Good and Simple: Recipes to Eat Well and Thrive by Jasmine Hemsley, Melissa Hemsley

Book Description:  Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley are revolutionizing how we eat. Experts on wholesome, nutritious cooking and living a healthy, fashionable lifestyle, the sisters teach people how to enjoy real food to feel happier and more energized. Their simple philosophy of eliminating gluten, grains, and refined sugars, while focusing on maximizing nutrition has revolutionized the way people think of “diet.” And, the best part is, preparing such meals is easy and fun.

My Thoughts:   A lot of days I think . . . What am I going to cook?  Have you ever been there?  Well, Hemsley Hemsley (siblings!) have written a cookbook filled with recipes that are for people to eat well and thrive.

Well, I admit I was a little skeptical that any cookbook could be easy and fun but hey, I like being wrong for a good cause.

I loved the Chocolate Avocado Frosting.  I'm trying VERY hard to eat healthy and yet, I miss some of the desserts.  However, with this recipe one can have dessert and eat healthy too.  A little secret:  When I made this frosting I didn't tell my family the ingredients.  My picky eaters loved it!   Maybe because it was so smooth, filling and chocolatey!  

And then there's this scrumptious Roasted Squash Soup.  We love soup and again, I didn't tell my eaters the ingredients in the soup.  We all had seconds.   Enough said.  

There are 140 recipes.  Tasty and somewhat easy....one still has to cook.  But I will have to say this, if you are wanting healthy recipes then this are the recipes for you!  Not necessarily low cal... but healthy!

I found this cookbook to be a great help to my new healthy way of eating!  

*This book was provided for review by Waterbrook/Multnomah*

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter (April 12, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1101905506
• ISBN-13: 978-1101905500

COTT {Clash of the Titles}

Sneak Peak at Salsa and Speedbumps by Susan M. Baganz

One moment of sin leads to a path of pain . . . and unexpected love.

Welcome to Stephanie and Roberto's story! They have serious chemistry, but how many hurdles can they overcome? Both fun and deeply moving, this book will engage you from the start. Here's what readers have to say:

Fantastic read. Riveting from cover to cover. Susan has great storytelling skills that speak volumes. Although the book itself is fiction it did bring to the forefront the reality and seriousness of human trafficking. 
Althea Zamzow (Amazon Review)

This book skillfully handles many issues in today’s society: date rape, addiction to pain killers, kidnapping, human trafficking, and the mafia. The well-written story keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and the book is hard to put down. How much more can Robbie and Stephanie take before they’re broken apart by life’s circumstances?

Victoria Pitts Caine (Amazon Review)

Listen in on a conversation from the book:

“Christmas is just around the corner.”
“Really? I hadn’t noticed.”
“Come on, dad and I didn’t do too bad getting a tree up and decorated.”
“You did a fine job. Much better than I could have managed with my bulging belling getting in the way.”
“I happen to be fond of your bulging belly. Reminds me of Santa Claus.”
“Very funny.” She snuggled up to Robbie’s side. “If you had a wish for Christmas, what would it be?”
“That forty years from now I would be as in love with you as I am today.”
Stephanie smiled. “I like that.”
“Did you have Christmas wish?”
“Mine wasn’t big enough.”
“What was it?”
“Really? You will laugh at me.”
“Really, I want to know.”
“I want a puppy.”
“A puppy.”
“Yes, a puppy.”
“We may need to wait awhile for that one. Dogs are not allowed on our lease.”
“I know, but you asked. Wishes don’t have to be realistic.”
“No, they don’t. But how about I lick your face and pant in your ear. Will that do in the meantime?”
Stephanie grinned and gave her husband a kiss, “Oh, that will do.”

So where did this story come from? 

Susan, can you tell us what inspired you to write Salsa and Speedbumps?

The title was suggested by a friend after I wrote the first draft of Pesto & Potholes. I hadn’t really thought of writing a second novel but figured Renata’s roommate, Stephanie, who seemed to have things all together, might need to have her world shaken up a bit. I also knew someone who had been a victim of a date rape but those were words not really used much years ago. She kept the baby, met a great guy, became a Christian and married after the child was born. He adopted the little girl. And Roberto . . . well, I had to get some salsa in there somewhere so having a Hispanic character seemed a good way to do that along with busting some stereotypes about that culture in the process. Roberto’s back issues . . . well, I’ve struggled some with that but have known people with far worse pain like what he experiences . . . so he struggles with an issue many people have but don’t talk about, intense pain while recovering from an addiction to narcotics. The story became far more intense than I ever anticipated too and the heat between Roberto and Stephanie starts to build pretty early in the story.

The bigger question other than the issues was how does a Christian woman and man stay true to their faith and have integrity when life throws curveball after curveball their way. How do they navigate a relationship in the midst of those trials as well? It was fun to explore.

About the book:

Stephanie’s life hits a speedbump in the wake of her boyfriend’s sin. Splitting up with him, she faces a future of difficult choices shaded in shame. She wants to do what is right but the new man in her life leaves her fantasizing about a future that is now beyond her grasp.

Roberto finds his heart and professional world turned upside down by the beautiful bombshell. He struggles with his own inner demons and past so he’s not about to cast stones. When he is accused of immoral behavior, and temptation haunts him from every side, can he stand true to the calling God has given him? 

Joining forces to face the future though comes at a high cost for them both as their individual pasts rise up to destroy them and their relationship. Integrity comes with a high price tag. With a deep faith in God and the help of friends at Orchard Hill Church, can they find happiness and love they long for? 

Find the book on Amazon

Meet the author: 

Susan M. Baganz chases after three Hobbits and is a native of Wisconsin. She is an Acquisitions Editor with Prism Book Group specializing in bringing great romance novels and novellas to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical world-view.

Susan speaks, teaches, and encourages others to follow God in being all He has created them to be. With her seminary degree in counseling psychology, a background in the field of mental health, and years serving in church ministry, she understands the complexities and pain of life as well as its craziness. She serves behind-the-scenes in various capacities at her church as well as on the board of the local ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writer’s) chapter. Her favorite pastimes are lazy ones—snuggling with her dog while reading a good book, or sitting with a friend chatting over a cup of spiced chai latte.

You can learn more by following her blog www.susanbaganz.com, her twitter feed @susanbaganz or her fan page, www.facebook.com/susanmbaganz/me

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.

Loni Ford is enjoying her rising career in a large investment firm in Washington, DC. Yet in spite of her outward success, she is privately plagued by questions of identity. Orphaned as a young child, she was raised by her paternal grandparents, and while she loves them dearly, she feels completely detached from her roots. That is until a mysterious letter arrives from a Scottish solicitor...

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!

*This book was provided for review by Bethany House*

• Series: Secrets of the Shetlands (Book 1)
• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (April 5, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764217488
• ISBN-13: 978-0764217487

Restore My Soul Coloring book

Book Description:  Restore My Soul is a beautiful, interactive devotional designed to celebrate our unique creativity and connect us with the ultimate Creator. Find refreshment in short reflections on Scripture and be inspired as you color accompanying intricate illustrations created for meditation and prayer. Both contemplative and imaginative, Restore My Soul is the perfect space for the artist in us all.

My Thoughts:  YAY! for more color!  I love, love adult coloring books! But, by far, my most favorite coloring books are those that uplift and have biblical sayings/verses.  The verses from the Bible help keep God's Word in my heart....an added bonus! More like a "light" devotional as I color.

This is a lovely coloring book and as I color with my favorite colored pencils the anxieties of the day seem to slowly fade away.  A great way to rest and relax!

Occasionally I use gel pens and when I tried gel pens on these color pages the ink did not bleed through.  I like that aspect because I dislike color "added" to the next page before I even get chance to detail the pictures.
There are 112 pages of verses and pictures to color.

This is an excellent book for those who love to color!  And yes, this book makes a wonderful gift for the "colorer" on your list!

Need an idea of what is in this lovely book . . . 

(an exact page from the coloring book from Tyndale Facebook page)

*This book was provided for review by Tyndale*

Paperback: 112 pages

• Publisher: Tyndale Momentum (April 1, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1496414063
• ISBN-13: 978-1496414069
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 9.7 x 0.4 inches

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Easy Cake

Add a can of soda - no eggs, no oil. Just add a can of soda to the cake mix. And bake per directions on cake box. That's it... Done.

Wonders of Creation Illustrations to Color and Inspire by Zondervan

Book Description:  Wonders of Creation explores the wonders of our created world though detailed black-and-white illustrations—each one ready to be filled with the hues of your imagination. From amazing Eden-esque gardens to the creatures God made that still ramble through our world, this ninety-six-page book offers hours of coloring inspiration and relaxation for any age.

My Thoughts:  I love this adult coloring book!  I love the scriptures and the novel pictures.   Actually this not just an adult coloring book, kids ages 8 and up might enjoy it too. 

We live in a stressed society and a busy time. . . it's relaxing to me to sit down with a scripture and pretty images and just color away.

The following images are small but they give you an idea of what is in the coloring book. 

There is a lot of detail so it makes a nice picture to use colored pencils or fine tipped markers.

And this coloring book is all about God's wonderful creation.  So, there are plenty of neat animals to color or interesting trees or blooming flowers whatever makes you sigh and relax.

This is not a thin little book, no, it is 96 pages long and has nice paper so that the ink or colors do not leak through to the next page. And this coloring book makes a wonderful gift to that special "colorer."

These pages can also be colored and framed or colored and used as nice card for someone on your list.  I know one woman who colors and then frames some of the pages to use as decorations in her home.  So many ideas . . .

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Age Range: 8 and up 
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; Clr Csm edition (March 22, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310757398
• ISBN-13: 978-0310757399

Code 13 (The Navy JAG Series) by Don Brown

Book Description: THE U.S. NAVY’S BILLION-DOLLAR CONTRACT FOR THE SALE OF DRONES LANDS TWO NAVY JAG OFFICERS IN THE GUN SIGHTS OF A KILLER.

 Caroline is just getting her feet wet at the prestigious Code 13, but is thankful for at least one familiar face—her old flame, P.J. MacDonald. He loops her into the assignment he is currently working on—the legality of a proposed drone-sharing contract with Homeland Security that would allow the sale of drones for domestic surveillance. The contractor wants a legal opinion clearing the contract for congressional approval. But the mob wants the proposal dead-on-arrival.

When P.J. is gunned down in cold blood and a second JAG officer is killed, one thing becomes clear: whoever is ordered to write the legal opinion on the drones becomes a target. Which is exactly why Caroline goes to her commanding officer and volunteers to write the legal opinion herself. She is determined to avenge P.J.’s death and trap the killer, even if that means making herself a target.

It is a deadly game of Russian roulette for the sake of justice, but Caroline is determined to see it through, even if it costs her life.

My Thoughts: It's been quite a few years since I've read a novel by Don Brown.  So, when I saw that this story was about  the military'a JAG (Judge Advocate General), I grabbed the book.

If you've ever watched JAG on TV you may remember that this is an elite group of lawyers who take on the "hard" cases in the military to find the truth.

Caroline is a newbie in the Code 13 unit but there is one familiar face, P.J. McDonald, her old flame.  However, not too far into the story P.J. is gunned down and a second JAG officer is also killed.  This is where Caroline takes on the case.  She is determined to avenge P.J.  

I was sad to see P.J. die so soon in the story...well, I was hoping that he and Caroline would take up their romance again.  But as the story continues, and what a story! The reader is taken on quite a ride trough the "game of justice" as Caroline goes for the jugular!  

I throughly enjoyed this action-packed-mob-threatening thriller.  

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: The Navy JAG Series
• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (April 5, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310338077
• ISBN-13: 978-0310338079