“The Apostle’s Sister” by Angela Hunt

Posted on July 22, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

What If?

The Apostle Paul had a sister? In this book, we meet Aya, a beautiful teenager that is being forced into an arranged marriage. Aya wants a life besides that of a wife and mother, she wants to use her gift of singing. She is frustrated that her parents have let her use it very little, and she is afraid her new husband might not let her at all.

Paul, her much older brother, has always excelled at everything, including being the apple of their parent’s eyes. Since he was ten, he has spent most of his life in Jerusalem studying God’s word, and grooming himself to be a Pharisee that is a part of the esteemed Sanhedrin.

Aya’s life changes when her husband, Avidan, moves them to Jerusalem so he can follow in Paul’s footsteps as a scholar of God’s word. As time passes, Aya has to deal with many hardships, including the embarrassment of Paul becoming a follower of Christ. Because of that, Aya loses her opportunity to sing, and Avidan is shunned in his studies.

Does Ava ever have a contented life? Will she have a relationship with a Roman official? Does she ever become a follower of Christ, or does she continue to think Christians are deluded?

This book added new dimensions to Paul’s story, showing him as a human who had to deal with family relationships and situations. It was eye-opening to see how his sister might have viewed him; this story will pull you in.

The author did a good job of making it seem like you entered a portal into the first century, and she wove the Biblical story into the narrative in a natural way. This five-star book will be enjoyed by fans of Biblical life, historical tales, and well-written stories.

Bethany House has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Apostle’s Sister, 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/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/

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sloppy Joes Gluten-Free

Posted on July 17, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Ingredients

2 pounds ground meat, ½ ground turkey + ½ ground pork*

1 large onion, chopped

1 teaspoon chopped garlic

1 cup low sugar ketchup

¼ cup gluten-free bbq sauce

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons brown sugar Swerve, or sweetener of choice

1 -2 drops liquid smoke

1 teaspoon honey

1 tablespoon vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon buffalo sauce

2 tablespoons gluten-free chili sauce

Directions

In a Dutch oven, cook ground meat and onion over medium heat until meat is completely done; drain. Stir in everything else. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, stir, simmer, and cover, until heated through, 25-30 minutes.

Spoon about 1/2 cup meat mixture for each sandwich.  Use gluten-free or regular bread.

*Or ground meat of choice

This is our favorite Sloppy Joe Recipe!

Posted in Gluten Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Main Dishes | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“I Am a Baby” by Bob Shea

Posted on July 15, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

A New Life!

This book celebrates the changes that come to a household when a baby joins it.  Suddenly, the amount of sleep, food, and recreation a person gets changes.  Why is that?

When a baby comes into your home, every thing revolves around him.  No longer can things be done on a whim.  If, after becoming a parent, you have the energy to attempt a social life, planning a night out can be almost as challenging as launching a military campaign.

This tongue-in-cheek tale is a great commentary on parenthood, especially for first-time parents. The illustrations are as funny as the tale.  This would make a good gift for parents, especially for a shower gift. 

Children really are a blessing, and I love mine dearly.  Parenthood definitely enriches your life, and I highly recommend it.  But little ones are a lot of work, especially as demanding infants—and that is what this book makes humorous remarks about.

As a matter of fact, children would also enjoy this book.  They would think it is nothing more than a story about a mom, dad, and their baby.  So, this book can serve a dual purpose as a funny tale for parents, and a picture book for the little ones.  I recommend this five-star book to both, and advise you to keep your sense of humor, because this too will pass!

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, I Am a Baby, 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/Story-Safari-101104988576692

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

The Author’s Website:  https://www.bobshea.com/about

 

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Splash” by Leslie Patricelli

Posted on July 14, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

A Day at the Sea Shore!

Join two friends that have an adventure when they spend a day at the beach.  The two have a really good time playing, walking in the water, eating snacks and running from the waves.

Children will love seeing pictures of other kids as they do lots of things on the sand. There will be many giggles about the way they look when the two are showered off. Just like the friends in the book, your child will be amazed at the different things that are washed up on the sand.

Soon, your little one will be wanting to go to the beach, and experience all the things these two do.

Besides enjoying this tale, there are many ways to use this book.  It would be fun to ask your child where are the hands, eyes, hair, etc., of the children in this volume. Also, ask them to point to the different animals on the pages, and ask what their names are.  Get them to tell you what is going on in each page.

This five-star, over sized board book is full of brightly colored pictures that will appeal to little people.  Ms. Patricelli is both the author and illustrator of this book, and currently, it is an editor’s pick on Amazon.  Children birth through three years old will enjoy this book.

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Splash, 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/yummyucky/

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

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

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

 

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Where the Road Bends” by Rachel Fordham

Posted on July 12, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Don’t Give Up!

Norah lost both her parents early in her life. Because her father had been a gambler, his death left Norah in terrible financial shape. In an attempt to hold onto her family farm, she was willing to marry someone she didn’t love. But Norah was taken in by a scamp, who didn’t want her, just her farm. After he took her land, she was left with nothing but the clothes on her back.

Penniless and without food, the only place she could get a job was at the notorious Whetted Whistle, owned by a scoundrel named Percy. Norah is beaten, bruised and has a broken arm, when Quincy, the horribly wounded man she rescued years earlier, comes back into her life, and saves her from Percy.

Once broke and living on the streets, Quincy is now prosperous and the owner of multiple businesses. He takes Norah to his home to recover. He still adores her, so he doesn’t want to tell her the truth of how he turned his life around.

Will Quincy be successful in keeping Norah in the dark about his source of seed money? Will Norah leave if she finds out where Quincy got the money? Is she being followed? Will Percy track her down, and be able to force her back to work for him? Can people with a past realize they can start over, and be free?

This five-star book will be enjoyed by those who like thrilling tales mixed with romance told from a Christian point-of-view.

Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Where the Road Bends, 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/RachelFordhamFans/

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

The Author on Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17283584.Rachel_Fordham

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

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Southern Baby: Southern Sayings for Little Ones” by Rebekah Moredock

Posted on July 9, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Bless Your Heart!

Learn the fun ways that people in the southern part of the U.S. refer to different things in life.  Maybe you already know these sayings and use them.

For instance, do you know what cattywampus means?  How about clicker or buggy, are you familiar with those?

Whether you have heard them or not, you and little ones will enjoy these regional expressions.  They will bring a giggle or a smile to faces.  Before you know it, phrases like “fixin’ to” and “cute as a June bug” will be heard around you.  Small ones will love seeing depictions of other children in lots of different situations.

Children up to four-years-old will like this five-star, over-sized board book that features adorable illustrations on every page.  This is a fun book for all times, and would also be useful for those occasions when settling down.

Worthy Kids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Southern Baby, 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.

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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!

Posted in Gluten Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Side Dishes & Vegetables | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“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.

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“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

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“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/

 

 

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment