“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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“Dead Sea Conspiracy” by Jerry B. Jenkins

Posted on August 18, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Danger Everywhere!

This contains two stories, the first is a modern-day tale about an American archaeologist, Nicole Berman, who wants to run a dig in  Saudi Arabia.

In order to do the dig, Nicole must go through all kinds of hoops and red tape. Even though she passes everything, when she gets to the site, she has to deal with guards, along with governments watchers who can stop by at any time to check up on them.

Nicole wants to prove that Abraham was a real person, describe his relationship with his sons, and that Isaac was the one God’s blessings were to go through, not Ishmael. There are spies and people trying to prevent her from reaching her goal. If she does find evidence, will the host country let her publish her news, even if it goes against their national religion? Or will something happen to Nicole to prevent her getting out alive?

The second narrative is the thrilling story of Old Testament Abram (later Abraham) that starts with his parents in ancient Ur, and continues throughout his life. His father, Terah, is crazed King Nimrod’s right-hand man. This story covers the building of the Tower of Babel, along with a visit with Noah’s son and his wife–which includes their first-hand account of what living on the ark was like.

The things God asks Terah to do will leave you wondering what you would do in that situation. Belessunu, Abraham’s mother, has an amazing faith in spite of some hair-raising circumstances.

This is part of a series, there is a small amount of catch-up in the modern story, but everything else stands alone. Abraham’s story is amazing, and will make that part of the Bible come alive. I recommend this five-star book to fans of Biblical history, and captivating stories!

Worthy Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Dead Sea Conspiracy, 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/jerry.b.jenkins

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

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

 

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“The Last Way Home” by Liz Johnson

Posted on August 14, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Going Home Again?

Eli, a famous hockey player, has returned home, for the first time in over a decade. He didn’t leave on good terms. Despite making thousands of dollars, he is penniless, hungry, homeless, and jobless.

Only his mother, Mama Potts, is happy to see Eli, his two brothers stare daggers at him. Even Violet, who he doesn’t know, and has become an honorary part of his family, acts like she hates him. Despite that, Eli stays because he has nowhere else to go.

He finds his mother has started a successful pottery business. She, with Violet’s help, has been making enough money during the three-month tourist season to support them. The day Eli returns, Mama Potts’ business burns down ruining most of their inventory, the kiln and her store–and tourist season is very soon.

As Eli tries to make a life for himself, and Violet tries to find places to sell what pottery they do have, their paths cross a lot. They are both dealing with secret, difficult situations. Together, they help the island’s hockey team, and discover a place that is right out of a fairy tale.

Will Eli or Violet ever share the things they are hiding with each other? Will Eli be able to keep himself and his family safe from a threatening loan shark along with his dangerous enforcer? Will either of their families ever want them back?

This story stands on its own despite being part of a series. The different locations in the book are really enchanting, and while reading, you feel like you have traveled there. A lot is added to the story by some characters suggesting God could help them. I recommend this five-star book to those who enjoy finding family skeletons, family drama, or page turning stories!

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Last Way Home, 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/lizjohnsonbooks

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

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

The Author’s Website:  https://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/book/a-dazzle-of-diamonds/

 

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“By Way of the Moonlight” by Elizabeth Musser

Posted on August 11, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Sometimes, You Get More Than What You Need!

Allie has always had three loves: Nana Dale, horses, and the dream of opening a horse therapeutic center. Nana Dale had promised to leave her mansion and valuable acreage to Allie for that purpose. But when her will was read, it had recently been redone, with the land and home going to an unscrupulous builder Nana Dale didn’t like.

Even working day and night, Allie is unable to prove the builder tricked her grandmother into signing the will update. Allie is also trying to find the answers to Nana Dale’s mystery. The date she has to give up the property is fast approaching, and she has made no progress. Allie’s fiancé, Austin, is convinced she is obsessed with all of it, so breaks up with her.

What did Nana Dale mean when she said there would be plenty of money no matter what? What happened to Tommy, the love of her grandmother’s life? Nana Dale said Allie would get all the answers about him, but where? How did Nana Dale reunite with her beloved horse, Essie, after she had to be sold for much need money during the Great Depression?

Her search for answers will take her back to the 1930’s, and World War II. What Allie finds out is not what she expected. There were lots of twists and turns, along with good advice about finding satisfaction in life.

Among other things, this exciting tale dealt with solving a mystery, lost love, and problems between mothers and daughters.  This clean, five-star book is done from a Christian perspective.  I recommend it to fans of mysteries, relationships, and well-written stories.

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, By Way of the Moonlight, 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/ElizabethMusserAuthor

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

The Author’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/EMusserAuthor?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

The Author’s Website:  https://elizabethmusser.wordpress.com

 

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