“The Burning of Rosemont Abbey,” by Naomi Stephens

Posted on November 16, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

A Great Whodunit!

Who killed Louisa’s twin brother? Right before the abbey burned down, Louisa “felt” the death of Paul. Everyone is blaming him for the fire, along with any other bad things that have happened. Louisa knows Paul would not have done it, and sets out to prove that.

Her family, along with the young man she has been dating, try everything to keep her out of it. Despite the obstacles, Louisa muddles through, and uncovers some information. She is determined to prove Paul’s innocence, and find out if he is alive or not.A witty and intriguing whodunnit—reminiscent of the beloved Agatha Christie tales

The detective in charge, is a childhood friend of Louisa and Paul. Because of that, he lets Louisa investigate, up to a point.

Set in a small English village in 1956, this is reminiscent of beloved golden age British mysteries. There are lots of red herrings, including some snobby aristocrats you hope can be found guilty. Louisa is put in dangerous situations, and is nearly killed. She uncovers more than she bargained for by exposing unexpected secrets. The guilty one, and the ending, is a surprise.“Readers will be as hard-pressed as I was to put this one down once they begin.”—Anna Lee Huber

Anyone who likes thrillers or mysteries will love this clean tale. This page turner will grab you, and not let you go until the end. Faith plays a big part in Louisa’s life. I highly recommend this five-plus-star book. Do not miss this, it is one of the best mysteries I have read in a long time!

Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Burning of Rosemont Abby,” by Naomi Stephens, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NaomiStephensAuthor/

The Author’s Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18180904.Naomi_Stephens

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/authornaomistephens/

The Author’s Website:  https://www.naomistephens.com/

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Tea with Elephants,” by Robin Jones Gunn

Posted on November 8, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Memories are Gold!

A once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to Africa with her best friend, Lily, has just dropped in Fern’s lap. Friends since teenagers, but adults now living miles apart, they rarely see each other in person.Get ready for an escape to Kenya with bestselling and award-winning author, Robin Jones Gunn.

Each one starts the trip excited, but with burdens. When Fern was arranging her time off, she discovered she would not have a job to come home to. Her company had been purchased, and they no longer needed her.

Lily comes worried about her marriage. She and her husband are workaholics. It has been a long time since they have made time for each other. Lily wonders what type of marriage she will come home to.

As their trip progresses, and they discover the beauty and majesty of Africa, their burdens become less.

Giraffes visit their hotel rooms, sticking their heads in to eat out of Fern and Lily’s hands. They see a lion and his family in the wild. Along the way, they sample food new to them–some good, some not–and meet people that will remain in their memories for the rest of their lives. They even have a very funny experience involving a live chicken, an open car window, and the frenetic traffic in Nairobi.

Robin Jones Gunn, the author, has written scores of books, and has never written anything I did not think was a home run. That is true of this book, too. This amazing story is set against incredible things that are in Africa. Everything is described so well, you will believe you were on this adventure, and that Lily and Fern are your new best friends.

The two women have life changing incidents, and soul-touching events. I highly recommend this five-plus-star book to everyone who likes adventure, trying new things, or reading well-written tales.Two lifelong friends embark on a journey that reshapes their lives and strengthens their faith.

Thank you, Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Tea with Elephants,” by Robin Jones Gunn, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobinJonesGunn
Website: http://www.robingunn.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/robingunn

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Of Gold and Shadows,” by Michelle Griep

Posted on November 6, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

The Case of the Female Egyptologist!

Ami lives and breathes everything that has to do with ancient Egypt, and dreams of leading an archeological dig–just as her famous dad has done. The problem is, she is a female in 1888 England. Women are not considered intelligent enough to hold a job, let alone be able to understand Egyptology.

It is a miracle when her path crosses that of Edmund’s, a rich, handsome man with a vast number of relics he wants quickly cataloged, and valued. Edmund immediately hires Ami for the job. Throwing caution to the wind, Ami scandalously moves into his mansion, and gets to work.A tale of love, mystery, and intrigue set against the backdrop of the gaslit streets of England./>

A whole host of people unexpectedly begin appearing on Edmund’s doorstep, all expecting to stay with him. First, his business partner arrives. He doesn’t seem to have Edmund’s best interests at heart, and is personally irritating. Next to get there, is a Lord who is supposed to be Edmund’s ticket to an Oxford seat, but now acts like marrying his daughter is part of the deal. Last to show up, is Amis’ father who has cut short his Egyptian dig to help Edmund.

