New by Mary Alford

 

PreOrder this fantabulous book!

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.

 

Framed In Amish Country by Mary Alford

 Book Description:  A frantic call from her best friend sends district attorney Paige Grayson running right into a trap—and now she’s being framed for her friend’s murder. With the police after her and evidence against her stacking up, she seeks refuge in Amish country—and the help of her first love, Elijah King, to clear her name. To expose the drug dealer setting Paige up, they must work together while evading a ruthless criminal and the police. With threats closing in and time running out, one wrong move could be their last.

My Thoughts:  I love, love this size of book.  It's the perfect size to put in one's hands and still small enough to go in one's purse or case.  And the font is just right!

This story begins with a bang and never lets up.  Action from page one.  

The Ghost is always invisible and one step ahead of Paige and Elijah.  How can this person always know right where  they are going?  

The excitement and the suspense keeps one reading and flipping those pages.

This story had more romance than usual for a Mary Alford book.  But it fit.  When one is desperately  running for one's life with an old flame then there's sure to be side glances and moments of sweet romance.

Now the mystery of the Ghost was SO difficult to figure out.  Actually I didn't figure out who the Ghost was...it was quite a shock to the very end.

Don't miss this exciting read with suspense and those wonderful dogs who are always saving the day for their masters.

The Secret to Happiness (Cape Cod Creamery) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

Book Description:  Fired from her dream job after making a huge mistake, Callie Dixon lands at her aunt's Cape Cod ice cream shop, hoping that in time, she'll bounce back. But she made that mistake for a reason that time won't help. When her cousin drags her to a class on happiness, the instructor--curiously gloomy and demanding--has a way of turning her feelings upside down.

My Thoughts:  After reading drama, intrigue and suspense this book was way too introspective for me.  No action, very little drama.  

However, if you are a girly girl and like to read about another's thoughts and happiness then this is the book for you.

Sometimes I receive a book that just isn't in my interest group.  Unfortunately, this was one of those books.  I tried.  I really tried but I'm a suspense/mystery reader and this book just couldn't grab my interest.

Not the author's fault...it's all on me. Just gotta have some suspense to grab me.

So for all you girly girls go grab this read!

Pre order Framed In Amish Country by Mary Alford

 

Beautiful Wisdom Daily Devotions by Barbour Books

 Book Description:  God's Word is living and powerful and sharper than a sword (Hebrews 4:12), and through His Son, we have new life (Romans 6:4). This lovely daily devotional collection will bless women of all ages with scriptures carefully selected from the easy-to-understand New Life Version of the Bible.  Each devotion includes a title, scripture, faith-building reading, and prayer—designed to draw you closer to your heavenly Father through daily quiet time with the One who loves you most.  This gorgeous devotional is perfect for personal use or makes a thoughtful gift that will be cherished for years to come and pairs perfectly with the Beautiful Wisdom Bibles, available from Barbour Publishing!

My Thoughts: I love, simply love devotional books! I'm always on the lookout for THAT one special book.  Well today I believe I have found THAT book for this year.

It has 365 Encouraging readings for the believe to read and think about.  

At the top of each page is the day.  Eg. Day 183.  Then the title of the devotional.  Then a scripture that goes with the devotional.  Next the devotional which takes up most of the page which is appropriate since it is a devotional book.

At the very end of the page is a short prayer for you to pray after reading the devotional or add to the prayer somewhat like a prayer starter.

It's a beautiful devotional chockfull of God's goodness for every day of the year.

The only drawback of this devotional book which doesn't affect me but something to be aware of when buying is that the font is small not tiny but maybe small for some to read.

It's the perfect gift for a young woman for graduation or for a birthday gift.  It also makes a nice "card" for that person who needs encouragement.

PreOrder Mary Alford's new book...Framed for Murder

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 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.

GREAT books by Dana Metink

 

All's Fair in LOVE and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

 

Book Description:  Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more. 

Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie’s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.

But when Lucas Brannen, Kat’s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself—her—is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat’s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.

My Thoughts:  Betsy St. Amant pens a "sweet read" in All's Fair in LOVE and Cupcakes!  

I admit that I chose this book based on the title and the picture (shameful, I know!)  But I love cupcakes and was caught up in the reality cupcake bake off.

I like Kat she is slowly coming into her "own."  And then there's Lucas...oh! Lucas!  

Lucas sees Kat's potential and he signs her up for a reality bake off show.  Kat is not sure about going on national TV for a bake off.  But she wants something more in her life than plain chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.  {This seems to be the catalyst of the story.}

The relationship between Kat and Lucas was, at times, a little like plain vanilla . . . they're friends but not sure if they should love each other.  The romance part of this story was clean and best described as young love.  Kat and Lucas like each other and are the best of friends BUT they are in love and can't seem to get the love part out. 

The best part of this story are the cupcakes and bakeoff.  

A fun, light read!

