“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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“The Deadly Shallows” by Dani Pettrey

Posted on August 7, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Finding the Bad Guys!

CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is investigating the shooting that took place at the graduation at the Coast Guard Base. Although he moved right in to stop the massacre, many were killed, and Noah was injured. While trying to find the ones behind it, he keeps running into dead ends.

Additionally, Brooke, a Coast Guard medic who was at the graduation, and helped the injured, has been kidnapped. Why did they take her?

Because of a strange turn of events involving Austin’s dog and her neighborhood children, Austin finds herself pulled into an investigation with Agent Caleb Eason. Has chemical dumping been going on, if so, can it be stopped?

This thriller is full of non-stop action, along with the mystery of who the bad guys are. Danger and murder lurk around every corner, and when something is discovered, another problem pops up. All the while, the body count continues to climb.

In the midst of all this, a relationship develops between Noah and Brooke, as well as, between Austin and Caleb. Each of the couples have secrets that need to be shared for their relationships to progress, but can they?

Although this story stands alone, it is part of the Coastal Guardian series. Friends from the other books pop up in this one, along with the importance or destruction a family can cause its members. The tale is told from a Christian perspective, but non-believers are also part of it. This five-star book will appeal to fans of action, intrigue, and mystery.

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Deadly Shallows, 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/DaniPettrey

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

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

The Author’s Website:  danipettrey.com  

 

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“Beyond the Desert Sands” by Tracie Peterson

Posted on August 2, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Can You Go Home Again?

Isabella has been mad at her parents since she was ten years old. That is when they moved from her beloved California, and relocated to Silver Veil, a desolate place in New Mexico. From the time she was old enough, she left her parents behind returning to California to live with an aunt.

Over the years, her continued bitterness over the issue has caused her to become self-centered and mean. The only one more selfish is Diego a playboy ten years older than her, whom Isabella wants to marry. Diego has never worked, gambling instead and creating huge debts his father has paid.

Now, his wealthy father has told him he must do something with his life, or he will be kicked out of their home and disinherited. Diego has decided he will give in and marry Isabella, and live off the fortune she will get after marriage.

Isabella is twenty-five, and has been forced by her parents to come back to Silver Veil for Christmas. She has not been there for years.

She finds her father is dying, and the move years ago had been for her father’s health. Afraid knowing her father was ill would be too big a weight for Isabella, they never shared the truth. But instead of that knowledge being a burden for Isabella, it would have given her understanding about it, and brought a better relationship for them all.

Will Isabella believe what her father tells her about Diego’s true nature? Will the kidnapping put an end to all their plans? Will Isabella and her mother lose their family fortune?

This is a great story of forgiveness as the parents walk out their Christian principals despite being treated badly. The tale will touch your heart, and you will enjoy the twists the book takes. This clean, five-star story will be liked by fans of turn-of-the-century tales, or families that get rid of their complications!

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Beyond the Desert Sands, 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/TraciePetersonAuthor/?ref=ts

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

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

 

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BACON & SPINACH PASTA ROMANO GLUTEN-FREE!

Posted on August 1, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

This is simple and quick to put together!

INGREDIENTS

  • 5 quarts. water
  • 2 teaspoon Sea salt
  • 5 slices bacon
  • 3 Tablespoons frozen chopped spinach
  • 1/2 cup pasta sauce
  • 1 cup Provel cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pkg gluten-free pasta, we like elbows
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp gluten-free buffalo sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon gluten-free chili sauce
  • 4   teaspoons chopped garlic
  • 1 chopped onion
  • ½ teaspoon Swerve or sweetener of choice
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • 4 Tablespoons butter

DIRECTIONS

Bring the water to a boil. Add the salt.

Dice the bacon and cook in a skillet over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, or until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan, leaving the bacon fat.

Add chopped onion to bacon fat and cook until translucent.

Add the black pepper, chili sauce, buffalo sauce, Swerve and garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat for 1 minute, or until the spices and garlic are fragrant.

Meanwhile, cook the spinach until tender, remove from heat. Grate the Parmesan cheese.

Add the pasta to boiling water and cook, uncovered, until al dente, stirring occasionally.

Add the spinach and pasta sauce to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes.

Remove pasta out of the water, drain, and transfer it to the skillet. Add the chicken broth, cooked bacon, cheeses, and butter to the skillet. Simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the cheese is melted and the chicken broth is slightly thickened. Serve immediately.

 

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“Inventions of the Heart” by Mary Connealy

Posted on July 31, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Hiding Out!

Join three sisters on the run from their stepfather. Until a few years ago, the girls lived a wonderful life with their mother and father. Their father’s unfortunate death changed everything.

Their mother married a mean man who was after their money. He made the girls and their mother virtual prisoners while he auctioned off the girl’s hands in marriage to the three highest bidders. These were unscrupulous men whose only interest in them was their big inheritance.

The girl’s made a dangerous escape, and Laura has already married, so is no longer subject to their stepfather’s plans. Michelle and Jilly have been hiding out with Zane Hart on his prosperous ranch. Even though Michelle and Zane are attracted to each other, Zane has no intention of leaving his ranch to lives miles away at Michelle’s home.

While the two work on not being attracted to each other, they face problems, starting with the discovery of gold on Zane’s property. Zane’s sister also shows up seeking safety from serious troubles of her own. Danger even shows up on the ranch itself.

Will Michelle ever find a husband and free herself from her stepfather’s plans? Can things work out well if Jilly never marries since the idea is so repulsive to her?

This five-star story contains lots of ups and downs, with serious situations along with humorous ones. This book will be enjoyed by fans of westerns, family stories, or well-written tales!

NetGalley has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Inventions of the Heart, 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/maryconnealy

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

The Author’s Website:  http://maryconnealy.com/

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“The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip” by Sara Brunsvold

Posted on July 31, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

It’s Not Over Until…..

Aidyn is a young reporter for Kansas City’s newspaper, The Star. In the time she has been at the newspaper, she has felt over-looked and under-appreciated. She pours out her woes to her boss’s boss. By doing that, she may have set her career back years.

Despite realizing what a mistake she made, Aidyn still resents the “punishment.” She must write an obituary of someone who is still alive, requiring a visit with an unknown hospice patient.

Mrs. Clara Kip is dying; she has just checked into a hospice facility. As she enters, she asks God to use her, and Clara gets two assignments.

When Aidyn and Mrs. Kip meet, the young reporter barely listens. Aidyn duly notes that Mrs. Kip never had children, was a widow for decades, and has cancer.

When her editor sends Aidyn back to improve her impersonal article, Aidyn starts paying attention. That is when she slowly realizes that Mrs. Kip lived an extraordinary life.

After spending years mourning her husband, and being angry with God, Clara Kip became a Christian. She worked with a large number of refugees, helped them find employment, a place to live, and learn the language. Because of the path Clara forged, many other refugees were able to follow it. Clara became a friend to the hurting. Through it all, Clara says the only thing amazing about her life is what God has done.

As Aidyn just starts to understand Clara’s life story, Mrs. Kip’s physical life is quickly winding down. Will the two of them have enough time to get through everything?

This book will amaze you. It will inspire your faith, touch your heart, and possibly cause you to run out of Kleenex. I highly recommend this five-star book to fans of life stories (even though this was fictional), or inspirational tales. Make sure you read it!

On a personal note, I was thrilled this was set in Kansas City, thank you Sara Brunsvold.

Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip, 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/sarabrunsvoldauthor

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

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

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