“Sundown” by Susan May Warren

Posted on October 8, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Chasing Spies, Falling in Love!

Tae, a scientist, has been desperately working on a vaccine to combat a deadly virus. She starts dating Sergei who, unknown to her, is a Russian spy who wants her research. He plans to let the virus loose in a crowed place in America. He kidnaps her, and in an attempt to escape, she causes the plane they are in to crash. Tae finds herself in the Alaskan wilderness in the winter, where she has been left for dead. Just barely alive, she is taken in by the Kingston family.

Not really believing her incredible story of kidnapping, spies and research, the Kingstons agree to help her. However, they soon find themselves, especially Colt, pulled into danger. Because she couldn’t get her notes back, Tae tries to replicate what she had done to create a vaccine. Colt and Tae criss cross the country trying to stay one-step ahead of the bad guys, but capture the virus before it is discharged. By doing this, will they be exposed and die? Have the Russians targeted Disney World as the place of release?

During the twists and turns in the finale of the series, there will be bombings, incredible escapes and intense clashes. Drones, secret agencies, and even the president of the United States will be involved. This book could stand alone, but it will be much more enjoyable if at least the previous installment is read. Despite the entire world’s recent pandemic and vaccine debate, the author makes this story fresh, and it is not a retelling of current events.

Hopefully, there will be future stories about the Kingston family adventures! This is a clean, five-star book with a Christian viewpoint. Romance is sprinkled through the story. Everyone who likes excitement and adventure will enjoy this thrilling tale!

The Library Thing and Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Sundown, 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/SusanMayWarrenFiction

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

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

The Author’s Website:  www.susanmaywarren.com

 

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“A Quilt for Christmas” by Melody Carlson

Posted on October 5, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

New Place, New Christmas Celebrations!

When little Fiona knocks on Vera’s door begging for help, both of their world’s change. Widowed Vera is a recent transplant who regrets her move and is horribly lonely. Five-year-old Fiona is desperate to know what to do for her sick mom.

Before Vera knows it, she is pulled into caring for Fiona and her two siblings while their mom has surgery–which morphs into helping them daily.

When Fiona discovers the patchwork quilt Vera spent lots of time making with the help of friends, she begs Vera to make one for her mom. Vera tells her it is impossible to make without help–and she doesn’t know anyone in this new place–plus there isn’t enough time to make it for Christmas. Despite that, Fiona tells her two siblings that they will have a wonderful quilt for their mom this Christmas.

That is how Vera finds herself with three women: Tasha, Beverly and Eleanor, strangers who have agreed to help with the quilt in exchange for sewing lessons. When they first get-together, Eleanor was grouchy, but as time goes on, her surliness increases.

Will Eleanor ruin the quilting group, preventing the quilt from being made? Is there enough time to have it finished by Christmas? What will Eleanor do when she discovers who her son is dating?

This little Christmas tale will charm you, and usher in the Christmas spirit. The characters are so endearing, I hope the author will continue their stories in the future. Christian faith is not talked about, but can be seen in many of the people’s actions. Anyone who is delighted by Christmas will enjoy this clean, five-star book.

Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Quilt for Christmas, 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 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/authormelodycarlson/

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

 

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“To Win a Prince” by Toni Shiloh

Posted on September 29, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Finding Treasure on a Tropical Island!

Welcome to the amazing African island country, Ọlọrọ Ilé.  Iris, an American transplant, is best friends with the queen.  Iris has started a sustainable clothing line, Aso, to highlight the talents of the women of the country, and to help lift them out of poverty.

As punishment for being part of a conspiracy to over-throw the queen, Ekon must work as an advisor for Aso. Despite Ekon being pompous, self-centered, and selfish, Iris is drawn to him. He has lots of great ideas for her business, and helps Iris navigate the red tape for setting up Aso.

Can Ekon survive after losing all his possessions, status and friends? Will Aso become a successful, thriving business, and really help people? Despite Ekon’s lack of belief in God, will Iris ignore it, and pursue a relationship with him? Will Ekon’s idea for his own business support him?

This fish-out-of-water story is the second book in a series, but the tale stands on its own. I liked the first book, but this story is even better.  It is hard to believe the Ọlọrọ Ilé is not a real place. 

This clean story is full of twists and turns, as well as, the character’s faith that spurs them on to do surprising things. You will fall in love with this story, and hope there will be another installment. Fans of stories set in other countries, modern day fairy tales, or triumphing over difficulties will enjoy this five-star book.

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, To Win a Prince, 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/AuthorToniShiloh/

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

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

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

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“Escape from Amsterdam” by Lauralee Bliss

Posted on September 20, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Evil on the Move!

Helen is a young adult attending teacher college in the late 1930’s. She lives in Amsterdam with her family and has just met Erik. Everything seems exciting, but her entire life, and those all around her, is about to be turned upside down.

The Nazis are on the march, and quickly invade her country, and start making changes. Suddenly, the little children Helen teaches, along with their families, begin to disappear. Food is becoming in short supply, and Jewish people are losing their jobs, their homes, and are restricted from shopping where they want.

Can Helen and Erik leave everything behind, and disappear from their families? Are they taking dangerous chances that will lead them all to be arrested? Will the Nazis soldier be persuaded to leave Helen alone romantically?

This is an amazing story of what Helen and Erik get caught up in. Dangers and hardships abound in this clean story. The characters lean on God when nothing looks good for them, and miracles happen.

Although this is a work of fiction, two of the people existed in real life. Amazingly, the man lived to be 107 years old, and just died in 2018. I recommend this five-star book to fans of WWII stories, thrillers, or factual fiction!

Barbour Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Escape from Amsterdam, 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/AuthorLauraleeBliss

The Author’s Website:  Lauraleebliss.com

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“Papa Loves You, Tiny Blue” by Jo Empson

Posted on September 18, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

I Wonder About…Everything!

This is a story dedicated to the love between a child and his Papa.  In this case, the Papa and child are penguins!

As the little one asks lots of big questions, his Papa gives him the answers through words and actions.

Beautiful pictures, done by the author, illustrate their home and the questions that are asked.  They capture the wonder and love that exists between the two, as well as, the large world the two live in.

The little one’s biggest question is wanting to know what love is.  Even though Papa is getting tired of answering so many questions, he doesn’t hesitate to explain love, and to assure the little one that his Papa will always love him.

The illustrations in this over-sized picture book are a vital part of the story, and will amaze both the reader and child alike. This five-star book is recommended for preschoolers through first grade.

Worthy Kids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Papa Loves You, Tiny Blue, 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=100063698611121

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063698611121

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

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“Honor Bound” by Hallee Bridgeman

Posted on September 15, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Life, Death, and Love?

Cynthia is a doctor working in the deepest jungle delivering babies, but she is also the daughter of the Vice President of the United States. Out of nowhere, warlords invade her village, and threaten to kill her. Suddenly an American contingent appears, and kills the bad guys. When told she must leave with the Americans, Cynthia has a fit, but reluctantly goes.

When trying to get out, they face a harrowing journey through the jungle as terrorists continue hunting them. Instead of things calming down when they get to civilization, there are even more dangers. Despite all the hazards, Cynthia finds herself becoming friends with Rick, the head of the American rescue group.

Will Cynthia find happiness after she was forced to leave the jungle? When they get back to the United States, will Cynthia and Rick ever see each other again? Can Cynthia and Rick have a future with her being part of an affluent family, and him, a soldier from a small town? Is it possible to have a relationship with Rick when Cynthia knows first-hand how dangerous his work is?

This story is full of action, danger, and thrills which will keep you turning pages to see what happens. This is a clean tale told from a Christian viewpoint. I recommend this five-star book to fans of people in harm’s way— and how, or if, they find their way out of it!

Barbour Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Honor Bound, 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/authorhalleebridgeman/

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

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

The Author’s Website:  https://www.halleebridgeman.com/books-by-series/

 

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“The Bride of Blackfriars Lane” by Michelle Griep

Posted on September 11, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

The Course of True Love Never Runs Smooth!

Detective Jackson Forge, along with street-wise Kit Turner, have become linked together as partners trying to solve mysteries, and put crimes bosses out of business in the worst areas of 1800’s London. The two have also become linked together in love, and plan to be married soon.

But on the big day, Kit makes a decision that she hopes Jackson will be thrilled with. However, it blows up in Kit’s face, and because of it, Jackson is ready to call everything off. Instead of working out their differences, the gulf between them grows.

Kit knows Jackson is the only one she will ever love, and tries to ignore the pain by working on more mysteries. However, Kit finds she can’t solve them without Jackson. But he is so upset and cold towards Kit, Jackson won’t even refer to her by her first name.

Will Jackson listen to the advice given him to forgive Kit, and renew their relationship? Will decisions Jackson made while angry prevent the two from reuniting? Will Kit get more answers about her mother’s death?

This is the second in this book series, but the story stands on its own. The twists and turns of the mysteries, as well as, the relationship between Kit and Jackson, will keep you glued to this book. The character’s attempt to follow Christian principles despite hard times, make the story realistic. I recommend this five-star book to fans of mysteries, history, or opposites attract relationships.

Barbour Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Bride of Blackfriars Lane, 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/michellegriep/

The Author’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellegriep/?hl=en

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

The Author’s Website:  www.michellegriep.com

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“The Florence Legacy” by Lauraine Snelling

Posted on August 29, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Going to Italy?

For years, Bree and her friends have dreamt of going to Italy. Years earlier, when Bree became a widow with children, she began struggling financially, and going on a trip was out of the question. When her friend dies and leaves Bree $10,000 to go to Italy, she finally has the chance for her dream to come true.