With This Ring?: A Novella Collection of Proposals Gone Awry by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, Melissa Jagears

 

Book Description:  Humorous Historical Romance Novella 

Collection Offers Love and Laughs

Four top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor. In Karen Witemeyer's "The Husband Maneuver," Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins when the ranch foreman she loves seems to be leaving forever. Regina Jennings offers "Her Dearly Unintended," where friends stranded by a rising river pretend to be newlyweds when a dangerous stranger arrives. 

Mary Connealy's "Runaway Bride" finds a Texas ranger getting more than he expected when he rescues a young woman fleeing a dangerous arranged marriage. And Melissa Jagears' "Engaging the Competition" finds a young woman forced to assist the man she's often sparred with after an accident leaves him helpless. Each tale is a fun blend of history and romance that will delight readers. 

My Thoughts:  A fun and light read for the reader who needs a laugh...somtimes a belly laugh from the antics of these proposals gone south.

The novellas are wonderful short stories of love and romance but there's a hitch!  These grooms.to.be aren't in the know or are truly lacking in the romance department.  

Love can be quite unexpected and sometimes quite unplanned.

The Husband Maneuver:  This story is about Marietta Hawkins who feels that she must take the lead in the romance department when the ranch foreman, Daniel Barrett, decides he is leaving forever.  Marietta comes up with a plan to lasso Daniel to the altar.
Her Dearly Unintended is a more serious story with Josiah Huckabee trying to save Katie Ellen Watson when a storm comes.  But with a washed out bridge and no way out they must stay put...and then a menacing stranger comes along.  Josiah and Katie [pretend to be married to save their reputations but also to save a life.  However, can a pretend marriage turn into a real marriage?

Runaway Bride is another mini story about a man trying to keep a woman safe by helping her escape from a "bad" man intent on marrying her.  Carrie and Big John, a solitary Texas Ranger, soon finds himself not just taking care of a lady but falling for this lady.  A cute story.

Engaging the Competition introduces us to a tomboy, Charlotte Andrews and Harrison Gray,,,they have been rivals for years.  And Charlotte is intended for another man.  But when Charlotte breaks Harrison's glasses, he cannot see thing.  Charlotte must help him with his teaching position making for a fun read.

A thoroughly enjoyable read with four great mini stories from four great western authors!

COMING SOON! PREORDER NOW....High Octane Faith by Mary Alford

 

COMING SOON!! Framed In Amish Country by Mary Alford

 She’s being framed for murder—and her only hope is her first love. Framed in Amish Country by Mary Alford releases July 1, 2025! District attorney Paige Grayson is on the run, accused of her best friend’s murder. With the police closing in, she flees to Amish country and turns to her first love, Elijah King, for help. Together, they must expose a lethal conspiracy before it’s too late. 📖 Preorder now:https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335980694_framed-in-amish-country.html

#MaryAlford #FramedinAmishCountry #LoveInspiredSuspense

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Go HERE for recipe

Covert Past: Hope Island Securities Series Book Six by Mary Alford

 Book Description:  It takes a spy to know one. . .

As the newest member of the Hope Island Securities team, Boone Langston knows a spy just by looking into their eyes. And Ellie's reflects awful things . . . just like his. He’d spent most of his military career as a Navy SEAL working for the CIA’s Special Operations Unit. And the past three years trying to forget everything he’d done.

When he accidentally runs into Ellie in front of the Hopeful Coffeehouse, the look in her eyes, the constant scanning of the foot traffic in front of the shop, all seem to hint she is living the nightmare as well . . . until Ellie's past catches up with her removing all doubt.

My Thoughts:  If you've read Mary Alford's books you know she's the queen of christian thrillers and suspense.

I loved this story because it wasn't scary and the mystery was great.  

There's some romance and a whole lotta mystery.  

Of course, it was truly difficult to figure out who the "bad" guy was.  As with all of Mary Alford's books there are twists and turns that can make the readers head spin.  I love that aspect of her stories.

This is another FANTASTIC read by Mary Alford.  And it's a short read.  I read it in a couple of hours.

Cold Light of Day (Missing in Alaska, 1) by Elizabeth Goddard

 

 Book Description:  Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job when an unexpected wave of violent crime sweeps through her small Alaskan town. Does Grier Brenner, a relative newcomer to town, actually have her back? Or is she all alone as the body count rises?

My Thoughts:  Another fantastic suspense read by Elizabeth Goddard.  

This time a small town in Alaska has an unexpected crime wave.  It seems  that police chief Autumn Long is fighting a losing battle.

And then Grier Brenner comes to their small town.  He's a help or a hindrance?

Grier cam to this small Alaskan town to get lost. But as luck would have it there seems to be someone who is out to get him and maybe out for revenge.

Is it real about him or is it all about that cute little police chief, Autumn.

This quite the mysterious read.

Poor Autumn she seems tough nut sometimes life gets the best of her.  When the dangerous crime wave hits she feels all alone until Grier hits town.  But he must belong to the clam family because nothing seems to pry words from his lips.  And is he for her or against her?

So many things happen in this story.  So much action and adventure.  Keeps the reader on her toes.

If you enjoy suspense and mystery you'll love this story as much as I did.

