“Something: One Small Thing Can Make a Difference” by Natalee Creech

Posted on April 15, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Pablo Pino

Help!

Through the use of fun, bright pictures; catchy rhymes, and lots of enthusiasm, this book suggests that children should be on the lookout for ways to help others. Anyone, including children are never too young to do a good deed.

Children are natural helpers, so directing them to things to do will bring lots of appreciation from the receiver. Assisting can take many forms, and help of any kind will be welcomed, even a small amount. It could be watering plants for an elderly neighbor, carrying something, or welcoming someone into a group. You don’t need to be a grown up, or have money to assist others.

It really is true, it is more blessed to give than to receive. You will receive joy when you lend a hand. Your child will experience that, too, and it will spur them on to be thoughtful. This five-star book will be enjoyed by children aged four through eight-years-old.

Thank you, Worthy Kids, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Something:  One Small Thing Can Make a Difference” or 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/nataleecreechauthor

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

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

 

 

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“The Words We Lost” by Nicole Deese

Posted on April 12, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

The Price of Friendship

Ingrid had once been part of an extraordinary friendship that included Cece and Joel. As teenagers, they thought they would never live their lives without each other. But Ingrid and Joel’s broken engagement shattered the group. Ingrid went on to become an editor who helped Cece get her first book published. When that exploded into an international best-selling series, both Cece and Ingrid reaped the benefits.

The world was excitedly awaiting the last installment in the series when Ingrid, and everyone else, was shocked by Cece’s death.

Since then, Ingrid has barely functioned, and lost an important ability to do her job. Her assistant has been covering for her, but her hard-nosed boss has caught on. The boss is only keeping Ingrid employed in the hopes that she will uncover Cece’s last installment.

For years, Ingrid has had nothing but anger for Joel, so returning to their hometown for the book search is torture. She is informed that Cece left Joel and her a package.

When opened, it contains a memoir of the three’s friendship penned by Cece during her final weeks, along with her last request that Ingrid and Joel read it–together.

Despite Ingrid’s love for Cece, can she do this thing with Joel? What good will this do towards keeping her job?

Many hidden things come to light in this tale, and mysteries are solved. Shocking things are revealed to Cece. Overall, the special friendship the three shared continues to both affect and enrich their lives, even with one member missing.

I loved this book.

Once, I was part of an exceptional friendship. Then one of our group walked away, and later, one passed away–and that passing almost killed the remaining two of us. However, the years we shared gave us memories, both wonderful and bittersweet, that continue affecting us, and enriching us. If you have ever been blessed with such a friendship, or wished for one, read this book. Even if you haven’t, get this five-star book, you will love it.

Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Words We Lost,” 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/nicoledeeseauthor

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

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

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“Second Time Around” by Melody Carlson

Posted on April 3, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Starting Over!

After busy years of raising her children as a single mom, while renovating her huge home, and building her business, Mallory finds herself alone as her last child leaves the nest.

Her aunt has willed her a tourist shop in a small seaside town.  This is the perfect time to go there, clean it out and put it up for sale.

When Mallory arrives, she is surprised to find the old building is in horrible shape, and the business has barely hung on the last few years.  The whole town seems to be hanging by a thread.

Mallory decides she is ready for a change, and wants to start a design business in her aunt’s old building.

As she pours more and more money into her new idea, she hits lots of snags.  To make this work, Mallory has had to partner with another person to take care of her current business–is this person up to it?  She gets taken in by a dishonest contractor.  Will his shortcuts, lies, and lack of progress cause permanent damage to the old building?

Mallory is excited to find her handsome teenage crush still lives there.  Grayson is a widower and a successful businessman, who had plans for her aunt’s property.  Are sparks flying between them, or have they been smothered by her plans to keep the building?

Has Mallory bitten off more than she can chew with this project?  Will she lose everything she owns because of this?

You will walk with Mallory through all the roadblocks, cheering her on, and hoping she succeeds.  This is a fun, clean, five-star book told from a Christian viewpoint.  Fans of HGTV shows, those who have had to change their plans, or started their life over, will enjoy this book!

Thank you, Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Second Time Around,” 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/melodycarlsonauthor/

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

 

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“The Bark of Zorro (Gone to the Dogs, 4)” by Kathleen Y’Barbo

Posted on April 1, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Z Marks the Spot!