Items start disappearing, and heavy things move, seemingly of their own accord, in the Egyptian workroom. Perhaps the curse is real that threatens grief to all who touch the artifacts. Additionally, Ami has been playing a dangerous game with criminals while she tries to rescue more Egyptian treasures.A quick-paced adventure into curses, black markets, and irresistible romance—Erica Vetsch, author

Join the adventure. There are lots of red herrings, creepy Egyptian legends, thwarted romances, and attempted killings. Excitement is the name of the game, with thrills all around. This is a clean, five-star story that will be enjoyed by fans of mysteries, adventure, and well-written tales. Faith plays a part in the character’s lives, and I highly recommend it!Michelle Griep excels at the slightly madcap Victorian romp—Shannon McNear, author

Thank you, Bethany House Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Of Gold and Shadows,” by Michelle Griep, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellegriep/
The Author’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/michellegriep?lang=en
The Author’s Website: www.michellegriep.com

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“The Color of Home,” by Kit Tosello

Posted on November 1, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

When Life Gives You Lemons……

Audrey, a designer in the exclusive California Bay Area, travels hundreds of miles to help her aunt get her home ready to sell.

While there, she experiences small town life, lots of local characters, a little girl with a fragile family life, and the son of a famous movie star. She also opens up a box load of memories.Library Journal review

Suddenly, everything shifts for Audrey when her job in California ends.

She finds herself trying to finish her aunt’s house, job hunt, and work part-time. Melody Carlson endorsement

At first, I had trouble getting into this book, but I hung in there, and this tale came to life. That, along with the side stories, will charm you, and pull you into Audrey’s adventures. It will make you smile, and possibly shed some tears. The character’s faith rounds it all out.Robin Jones Gunn endorsement

Get this five-star book. It will be enjoyed by those who like tales of starting over, modern-life, and well-written stories. Also, a shout-out to Kit for the smiles I got from the references to the 70’s songs!

Thank you, Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Color of Home,” by Kit Tosello, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Blog:  https://kittosello.com/how-to-give-only-good-perfect-gifts/

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kit.tosello.author/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://x.com/KitTosello

The Author’s Website:  https://kittosello.com/

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and other Animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities,” by Stephanie Gibeault

Posted on October 23, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Math the Same but Different!

 A horse that adds, guppies that count, and parrots that can express their displeasure, vividly.  All this and more can be found between the covers of this book.  Join the search to find out if members of the animal kingdom can do math.

Some of the things that are discovered are incredible.  It is also uncovered that things are not always what they seem.  The book has experiments for children to do so they can take part in some of the investigations.

This volume teaches, as well as, entertains, and everything is based on real research.  There are bright illustrations and pictures throughout, along with information for inquiring young minds.

There is a lot of technical material here, but it is given in a way nine-to-twelve-year-olds will understand.

This would be great for children who enjoy math or science.  However, all children will benefit from the subject matter in this five-star book.

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and other Animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities,” by Stephanie Gibeault, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

 

 

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Hope Like Wildflowers,” by Pepper Basham

Posted on October 17, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Troubles Multiplying!

It is the 1910s in the Appalachian Mountains, and Kizzie is in trouble.  She is sixteen-years-old, pregnant, and starving.  In addition, she is broke, and wandering in the frozen woods because her father kicked her out.  Her troubles have just begun.hope like wildflowers christian book fiction romance pepper basham

Her child’s father is much older than her, and the son of the rich woman she had worked for.  His “help” is to set her up in one of his family properties.  His plan is to visit her, and his child, Charlie, from time to time, and spend the night.    hope like wildflowers christian book fiction romance pepper basham

A family who befriends Kizzie, takes her to church.  After having a life-changing experience with God, she realizes the set-up with Charlie’s father is wrong.hope like wildflowers christian book fiction romance pepper basham

She decides to take Charlie, and run away.  Kizzie wants to live an honest life following God wherever He takes her.hope like wildflowers christian book fiction romance pepper basham Next, Kizzie finds herself in different city, and she is helping solve a mystery involving a company owned by a wealthy family.

hope like wildflowers christian book fiction romance pepper basham

True to God, she does not hide that she is single with a baby, which causes some people to ridicule her.  Just as she is making a new life for herself, she discovers something that might bring everything she has achieved come crashing down.hope like wildflowers christian book fiction romance pepper bashamThe was a great story, that is even more so because it is based on the author’s family history.  Don’t wait, escape to an exciting place with spunky Kizzie. It will leave a smile on your face.  I highly recommend this five-star book to fans of mysteries, historical tales, and well-written stories!

