Helen’s Naturally Gluten-Free Green Beans

Posted on July 9, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

4 cans of green beans, rinsed & drained

1 cup gluten-free chicken broth

1/2 stick of real butter

1/2 tsp of sea salt

1/2 tsp of ground black pepper

2 TB of minced garlic

1 tsp of brown sugar swerve, or sweetener of choice

2 tsp of white sugar swerve, or sweetener of choice

4-6 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled

1/2 of a chopped onion

Put everything in a medium to large sauce pan.  Bring to a simmer, then turn down to medium low heat. Cook at least 12 – 15 minutes or until beans and onions are tender. Taste to adjust seasonings before serving.

We are green bean lovers who normally include bacon and onion when preparing.  However, this recipe gives them a whole new taste, and you will not be disappointed!

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“The Littlest Airplane” by Brooke Hartman

Posted on July 6, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Off We Go!

Illustrated by John Joseph

The little bush plane feels he doesn’t matter compared to the other airplanes.  A jet can go really fast, while a turbo plane can fly through storms and all kinds of weather.  Every single one of the other airplanes, it seems to the bush plane, can do something special, except him who is the smallest of them all.

Then the weather gets bad and a man with a little girl are stranded.  One after another, the different airplanes try to get them, but to no avail.  It is the little bush plane that matters most in this situation!

When none of the other airplanes can rescue the stranded people, it is the bush plane that swoops in to save the day.  In the end, the bush plane learns that being little is a special talent, too.

This is a great book because it teaches that just like airplanes, we all have differences.  Those things make us unique and allow us to do things no one else can.  The bush plane’s differences save the man and little girl, none of those other airplanes could do what the bush plane could.

Colorful illustrations bring the airplanes to life and pull little ones into the story.  The inside cover is decorated with a small search and find to locate the man along with the little girl.  Additionally, this tale introduces children to the joy of flying, and different types of airplanes.  More information is included about bush planes.  It turns out the little airplane has all kinds of talents, and the same is true of people.

I recommend this hard-backed, five-star, picture book, when you read it, you will smile.  It will be enjoyed by children aged four through eight, and open them up to “wild blue yonder!”

The Library Thing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Littlest Airplane, 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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“Sunburst” by Susan May Warren

Posted on June 29, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Globe Trotting with Danger!

As usual, Noemi is right in the middle of the action. Only this time, the action is a terrorist holding her and a young teenager, Precious, hostage. Shockingly, Ranger, a man she has a history with suddenly appears to rescue them. Things do not go smoothly, and all of their lives are put at risk to save Precious.

They do get Precious away, but at a cost: they miss the connection with the evacuation team, and Ranger is seriously injured. They must reconnect with the team to get out, but how?

Noemi has family in Nigeria so they head there. Doing so puts them in a life and death struggle to get there before Ranger dies, and before the terrorists catch up with them. They are slowed down by lack of transportation and food, as well as, not knowing who to trust.

When they make it to her homeland, Noemi finds her uncle is the king! He welcomes them with open arms. But somehow he thinks Noemi and Ranger want to marry. The king sets his family to work planning a lavish, traditional marriage ceremony. Danger still follows them, and they don’t know how they are being tracked.

Should Noemi and Ranger risk insulting the king by telling him they are just a pretend couple, not really engaged? Will one or both of them admit they have strong feelings for the other? Will they leave her uncle’s palace before anyone gets hurt? Is there anyplace on earth the two can go to that will be safe?

This globe-trotting book goes from Africa to Alaska, and many points in between. The traditional wedding, family and life in Africa is a delight to the senses. The time in Alaska is fun, but there is always something lurking just around the corner. The past shared by Noemi and Ranger draw them together, but it also keeps them apart. Ranger has something else that he doesn’t want to admit to anyone, especially Noemi.

This five-plus star clean book is bursting with intrigue and suspense. I highly recommend it to fans of the genre, along with anyone who wants a well-written story, with a Christian viewpoint.

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Sunburst, 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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“Deception” by Patricia Bradley

Posted on June 23, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Rapid Fire Danger & Action!

Madison just received a phone call saying she had been shot! Very confused, Madison rushes to the hospital to get answers, where she finds a stranger in ICU who looks exactly like her. While she was at the hospital, her grandfather was shot and died. His death is declared a suicide, but Madison knows that is not true, and it must be murder.

The brother of the boyfriend Madison had to shoot in the line of duty shows up with a woman, Terry, who seems familiar. He claims all is forgiven despite his family’s past declarations to get even with her.

A co-worker, Clayton, wants to get close to her, but she doesn’t trust men, plus he has demons of his own that he claims he has under control.

