Fun Friday

 

PREORDER

 BAKER BOOK HOUSE LINK: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/637248

AMAZON LINK:

https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Christmas-Carol-Christian/dp/080074473X/

 

Once Upon A Christmas: (A Sweet Christian Fiction Holiday Story with Themes of A Christmas Carol set in Michigan) by Melody Carlson

 Book Description:  What will happen when a tropical escape from holiday blues turns into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer? 

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, she would rather avoid the holiday season. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn't helped!    

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas--by herself--bah humbug! But bad weather and God's radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt's farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas--one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit. 

My Thoughts:  I love this hardback novella. It fits into the reader's hand so well but best of all is the story of Carol and Christmas. 

Carol Langstrom was born on Christmas Day (notice her name, Christmas Carol perhaps).  

Carol has always felt that her birthday was upset by Christmas. Of course, living in a dysfunctional home probably didn't help either.

This novella is full of fun and quirks. But best of all this story brings out the true meaning of Christmas and how we all can find joy in the season even if our birthday is in Christmas Day.

And sometimes the very thing that we try to run away from is the very place that God wants us.  As Carol finds out trying to run to the Bahamas actuallyy sends her to her aunt's home in  snowy Michigan.

So many little tidbits of faith and truth are sprinkled throughout the story.

Don't miss this lovely novella!  And check out the giveaway from Goodreads:

Go to:  Goodreads Giveaway:

Book coming September 2, 2025...Melody Carlson's new novella!

 

A Deadly Business {A Mia Quinn Mystery} by Lis Wiehl

  An oldie but goodie!

Book Description:  A prosecutor of violent criminals. A detective on a dangerous beat. When these two pros take on an off-the-books case, the line between professional and personal becomes perilously blurred. 

When a twenty-two-year-old convict walks into the courtroom, his eyes confirm what Mia Quinn already guesses: he blames her for his conviction. In seconds, he knocks her to the ground and holds a razor blade to her throat. While she manages to escape without injury, it's just one more reminder that Mia's job prosecuting Seattle's s most dangerous criminals is far from low risk.  

As a single mom, the last thing Mia wants is for her work to follow her home or discover that it already has.

Now Detective Charlie Carlson is suggesting the very thing Mia doesn't want to believe—that her accountant husband’s deadly car accident was no accident at all. When Mia and Charlie encounter resistance to reopening the case, they take the investigation into their own hands. And they find much more than they bargained for.

Was Mia's husband more than an accountant . . . and less than an honest man? As the truth becomes more shocking and the case grows more complex, her husband's killers take note of Mia . . . and her children. How far will this prosecutor go to learn the truth about her husband—and how far will she have to go to protect her family? 

My Thoughts:  Oh.Be.Still.My.Heart!  I have waited (it seems like forever ) for the next Mia Quinn mystery.  And here it is!  

Mia is a prosecutor.  And usually her job is stressful and full but today when that twenty-two-year old walks into the courtroom Mia senses/knows that he blames her for his predicament.  Uh!Yeah! She did the crime!    Honestly these criminals make one SO angry.   As the reader can tell this is a one great suspense read!  I was SO angry at the criminal . . . a good sign that an author brings out emotion in the reader.

Mia is a single mom because her husband was killed in a deadly car accident.  But now Detective Carlson telling her the one thing she really doesn't want to hear.  Her husband's accident was probably not an accident!  And to top.it.all.off!  Her husband seems to have been into some shady dealings.

Poor Mia! She is a single mom who wants to blend into the woodwork.  She doesn't want these criminals to know that she has a family and where she lives.  

This is one of Lis Wiehl's best books!  The suspense is, well for a lack of another word, suspenseful! {smile}  One of those I'm looking over my shoulder as I read in bed at night!  Yeah!That good!

