“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/

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“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.

 

 

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“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/

 

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“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.

 

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“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.

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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!

 

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“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.

 

 

 

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“A Lancaster Amish Christmas: 4 Romance Novellas,” by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Mindy Steele, & Amy Lillard

Posted on September 17, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Merry Amish Christmas!

Enjoy four Amish stories that take place during Christmas time.

The first tale is, “Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam.” Lucy, although young, took over raising her infant sister, Millie, after her parent’s deaths. Millie has Down’s Syndrome, and because of that, Lucy’s boyfriend dropped her like a hot rock. She hasn’t thought of romance since. Lucy loves Millie more than anything else, but now someone is trying to take her away. Perhaps Jacob, the new owner of the hardware store, can help Lucy.  lancaster christmas romance novels amish christian inspiring clean wholesome

The second book, “A-Bird-in-Hand Christmas,” features a young widow, Makayla, and her small son, Luke. They are spending the holidays with her parents; the first time Luke has gotten to do that. As soon as they arrive, Makayla runs into her former boyfriend, Wyatt. He broke her heart years ago when Wyatt began dating someone else. Now, he is working for her parents, and wants to worm his way back into her life. Makayla will not let him, despite Luke loving Wyatt. romance amish christmas novella christian inspirational clean love family fiction

“Christmas Lily,” is the third installment. Little Jacob would like a mom for Christmas, specifically, his new teacher. But his dad, and the teacher, Lily, have not gotten off to a good start. In fact, Lily doesn’t want anything to do with him. But then a Christmas snowstorm threatens to strand her with Jacob and his dad.

romance amish christmas novella christian inspirational clean love family fiction

romance amish christmas novella christian inspirational clean love family fiction

romance amish christmas novella christian inspirational clean love family fiction

romance amish christmas novella christian inspirational clean love family fiction

In “Leaving Lancaster,” out-of-the-blue, their father announced he had sold their home. They will all move hundreds of miles away. Louise has a thriving business, and is worried about being successful in the new location. Leah doesn’t want to leave her long-time boyfriend–who has never gotten around to proposing to her. The sisters feel that they have no choice but to follow their father’s plans. But both are filled with dread about this move.  lancaster amish cristmas christian romance fiction

All four of these stories make a nice Christmas escape. They are clean, charming tales that will bring a smile to your face. This five-star book is just the thing to bring in the Christmas spirit for Amish fans, and everyone else.

Thank you, Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “A Lancaster Amish Christmas,” by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Mindy Steele, & Amy Lillard, 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.

Amy Clipston’s Website:  https://amyclipston.com/about/

Amy Lillard’s Website: https://amywritesromance.com/

Anne Blackburne’s Website:  https://www.anneblackburne.com/

Mindy Steele’s Website:  https://mindysteele.com/

 

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“Bizzy Bear Preschool,” by Benji Davies

Posted on September 11, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Fun Time, Any Time!

The little child in your life will love this interactive book.  There is something to do on every two-page spread, including the cover.  It shows, and tells, the good things that are waiting for them in preschool.

The brightly colored pictures will appeal to little ones.  Fun characters pepper that pages. All of the interactive parts are the perfect size for small hands and fingers to use. This is an over-sized, sturdy board book that is made to stand up to lots of “love,” and use when viewing it.

My granddaughter has adored this book from the first moment she saw it, and wants it every time she is here.  She loves all the moving parts, all well as, the story.

This five-star book will be enjoyed from birth through three-years-old.  Get your copy today!

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Bizzy Bear Preschool,”by Benji Davies, 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.

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“Target Acquired,” by Lynette Eason

Posted on September 7, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Who to Trust?

Kenzie has worked harder than any of the guys on the SWAT team, yet they are not accepting her. One of the men on the team, Butler, doesn’t hide his feelings at all. He has made it clear that the job should have gone to someone better, his friend.

In the midst of all this, someone has started trying to hurt, or kill, Kenzie. Could Butler be so upset with her on the team, that he is trying to get rid of her, and make room for his friend? Or is it someone else?

Her dad has just revealed that the car crash that killed her mom, and left him disabled, was not an accident. Perhaps the person behind that is now after Kenzie.

Maybe a second person caused the accident, and there are now two people after her.

Red herrings and the dual time story muddy the waters when attempting to figure out the bad guy. All the action, twists, and turns will keep you guessing the identity of the culprit, and hooked to the tale. Faith is referred to by some of the characters in this clean, fast-moving story.

Fans of thrillers and mysteries will enjoy this five-star book. Get this tale, and join Kenzie as she runs for her life!

Thank you, Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Target Acquired,” by Lynette Eason, 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/lynette.eason

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

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

 

 

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