Madison, adopted, wants to track down her birth family, although she has lots of rage toward her biological parents for giving her up.

Madison’s adoptive mother died a few months ago. Her adoptive father was always cold and distant from Madison. Now she learns he has been having an affair for a long time. He wants to meet with Madison and introduce her to the woman.

There is a lot going on here, making the tale complex and interesting. I liked that the story was told from a Christian viewpoint, but I didn’t like that Madison devalued Clayton’s vow–and she seems to push him to break it.

Should Madison take a chance on Clayton? Is Madison’s “twin” related to her? Can Madison figure out the killer before she, or someone else, is killed? How can she live with people who have done such horrible things to her?

This story will keep you on your toes as you are glued to the pages to get those answers and more. This fast-paced, five-star book will be enjoyed by fans of thrillers, mysteries, and modern tales.

LibraryThing provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Deception, 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/patriciabradleyauthor/

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ptbradley1/?hl=en

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/PTBradley1

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

 

 

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“The Power of Thank You” by Joyce Meyer

Posted on June 17, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

I Want to Thank You!

Are you discontent, do you feel unhappy? I have two words for you: thank you.

When was the last time you thanked God, not in a rote way, but from your heart? God tells us over and over again to be thankful. Not so much that He wants to hear it, but because it will help us.

Our words carry a lot of weight and can change things for good or bad. As Proverbs 18: 21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, those who love it, and indulge it, will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.” Speak life (positive things), not death when you talk.

Do not take blessings for granted, feel entitled, or that you are better than others. Get rid of pride, and be humble. As the author says, “a thankful heart opens the door for blessings from God, but a proud one blocks them.” Our worth and value are in Christ, not in our own abilities.

“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” – Psalm 103:2

The devil knows the power of thankfulness, so he will try to discourage us from being appreciative, to not thank God or others. Instead, trust God, be thankful and stress levels will drop, while more gladness will come into your life. Keep God first in all that you do. When praying, instead of just going down your list of wants, ask God what He would like you to pray for, and your happiness will increase.

Follow the advice in this five-star book, and add thankfulness to your life. Thank God and thank others. Don’t speak negative things, and stay humble. After making a practice of that, see if you, and those around you, start to have more pleasure and joy in life!

“Thank God in everything (no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks), for this is the will of God for you….” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Faith Words Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Power of Thank You, 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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“Juneteenth” by Dorena Williamson

Posted on June 15, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Celebrate!

Juneteenth is a day to be celebrated because it reminds us that no one can be a slave again.

At one time, people owned other people—they were called slaves.  People who were slaves could never do what they wanted.  Instead, other people told them what to do, eat and where to live.  Sometimes, they hurt the slaves.

Over one hundred years ago, the Civil War was fought so slavery would end.  Many people lost their lives to give slaves their freedom.

President Abraham Lincoln ended slavery January 1, 1863, but it took until June 19, 1865, for everyone to learn no one could be a slave again.  That is the day we rejoice!

This five-star, chunky board book explains history in a way children can understand, with illustrations that clarify it even more.  I recommend this for toddlers through eight-year-olds.

“If we don’t know our history, we are doomed to repeat it….”

Worthy Kids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Juneteenth, 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/dorenawill/

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

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

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

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“Elysium Tide” by James R. Hannibal

Posted on June 13, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Thrills & Chills in Paradise!

Dr. Peter Chesterfield is an up-tight know-it-all. He is a brilliant British surgeon who has no problem telling everyone how wonderful he is. A workaholic who drives the staff crazy, he is sent to Hawaii by his employer for a much-needed rest for himself and a break for his fellow workers.

After discovering Kelly Alana on the edge of death, and unable to save her life, he becomes obsessed with finding who killed her.

Peter finds answers, but nobody believes him, least of all the local police. Not used to people hanging on his every word, he continues telling the police his theories until they are surprised that they start coming true. Detective Lisa Kealoha reluctantly lets him be a part of the investigation, but that is only the beginning. This intricate case is a complicated web that includes lots of people, deceit and spoils.

They face gangs, kidnappings, and threats to their lives. Lisa deals with the constant wrath of Jennifer Fan who is trying to take over her job, and will stop at nothing to get it. She also has to handle the anger of her superiors for letting Peter into the investigation. The boss is starting to believe Jennifer’s accusations that Lisa is not qualified for this.

There are twists, turns, and surprises along the way. You will be glued to this book. Just when you think you know how it will end, you will be wrong. This story deserves my rare five-plus star rating. It is an amazing tale, clean, and told with a Christian viewpoint. It is one of the best I have read–and I read a lot. This is a stand-alone thrilling mystery, but could easily be made into a series. Let’s hope that happens. In the meantime, give yourself a treat, get this book and indulge in some very satisfying me time!

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Elysium Tide, 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/JamesRHannibal/

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

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

The Author’s Website:  https://jamesrhannibal.com/?fbclid=IwAR3VFsIXMbU7DKhsia5gR_G2-K1yVPaAKt1oVJz9a0w5uJfsbbanpuQer64

 

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“Season of My Enemy” by Naomi Musch

Posted on June 5, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

If We Met in Another Time…..

Fannie can’t believe she is working on her family’s farm beside German POW’s (prisoners of war). Her mother said they couldn’t get their crop harvested without help. Since her brothers are away in the war, and her dad has recently passed away, the only help available are the POW’s. Is Fannie the only one who is afraid these men might turn on them, and try to kill them? Aren’t they being unpatriotic having them on their property?

As time passes, Fannie begins to get to know some of the POW’s. Wolf, an officer and a teacher before the war, has a lot in common with her. But she fluctuates between getting to know him, or feeling she needs to be on guard because he is the enemy and distance herself.

Their crops do get harvested, but things on the farm have disappeared, a fire has broken out in one of their fields, and now, Fannie has been grabbed in the barn. Will she be killed? Can her brother, Calvin, recently home from the war due to injuries, have a normal life again? Does the presence of the POW’s prevent Calvin’s healing? What is Fannie to do with the feelings she has developed?

This story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Since we did have POW’s here during the war, and some were used to make up for the loss of manpower, this could have been a true story. The fear of them would be real, and the author captures all that in a believable story.

This five-star book asks if forgiveness can take place with an enemy who has taken so much. Everyone will like this story, but it will especially be enjoyed by fans of relationships, historical tales, or World War II.

Bethany House has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Season of My Enemy, 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/NaomiMuschAuthor

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

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

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

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“When the Day Comes” by Gabrielle Meyer

Posted on June 3, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

What Time is It?

Libby lives in 1774 Colonial Williamsburg, right at the beginning of The Revolution. She also lives in 1914 New York City. She is a time traveler. Every night while Libby sleeps, she lives her other life. The day she turns twenty-one, Libby must pick one and stay there.

Life in Williamsburg is not easy. It is a constant struggle for the family to support themselves with the money that comes from their printing business. But Libby has always planned on choosing that period for her permanent life. In that time, her mother loves her, and she has two adorable little sisters. Plus, the love of her life, Henry, is there.

Libby’s other life is one of privilege, and living in 1914, she enjoys some modern conveniences. But in that time, her mother has always been as cold as ice to her. Libby’s only use to that mother is to advance her social standing. To that end, Libby has been constantly paraded in front of New York society, especially the eligible bachelors. Now her mother has set her sights on having a son-in-law with a title, so she has forced Libby to go to London.

Will Libby be able to stay in Williamsburg permanently? Does Libby’s family lose their source of income because they print things supporting The Revolution? Will Libby break the rules and cause history to change? If she did that, what consequences will she face? Must Henry become just a memory of her great love lost?

I loved the ending of this story, it was completely unexpected, and also left room for another installment in this series. This five-star book will be enjoyed by fans of time travel, historical tales or well-written yarns–all with a Christian point-of-view.

Bethany House has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, When the Day Comes, 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/AuthorGabrielleMeyer

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

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

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

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“Lily Leads the Way” by Margi Preus

Posted on May 24, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Don’t Give Up!

Illustrated by Matt Myers

Lily, a little sailboat, is very excited because some special ships are coming, they are older and very tall.  To see them, Lily must get out of her harbor, but to do that, the bridge must go up so she can sail out to the lake.  Every time she tries, a bigger boat scoots in front of her, and the waves they make almost topple her over.

Even though Lily doesn’t give up, boat after boat continues to block her.  Just when it looks like all is lost, Lily makes it through.  Not only does she get to see the boats, something very special happens to Lily.

This story will grab children’s attention when the bigger boats won’t let Lily through.  Little ones will identify with Lily because they know what it is like to have someone bigger make it harder to do something.  It would be a good time to ask a child if they have ever had something like that happen.

The book’s message of not giving up is a great one for small ones to hear, and put into practice.  Since Lily doesn’t stop trying, she has something wonderful happen.

I like this five-star, hardbacked picture book.  It has beautiful illustrations on each page, and making the point to not give up can never be made too often. Children preschool age through third grade will enjoy this tale!

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Lily Leads the Way, 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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