Fun Friday!

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

 Something fun to do and be well too.

The Inheritance (Secrets of the Shetlands) by Michael Phillips

 

Book Description:  Dramatic New Series from Fan Favorite Michael Phillips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swept Away (Trouble in Texas) by Mary Connealy

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paperback: 320 pages

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

Fun Friday!

 

 When the movie doesn't follow the book.

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

 

Book Description:  Michigan, 1880

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

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

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

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

Rock Harbor Search & Rescue by Colleen Coble

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fun Friday!

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris

 

Book Description:  Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victim's husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes that the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.

My Thoughts:  Lisa Harris never disappoints when she writes a mystery/suspense/thriller.  This story is o.so.wonderful!

Caitlyn Lindsey's character comes alive in the first chapter when "things" begin happening that aren't suppose to happen.  She feels like someone is also watching her and maybe they are.

At first I wasn't sure about Josh Solomon...well, his character seems a bit weak but that soon changes and one can't help but fall in love with Josh.  He doesn't take on a super personality he just becomes more thoughtful.

As one reads on in the story there a lot of action takes place it seems that there is an under current of "something" happening but the reader can't quite figure out what.

Just when I felt I knew what was going on, well the game changed.

I loved, loved this story!  Great suspense and great mystery combined in one fantastic story of intentions gone haywire.

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Revell 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800729161
• ISBN-13: 978-0800729165

Fun Friday!

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}