“Not Exactly Mr. Darcy,” by Carolyn Miller

The Way of True Love is Complicated

Olivia, is from Australia, but is temporarily in an English village to take care of her grandmother. She finds herself at odds with Liam, the gardener of Harbury Hall. This historic home used to be open to the public, but has been closed for some time.

Olivia would like to see it reopened, and volunteered her services to make that happen. Many local people are willing to help as well. She deals with lots of obstacles, including the gardener himself.

Slowly, she wins him over as the house is reopened and tours start coming through. But the biggest thing Liv doesn’t know is Liam’s true identity.

When she understands that, it changes the relationship Liv and Liam were starting to develop. Liv feels like she has been used, and is a fool.

The relationship between Liv and Liam is fun to experience, and keeps you wondering if they will ever like each other. The story also has a tie-in to the book, “Pride and Prejudice,” stating that a movie version was filmed on the Harbury grounds. I like that this tale includes the character’s faith.

I recommend this clean, five-star book.

Thanks to Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Not Exactly Mr. Darcy,” by Carolyn Miller, for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

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

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

The Author’s Pinterest:  https://au.pinterest.com/camillering/

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

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“Merry Mittens,” by Jordan Morris

A Moontime Cats Christmas Story

Illustrated by Charlie Mylie

The Cats will Play

Join the adventures with three cat friends as they explore the night filled with snow. After they discover the missing star from the top of the Christmas tree, they do their best to put it back–finishing it off singing carols that only another cat would love.

They have been unaware that they have been followed during the night by a new kitty. But then the shy spy joins their singing, and they have a good time playing together.

All but one of the cats have owners that call them to come home. That one, is the new friend, who doesn’t have a home.  A Christmas miracle takes place when they find the perfect place.

This sweet picture book is a story that children will love to hear. While laughing at the cat antics, they will be concerned for the cat without a home, and will cheer happily for the ending.

This nice story is even more fun since it takes places during the holidays.  Wonderful, colorful illustrations make this already good tale, even better. Children ages three through eight-years-old will enjoy this five-star book.

On a personal note, I also enjoyed this book because I am very familiar with the Rabbit hOle Museum—a family favorite–that both the author and illustrator helped create.

Thanks to Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Merry Mittens,” by Jordan Morris, for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

 

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Gluten-Free Spanish Pyramids

Makes 4

1 to ½ lbs chicken, cut into thin strips

3 pieces of bacon

1 onion, sliced thinly

1/2 Tablespoon butter

1 to 2 Tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup uncooked jasmine rice

1 teaspoon ground cumin, divided

1 teaspoon gluten-free buffalo sauce, or to taste

2 teaspoons Swerve or sweetener of choice

1 teaspoon Sea salt, divided

1 teaspoon chopped garlic

2 cups chicken broth

6 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1/3 cup Pace Picante Sauce or picante sauce of choice

2 cups of grated cheese

1 can of refried beans

Shredded lettuce

In a large skillet, cook bacon until done, keep bacon grease.  Remove bacon, drain, and crumble.

In same skillet, with the bacon grease, add sliced onion, and sauté until translucent.  Remove the onion.

Add chicken, 1/3 teaspoon sea salt, olive oil, and 1 teaspoon Swerve.

Cook 6 minutes or until chicken is done—always check meat with a thermometer.  When finished, stir in buffalo sauce, if desired.

For the rice:

In a saucepan, stir in the chicken broth, Pace, ½ tablespoon butter, ½ teaspoon sea salt, 2/3 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon Swerve, and garlic.  Bring to a boil, then stir in Jasmine rice.

Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, turn off heat, but keep rice on burner for 5 minutes.

Remove lid and fluff.

For the refried beans:

Warm the refried beans in the microwave one minute, or until easy to stir.  Mix in the crumbled bacon, 1/3 teaspoon cumin, and half of the sauteed onion slices.

Assemble the pyramids:

Divide rice between four plates, making a flat circle.  Add ¼ of refried beans to the top of the rice, not quit going to the edges.

Add cooked chicken to the top of that, and then remaining sauteed onions on top of the chicken.

Next, put grated cheese over the top of the pyramids, and heat until cheese is melted, and everything is warmed.  Sprinkle remaining cilantro over the tops.

If desired, surround edge of pyramids with shredded lettuce.  Serve with sliced avocados, salsa, or sour cream.

 

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“Christmas in the Trenches,” by John McCutcheon

The Christmas Miracle

This story begins in modern England, at the end of Christmas day.  Two grandchildren ask their grandfather what his favorite Christmas was, and he tells them the story of the 1914 Christmas.

Version 1.0.0

He recalls that it was during World War I, The Great War, and it was raging.  The young soldiers were living and fighting in the trenches.  It was freezing, with frost on the ground, and the soldiers all knew they would be spending Christmas outside and miserable.

Suddenly, they heard a Christmas carol sung by the German soldiers coming from their trenches on the other side of the field.  The English soldiers answered back with a carol of their own.

Version 1.0.0

Before they knew it, hesitantly at first, the English and German soldiers came out of their trenches, and met each other in the field between them.

With common agreement, they laid down their weapons and celebrated Christmas with each other.  The Germans produced a small Christmas tree with candles, soldiers from both sides exchanged gifts of what they had like chocolates, and canned meat.

Version 1.0.0

The Christmas truce went on all through the night until the next dawn, when they returned to the war, and how they were before.  But stopping the fighting, and celebrating Christmas together, was never forgotten by the ones there.

This was a real Christmas miracle because it was based on a Christmas truce that really happened.

Although this is a picture book for children, ages seven to ten-years-old, adults will enjoy this based-on-facts story.  Gore is not shown, the one illustration of fighting is not in color, but the spirit of the situation is told.

This five-star book makes it easy to learn an amazing part of history.

Thanks to Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Christmas in the Trenches,” by John McCutcheon, for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

 

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“Santa’s Wobbly Bottom,” by Kit Frost

Lots of Holly Jolly Fun!

This is an adorable, interactive board book featuring Santa himself—along with his wobbly bottom.  Each pair of pages has something to do.  The elf is dancing, a reindeer is flying, and the snowman’s belly jiggles, all because of you.

But most of all, Santa and all of them, have very wobbly bottoms, and you are in charge of the wobble.

This is a fun book that will bring tons of laughter, and giggles.

All the illustrations are cute, and brightly colored—something that always appeals to little ones.

You don’t want to miss this five-star, board book, because of all the fun you will find between the covers.  This will be enjoyed by children through three-years-old.

Thanks to Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Santa’s Wobbly Bottom,” by Kit Frost, for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

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“The Red Cottage,” by Hannah Linder

Amnesia, Danger, and Mayhem!

On a mist shrouded night in 1818 Cornwall England, Meg was hit hard on the head, and left to die.

She awakens with no memory, and finds herself sheltered in the grand Penrose Abbey owned by Lord Cunningham. Almost immediately, Lord Cunningham makes it clear he wants a relationship with her, and Meg feels she owes him that for saving her life.

At the same time, more attacks are made, and Meg realizes the person who left her for dead is determined to finish the job. As she meets people who know her, Meg begs them to give her details about her life. She especially wants Tom to tell her about herself, and the relationship he says the two of them had.

Meg does not know if learning this will lead her to who is trying to kill her, or if she will learn it in time to do any good.

The person behind all this surprised me. I was pulled into this tale from the start, and appreciate that the characters’ faith, or lack of it, was part of this story.

If you love a historical mystery where the stakes are life and death, you will enjoy this clean, five-star book.

Thanks to Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Red Cottage,” by Hannah Linder, for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

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

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

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

 

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Hawaiian Coleslaw, Naturally Gluten Free

½ cup mayonnaise

4 tablespoons Swerve or sweetener of choice

1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon cider apple vinegar

½ teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste

¼ teaspoon salt or to taste

1 can of crushed pineapple, DO NOT DRAIN

1 bag of coleslaw mix

Whisk together mayonnaise, Swerve, lemon juice, vinegar, pepper, and salt together in a bowl until smooth and creamy.

In large container, add ¼ bag of coleslaw mix, and all the dressing.  Stir this really well until it is combined.  Add the next quarter of the bag, and stir really well, getting everything incorporated.  Continue this two more times, getting all the coleslaw mix in the container and completely covered with dressing.

Add the undrained pineapple, and mix it well, until it is combined with all of the coleslaw.  Cover and chill a few hours or overnight.

Stir before serving.  Enjoy.

 

We make our own mayonnaise due to allergies:

Our Gluten-Free Mayonnaise

2/3 cup Goat Milk, or Cashew Milk, for a dairy-free version*

1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt

1/8 teaspoon ground Pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons Xanthan Gum

2 teaspoons minced Garlic

1 Tablespoon fresh, squeezed Lemon Juice

2/3 cup Pure Olive Oil (not extra virgin, that will not work right) and ½ cup Canola Oil**

2 Tablespoons Sweetener of choice–Swerve, Honey, Sugar, etc.

In Vitamix blender (or a powerful blender), add milk, sea salt, pepper, xanthan gum, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Swerve or sweetener of choice. Blend on medium-low until it starts to thicken which won’t take very long, a minute or less.

