“The Spark of Love” by Amanda Cabot

Posted on March 30, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Mystery, Thrills & Love!

It is 1857, and Alexandra is on the run. A very dangerous man has demander her to marry him because he has found out about the large inheritance she will get.

After following an elaborate plan to escape him, she sped to the small Texas town her absentee father is in. Alexandra is sure he will protect her, but her dad tries hard to get her to leave. Despite that, the town is charming and she stays. She makes good friends, but she also observes her dad’s suspicious behavior.

Alexandra wonders if her dad has ever loved her. She constantly questions why her dad has found it hard to care for her.

Then things begin to happen in her life. Is someone trying to hurt her? Did the man she was running from track her down? Or does this have something to do with her father’s questionable actions?

Alexandra’s story will keep you turning the pages to find out. Additionally, she meets Gabe, the first man she has ever been interested in, but he has secrets of his own that could keep them apart. The tale is told from a Christian viewpoint and is clean.

I recommend this five-star book to fans of tales of the Old West, along with mysteries with romance sprinkled in. Don’t miss this one!

Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Spark of Love, 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 Blog:  https://amandajoycabot.blogspot.com

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/amanda.j.cabot

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

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

Cinnamon Rolls were featured in this story.  Here is a modern one to try:

Kathy Flinchum’s Blue Ribbon Cinnamon Rolls

2 1/2 cups warm water

2 packets quick rise yeast

1 box yellow or white cake mix

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 eggs

1/3 cup oil

1 teaspoon salt

5 1/2 cups all purpose flour

soft butter

1 cup sugar

2 tbsp cinnamon

raisins (optional)

Mix sugar and cinnamon and set aside.

Using large bowl of electric mixer, dissolve yeast in warm water for 3 minutes.

Add cake mix, 1 cup flour, eggs, oil and salt.

Beat with mixer until bubbles appear.

Slowly add in 5 1/2 cups flour.

Stir with a spoon making a soft dough. (Kathy uses the dough hook on her stand mixer.)

Knead on floured board for about 5 minutes.

Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled (approximately an hour).

Divide dough into 4 pieces.

Roll each section out on a floured pastry cloth into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Spread with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Add raisins if using.

Roll up as a jelly roll, starting with the long edge.

Cut into pieces between ½ and ¾ inches thick.

Place each roll on a greased pan.

Cover and allow to rise until double (approximately half an hour).

Bake in a 350° F oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until done.

Ice with a powdered sugar icing while hot.

Enjoy!

Kathy’s Note: If you prefer, you can substitute cinnamon flavored applesauce for the butter and cinnamon sugar.

Amanda’s Note: I plan to use the dough setting on my bread maker to simplify the process.

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“Love’s Fortress” by Jennifer Uhlarik

Posted on March 16, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Searching for the Truth!

Dani is surprised when she learns of her estranged father’s death, and that he has left everything to her.  He was an art forger who had gotten caught and spent years in jail.  Are the things he left her real, or just more of his forgeries?

Dani has spent years wondering what it was that kept her dad away.  Why did he reject her?  Was he disappointed in her?  Dani learns that her father was well thought of, and loved by many people.  But that makes her feel worse since he never had anything to do with her.

Her father’s friend, Marty, takes her under his wing.  He is a strong Christian whose motorcycle ministry goes on Wild Goose Chases.  It comes from a reference to the Holy Spirit as a Wild Goose.  They do not decide where to go, instead, they pray for the Holy Spirit to lead them, and almost every time they end up with someone they were meant to meet.  Marty wants Dani to go on one.

This is a dual-timeline book, with the second tale that of Broken Bow.  He is one of the Plains Indians in 1875 that were forced to move to Florida.  It is a hard life of constantly having to prove oneself innocent. If something goes wrong, often the first thought is, “the Indians did it.” It is also difficult to fit into the white man’s ways and world.  The true events woven into the tale really make it engaging.

Dani’s and Broken Bow’s stories fit together really well, and make a tale you will have trouble putting down.  This five-star book features some characters who are Christian, and others who are not which makes for some gripping situations.  I recommend this story to those who like romances and mysteries–with the bonus of real historical events worked in!

Barbour Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Love’s Fortress, 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/JenniferUhlarikAuthor/

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

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

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“In Search of a Prince” by Toni Shiloh

Posted on March 9, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Brielle is a twenty-five-year-old New Yorker whose mother has just reveled shocking news. Brielle is royalty, and the princess of an island country off the coast of Africa. Her grandfather, the king, is dying but wants to meet her as soon as possible–and hopes she will take over as the reigning monarch after he dies.

Shortly after learning this secret, Brielle is transported by private plane to the palace, and her grandfather. Brielle is given very little time to decide if she wants to accept the monarchy. After that decision, Brielle is informed that she can’t be queen unless she marries, and the Royal Council has three men they want her to pick from.