Once again, Jessica, her 28-year-old daughter, has gotten involved with a guy who talked her out of her money, and put her deep in debt. Now the guy is gone, along with almost everything she had. Jessica insists the trip money be used to bail her out of yet another mess.

Her very responsible adult son urges Bree to take the trip, and make Jessica stand on her own two feet. Can Bree leave her daughter when she is in such dire straits?

Pierre, a handsome man, has been giving Bree Italian lessons. A widower himself, he has recently retired to open a coffee shop that caters to veterans. For the first time since becoming a widow, Bree has interest in a man, but this one is giving her mixed messages.

Will Bree take this once-in-a-lifetime chance to go on the trip of her dreams? What will become of Jessica if Bree doesn’t help her out? Are Bree’s feelings towards Pierre one-sided, or do the two of them have too much baggage to think of having a relationship?

From the first page, you will get caught up in this tale, and the descriptions will make you feel like you are there. Many of the characters rely on their Christian faith to get through life.

This story was a good example of adult kids still needing their parents no matter what their age. Alcohol is used throughout the book, and the son of one character, along with his male partner, play a small part in the story.

This five-star book will be enjoyed by anyone who has faced family drama, likes to travel, or debated about a relationship!

Worthy Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Florence Legacy, 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/LauraineSnellingAuthor

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/laurainesnellingauthor/?hl=en

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

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“The Secrets of Emberwild” by Stephenia H. McGee

Posted on August 20, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

A Heart’s Desire!

Nora has big plans for their horse farm, Emberwild. After she tames her horse Arrow, she plans to race him. Nora has no doubts that he will win, which will attract lots of stud fees. However, her domineering father has done his best to keep her under his thumb, constantly criticizing her love for horses, and calling her an empty-headed, worthless female.

When her father passes away, Nora is ready to put all her plans into action. She is shocked when her Uncle Amos steps in claiming their home and assets had all been left to him. If anything, her uncle is worse to Nora than her father. Amos tries to keep her away from her beloved horse Arrow, control her every movement, and marry her off to someone he has picked out.

Silas is new to the area, and has just started a temporary job training Arrow at Emberwild. His father died a mysterious death in their little town fifteen years ago, and he hopes to get answers to questions he has had ever since.

As Amos gains more control over Nora and her mother’s lives, dangerous things start happening. Arrow’s reins are cut, a cat lands on Arrow’s back gouging him with his claws, the cart Arrow pulls malfunctions and nearly hurts Nora and Arrow.

Are all of these things just bad luck, or have they been done purposely? Will Nora be forced to marry someone her uncle picks out? Has Silas found the answers to his father’s death, or has he hit a brick wall?

This gripping tale has situations that challenge Silas’ principles, and is told from a Christian viewpoint. This five-star book will be enjoyed by fans of mysteries, horses, and unlikely winners.

The Library Thing and Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Secrets of Emberwild, 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 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/stepheniahmcgee/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/stepheniahmcgee?lang=en

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

 

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Hawaiian Quiche, Gluten-Free or Make it Regular!

Posted on August 19, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Crust*

1 ½ cups Gluten-Free Bisquick

1/2 cup butter

4 to 5 tablespoons cold water

Crust Alternative

Use a prepared gluten-free or regular pie crust

Filling

1 ¼ cups shredded cheese, 1/2 of each Colby Jack & Provel** 

1 package cooked, drained & crumbled bacon

½ package gluten-free pepperoni, chopped, optional, if using, reduce bacon to 1/2 package

1 chopped onion, sautéed

1 cup pineapple, crushed or tidbits in juice, well drained

5 eggs

2 cups cashew milk, or 1 cup canned milk of choice

¼ teaspoon pepper

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon Swerve, or sweetener of choice

1 teaspoon Honey, or sweetener of choice

In double boiler, cook 2 cups cashew milk down to 1 cup, set aside.

Heat oven to 350°F.

Use a prepared gluten-free pie crust

Or Make Crust Yourself

Using a pastry brush, oil a 10-inch glass pie plate. In medium bowl, cut butter into Bisquick mix, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until particles are the size of small peas. Sprinkle with cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost cleans side of bowl (1 to 3 teaspoons more water can be added if necessary).

Gather pastry into a ball and press pastry evenly in bottom and up sides of pie plate.

The Filling

Sprinkle cheese, bacon, sautéed onions, pineapple, and peperoni if desired, in crust. In medium bowl, beat eggs, cashew milk, salt, Swerve, honey and pepper until blended. Pour into crust.  Cover edges of crust with foil, remove the last 5 minutes.

Place pie plate on cookie sheet.  Bake 55 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

*We shred our own cheese to avoid the filler in the pre-shredded kind.

**Or you can skip this step and purchase a gluten free pie shell to use instead, making this really easy to fix. 

Play island music & enjoy!

 

 

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