“The Laws of Attraction” by Mary Connealy

Posted on July 7, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Fun and Exciting!  

Nell is a dressmaker in in a tiny town in 1800’s Wyoming. There are so few women that all her customers are men, and though paid well, she is tired of making chaps for them.

All that changes when a girl, Samantha, takes refuge in her shop because she is embarrassed that she and her sisters have had to come to town in boy’s clothes. She wants a dress. Nell quickly sees the dad, Brand, a widower, is too proud to take charity, and offers to let Samantha, and her sisters work in her shop in exchange for clothes.

Although tiny, this area has big trouble in the form of the Deadeye gang that has been killing and robbing for a while. They never leave any witnesses alive.

Through many turns of events, Nell finds herself appointed to public office, and thrown in the middle of danger along with Brand and his girls. As they try to stay alive, and discover the identity of the gang members, they face many life and death perils.

This book will draw you right in to the narrative. Although the subject is serious, the tale has humorous moments that make a great story even better. This book is second in a series, but it stands alone. This author never fails to entertain, and this is no exception. Clean and full of excitement, I recommend this five-star book. Fans of westerns, adventures, and well-written stories will enjoy this tale.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Laws of Attraction,” 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/maryconnealy

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

The Author’s Website:  http://maryconnealy.com/

 

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“He Should Have Told the Bees” by Amanda Cox

Posted on June 27, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Surprising Inheritance!

After the death of her father, George, Beckett is shocked to find that she does not own her family home and business. Instead, her father arraigned that she would share ownership with a stranger. The woman, Callie, is just as surprised because she had never heard of Beckett or George.

As the two women attempt to understand why this happened, they both try to continue their lives. But the two also deal with the brokenness each of them suffer due to the childhood abandonment by their respective mothers.

Beckett has coped by developing Agoraphobia which keeps her trapped on the farm. Because of it, she has an unnatural fear of leaving, and has severe panic attacks if she does. Callie copes by trying to solve everyone’s problems. She will try to fix it, often at her own expense, often leaving her in dire circumstances.

Beckett views Callie as an opportunist who doesn’t deserve half of everything, especially considering what she wants to do with it. Callie wants to solve the mystery of why George included her in the trust before she makes a final decision about what will become of her share.

This clean story will keep you reading to find out what happens next. A little girl, Fern, befriends Beckett and adds a sweet, and sometime comical, dimension to the tale. Before the story ends, dangerous circumstances will take place that will possibly kill them, and a secret will come to light about both of them.

I recommend this five-star book to fans of modern, real-life stories, mysteries, and well-written tales.

Thank you, Library Thing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “He Should Have Told the Bees,” 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/amandacoxwrites/

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

The Author’s Website:  AmandaCoxWrites.com

 

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“Rocky Mountain Rendezvous” by Misty M. Beller

Posted on June 12, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Fulfilling a Last Request!

Four naive sisters in 1837, go to the unsettled west to fulfill their dying father’s request to find a native American woman, Steps Right. Years earlier when their father ventured west, he had become terribly sick, and she had saved his life. Four Steps left him with a necklace and he wants it returned to her.

The sisters find themselves in the middle of a mountain man rendezvous full of hard-drinking trappers, most of whom have not seen a white woman for years. In the midst of this carousing, the sisters hope to walk through the camp, and question the men about Steps Right–asking if they know her, or can point them to someone who does.

Riley, a trapper, realizes what a perilous position the women are in, and appoints himself as their protector and guide. He turns out to be a Godsend as they deal with dangerous situations, unfriendly tribe members, and murderous thieves.

This five-star book has lots of excitement, adventure, and a budding romance that is forbidden before it starts, or is it? Will they solve the mystery of where Steps Right is?

This clean story is told from a Christian viewpoint, and will keep you turning the pages. It will be enjoyed by fans of mysteries, early times on the western frontier, or well-written stories.

Since this is book one in a series, not all the questions in this tale are answered.

Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Rocky Mountain Rendezvous,” 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/Mistymbellerauthor

The Author’s Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/MistyMBeller/

The Author’s Website:  MistyMBeller.com

 

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“Where are Your Shoes, Mr. Brown?” by Justin Rhodes

Posted on June 1, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

 

Illustrated by Heather Dickinson

Making Memories Every Day!

Mr. Brown is a little boy who can’t keep track of his shoes. He and his family search many places, but do not find them. His sister loans him her boots, but they are too big for him.

Since Mr. Brown lives on a farm, he can’t run around it barefooted. Not wanting to stay in the house, Mr. Brown begs his dad to let him ride on his shoulders while he does chores around the farm. His dad agrees to it.  He and Mr. Brown have a great time together while getting work done.

In the end, Mr. Brown, who really could not find his shoes, is glad he couldn’t because he was thrilled to spend the day with his dad.

