minutes (or use a hand mixer and beat for at least 7 minutes).
- Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, optional salt, and mix until just combined, about 1 minute.
- Add the graham crackers (include the fine crumbs too, they act as flour here and are important), chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut and beat momentarily to incorporate, less than 1 minute, or fold in by hand.
- Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, form heaping two-tablespoon mounds (I made 22). Place mounds on a large plate, flatten mounds slightly with your palm, cover with plasticwrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 5 days, before baking. Do not bake with warm dough because cookies will spread and bake thinner and flatter.
- Preheat oven to 350F, line a baking sheet with a Silpat, or spray with cooking spray. Place mounds on baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart (I bake 8 cookies per sheet). Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, or until edges have set and tops are just beginning to set, even if slightly undercooked, pale and glossy in the center. Do not bake longer than 9 minutes for soft cookies because they firm up as they cool (The cookies shown in the photos were baked with dough that had been chilled overnight, allowed to come to room temp for 15 minutes, and were baked for 8 minutes, with trays rotated at the 4-minute mark. They have chewy edges with soft, pillowy, gooey centers). Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before removing and transferring to a rack to finish cooling.
- Store cookies airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Alternatively, unbaked cookie dough can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so consider baking only as many cookies as desired and save the remaining dough to be baked in the future when desired.
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni
My Thoughts: Holly Varni is a new to me author. I love meeting new authors through their stories.
Moonberry Lake just has that "magical" sound when you read or say to out loud. And there is something "magical" happening to Cora Matthews.
Cora is a one of a kind, true blue lady. She needs to settle her her mother's affairs and then get on with her own life. But life has a way of leading us on a different path.
Cora soon finds an inheritance that was unexpected which includes a quite old lodge. Cora sees a lodge that could help others. Maybe, even her eccentric neighbors.
Then there's that handsome stranger. The one Cora finds not only interesting but intriguing.
Oh! And all the family secrets!
This is a one of a kind story. Truly a page turner. The events and the intrigue keeps the reader wanting to know more.
Such a grand read!
*This book was provided for review by Revell*
A Picture of Hope (Heroines of WWII) by Liz Tolsma
Book Description: Journalist Nellie Wilkerson has spent the bulk of the war in London, photographing mothers standing in milk lines—and she’s bored. She jumps at the chance to go to France, where the Allied forces recently landed. There she enlists Jean-Paul Breslau of the French underground to take her to the frontlines. On the journey, they stumble upon a great tragedy, leaving a girl with special needs being orphaned.
Can Nellie and Jean-Paul see the child to a safe haven while being pursued by the Nazis, who are pressed by the advancing Allies and determined to destroy all they can before they flee?
My Thoughts: I find it interesting that the author, Liz Tolsma, has an adopted daughter with special needs. I would say that Mrs. Tolsma is writing from first hand experience about a girl who needs to flee from Hitler's wrath.
Journalist Nellie Wilkerson wants to go to the front lines for real news of the war. So when the chance comes she jumps and lands in France where she asks Jean-Paul of the French underground to help her get to the frontlines.
Along the way she and Jean-Paul find a young special needs girl. As you probably remember from history Hitler wanted to wipe out all special needs people. So Nellie and Jean-Paul decide to risk it all and get this child to safety with the Nazis hot on their back as the Allies approach.
Such an interesting and different perspective of WWII. I loved this story and the author has done her research and knows exactly what she's talking about. A well written story.
*This book was provided for review by Barbour*
Monday, September 25, 2023
Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Baking Cookbook
Book Description: Fresh-baked buns or cookies waiting for a child's after-school snack is a delight many of us remember from our own mothers and grandmothers kitchens. You can now share the joy of baking for and with your own family through dozens of recipes provided by Amish bakers. Ideas for breads, rolls, cakes, cookies, and more will keep you busy taste testing and sharing all the goodies. Also included are step-by-step instructions, baking tips, and anecdotes from Amish bakers. Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, home bakers of all ages will be delighted to add this cookbook to their collections.
This is a must-have cookbook for anyone with a soft spot for baked goods, from New York Times bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter.
My Thoughts: I admit that I love getting a new cookbook especially one of Wanda E. Brustetters' cookbooks.
This cookbook has some great, unknown recipes or also called recipes I've not heard of.
There are easy and delicious recipes or there are intricate and delicious recipes. So many great new ideas.
I am especially interested in the bread recipes right now. After all that has transpired in our world the past two years I've decided to learn to make an easy but good bread. I found two recipes in this book that I'm going to try. Pumpkin bread and Unleavened bread. There's also a recipe for Friendship Bread but that's like taking on a new family member so maybe at another time for me.
This is a fantabulous cookbook so be sure to get a copy while they're flying off the shelves.
I did make the recipe below, Cherry Melt-Away Bars, the other day and they are DELICIOUS!
So I'm sharing the recipe with you:
*This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing*
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Christmas Murder Cover-Up by Shannon Redmon
My Thoughts: It's time for the Christmas reads to make an appearance and I'm so happy they are out.
Shannon Redmon pens a widely fantastic suspense story about Liz Burke who is a narcotics office and Oz Kelly the homicide detective who teams up with Liz to help her on this case.
