“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

 

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

“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/

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

“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/

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

“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

 

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

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.

 

Posted in Gluten Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Main Dishes, Regular Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“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/

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

“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/

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

“The Keys to Gramercy Park” by Candace Sue Patterson

Posted on May 7, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

To Gain the World…..

Andie is a writer for the Smithsonian Magazine, who loves the past. She has a story drop into her lap when she finds antique, counterfeit money in the wall of her historic apartment. She traces the money back to the Civil War Era. The money connects her to two identical twins, Franklin, who is a good person, while Edward, who suffered terrible abuse by their father, is not.

Edward is a thief and a liar, who bilks people out of their savings. Because of his father’s mistreatment, he feels entitled to do anything to others in order to get rich. He has a dark, troubling story and does unthinkable things including assuming the identity of a man he murdered, and inserting himself into their family.

Andie hopes writing a story about this will get her a new position at the magazine. She is excited to find the past ties to present people. Unfortunately, those people are the family of her current boyfriend, Beau. Not only would this information hurt the well-known family’s standing, it would damage Beau’s current campaign to be governor.

All this leads Andie to ponder the merits of exposing the sins people committed over a hundred years ago to the pain or harm that will come to the lives of the current generation.

This tale contains murder, betrayal, lust, illegal acts, love, and towards the end, contains a Christian point of view.

Warning, this four-star book should be read by mature, older teens or adults, the tale has vile and wicked circumstances. It will be enjoyed by those who like historical reads.

Thank you, Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Keys to Gramercy Park,” 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.

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

“Blind Trust” by Natalie Walters

Posted on April 28, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Danger and Excitement!

Lyla is a member of the SNAP Agency. She is great at her job, but is often impulsive, taking risks without counting the cost.

Nicolas, a weapons expert and fellow SNAP member, is driven crazy by that. He believes she is a loose cannon, and because of that, he feels he can never fully protect Lyla. She puts herself and others in harm’s way.

Because of that, Nicolas has never told her he has feelings for her. Despite his attraction, will Nicolas leave the agency because he thinks Lyla is more impetuous around him–so would she be safer without him?

Lyla has been getting threatening notes, but believes they are from someone she put in prison. But that man is now dead, yet the notes keeping coming, along with attacks. Nicholas and Lyla face increasingly perilous situations. Will Lyla’s erratic behavior make it impossible to keep her safe, and cause her death?

This is an exciting story that will keep you turning the pages, there is lots of danger and adventure. It is the third in a series, but the story stands alone. This five-star book is told from a Christian point-of-view, and will be enjoyed by fans of thrilling, well-written stories.

Thank you, Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Blind Trust,” 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/profile.php?id=100041917969557&ref=hl

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

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

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

“The Secret to Happiness” by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Posted on April 28, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

What Makes You Happy?

Callie has fled to her Aunt Marnie’s to bury herself in bed after being publicly humiliated, and fired from her head chef’s job. That is because a mistake on her part caused hundreds of people to be food poisoned. She is sure she will never get a job in the food industry again.

She is depressed, but it has been brought on by more than the job loss. Something, that if true, makes everything else pale, and causes Callie to doubt her ability to go on.

Aunt Marnie and daughter, Dawn, live in two tiny rooms above their ice cream shop.Dawn resents her over-achieving cousin’s presence in their small space, and in their lives. Their history has been one of Callie taking over Dawn’s current passion, and doing it better.

Dawn is very protective of her business and everything associated with it, and does not want Callie taking it over, or changing things.

Dawn forces Callie to take a class on happiness. The instructor, Bruno Bianco, challenges her to find thing that bring happiness. That causes Callie to begin going to the beach, and watching the sunrise. She then begins secretly cooking things, but gives Dawn credit for it. Callie also makes friends with a lovely little boy.

Despite the serious things Callie deals with, the story is one of joy, hope and fun situations. This is second in a series, but the story stands alone. Reading it will make you appreciate life while being entertained by a five-star tale. It is told from a Christian perspective, and is recommended for anyone who has faced something hard.

Thank you, Library Thing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Secret to Happiness,” 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/SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor

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

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

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