Next, start blender on medium (about 5) with lid on, but with the middle hole open in the lid.  Through this middle opening, pour oil in a steady stream going slow, so it takes about 1 to 2 minutes for it all to get in.  While doing this, you will have to gradually increase speed of Vitamix blender so it continues blending while it thickens.  By the time you are finished, you should have reached the top speed, and it should look like mayonnaise.  Refrigerate in a tightly covered container.  We have been able to keep it in the refrigerator about two weeks.

*Note:  You can use any kind of dairy milk—cow, goat, etc. or non-dairy milk:  cashew, almond, soy, etc.

**Note:  The extra virgin olive oil does not taste right when it is emulsified into mayonnaise.  It gets a bitter or unpleasant taste.  But pure olive oil tastes fine, or a combination of pure olive oil and canola oil.

 

 

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Our Gluten-Free Mayonnaise

We make our own mayonnaise due to allergies.

2/3 cup Goat Milk, or Cashew Milk, for a dairy-free version*

1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt

1/8 teaspoon ground Pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons Xanthan Gum

2 teaspoons minced Garlic

1 Tablespoon fresh, squeezed Lemon Juice

2/3 cup Pure Olive Oil (not extra virgin, that will not work right) and ½ cup Canola Oil**

1 Tablespoon Sweetener of choice–Swerve, Honey, Sugar, etc.

In Vitamix blender (or a powerful blender), add milk, sea salt, pepper, xanthan gum, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Swerve or sweetener of choice. Blend on medium-low until it starts to thicken which won’t take very long, a minute or less.

Next, start blender on medium (about 5) with lid on, but with the middle hole open in the lid.  Through this middle opening, pour oil in a steady stream going slow, so it takes about 1 to 2 minutes for it all to get in.  While doing this, you will have to gradually increase speed of Vitamix blender so it continues blending while it thickens.  By the time you are finished, you should have reached the top speed, and it should look like mayonnaise.  Refrigerate in a tightly covered container.  We have been able to keep it in the refrigerator about two weeks.

*Note:  You can use any kind of dairy milk—cow, goat, etc. or non-dairy milk:  cashew, almond, soy, etc.

**Note:  The extra virgin olive oil does not taste right when it is emulsified into mayonnaise.  It gets a bitter or unpleasant taste.  But pure olive oil tastes fine, or a combination of pure olive oil and canola oil.

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“Halloween at the Zoo,” by Smithsonian Institute

Fun at the Zoo

This book takes a creative look at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo with many of the animals pictured with pumpkins.

Digitally added details, which look like they have been drawn on with a marker–such as faces, hats, and other costume materials–are put on the animal’s and pumpkin’s pictures.

Parrots, lemurs, and red pandas are some of the animals that are featured. So, without really putting things on the zoo residents, they are wearing costumes and makeup in the pictures.

While reading this to a child, it is fun to ask questions such as: in real life, would animals like to have costumes on; or what kind of treats would the animals like; or do you think the animals really do this when the zoo is closed.

The book’s verse is told in a rhyming way, which could cause lots of giggles. This board book is aimed at children ages two to five.

To be honest, I did not feel that doing this added anything to the animals’ pictures.

Thanks to Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Halloween at the Zoo,” by Smithsonian Institute, for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

 

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“The Daughter of Shiloh,” by Terri J. Haynes

A Story That Grabs Your Heart and Doesn’t Let Go

From the very first chapter, this story is a gripping and deeply moving experience. It centers on Lealia, a student trying to redirect her path from Tuskegee Institute to Howard University, and Milton, a compassionate classmate, whose lives are changed at the Shiloh Baptist Convention.

This narrative immediately thrusts you into a terrifying and traumatic church stampede where panic breaks out. The author places you right in the middle of the confusion, making you feel the heartbreak and urgency. Milton’s quick action saves the badly injured Lealia, along with many others. His subsequent weeks long dedication to helping the injured, sets the stage for a relationship built on shared trauma, and deep respect. The depiction of Milton’s hidden PTSD adds a layer of struggle that is well-handled.

As Milton and Lealia spend weeks healing and helping, their story changes into a compelling mystery, with two major threads: the shooting of a beloved store owner, and the puzzle of the missing money at Shiloh. The blend of emotional recovery, budding romance, and clue-finding is great. As they grow closer, the looming question of their future–Lealia’s move, and Milton finishing his degree–creates a heartbreaking situation.

I particularly loved the inclusion of the character’s faith in response to the tragedy, and to life. This isn’t just a romance or a mystery; it’s a story about finding purpose, love, and light after the worst kind of darkness. Do not miss this book; it’s a five-star read that will keep you captivated from the first page to the last.

Thanks to Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Daughter of Shiloh,” by Terri J. Haynes, for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

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

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

The Author’s Website:  https://www.terrijhaynes.com/index.html

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