Monday, July 21, 2025

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

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

YAY Publisher's Weekly



 Thrilled to share that Framed in Amish Country by Mary Alford just hit the Publishers Weekly Bestsellers List!

If you love suspense with emotional depth and second chances, this one’s worth checking out.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1335980695/
Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335980694_framed-in-amish-country.html

#MaryAlford #FramedInAmishCountry #loveinspiredsuspense #amishfiction #suspense

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

Monday, July 14, 2025

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.  ðŸ˜Š
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

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Deception (Natchez Trace Park Rangers)by Patricia Bradley

 

Book Description: After being forced to kill an FBI agent gone rogue in self-defense while working in the violent crimes unit for the Investigative Services Branch, ranger Madison Thorn is comfortable with her move to the fraud and cyber division. At least numbers don't lie. So she's less than thrilled when a white-collar crime investigation in Natchez, Mississippi, turns violent. She could also do without being forced to work with former-childhood-enemy-turned-infuriatingly-handsome park ranger Clayton Bradshaw.

When a woman who looks just like Madison is attacked on the same night Madison's grandfather is shot, it becomes clear that there is something much bigger going on here and that Madison herself is in danger. Madison and Clayton will have to work together--and suppress their growing feelings for one another--if they are to discover the truth before it's too late.

My Thoughts: Oh,my!  This last book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers by Patricia Bradley is absolutely over the top!  Make sure you read the first three books in the series too.  Each book is a stand alone but each book gives you a feel for what is going on in the Natchez Trace Park, Standoff, Obession and Crosshairs.  I loved them all but this last book is like the icing on the cake.  Yeah, it's that good!
Madison Thorn has had her share of of rogue adventures and is not sure she wants more but just when she thinks she can get comfortable, there's a white collar crime which means her old er handsome er childhood friend comes to work on the case.  Oh yeah, Clayton Bradshaw is a great help!
When a woman who looks like Madison is attacked it becomes apparent that there is something much bigger to this crime than meets the eye.
I loved the action, the suspense and the romance of this intriguing well written story.
The deception is one thing that is a bit difficult to figure out.  Well, at least for me. It is a great mystery!

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.

Monday, July 7, 2025

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

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Don't miss Mary Alford's newest story!


Buy the book using the QR code 
on the lower left hand side of the meme.
 

Don't miss this fantastic read!


 Who.is.after.Leila?  And why?  
Can Leila and Officer TJ Snowe save Leila's twin in time?
This fantastic read is a page turner!
Don't miss this fantastic read!
Buy book here:  https://mybook.to/Bf4d

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

 Seriously the BEST!


 No bake Chocolate Eclair Cake

Ingredients
2 (3.5 oz) package of instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping (COOL WHIP) thawed
3 cups milk
2 sleeves graham cracker squares
1 (16 oz) tub chocolate frosting
Directions
In a medium bowl, mix together the pudding mix, milk and Cool Whip.
In an 9 x 13 baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham cracker squares on the bottom. You may have to break them up a bit to get enough crackers to cover the bottom of your dish.
Spread half of the pudding mixture on top of the crackers.
Layer another layer of graham crackers over the pudding mixture.
Then layer the other half of the pudding mixture on top of crackers.
Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
Put plastic wrap over dish and put in fridge for about 30 min to an hour to allow pudding to set.
When ready, put the tub of chocolate frosting in the microwave for about 15 seconds to soften (remove lid and aluminum foil top before microwaving).
Take out and stir frosting. It should be easily spreadable now.
Remove plastic wrap from dish and evenly spread chocolate frosting all over the top layer of graham crackers.
Place plastic wrap over top of dish and put back in fridge and let it chill overnight.
This dessert gets better over time. The graham crackers need plenty of time to soften up.
When ready, slice and serve!

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

New book by Shannon Redmon!

Book Description:  Somebody wants her dead…
Protecting her is his mission.
An early-morning run takes a chilling turn when homicide detective Leila Kane is nearly abducted—and becomes a serial killer's latest target. She teams up with her ex-fiancé, Officer TJ Snowe, and they race against the clock to stop the rising body count. After evading several attacks in the mountains, Leila realizes the danger may be linked to her past. And soon the case becomes even more personal when Leila's twin sister is abducted. Can Leila and TJ save her before another innocent life is taken?


My Thoughts:  An action packed, romance laden and God centered story that leaves the reader with a breathless anticipation for more while quickly turning each page of this fascinating story.

Shannon Redmon has long been a favorite author of mine as she pens God centered stories of faith, hope and love.

The mystery surrounding Leila is fascinating. Officer TJ Snow is definitely an added bonus to helping her solve the mystery of her attacks. He's a great hero.

Don't miss this exciting new read! 
You can buy this book on Amazon.

*All opinions are my own and I was not required to post a positive review*

Framed IN Amish Country by Mary Alford

Book Description:  To prove her innocence she’ll have to expose a lethal conspiracy.
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:  Mary Alford is truly the queen of Christian suspense and mystery. 

 I love her books!  

The suspense in this story will have the goose pimples popping out and just when the reader thinks she has the mystery solved...out pops another clue.

Paige and Elijah make a great team.  They are up against a tidal wave of deceit but with the Lord's help they are going to expose the person who is setting up Paige.

This fast paced, action packed, pure suspense read will have you reading until the last page.  

*All opinions are my own and I was not required to post a positive review*

Happy Release Day to Mary Alford!


 Buy on Amazon
This is a FANTASTIC story!
Don't miss it. 

Today is the day! New book by Shannon Redmon

Buy Book Here:  

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY, Shannon Redmon! 

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