Unfortunately, Liz couldn't save the confidential informant who was helping her on this case. A professional assassin took the informant out. Killed for no reason than to help others.
Liz narrowly survives with her life and she has no recollection of the killer or what happened.
Enter Oz Kelly the homicide detective who comes along to help her figure this case out and to keep Liz safe from these bad people who will do anything to keep their ring of crime going.
This is a fantastic read mixed with a lot of danger, sweet romance and a lot of action.
This makes an excellent gift as a card for a sick friend or for a present.
Friday, September 22, 2023
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
The Flower Quilter (Heart of the Amish) by Mindy Steele
Melvin Bontrager’s world stopped six years ago when his parents died. Now when his only means of providing for his widowed sister and niece is threatened, Melvin finds his landscaping business disappearing too. When spring delivers a newcomer who is immune to his salty moods, Melvin does something he has never done before, accepts help.
My thoughts: Mindy Steele is a new to me author. I was quite smitten with this story of a quilter, Barbara Swartz. She not only quilts but she can grow the prettiest flowers.
Barbara is tired of her life. She's tired of quilting frolics and sewing.
Then she finds out that her grandmother needs her to help her in Indiana in her quilting shop.
In the Amish community one goes when one is needed. Her parents seem to know that she needs a change and request that she go help her grandmother.
Barbara finds the community interesting and different.
The community accepts Barbara and she learns that sometimes change brings about a new love of old things.
Melvin Bontrager's world seems to be coming apart at the seams. Nothing is going in the right direction until he meets Barbara. She takes him as he is and that surprises him. He decides to accept her help.
Together they find that the world is better with one person helping another. Somewhat like a quilt coming together one binding at a time.
A delightful read!
*This book was provided for review by Barbour*
- Publisher : Barbour Pub Inc (September 1, 2023)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 249 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1636096425
- ISBN-13 : 978-1636096421
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
A Grand new book by Shannon Redmon
Pre Order this fantastic book by Shannon Redmon
Pre Order on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Christ.../dp/B0BTJ259ZD/ref=sr_1_1..
Mary Alford's book releases today!
It’s Release Day!
Don’t Close Your Eyes is now available!
They were a match made in the hallowed halls of Quantico.
Until Death came knocking…
Gathering Shadows (Finding Sanctuary 1) by Nancy Mehl
Book Description: Wynter Evans is a promising young reporter for a television station in St. Louis, but even a bright future doesn't take away her pain over the disappearance of her brother nine years ago. So when she stumbles across a photograph of a boy with an eerie resemblance to him, she can't pass up the chance to track him down. With research for work as her cover, she sets out with one of the station's photogs for the place where the picture was taken: the town of Sanctuary.
Almost as soon as she arrives, she meets the town's handsome young mayor, Rueben King, and together they begin to uncover long held secrets that could tear the small town apart and change everything Wynter thought she knew about her life. As the truth of her family's past hides in the shadows, it's clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the answers she's searching for hidden forever--even if the cost is Wynter's very life.
My Thoughts: I absolutely love to read novels/stories by Nancy Mehl!
The Gathering Shadows (the first book in the Finding Sanctuary series) is classified as romantic suspense but, yet, Mrs. Mehl puts so much more into this story.
I love Wynter Evans . . .just love the way her name is spelled. Wynter is strong and courageous but yet gentle and kind hearted. Wynter struggles with her past. And there is Rueben King {sigh!} the young mayor . . . here is the romantic part.
Wynter's brother disappeared over nine years ago. then Wynter comes across a picture of a big that resembles her lost brother. She is drawn to and must go after the clues to see if this is really her brother.
She travels to the town of Sanctuary. Sanctuary is the town where Rueben King is mayor.
There seems to be shadows everywhere Wynter looks. It seems that the truth may never "show up."
This is quite a read! The ending, the I.didn't.see.that.coming! and the suspense make for zone fantastic read!
But don't take my word for it....go read it for yourself!
- Series: Finding Sanctuary (Book 1)
- Paperback: 320 pages
- Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0764211579
- ISBN-13: 978-0764211577
Monday, September 18, 2023
The Amish Christmas Matchmaker (Indiana Amish Brides) by Vannetta Chapman
Book Description: With her wedding business thriving, Annie Kauffmann could never leave her beloved Amish community. So when handsome Amish cowboy Levi Lapp tries to convince her father to move the family to Texas, she must put a stop to it. If Annie finds Levi a wife, he might forget his dream of moving…but can she keep from falling for him herself?
My Thoughts: In my book there is nothing better than a Love Inspired romance especially when it's about Christmas and is authored by Vannetta Chapman. A win-win!
This fantastic story is almost an oxymoron...An Amish matchmaker?!? But then again no matter what, we all need love in our lives.
Annie Kaufman actually has a wedding business so it's not all love and games. However, she doesn't seem to have any romance in her own life. And it seems that Annie is quite happy with her life so when Levi Lapp begins to talk her father into moving-to Texas of all places! Annie decides she'll have none of that nonsense. But love can get in the way of most well laid plans.