Cassidy is alone on a very dark, stormy night in a deserted area trying to find a stray dog.  She is a volunteer at the local dog rescue along with the office manager of a veterinary clinic.

Flashes of lightning reveal the dog who is scared and wet. Cassidy scoops the dog up, gets in her van, and takes off before a creepy figure in black catches up to her.

While cleaning Spot, as Cassidy names her, she discovers that someone put a lot of white paint on the animal. Cassidy is so incensed by it that she vows to find the one behind it. Finding Spot also causes Cassidy to meet Justin, the handsome game warden, who comes to investigate her.

Justin is a no-nonsense lawman who tells her he will cite her if she attempts to drive since her license just expired. He also asks her out!

Despite them having a great date, things start falling apart when more painted dogs start showing up. Cassidy wants to investigate and Justin thinks only the authorities should be involved. Will this cause their new relationship to fall apart? Red herrings and clues abound.Humor and a serious mystery combine to make a fun, clean tale. Lots of twists and suspects will keep you trying to guess who is behind it all. This story stands alone despite being part of a series, and includes the character’s faith. You will enjoy this five-star book. It is recommended to fans of mysteries, contemporary stories, and fun!

Thank you, Barbour Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Bark of Zorro,” 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/kathleen.ybarbo

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

The Author’s Website:  www.kathleenybarbo.com

 

 

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Crockpot White Chicken Chili, Naturally Gluten-Free

Posted on March 25, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 lb. chicken breasts boneless, skinless

1 ½ teaspoons gluten-free buffalo sauce

2 cans gluten-free Great Northern beans, rinsed and rinsed

2 cans gluten-free Pinto beans, rinsed and rinsed

1 bag of frozen corn

32 oz gluten-free chicken broth

2 sweet yellow onions, chopped

3 teaspoons chopped garlic

Juice of 1 lime

1 tsp cumin

Black pepper to taste

1 bunch of cilantro, chopped without stems

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Add chicken breasts, Great Northern beans, corn, buffalo sauce, chopped onion, garlic, and spices to the crockpot. Add 32 oz of chicken broth and squeeze the juice of one lime over the top of the mixture, then stir to combine ingredients.
  2. Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 6-8 hours. (Or once chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.)
  3. Before removing from crockpot, stir ingredients thoroughly. Use two forks to shred the chicken, and then let cook for another 30 minutes or so.
  4. Serve hot with desired toppings such as sour cream, grated cheese, chopped olives, salsa, avocados, etc. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up 3-4 days.

 

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“Loving People who are Hard to Love” by Joyce Meyer

Posted on March 24, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Doing the Impossible!

Once again, the obnoxious person in your life has purposely done something to upset you. This author claims there is a way to deal with people like that, but following her suggestions may be hard.

People who are difficult can ruin your day, but only if you let them. You have the choice to dwell on something, or let it go.

According to the author:

“…Forgiveness is not a feeling. It is a decision we make about how we will treat the people who have hurt us.”

You don’t have to feel love to show love. Joyce paid a lot of money for the very best care available for her abusive father, along with the mother who abandoned her. Even though the two of them spent years hurting her, Joyce made the decision to help them at the end of their lives.

Prickly people are usually that way because they reflect back to you their image of themselves. Hurt people, hurt people.

Here are some things to do that may help:

Look for the good in people, everyone has something. Enjoy the good, and pray that the bad part gets better.

When you are interacting with someone who is hard, try thinking about overlooking things for God’s sake. God wants you to return good for evil.

Try to find out what they like. Sometimes talking about that subject can make them easier to be around.

Practice being loving, even if they are horrible, and it will get easier to do so when dealing with the person.

Have patience, it may take a long time to get a break through with a difficult person, it may never happen. But you will be blessed for trying.

It is hard to show love to someone who never seems to appreciate it. But we are not responsible for how others act, however, we are responsible for our actions, and that will bring us happiness.

The bottom line: if you don’t forgive someone, you will only hurt yourself.

I recommend this five-star book to anyone who has ever had conflict in their life.

Thank you, Faith Word Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Loving People who are Hard to Love,” 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/joycemeyerministries/

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

The Author’s Website:  https://joycemeyer.org

 

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“My First Veggie Bible Stories” by Pamela Kennedy and Anne Kennedy Brady

Posted on March 23, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrator Jerry Pittenger

Bible Stories Veggie Style!