Thank you, Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Hope Like Wildflowers,” by Pepper Basham, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pepperdbasham

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/pepperbasham

The Author’s Website:  https://pepperdbasham.com/

 

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Super Swifts: Small Birds with Amazing Powers,” by Justin Anderson

Posted on October 4, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Surprising Swifts!

Swifts can fit in the palm of your hand, but they fly faster, higher, and longer than any other bird.  Every year, they fly from central Africa to the United Kingdom in a month.

Part of their journey includes flying over the huge Sahara Desert of 1500 miles.  Swifts have been known to make the trip in just two days.  While other birds stop to rest and drink water, the swifts keep going, making no stops at all.

They eat while flying, rely on raindrops for drinks and bathing, and even sleep in the air.  In fact, sometimes they do not quit flying for four years. Scientists offer theories about how they can do that.

These birds are incredible and they mate for life, finding each other again after arriving in Britain.  They are so happy when they get there, that the birds celebrate.  While in the sky, they dive, dart, and chase each other.  At the same time, making sounds like loud fireworks. It is a wonder to behold.

Swifts are surprising birds, and there is lots more to learn about them in this wonderfully illustrated picture book.  Six to ten-year-olds will enjoy the amazing swifts in this five-star book.

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Super Swifts: Small Birds with Amazing Powers,” by Justin Anderson for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

 

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Molly, Olive, and Dexter: The Guessing Game,” by Catherine Rayner

Posted on October 1, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Come Guess with Me!

This is a sweet story about three animal friends playing a game in the forest.  The game moves quickly as two of them try to guess what the third one is thinking.  That is, it goes fast until it is Olive’s turn.

Even though Olive gives hints such as she is thinking of two things, or it is lovelier than flowers, Molly and Dexter are stumped for an answer. Because of that, they want to end the game.

Ask your little one if they know the answer.  Children love to take part in stories, so help them figure it out.

This story is a real charmer, perfect for children birth through five-years-old, with a feel-good ending.

The tenderhearted illustrations are perfect for this tale, and both readers and children, alike will find this five-star book a delight!

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Molly, Olive, and Dexter: The Guessing Game,” by Catherine Rayner for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Anniversary Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Glaze, Gluten-Free

Posted on September 30, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

This is both easy & delicious!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound shrimp large, peeled, and deveined (about 12-16 pieces)
  • 6 slices, 1 slice per 2 pieces of shrimp
  • 2 teaspoons McIlhenny Co. TABASCO Brand Buffalo Style Hot Sauce, Gluten-Free
  • 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste

FOR THE GLAZE

  • ½ cup apricot all-fruit spread
  • 3 tablespoons sweetener, we use Brown Sugar Swerve
  • 2 tablespoon real butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Heat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Season the shrimp with buffalo sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  • Slice the bacon in half and wrap each shrimp with the bacon. Stretch the bacon a bit to get the bacon ends to meet on one side of each shrimp.
  • Lay the bacon wrapped shrimp, bacon seams down, onto a baking sheet.
  • Make your glaze by mixing the fruit spread, Swerve, butter, vinegar, and salt in a small bowl. Heat for 30 seconds to melt fruit spread, stir. Set aside one-third of the glaze.
  • Brush the bacon wrapped shrimp with part of the glaze.
  • Bake them for 10 minutes.
  • Brush the bacon wrapped shrimp with a bit more glaze, then set the oven to BROIL. Broil the shrimp for 5 more minutes, or until the bacon becomes nice and crispy.
  • Remove, then brush with the remaining glaze that was set aside.
  • Serve!
  • This pairs well with rice, and a vegetable.

The only thing that makes this gluten-free is the buffalo sauce.  If you don’t need it to be gluten-free, you can use any kind of buffalo sauce, gluten-free or not.

We served these on our anniversary, so they have since become

The Anniversary Shrimp!

 

Posted in Gluten Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Main Dishes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Look What I Found on the Farm,” by Moira Butterfield

Posted on September 30, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

E I E I O!

Illustrated by Jesús Verona

Join the excitement of exploring a farm.  There are great illustrations of the animals, land, and interesting things.  At every turn, there are items to look for, along with information about what is seen.

A child will have the experience of a farm tour through the pages of this over-sized picture book.  Interactive questions and statements keep the fun going, while the creative cut-out on the cover will draw readers in.

City kids and country kids alike will enjoy this five-star book, and kindergarteners through eight-year-olds will like this. Get your copy today because great times lies ahead!

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Look What I Found on the Farm,” by Moira Butterfield, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

 

 

 

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment