“’Til I Want No More,” by Robin W. Pearson

Posted on August 13, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

When Her Past Caught Up!

Her past just walked in when her old boyfriend, JD, seemed to materialize out of nowhere in the restaurant Maxine had just eaten at with her fiancé, Teddy.

She has kept most of the details of her time with JD a secret. She knows if everything comes out, her life will fall apart, and so will her sister’s.

Robin W. Pearson's writing sprouts from her Southern roots and her love of her husband and children

To make things more complicated for Maxine, Teddy’s pastor is giving the two of them pre-marital counseling. This is not a class for the fainthearted. The questions he asks, and the assignments he gives them, are adding lots more stress to her life. Plus, now that JD is back in town, he is determined to be a part of her life.

Southern fiction and southern romance fiction lovers will enjoy Robin W. Pearson's new book.

Maxine desperately wants to find a way to keep her secrets, get married, and go on with the life she had planned. She doesn’t know if that is a possibility because something has got to give.Fans of black authors best sellers will enjoy Walking in Tall Weeds, a historical fiction book.

This story will capture your heart as you follow all the twists and turns Maxine’s life takes, including a surprise you won’t see coming. Faith is woven throughout this tale in a beautiful way. Words of wisdom are spoken about Maxine that could wisely be applied in real-life.

It is a shame these characters aren’t real because they would be good friends. Fans of real-life, well-written stories will enjoy this five-star, clean book.

Thank you to the author for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “’Til I Want No More,” 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/RobinWPearson/

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

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

 

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“Tracking Tilly,” by Janice Thompson

Posted on August 7, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

My Little Red Truck….

RaeLyn Hadley has spent every penny she had to win a ferocious bidding war to get back her grandfather’s ancient red truck, Tilly. Missing for many years, it was a fluke to find Tilly had re-surfaced, and was being auctioned. Now, RaeLyn, has been told Tilly was taken (stolen) from the auction house’s parking lot.

Suspects abound, starting with the ones who bid against RaeLyn–which includes her old boyfriend, Mason. Recently returned to town, Mason, and her relationship ended on a sour note when he started dating her best friend, former best friend, that is.red truck mystery christian clean romance fiction reading country small town

Other possibilities include the richest guy in town, Clayton, who is disliked by almost everyone; the auctioneer’s ex-wife, Meredith; and Wyatt, an old man scorned by her family.

This is a serious mystery that will keep you on your toes while trying to figure it out. But the tale is full of fun, local characters, and Texas charm. Small town life, and faith round out this excellent, five-star story.red truck mystery christian clean romance fiction reading country small town

Tracking Tilly, a story which stands on its own, is book one in a new series. I can’t wait for the next installment. This will tickle your funny bone, while giving your sleuthing skills a work-out. Fans of mystery, humor, and well-written tales will enjoy this book. Don’t miss it!red truck mystery christian clean romance fiction reading country small town

Thank you, Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Tracking Tilly,” by Janice Thompson, 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/JaniceHannaThompson/

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

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

 

 

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“For a Lifetime,” by Gabrielle Meyer

Posted on August 6, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Choices!

Grace and Hope are twins who have inherited the ability to time travel between two different time periods. On their twenty-fifth birthday, they must choose one place, and stay there permanently.

One life is in 1692, during the Salem witch trials. Their family is right in the middle of it, but the sisters will put their own lives in peril if they speak against it. Hope and Grace live hard lives where they must carry out the orders of their stern father. A mystery surrounds the death of their mother. Despite their restrictions, they try to uncover the truth.Two sisters. Two separate timelines. An unthinkable tragedy that alters the course of their lives.

Their other life is in 1912, where Hope is part of the airplane interest that is sweeping the country. Hope loves to fly, and is fearless. She wants to be one of the first American women to pilot a plane. Grace has an exciting, but sometimes dangerous, job as an investigative journalist.“This is one of the best books I have read in my life."-AM, Amazon reviewer on When the Day Comes

Grace and Hope are working together to save their parents’ orphanage, they are willing to take life-threatening chances to do so.

The sisters have agreed that they will both pick the same time-period so they can live out their lives together. That is, until something unforeseen happens.“This is how time-travel romance should be done!" —Laura D., Amazon reviewer on In This Moment

The reader will be drawn into this exciting story, the twists and turns will cement their interest even more. This is part of a series, but each story stands on its own, and all involve time-travel, and the character’s faith. Fans of history, time-travel, and amazing stories will especially like this five-star book.

Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “For a Lifetime,” by Gabrielle Meyer, 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://x.com/MeyerGabrielle

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

 

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“Kit and the Missing Notebook,” by Chris and Lindsey Wheeler

Posted on July 30, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Take a Deep Breath!

How do you help a child with anxiety? This book tries to do so with a story about Kit who has moved to a new neighborhood. Because everything is strange and different, Kit is anxious. She is latching onto things that are familiar; the most important thing being her notebook.Kit and the Missing Notebook: A Book About Calming Anxiety

Panic rises to a new level in Kit when the notebook goes missing. A kind neighbor distracts Kit by getting her to help with the soup she is making. She teaches Kit to smell the soup deeply through her nose. Then she tells her to blow it gently with her mouth.Kit and the Missing Notebook: A Book About Calming Anxiety

The neighbor was teaching a tried-and-true exercise that is often used to achieve a calm state: breathe deeply through the nose, then blow the air out with the mouth.Kit and the Missing Notebook: A Book About Calming Anxiety

I recommend that those utilizing this book, first, turn to the back, and read the page the authors wrote about anxiety, along with their experience with it. By doing that, the story will make more sense, and will help when using this book.Kit and the Missing Notebook: A Book About Calming Anxiety

As a bonus, the story contains a copy of the soup recipe. This over-sized picture book can be applied to a larger age range than the four through eight-year-old group because of the subject matter. Since this is from a Christian publisher, I was disappointed that the Lord was not mentioned in this four-star book.

Thank you, Zonderkidz, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Kit and the Missing Notebook,” by Chris and Lindsey Wheeler, 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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“The Beginner’s Bible Craft and Activity Book: 30 Fun Projects Based on Bible Stories”

Posted on July 29, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Here’s Lots of Ways to Have Fun!

Get ready to have some fun. This book tells how to make thirty projects with children. All of them are explained well, and are easy to do. Little ones will be happy to make their creations, and thrilled for you to see what they have done.  Join in, and make a masterpiece of your own!the beginner's bible craft and activity book sample spread

All of these projects are Biblically based, so this could also be a learning time. While working on these, explain what the story is based on.the beginner's bible craft and activity book

There is a nice variety of things to do: crafty items, a few things to make and eat, along with easy instructions to make a simple soap.the beginner's bible craft and activity book

The back of the book has a handy list of items needed to create everything, most of which might already be in your home. There are projects for a variety of ages.the beginner's bible craft and activity book

This is from Beginner’s Bible which is well-known for good material, and this is one of them.the beginners bible

Not only can parents use this, it would also be fun for a grandparent to use, or incorporated into VBS or Sunday School. 

Four to nine-year-olds will enjoy this.  I highly recommend getting this five-star book. You will have a ready answer when hearing, “I don’t know what to do.” Well, now you do.

Thank you, Zonderkidz, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Beginners Bible Craft and Activity Book:  30 Fun Projects Based on 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.

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“The Berenstain Bears Lets Go Play Collection,” by Mike Berenstain

Posted on July 27, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Fun with the Bears!

This is a lovable collection of six Berenstain Bears books bound with a nice hardback. The following selections are included:

The Berenstain Bears Faithful Friends

The Berenstain Bears God Made You Special

The Berenstain Bears Why Do Good Bears Have Bad Days?

The Berenstain Bears Honesty Counts

The Berenstain Bears Play a Good Game

The Berenstain Bears God’s Wonderful World

Each book contains a cute story, but it also teaches a lesson. For instance, one book deals with the hurt and jealousy of a friend. Instead of possibly losing that friendship, the story suggests a solution.The Berenstain Bears Let's Go Play Collection: 6 Books in 1

In another book, a child isn’t exactly like everyone else. Sometimes children like that are ignored, or called names. This book offers another, better way to try.The Berenstain Bears Let's Go Play Collection: 6 Books in 1

The books offer a good way to turn a difficult situation into a positive one, all packaged in a great story.The Berenstain Bears Let's Go Play Collection: 6 Books in 1

There is a nice surprise in the back of the volume. Instructions are given for several things to do outside–all of them are time-tested ways to have fun.The Berenstain Bears Let's Go Play Collection: 6 Books in 1

Berenstain books are well-known and have been around for a long time, but this is my first experience with them. But it will not be my last. Ages four through eight-years-old will enjoy this five-star collection. I highly recommend it!

Thank you, Zonderkidz, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Berenstain Bears Lets Go Play Collection,” by Mike Berenstain, 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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“Found,” by Sam Usher

Posted on July 21, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What They Discovered!

They found it!  A little boy and his grandfather went to the beach and found a tide pool that they explored.  With a lot of hard work, they found they had made a large, beautiful sand castle.

They found a baby seal, that they untangled from a net.  Then they found his home, after a lot of difficulty.

Together they found a wonderful world under the ocean that they explored.

Most of all, they found that an older man, and a little boy have a lot to give each other.

Between the pages of this picture book, is a sweet story that is full of the joy.  Children will adore the big day the grandfather and grandson have, and what they have found together, love.

The illustrations are playful, and will bring lots of giggles.  Children ages two-through-seven will enjoy this five-star, beautiful book, and I highly recommend it.

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Found,” by Sam Usher, 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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Red Beans & Rice Quick & Easy, Naturally Gluten-Free

Posted on July 19, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

 

This is a simple version of the classic dish.

2 – 3 hot dogs, sliced (or sliced, cooked links of your choice)

½ teaspoon cumin

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons chopped garlic

1 can red beans, drained

½ teaspoon gf buffalo sauce

3 Tablespoons Swerve, or sweetener of choice

½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

1 cup chicken broth

1 pinch oregano

2 cups cooked rice, we like Jasmine*

1 chopped onion, opitional

If using the onion, sauté in a large skillet with a small amount of oil, butter, or broth.  Stir and cook until the onion is soft and translucent. Then add the beans, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and hot dog slices.  Stir well.

Cook on medium low, just until heated throughout, and starting to bubble.

Add black pepper, chopped garlic, buffalo sauce, Swerve, Old Bay seasoning, cumin, and oregano.  Stir, bring it to a low simmer.  Heat for ten minutes, stirring and watching that it doesn’t stick.

Add two cups of cooked rice and remaining ½ cup of chicken broth, stir and heat until warmed throughout.  Serves 3 to 4.

 

*This is how we make the rice:

1 carton, 32 ounces of chicken broth

½ teaspoon sea salt

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cups uncooked Jasmine rice

Add to a large saucepan, the chicken broth, butter, and sea salt.  Stir and bring to a boil.

Add rice and stir well.  Cover and reduce heat to low.  Let it cook for 10 minutes.  Turn the burner off, and let the pan, still covered, sit for 10 more minutes.

Remove lid and fluff with a fork.

This makes 4 cups of rice.  Cut ingredients in half if you only want 2 cups.

 

 

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“The Sisters of Corinth,” by Angela Hunt

Posted on July 17, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life and Death in a Dangerous World!

Mariana and her mother, Hester, are believers in Yeshua, Jesus, and their faith causes them to walk a tightrope. That is because her step-father, Narkis, and step-sister, Prima worship the Roman gods. The two are met with hostility or worse when they try to tell Narkis and Prima about their faith. A story of love, sacrifice, and the quest for power set against the backdrop of ancient Corinth.

Prima is spoiled, mean, and self-centered. She has set her sights to marry the Governor’s son. When she does not get her way, Prima dedicates herself to an idol, giving it expensive sacrifices, including her virtue, believing that will change things. She is not above murder or blackmail to get her way.

Prima hates Mariana and wants to get rid of her. She orchestrates a test to reveal the Christians living in the city, knowing Mariana is one. Prima is sure this will force Mariana to flee town rather than face death by admitting she is a follower of Christ."Hunt's vast biblical knowledge shines through on every page"-Tamera Alexander, bestselling author

What happens next is not what she expected.

This story will pull you into the lives of first century, upper class Romans. Food, parties, and dress are over-the-top, while the people themselves are often cruel, especially to the slaves who make their lifestyle possible.“A heart-tugging story that touched me deeply.”—Patricia H., Amazon reviewer

The story is clean despite some of the subject matter. There is a lot of suspense, and the tale is very engaging, but it ends abruptly on a cliffhanger, and for that reason, I recommend it with reservations. To find out the ending, you will have to get the next volume. This four-star book will be enjoyed by fans of first century Christians, and exciting stories.

Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Sisters of Corinth,” by Angela Hunt, 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/Angela.e.hunt/

The Author’s Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/62999.Angela_Elwell_Hunt

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

 

 

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“Aqua Boy,” by Ken Wilson Max

Posted on July 14, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Fun in the Ocean!

Little Aaron has a problem, he doesn’t enjoy the ocean like the rest of his family because he is afraid to put his head in the water.  He feels left out, but when he tries, he is unable to do it.

This is a sweet story about a family, and the encouragement they give to Aaron.  Little ones will identify with his fear to do something new, and what happens because of it.  They will also enjoy reading about the fun they have at the ocean, swimming and splashing around—and what they do to keep it clean and safe.

The descriptions and bright illustrations show children the wonderful things that are under water.

The back of the book contains a bonus section with more information about the ocean.  Children will have a great time discovering more about octopuses, and other things in the sea.

This is a story all children will enjoy, but it will be a good thing to read to anyone that has something they are afraid of, including swimming.

Over-sized, and full of the family’s adventures, this happy, five-star picture book will be liked by four-to-eight-year-olds.

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Aqua Boy,” by Ken Wilson Max, 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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