The mother-daughter author team bring to life the popular VeggieTales characters telling kid-sized versions of Bible stories. Join them as they share events from both the Old and New Testaments.

Some of the things covered include Moses and the Red Sea, Queen Esther, and Jesus feeding the thousands. The book ends with the story of Jesus and Resurrection Sunday, Easter.

None of the stories are longer than one page, and are written with a small child in mind, so they can clearly understand them. Despite the book having fun with the VeggieTales friends, and being abbreviated for little ones, the stories’ integrity remains.

Everything is in a sturdy board book with bright colors used in all the illustrations. The nicely padded cover will feel good for little fingers. Children two to six-years-old will enjoy this five-star collection of Bible stories.

Thank you, Worthy Kids, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “My First Veggie Bible Stories,” 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 Website:  https://pamelakennedy.net/about

 

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“My First Pop-Up Endangered Animals” by Owen Davey

Posted on March 20, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Animals that Need Help

Some animals have such small numbers that they may disappear without help.  This book has pop-ups of fifteen such animals.  Because they are so beautifully done, each one will be memorable to little ones.  Additionally, the names and the world locations are given of every animal.

Once a year, we recognize this planet and our responsibility to take care of it.  This book is both adorable and gives a message to little ones about the fragile state animals are in. This is a  good choice to make that point.  Every page contains a pop-up animal.  I liked them all, but my favorite is the North American Rusty Patched Bumble Bee.

Hard-backed and well-made, this five-star book will be enjoyed by children ages three to seven.  Younger ones would like it, too, if they are supervised!

Thank you, Candlewick Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “My First Pop-Up Endangered Animals,” or 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.

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“Sunday Fun Day: An Activity for Every Weekend of the Year” by Katherine Halligan

Posted on March 19, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

Jesus Verona, Illustrator

THIS is What You can Do!

How many parents have ever heard these words, “I’m bored, what can I do?”  Despite having lots of toys, movies, discs, and more, children can truly think there is nothing to do.

That is when the smart parent is ready, and has this book on hand.  It is brimming with things for a child to do.  Although it is geared for the weekends, many of these ideas can be used any day of the week.

Activities are divided into seasons.  For instance, in the spring, learn to dye eggs, make carrot cake, or learn to do leaf rubbings.

In the summer, create a window box, make sandcastles, or paint a pet rock.

When fall arrives, learn to bake a dessert, make an obstacle course, or create a memory jar.

In the winter, make twig stars, create your own wrapping paper, or grow a flowering amaryllis bulb in a pot you decorated—to keep for yourself or as a thoughtful gift.

You will find all these ideas and more in this over-sized, hardbacked book.  It is full of easy directions and colorful illustrations.  Never again will you dread hearing a child say they don’t have anything to do. With your help, now they do.  Children aged six to twelve-years-old will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Nosy Crow, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Sunday Fun Day: An Activity for Every Weekend of the Year,” 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.

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“Letters of Trust” by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Posted on March 17, 2023 by WordPress.com Support

For a Season…..

Eleanor is an Amish newlywed who has left all her family and friends to live in her husband Vic’s farming community. Although her parents had reservations about the marriage, Eleanor was in love, and disregarded their concerns. After the first few months of marriage, tragedy strikes Vic’s family, and he feels responsible for it.

Because of that, along with the constant urging of his friend, Vic begins drinking. He really likes the way alcohol makes him feel.

Soon, he needs to drink more and more to get that feeling. When Eleanor finds out, he is very penitent, and promises to never drink again. Unfortunately, he does not quit for long, and Eleanor discovers it. Once more, Vic says he is sorry, and he will stop drinking for good this time.

As time goes on, Vic’s drinking, lying, and temper get worse. Eleanor is sure Vic is an alcoholic, and must unburden herself of it all, so writes to her friend back home for support. She also reaches out to their church bishop.

Will any of these people help her? After all Eleanor has been through with Vic, should she just call it quits, and go back to her family?

This-five-star book is honest and transparent about what alcohol can do to a person, along with the tragic results the family must deal with. If faced with this situation in real life, much of the advice Eleanor receives would be worth following.

I recommend this story to those who like real-life tales.

Thank you, Barbour Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Letters of Trust,” or 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/WandaBrunstetterFans/

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

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

 

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