Fun Friday!

 

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

A Perilous Plan by Melanie Dickerson

  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.

The Reluctant Healer of Halifax (Enduring Hope) by Terrie Todd

 

Book Description:  Three days ago, Pearline Campbell's family was whole and Oliver Hamilton still loved her. But upon returning to Halifax disfigured and shellshocked, Oliver ended their relationship. Then came Thursday, December 6, 1917, when the Halifax harbor was leveled by a tremendous explosion. . .and Pearline fears nothing will ever be whole again. Her parents are dead, her brother is missing, and her sister refuses to speak. Pearline must fortify herself to open her home to needy orphans, including an unidentified baby. Where can she find the strength for each new day as misery grips the city?

 

My Thoughts:  When life gives you lemons make lemonade!  This seems to be the theme of The Reluctant Healer of Halifax.

A new to me author, Terrie Todd, does an excellent job writing about a most incredible time and day in history.  A day many would have given up on and continued on their way but not Sergeant Oliver Hamilton.  He perseveres hoping to help the woman he loves although he is wounded and hurting himself. 

Pearline Campbell, the woman that Oliver loves, seems discouraged and so in shock from all that happened with that one bridge explosion at Halifax.  Her parents are dead from the explosion and she is now guardian to her siblings!  One sibling is missing and another sibling is mite with shock! 

What about the baby?  A baby that Pearline has grown to love?  Who does this baby belong to?  Will the baby's mystery bring peace or conflict?

This is the sixth book in the Ending Hope Series.  Although I didn't realize it was the sixth book I was not lost in this story.  I'd consider it a stand alone read.

Such an interesting read!  If you love all things historical you'll love this read! 

*I did not have to give a positive review.

Book provided by Barbour Publishing*

Fun Friday!

 

A Path to Forgiveness by Carrie Lighte, Vannetta Chapman

 

Book Description:  Can love and forgiveness set them free?  Hiding Her Amish Secret by Carrie Lighte and A Widow's Hope by Vannetta Chapman

My Thoughts:  I love two books in one.  For one thing, as soon as you finish the first there is a second book to read.  

The first book is Hiding her Amish Secret by Carrie Lighte.  Carrie Lighte is a brand new to me author so I didn't know what to expect.  I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this story.  

Arleta Bontrager is Amish and during Rumspringa she got a tattoo.  Oh my! What was she thinking!  How would any self respecting Amish man marry such a tarnished Amish woman?

Having a tattoo to most Englisch people is no big deal but for Arleta who is Amish this is a huge no, no.

As the story continues Arleta needs a job and Noah Lehman's sick grandma needs help so Arleta takes the nursing job.

The more she works around the more she likes him.

A sweet story with a few laughs.  Loved it!

The next story A Widow's Hope by Vannetta Chapman is a reprint but I had kind of forgotten the story so I reread it.  

A tragedy claims Hannah's husbands life and her son's ability to walk she doesn't want another man but Jacob Schrock needs help.  So Hannah relents and agrees to help Jacob with his accounting issues.

A romance begins but not because two people are seeking romance.  It's a heart thing!

Loved this story and I may read it again!

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