This is a sweet story of the love between a father and his child. This tale shows you don’t have to do something special to make good memories. In this case, everyday tasks are used to make a great day for Mr. Brown and his dad. Readers will love looking at the pictures of the shoe search, because if they look closely, they can find them!

This oversized, five-star, picture book contains colorful illustrations that add to the story. Happy feelings abound while reading this, and it would make a lovely gift for Father’s Day or any other time. Children through six-years-old will enjoy this delightful tale!

The author, Justin Rhodes, is a homesteader who lives off the land in North Carolina with his family–the inspiration for his stories. He has a widely popular YouTube channel.

Thank you, Worthy Kids, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Where are Your Shoes, Mr. Brown?” 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 YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOSGEokQQcdAVFuL_Aq8dlg

 

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“Her Only Wish” by Shelley Shepard Gray

Posted on June 1, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Betsy’s Turn

Betsy, part of the Amish community, has had her life dictated by her health. Whether being hospitalized, or having her family keep her in a bubble to try to keep her healthy, Betsy has missed out on a lot of things others take for granted.

Now 23, she has gone to Pinecraft, Florida, to check things off her life list–her version of a bucket list containing things she has wanted to do for years.

Her family was against the trip, and tried to get her not to go. She kept her resolve and left, but now her mother is pressuring Mary, the friend she is staying with, to tell Betsy not to do things.

Despite all that, she is determined to learn to play golf, and play a complete round. That is how she meets August, at the Amish golf course. He is the owner’s nephew, and volunteers to teach her. Betsy is thrilled to get lessons, and excited to spend time with August.

A great side story exists about two sisters who are involved with helping Betsy cross more items off her life list. Just as Betsy is enjoying all the new things in her life, tragedy strikes, and it might keep her from finishing what she has started–maybe bring her trip to an early close.

Will Betsy’s parents force her back home? Will August be able to stand up to his parents who insist he quit his job and become a missionary in Africa? Will Betsy’s friendship with Mary survive the interference from Betsy’s mom?

This is a fun story with lots of likeable–and not so likeable–characters. Be warned that once you start reading this five-star book, you will not want to put it down. It is the second in a series, but the story stands on its own. Fans of Amish tales, and fun, sweet stories will enjoy this book.

Thank you, Library Thing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Her Only Wish,” 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/ShelleyShepardGray?fref=ts

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

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

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“When I Was Your Age” by Danette Byatt

Posted on May 24, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

The Future is Bright!

Join a reminiscing grandmother and her grandson, Indigo, while they compare what things a like now—in the future—compared to the time the grandmother grew up.

Although there are similarities in their growing up days such as painting pictures, playing and having pets, there are lots of differences.

First of all, Gran lived on earth, while Indigo lives on a different planet.  Instead of biking to school like Gran, Indigo rides a futuristic transport.  Indigo does not have a pet dog, but has a creature from his planet.  While Gran made snowmen, Indigo makes red people from the material on his planet.

This futuristic book is sure to spark the imaginations of young readers, and make it a great time to ask them what they think the future will be like.  Bring up what it was like when you were growing up to make comparisons like they did in this tale.  It is always fun for children to hear what things were like in the past versus what it is like today.

Children ages three to eight are sure to enjoy this out-of-this-world five-star book.

Thank you, Worthy Kids, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “When I Was Your Age,” 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 Website:  https://danettebyatt.com/

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“In This Moment” by Gabrielle Meyer

Posted on May 23, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

At This Time!

Maggie lives in three different time periods: 1861, 1941, and 2001. When she wakes up, for example on a Monday, it is the year 1861. After she goes to sleep that night, she will wake up to Monday again, but this time in 1941. When she goes to sleep that night, she wakes up yet again to Monday, but in 2001.

The pattern repeats itself for every day of the week, and then starts over. In each time period, she has a different set of parents, and lives different lives, but is aware of all three.

To be a time traveler, one parent, in one of her lives must have that ability. In her case, both 1941 parents have the gift, and Maggie has two time traveler birthmarks instead of just one. On the day she turns 21, she will no longer time travel, and must pick which of her three lives she wants to stay in. She will die in the other two.

As she approaches her 21st birthday, Maggie has no idea which life she will pick. Her time traveler parents tell her God will guide her, and they will understand if she does not pick them.

From her 2001 life, she knows that the Civil war is about to begin in 1861, and that in December 1941, Pearl Harbor will be attacked, and our country will enter WWII. Maggie has always wanted to help people, so in 2001, she is studying to become a doctor, in 1941 she is a nurse. In 1861, she is fighting to give first aid to the soldiers because it is seen as unseemly for women to do so.

In her different lives, Maggie sometimes finds herself in traumatic situations, and has budding love relationships in each one. Her time is fast running out, what time will she pick?

This five-star book makes time travel believable; you will not want to put this tale down. Everyone will like this story, but those interested in history, or time travel will really enjoy it! Don’t miss this one, I highly recommend it.

Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “In This Moment,” 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/AuthorGabrielleMeyer

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

The Author’s Website:  https://gabriellemeyer.com/?fbclid=IwAR05JVuFPAfnsJ0AXNlJGhwlLTCGIRB5uNF8HsOUAb5aLkp9xtaNJ6p-rAY

 

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Teriyaki Pork Tacos, Gluten Free or Regular

Posted on May 22, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Give this a try, although different from traditional tacos, it has a nice taste that will be enjoyed!

Ingredients

2 pounds of thin boneless Pork Loin Chops, cut into strips
1 teaspoon buffalo sauce
2/3 Cup coconut aminos
3 teaspoon chopped Garlic
1 Onion chopped
2 Medium Honey Mandarin Oranges, peeled, sliced, seeded, and skinned
(or one 11-ounce can of Mandarin Orange Slices, drained)
2 Cups Romaine Lettuce, shredded
8-inch Corn or Flour Tortillas, gluten free
Fresh chopped cilantro, grated cheese

Prepare taco shells, if using corn, or get premade shells from store.

Slice pork chops into strips, about 1” long by 3/8” wide strips.  In a large skillet, with olive oil and sauté 15 to 20 minutes, with salt and pepper, stirring every few minutes.  Add in one chopped onion sauté for 5 minutes, stirring every minute or two.

Add in garlic, and cook 2 more minutes, stirring well while cooking.  Add coconut aminos and buffalo sauce, stir well and sauté for 15 more minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed. Check with meat thermometer to make sure it is done.

Remove from heat.

Take a taco shell, put about 5 pieces of pork in the bottom, cover with chopped cilantro.  Place 2 to 3 individual pieces of mandarin orange slices spread on top.  Cover them with shredded lettuce, and then sprinkle completely with grated cheese.

If desired, top with a squeeze of fresh lime juice or sour cream.  Serve with chips, salsa, and your favorite beans for a traditional meal. If desired, substitute thinly sliced chicken breast for pork.

Most of this is naturally gluten-free.  If making it a non-gluten-free meal, use regular flour tortillas instead of gluten-free ones.

 

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“Counter Attack,” by Patricia Bradley

Posted on May 22, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Finding the Bad Guy!

Alexis has always dreamed of being the police commissioner in the Chattanooga police department, but then her grandfather had a heart attack. He begged her to take over as chief deputy in their small hometown, Pearl Springs.

She must face the backlash anger from other members of the force who feel they should have been chief deputy, and not her. Alexis must also work with Nathan, her high school flame, and police chief. Alexis joins Nathan’s investigation and stakeout of a drug ring.

When she moves back home, Alexis finds the serial killer she had been tracking in Chattanooga has moved to Pearl Springs, too. As she tries to find him, more and more attempts are made on her life. Who is behind them?

Will the serial killer hurt Alexis before she can find him? Will Alexis leave Pearl Springs, and continue her quest to be Chattanooga’s police commissioner? Will Nathan quit trying to rekindle a relationship when Alexis shows no interest?

Red herrings and lots of action pepper the pages of this story, can you figure out the guilty one? This clean, five-star book is told from a Christian point of view. Everyone will like this, but it will really be enjoyed by fans of thrillers, action, and fast-moving tales.

Thank you, Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Counter Attack,” 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/PTBradley1

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

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“The Swindler’s Daughter,” by Stephenia H. McGee

Posted on May 16, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Taking Control!

Up until 1912, Lillian has lived a sheltered life while her domineering mother has arranged everything, including her upcoming marriage.

Suddenly, everything changes. All her life, Lillian has been told her father was dead, when in fact, he just passed away. Although he never reached out to her, he has left his home and half of his business to her. Lillian’s mother sends her to Dawsonville, by herself, to settle the will, sell everything quickly, and bring home the cash.

Never having been on her own, Lillian quickly finds herself over-her-head. She discovers her father’s house is already occupied, and the family refuses to leave. Additionally, mystery surrounds her father’s business as she can not easily ascertain what it is.

Melanie Peterson believes it is God’s will for Lillian to change the course of her life, and relocate to Dawsonville. After Lillian is attacked, the sheriff’s department seems to do nothing. When something else happens, Lillian has her doubts that the sheriff will help her, that he might even be in league with the one behind the attacks.

Lillian is happy to discover she has an aunt and a cousin who welcome her to the family with open arms. She also meets Jonah when he runs into her and knocks her to the ground. He seems to be everywhere she goes, and is always angry with her.

Will Lillian be able to stand up to her mother, and make decisions based on what she wants, instead of what her mother pushes her to do? Will Lillian be falsely accused of wrongdoings, and be put into jail? Will Lillian return home and marry the man her mother picked out?

This five-star story includes murder, mystery, and humor. It will keep you turning the pages until the end, and will be enjoyed by fans of intrigue, and well-written tales.

Thank you, Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Swindler’s Daughter,” 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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

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

The Author’s Website:  https://shop.stepheniamcgee.com/

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