{Herald Press Blog Tour} The Essential Amish Cookbook: Everyday Recipes from Farm and Pantry by Lovina Eicher

Book Description:  Taste the goodness of Amish life.

Bestselling cookbook author and food columnist Lovina Eicher brings together the best of Amish cooking in The Essential Amish Cookbook: Everyday Recipes from Farm and Pantry. Join Eicher as she shares traditional Amish recipes along with her own kitchen tips and secrets. Growing up, Eicher learned to cook and bake at an early age alongside her mother, longtime columnist and Amish cookbook author Elizabeth Coblentz, and has put those skills to use in her own Amish kitchen as she cooks for her eight children.

The easy-to-follow, authentic recipes you'll find in The Essential Amish Cookbook are prepared every day in countless homes in Old Order Amish communities across North America. Many of the more than 100 recipes are richly illustrated with step-by-step photographs to help you learn Amish cooking just as if you were in Lovina's kitchen. From hearty main dishes to substantial sides--plus a generous sampling of scrumptious cakes, pies, cookies, and other delectable desserts--learn how to make the hearty, simple dishes that the Amish cook together and serve at home, church services, and weddings.

My Thoughts:  In this crazy world of fast food and frozen dinners the Amish women amaze me with their never ending slice of life of constantly cooking and feeding their large families.

I never thought I would need another cookbook but this is the "mother of all cookbooks."  I so needed this one cookbook!

I was slightly apprehensive about trying a recipe by an Amish cook.  The Amish women make cooking seem so effortless and wholesome.  I have a hard time getting my mind around cooking dinner.
  

However, as I opened the cookbook I was pleasantly surprised to see how easy the directions are to follow and how delicious all the food pictures looked.  And the book is divided into 13 sections ranging from basic categories such as "Soups and Salads" and Meats and Main Dishes" to the more intricate category like "Amish Wedding Meals."  There is a wonderful recipe for an airy, doughy dessert often served at weddings.  

Now I'm not a novice cook.  I do know how to boil water.  😊  So I began with a cookie recipe.  And my.o.my the cookies came out so nicely (I did follow the recipe to a T) and my family loved them.  

I love this nice cookbook!  And will try another recipe soon.

This cookbook makes a lovely gift...and Mother's Day is just around the corner.

Recipe for Crispy Chicken...the next recipe that I'm trying.

*This cookbook was provided for review by Herald Press*

• Paperback
• Publisher: Herald Press (VA) (April 18, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1513800299
• ISBN-13: 978-1513800295

{Kregel Blog Tour} Too Deep for Words: A Civil War Novel (Shenandoah Valley Saga) by Andrea Boeshaar

Book Description:  Carrie Ann Collier has been a newlywed for nineteen blissful days--as blissful as life can be in the midst of war, that is. Soon that war will take a toll she never expected. When her new husband, Peyton, goes missing during battle, she refuses to believe he is dead, and must find a way to move forward with everyday life in the face of fear.

As Carrie struggles with how to welcome her estranged sister, Margaret, back into her life, another new arrival appears on her doorstep--her husband's best friend, and rebel officer, Eli. Wounded and bitter, Eli is nonetheless committed to keeping his promise to Peyton: take care of the Collier women, no matter what. But to Carrie, he's a painful reminder of her lost love.

Then unexpected news makes Carrie wonder if miracles do happen. If Carrie infiltrates the enemy once again, she might find out what really happened to the love of her life. Will Eli be able to keep his promise to keep her safe? Can they forgive each other if promises are broken?

My Thoughts:  I enjoy novels/books by Andrea Boeshaar because I know that they will have a definite christian theme.  She is a trust worthy author.  

Carrie Ann Collier is a new bride, married only nineteen days when her new husband is missing in action.  Except that Carrie doesn't believe he is dead.  Carrie decides to follow her heart and find out if her husband is still alive.

But in the meantime, her sister, Margaret, decides to come back into her life. And then Carrie's husband's best friend, Eli, comes too.  Eli comes because he made a promise to protect the Collier women.  

Then Carrie decides that she will find her husband!  And off she goes.

An well written christian historical romance.  

The character and manners of days gone by are so real that one longs for the chivalry once again.  And then, the character of Carrie and how she longs for her husband and to find him.

The story is realistic and without giving any spoilers the reader should know that Carrie is determined and stout.  And live can be painful and beautiful at the same time. 💗

Somewhat of a surprise ending (at least for me).  

A grand read!

*This book was provided by Kregel*

• Series: Shenandoah Valley Saga (Book 2)
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Publications (April 25, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825444195
• ISBN-13: 978-0825444197

Bible Sleuth: New Testament by Jose Perez Montero (Illustrator)

Book Description:  Based on the Where’s Waldo concept and adapted for Bible themes, Bible Sleuth: New Testament introduces young readers to stories about Jesus and the early church, while engaging them in seek-and-find activities. Perfect for young Bible sleuths, complete with activities that take readers back to Biblical times.

My Thoughts:  Children in the 1990's had fun with books like Where's Waldo and I Spy.  Now Tyndale Publishers with illustrator Jose´Pe´rez Montero have created the Bible Sleuth for the kids of today to enjoy.  

In this book; however, one must find Bible characters the are under the "look for" column on the opposite page.

The book has 29 pages with lots of drawings and they are all about the Bible.  For example, on page 9 the pages are about Jesus Clears the Temple.  This is also somewhat like the "old" can you find it pictures.

There is a short explanation/verse from the Bible about the story and  a  Bible reference.

I thought this would be an easy book.  But, honestly, as an adult the pictures were a challenge for find.  This is good!  The pictures are great for keeping children entwined for an extended length of time.  

However, we did realize that it may be best for each child to have a book so that arguing about the pictures is not such a challenge for the adult.  😊

The age range for this book is 4-7 years old but kids 8-10 liked it as well.

This book makes a nice gift or just a nice book to put in your child's "bored summer box."  

*This book was provided for review by Tyndale*

• Age Range: 4 - 7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 2
• Series: Bible Sleuth
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale Kids (May 9, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1496422430
• ISBN-13: 978-1496422439

Peace in the Valley: A Novel (Double S Ranch) by Ruth Logan Herne

Book Description:  In spite of their differences, Trey Walker Stafford knows he owes his life to cowboy and legendary rancher Sam Stafford—the uncle who rescued him after his parents’ death. Trey had left the Double S Ranch to pursue music against Sam’s wishes, but returns to central Washington when he learns he’s the best match for a procedure that could save Sam’s life. Although Trey’s found country music fame and success, he’s also endured the tragic loss of his wife. He croons about love, but struggles with a yawning emptiness he can’t explain. 

Overwhelmed by a growing list of challenges, but mistrustful of Stafford men, single mother Lucy Carlton reluctantly accepts Trey’s help to revive her crumbling farm when Sam instructs him to repay the overdue debt to her family.

s the two grow closer, Trey slowly begins to open his heart to this beautiful woman and strives to let go of the grief he’s held for years. Lucy has a complicated history of her own. Can Trey accept her as she is, learn to forgive the past, and find the elusive peace he's sought for so long?

My Thoughts:  I've read the other books in the Double S Ranch and enjoyed them immensely.  

All the books are about one of the brothers in the Stafford family (hence the Doubt S name),

Peace In the Valley is all about Trey Walker Stafford.  Trey loves the ranch but he loves music more...this is where he and his uncle Sam disagree.  Uncle Sam wants Trey to stay at the ranch but Trey returns to Washington where is a country music success.  And then Trey learns that he is the best match to help Sam in his life saving procedure.

Trey feels hopeless and empty but he heads home.

Then Sam instructs Trey to pay off their neighbor's Lucy Carlton's debt. Then Trey and Lucy begin talking and both Lucy and Trey learn to forgive.

Be sure to check out the other two Double S Ranch books:  Back In the Saddle and Home On the Range.  All of these stories are interesting.  Don't miss out on these grand reads!

*This book was provided by Waterbrook/Multnomah*

• Series: Double S Ranch (Book 3)
• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah (May 2, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601427808
• ISBN-13: 978-1601427809

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

Because, sometimes, the best foods in life don't need a recipe.  Fresh strawberries, your favorite yogurt and a little brown sugar...one can even mix up the toppings.  We usually just dip our strawberries in powdered sugar but this is a nice change.

The Butterfly and the Violin (A Hidden Masterpiece Novel, Book 1) by Kristy Cambron

Book Description:  A mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz—and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl—a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover, the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul, who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together, Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting's subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.

A darling of the Austrian aristocracy, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: in the grim camps of Auschwitz and in the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

My Thoughts:  Two plot lines, present day and World War II (historical), the author, Kristy Cambron, does an excellent job of writing two different perspectives at one time. The faith of two women is amazing.{not an easy feat}

The story of two women, Sera and Adele, who have been betrayed by those they love.  

World War II  . . . tangles and untangles in lives that are connected by  a painting.  A painting that seems to have a story all of out's own.  

Secrets abound but what is the secret of the painting that seems to bring so much pain?  

World War II stories are some of my favorite reads AND this is an amazing story!  However, I was more fascinated with and more engaged with Adele's story.  Adele risks everything as she begins to smuggle Jews out of Vienna.  Sera's story is more modern day and she is trying to find the "mystery" of the painting.

This is a  great read for history buffs and those who enjoy reading about World War II.

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: A Hidden Masterpiece Novel (Book 1)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (July 8, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401690599
• ISBN-13: 978-1401690595

Devoted: A Girl’s 31-Day Guide to Good Living with a Great God by Marjorie Jackson

Book Description:  What’s a girl to do in a changing world full of darkness, distractions, pressure, lies, and uncertainty? Is it really possible for a twenty-first-century young woman to live a life in direct contrast to culture’s ever-changing standards? The answer is yes! 

With a Lord like Jesus, guidance like the Holy Spirit’s, and that powerful weapon we call the Holy Bible, God’s truth is ours to live out. Come learn along with talented young author, Marjorie Jackson, in this devotional about letting our love and dedication to Jesus penetrate every area of life—our relationships, our decisions, our standards, our convictions, our priorities, our everything.

My Thoughts:  I'll be honest, I loved this book because of the hand lettered art pages.  I know, I'm stuck on this coloring phase.  But it is so much fun!
Actually, this is grand book for young teen to teenage girls.  It's really a 31-day devotional all about living for a great God.
There are some unique, real life incidents that Marjorie Jackson brings to a young woman's life.  As I read this devotional I was wishing that there had been something like this for me as a teen.  
I love her easy way to making life seem so rich and full when God is the center of all that you do.
And as an added bonus, there are some unique hand lettering art pages for coloring.  Yes, you had me at coloring.  😋  And there are nice key scripture verses which are nice for a parent or the young lady to look up that go along with the devotional. 
Overall this is an exceptional devotional for young ladies.  I love it!  And will be giving it as a gift this graduation season.

"I received a complimentary copy of tis book from Barbour Publishing 

and was under no obligation to post a review."

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press; Gld edition (May 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683221664
• ISBN-13: 978-1683221661