• Series: A Mia Quinn Mystery (Book 2)
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595549048

Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson

 Book Description:  A hurricane may have destroyed her livelihood on Prince Edward Island, but she's determined to save her community

Kelsey Ahern has performed at the Victoria Playhouse on Prince Edward Island every summer since she was seven. But when a hurricane destroys the building, it's not just her memories that are in jeopardy. Her future as a teacher and drama coach are too. She teams up with Levi Ross, the facilities director at the high school, to produce a benefit show to raise money to rebuild the theater. He has a reputation for being able to fix anything, and Kelsey is sure there's more to the quiet man than meets the eye. 

For his part, Levi has admired Kelsey for years, but he can't seem to find the words to tell her. When a popular weatherman arrives in town to cover the aftermath of the hurricane and takes an interest in Kelsey and her show, Levi realizes that the time has come to speak up--or lose the heart of the woman he longs for. 

My Thoughts:  It's be awhile since I've read a book by Liz Johnson so I was excited to receive her newest novel, Summer in the Spotlight.

Liz does a fantastic job of creating characters that are lifelike and seem to have that jump off the page and into our hearts kind of reader love.

Sometimes it seems that there are life storms that come to disrupt our lives when, in fact, these life storms set everything right in our lives. Such is the case in Kelsey Ahern's and Levi's life.

Kelsey has her heart set on performing at the Victoria Playhouse on Edward Island so when a terrible hurricane destroys the building and so much more including Kellsey's dreams. 

Then Levi Ross comes along he and Kelsey decide to produce the show at the local high school and raise money to rebuild the building.

Such a wonderful story full of hope and love.

He Should Have Told The Bees by Amanda Cox

  

Book Description:  Beekeeper Beckett Walsh is living her dream, working alongside her father in their apiary, until his untimely death sends her world into a tailspin. She suddenly finds she must deal with a new part owner of the family business--one who is looking to sell the property. Beck cannot fathom why her father would put her into the position to lose everything they built together.

When Callie Peterson is named in the trust of a man she's never heard of, she's not sure what to do. Her fledgling business has just taken wing and her mother has reentered her life asking for help getting into rehab for her lifelong substance abuse issues, making Callie's financial situation rather . . . precarious. She's sure she has no right to someone else's farm, but the money from the sale could solve her problems and give her the stability she's always craved.

My Thoughts: This is the first book I've read by Amanda Cox; hopefully it won't be the last.

Beck, who has lost her father in death and then has to deal with losing the beekeeper business they built together.  At times my heart grieved for Beck (Beckett Walsh) since it seems that she has so much to lose.  Why didn't her dad make provision for her to keep the bee keeper business?  Poor Beck!

Then Callie Petersen is named in the trust of a man she never knew.  Callie has had a business that can't seem to make it then her mother wants to reenter her life because she has financial woes.  But Callie has financial woes too.  

The story of how Beck and Callie have so much in common and how one man who loved both made provision for them. 

This creative and insightful read will make the reader want to know what he should have told the bees.

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!

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

Fun Friday

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Escape from Amsterdam (Heroines of WWII) by Lauralee Bliss

 

Book Description: Helen Smit believed she was called by God to become a teacher. Little does she know that her care for kids will take a drastic turn for survival when the Germans occupy Amsterdam and Jewish children and parents begin to be deported. Now all she can think of is helping all the kids escape before it’s too late.

 

Erik Misman’s newfound love for Helen is tested when he joins a plot to help move Jewish children to a safe place in the countryside. If danger can foster a closer bond with Helen and save the lives of the little ones, he will do it all. But a German patrol that stumbles upon the farm where they are hiding with three children and a soldier who takes an unexpected interest in Helen, could well destroy their plans for safety and love.

My Thoughts:  A new to me author and a book about WWII. What a win-win in the reading world!

I wasn't quite sure what to expect but soon found out this is an on the edge of your seat story.  The kind I love because I don't know what to expect.

Helen Smit is quite a young lady with alot of guts and gumption.

She know in her heart that God wants her to be a teacher but instead of teaching children she soon is trying to get Jewish chidden out of Amsterdam and out of the Nazis way.