The Prince and the Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith

 

Book Description:  Joseph is the pampered favorite son of the patriarch Jacob. His older brothers, deeply resentful of his status in the family, take advantage of the chance to get rid of him, selling him to slave traders and deceiving their father about his fate. It seems like their troubles are over. But for Joseph and older brother Judah, they are just beginning.

While Joseph is accused of rape and imprisoned, Judah attempts to flee the memory of his complicity in the betrayal of his younger brother. After decades apart, the brothers will come face-to-face in a stunning role reversal that sees Joseph in a position of great power while Judah begs for mercy. Will forgiveness or vengeance win the day?

My Thoughts:  This is an interesting take on the story of Joseph and his older brother, Judah.

I've never read a story a biblical story with a take on the oldest and one of the younger siblings.  

Joseph seems to be the pampered and more loved son of Jacob but as we all know he also save a nation and saves his family from starvation. 

Judah was one of the brothers who sold Joseph into into slavery but as we read in this story Joseph and Judah must come to some sort of agreement for the good of the family.  Joseph has become wiser and older by the time Judah comes to seek food in Egypt so Judah does not recognize his little brother, Joseph.

The prince Joseph must for give the prodigal Judah. This story is more about family dynamics and forgiveness.  

The author did a marvelous job of providing biblical background with just enough imaginative fiction to make this wonderful story of Joseph and Judah pop!

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

The Devoted Life by Marjorie Jackson

 

Book Description: This topically guided creative journal for teen girls offers inspiration and encouragement for those who desire to live their lives fully devoted to Christ. Amidst the loud, confusing voices of the world, trying to tell them which way is the right way to go, girls need to stop, rest, refuel, and reflect in the presence of their truest Friend and most loyal heavenly Father. Whether it’s through creativity, meditating on scripture, prayer, or writing, readers will join young author and artist, Marjorie Jackson, for a time of life-giving fun, faith-strengthening encouragement, and God-glorifying growth. As girls connect with their first love, Jesus, they will begin to understand that life is truly good with a God who is absolutely great! 

 My Thoughts: Every December I begin to think of what journal/devotional I'll use for the new year. This year I chose The Devoted Life by Marjorie Jackson. I was so excited when I received it. It's a pearl pink color...not a tan color like the picture indicates. It's beautiful! I know this devotional is geared for girls but this year I wanted something a little different. It's divided into 31 sections and each section has a devotional, Scriptures for going deeper and then journal prompts. Journal prompts allow one to write down what is going on in life. This is imitation leather but it's so nice. I love the thin line feel, not bulky at all. At the back of the book are pages with places to color and draw or write whatever on wishes. This is absolutely beautiful! And would make a lovely gift, too. 

Imitation Leather: 208 pages Publisher: 

Shiloh Run Press 

 Language: English

 ISBN-10: 1683226879 ISBN-13: 978-1683226871

What I Could Tell You by Liz Tolsma

 

Book Description:  1941—The pounding of Nazi boots on the streets of Salonika, Greece, reverberates in Mathilda Nissim’s ears, shaking her large community of Sephardic Jews to its core and altering her life forever. If only her people would rise up and resist their captors. At great risk to herself and those around her, she uses the small newspaper she publishes to call them to action, all to no avail. Her husband encourages her to trust God to watch over them, but God has once again deserted His people. Amid the chaos, Mathilda discovers she’s expecting a longed-for child. Still, nothing stops the occupiers’ noose from tightening around their necks, and she may have to resort to desperate measures to ensure her daughter’s survival.

 
2019—College student Tessa Payton and her cousin take a popular DNA heritage test only to discover they don’t share any common ancestors. In fact, the test reveals Tessa is a Greek Sephardic Jew. This revelation threatens her tenuous faith. Always the overlooked child in her family, she empties her savings account and jets off on a journey to Greece to discover where she belongs and which God demands her allegiance. The enchanting curator at the Jewish museum guides her as she navigates life in Thessaloniki, helps with her genealogical research, and loans her a fascinating journal written by a Jewish woman during WWII. Tessa’s search, however, may open old wounds and uncover long-hidden secrets that could fracture her family forever and leave her with more questions than when she started.
 

My Thoughts: I love stories about WWII.  However, I'm not  fan of duel timelines.  

But I can see that this story requires a dual timeline for it to make sense.

It's interesting that all her life Tessa thinks she is part of a family until one fateful day she discovers through a DNA test that she isn't really cousins or blood related at all to her cousin.

This brings up all kinds of unanswered questions which then lead to Tessa's discovery about her roots with the Sephardic Jews.  Jews that lived in Greece but were also affected by Hitler's regime.

The more Tessa digs into her family's past the more she discovers.  Some of the discoveries answer her questions like why she does certain things and other discoveries open up a whole new world.

The dual timeline threw me at times so I had to read carefully as not to mix up the characters. Otherwise, it was a wonderful telling of a story.

Such an interesting story!

Loved it and couldn't put it down!

*This book was provided for review by Barbour*