In a fun loving sort of way, Vannetta Chapman captures the romance between two young Amish people and somehow gets their families involved too.
This is a great story to begin your holiday season!
- Series: Indiana Amish Brides
- Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
- Publisher: Love Inspired; Original edition
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1335479430
- ISBN-13: 978-1335479433
Friday, September 15, 2023
Shadows At Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard
Here's all the DEETS on SHADOWS AT DUSK which releases October 17th--only 5 weeks away! By Elizabeth Goddard
Montana Detective Trevor West is desperate to learn what happened to his sister, who went missing in Alaska over a year ago, leaving nothing but a few photographs as clues to her whereabouts. At the advice of Police Chief Autumn Long, Trevor enlists the help of an experienced bush pilot. If Carrie James can't help him find the places in the photographs, no one can.But Carrie has her own agenda. Grieving the death of her closest friend and the only person she could trust, Carrie will help Trevor find his sister on one condition--that he help her track down her friend's killer.As the two close in on the answers they crave, they'll face dangers and connections they could not have imagined. They'll have to learn to trust one another--and face the dark secrets of the past--if they are ever to discover the truth and bring a killer to justice.Pre-Order from BAKER BOOK HOUSE and get 40 percent off and free shipping!Amazon: https://amzn.to/461vqLTBaker Book House: https://shorturl.at/ehtM2Christianbook: https://shorturl.at/kAJO0
Christmas Murder Cover-Up by Shannon Redmon
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Life Behind the Wall: Candy Bombers, Beetle Bunker, and Smuggler's Treasure Paperback by Robert Elmer
Book Description: Cut off by the Iron Curtain This epic tale extends across generations and unfolds against the backdrop of a dangerous Cold War Berlin. This historically accurate, action-packed, three-books-in-one edition features three generations of resourceful teens living in the shadow of the Berlin Wall. Titles include: Candy Bombers: In spring 1948, teenage cousins Erich and Katarina are simply trying to survive in war-ravaged Berlin when the Soviets blockade the east side of the city, isolating its citizens---and starving them---behind the Iron Curtain. Beetle Bunker: In August 1961, Sabine discovers a forgotten underground bunker. Though she first uses it to escape her crowded home, she soon realizes her hideout could possibly take her family under the wall to West Berlin and freedom! Smuggler's Treasure: In spring 1989, life is good in West Germany, and even the Cold War seems to be thawing in the warmer weather. But as Liesl works on a class project about the history of the wall, she stumbles onto a startling secret no one will talk about.
My Thoughts: Oh! Be.Still.My.Heart! I could not believe my eyes when I saw this book . . . I was so excited. . . . like a kid on Christmas morning! This is THREE books in one volume! All three of the Life Behind the Wall books by Robert Elmer!
I first read Candy Bombers about 10 years ago. But I never got the next two books Beetle Bunker and Smuggler's Treasure.
I must tell you, that even though I am an adult, these are the best books ever!
In Candy Bombers the reader is introduced to Erich and Katarina living in the city of Berlin after the Soviets blockade the east side of the city.
Then in Beetle Bunker, the reader meets Sabine who discovers an underground bunker.
And then in, Smuggler's Treasure the reader meets Liesl who lives in West Germany during the Cold War.
Sorry my book descriptions are short but I hope they are teasers for you (no spoilers) so that you will read this wonderful trilogy!
Yes, these books must be read in order because there are overlaps in each book from the previous. And what a better way to read them in order than to have a 3-n-1 book!
I love this trilogy!
- Age Range: 8 - 12 years
- Paperback: 528 pages
- Publisher: Zonderkidz; Revised edition
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 031074265X
- ISBN-13: 978-0310742654
Monday, September 11, 2023
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
Friday, September 8, 2023
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}
We did this wonderful fish Charcuterie board with fish, tortillas,
onions, fresh veggies...it was wonderful!
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Light from Distant Stars: A Novel by Shawn Smucker
Book Description: When Cohen Marah steps over his father's body in the basement embalming room of the family's funeral home, he has no idea that he is stepping into a labyrinth of memory. As the last one to see his father, Cohen is the primary suspect.
Over the next week, Cohen's childhood memories come back in living color. The dramatic events that led to his father being asked to leave his pastoral position. The game of baseball that somehow kept them together. And the two children in the forest who became his friends--and enlisted him in a dark and dangerous undertaking. As the lines blur between what was real and what was imaginary, Cohen is faced with the question he's been avoiding: Did he kill his father?
My Thoughts: There are times when I begin reading a book and wonder, "What am I missing?" This is such book.
I just could not understand what the author was saying in this story. I was lost from page one.
Now if you're the type of reader who enjoys dystopia or "christian" science fiction, well, you may enjoy this read.
The story centers around the father of Cohen Marah. Actually the story seems to be about the father...but, then again, I'm clueless about the story. Just didn't get what was going on.
The author knows how to write, it is the story itself that I had trouble with. Yes, I get that there was child abuse and the man wanted to let go of the ugly things. However, the story part just never got to me.
- Paperback: 400 pages
- Publisher: Revell
- ISBN-10: 0800728513
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