Then Erik Misman who loves Helen decides to help get the children tp safety.

This is a harrowing story of two brave young people who are trying to do the right thing and get innocent children to safety.

My heart sank when the German patrol accidentally found the farm where Erik, Helen and the children had taken refuge.  And then a German soldier decides he likes Helen.  So much for being ambiguous and safe.

When all seems lost, God shows up to help them.

I loved this story!  So inspiring!  

Letters of Comfort {Book 2} by Wanda E Brunstetter

 

 Book Description:  Doretta Schwartz used to be so happy and passed her positive attitude along to friends in several letters she wrote each month. But that all changed the day she learned of her fiance's death and a heavy weight of depression fell upon her. Feeling empty, she puts away her letter writing and won't even respond to calls from friends. William's twin brother, Warren, is also grieving his loss, while at the same time, trying to be supportive to his parents and Doretta. Doretta responds to Warren's friendship, but is he just becoming a replacement for the once-in-a-lifetime love she lost?

My Thoughts: I enjoy reading books penned by Wanda Brunstetter.  These books in the Friendship Letters are not only fun but interesting since letter writing seems to have become a lost art.  

The only "issue" Had with this story was the name of the main character, Doretta.  I kept wanting to call her Dorito. I kept asking myself could this be a real name?  Oh, my!

Once I got past the name I enjoyed reading about Doretta and her story.

Dorreta is a happy person and then one day her fiancé passes away. She feels her joy slip away as well as her letter writing.  What is there to write about?

Unbeknownst to Doretta William is also mourning his loss.  

William takes the first step and reaches out to Doretta in friendship since they are both grieving.  Grieving is difficult and takes a strong person to overcome his grief in order to comfort another.  This is William.

The letters are quite interesting and spur me to begin writing letters once again since they mean so much to others.

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

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

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

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!

Fun Friday

 

New Book by Melody Carlson

Coming September 2, 2025!

 

What will happen when a tropical escape from holiday blues turns into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer?

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. So this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas--by herself--bah humbug! But bad weather and God's radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt's farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas--one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit.

Melody Carlson's Christmas novella delivers all the charm of a holiday Hallmark movie, is rooted in Christian faith, woven with sweet romance, and features A Christmas Carol themes.

 

Preorder your copy today from Baker Book House and get 40% off + free US shipping! 

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/637248

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Best deal on Melody Carlson's new book!

Preorder your copy today from Baker Book House and get 40% off + free US shipping! 

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/637248

 

New Book....stay tuned

 

A Perilous Plan by Melanie Dickerson

 

Penelope Hammond finds herself a widow at the age of twenty-three, having been married five years to a man she barely knew. Her husband, David Hammond, Lord Hampstead, was a member of the House of Lords who rarely said more than a few words to her in a week’s time--and often did not come home at night.

But Lord Hampstead was from a wealthy, powerful London family with no enemies, so why was he murdered?

Penelope is a penniless widow with few friends and only her cold grandmother to lean on. When she finds herself pursued by both English officials and French spies, she doesn’t know who to trust—until a handsome Member of Parliament, Henry Gilchrist, saves her from being attacked and kidnapped. Mr. Gilchrist seems so determined to help her, but can she trust him?

Henry Gilchrist seems to know more about her husband than she does--that he was unfaithful to her with a young Frenchwoman who Penelope thought was her friend, that his gambling problem had sunk him deeply in debt, and that he had stolen some very important plans that could put the entire country in danger. And now both the French and the English governments think she knows where these plans are.

Penelope had no idea that her husband stole secret plans and intended to sell them to the French, but no one seems to believe her, except Henry Gilchrist. When she starts to fall in love with the handsome young Member of the House of Commons, will he be too embittered from a former lost love to accept his own growing feelings? But first they must save themselves from those who would do them harm, or there will be no future for them, either together or apart.

Here's another great read by Melanie Dickerson.

If you love Regency Romance, you'll love this

story of a young widow and her plan.

Fun Friday