Can Brielle marry a man she has just met, especially one hand-picked by a group that doesn’t like her? All Brielle’s life she has dreamed of a wonderful courtship between herself and her future fiancé, can she let that go? Brielle had a happy life before royalty entered the picture, will she abdicate, and return to her New York life?

Additionally, Brielle has been getting poison pen notes, and her palace room has been vandalized more than once. Who is behind it, and how could it happen right under the noses of the palace guards?
I loved that God and prayer played a big part in this story. This page turning tale will keep you reading until you find the answers. I recommend this five-star book to fans of fish-out-of-water tales, sprinkled with romance!

Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, In Search of Prince, 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/AuthorToniShiloh/

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

The Author’s Website:  www.tonishiloh.com

 

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“Nothing Can Separate You from God’s Love” By Natalee Creech

Posted on February 22, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

God’s Love is Everywhere!

Where can you go to get away from God’s love?  Join this group of children as they go all over to see how far God’s love will stretch:

They dive down to the bottom of the deepest ocean and to the highest mountain peaks.  They encounter horrible hail and thunder storms–including a tornado. They travel all over the globe, even into outer space.  And they discover God is in all those places, still ready with love for us all.  No matter where we are, or what we have done, His love is always waiting for us to turn to Him, and accept it.

This little book is based on the verses in Romans 8: 38 – 39:

“38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, [a] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

This sweet board book illustrates all those places and ideas with bright colors, and eye-catching illustrations.  Little ones will be drawn into this story by discovering where God’s love for them is–everywhere.  Ages three through eight-year-olds will enjoy this five-star book.

Worthy Kids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Nothing Can Separate You from God’s Love, 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/nataleecreechauthor

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

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

 

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”Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War” by Mary Davis

Posted on February 20, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Women Who Helped Win the War!

Part of the home front during WWII, Peggy Witherspoon loves to fly, and has been doing so for years. Widowed during the war, she wants to do her part to help, so became a member of the WASP Program–Women Airforce Service Pilots. Every woman must past rigorous requirements. Not only do they need to be good pilots, they must be able to service the airplanes, too. The work the women do frees up men to be in combat.

Despite their qualifications, some men have lots of animosity about women flying. Even though the women prove their value over and over, they are not always treated fairly, and men have purposely lied to them attempting to get them in trouble. WASPs are not an official military group, and are expected to pay for things that are normally provided for in the armed forces.

Peggy learns of some American soldiers being held captive in Cuba. Because of politics, no rescue effort has been mounted to get them back. Horrified, the women want to save them, but to do so will put their WASP careers in jeopardy.

Is this situation really true, or is it just another trick to drum the women out? Will Major Berg, who recently took charge of the women catch them, and prevent them from trying? Even if they rescue the men, will the women be kicked out for doing it?

In this tale, you will really get a feel for the time period, and what the WASPs were up against. The story will grab your interest, and you won’t let go until you find out what happens to these women. Told from a Christian point of view, this clean, 5-star book will be enjoyed by fans of WWII stories and the home front–along with some sprinkles of romance!

Barbour Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War, 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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“To Disguise the Truth” by Jen Turano

Posted on February 13, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

Going Home to Danger!

Fearing her life was in danger, Eunice has worn a disguise and lived in self-imposed exile for many years. During that time, she began an agency run by women to help women–The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency–and has been very successful. After hiring other women to help her, Eunice slowly connected to them, and made her first friends.

But the agency that she enjoys so much is also her undoing because it puts her together again with her nemesis, Arthur, who made her former life miserable. It also causes Eunice’s identity to be revealed.

Eunice realizes she must return to her hometown and face her past, even if it means putting her life in danger. She has a reunion with her family, and doesn’t know who to trust. One family member has been killed, and Eunice is afraid she may be next.

Eventually, Eunice discovers the killer’s identity, learns some surprising things about Arthur, and comes face-to-face with the murderer. Witty dialogue and lots of action will keep you glued to every page. This tale is clean, and told from a Christian viewpoint. I recommend this five-star book to those who like mysteries and stories with some comic twists.

Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, To Disguise the Truth, 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/jenturanoauthor/

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

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

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“Shadows of Swanford Abbey” by Julie Klassen

Posted on February 2, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Hair-raising Adventure!

Since the death of her father, Rebecca has worked as a lady’s companion. Her brother, John, has struggled with mental problems for years. She returns home in 1820 to find him worse.

Rebecca checks into the newly renovated hotel to keep an eye on him. Formally, the hotel was an Abbey that was rumored to be haunted, and she avoided it while growing up. It doesn’t help that she is put in room number 13.

She is surprised to find Sir Frederick staying there–the man who never knew he stole her heart. Another guest is Ambrose Oliver, a writer that John swears stole his first book, rewrote it as his own, and it became a best seller.

John has written a new book that he plans to use in an elaborate plan to expose Oliver as a thief, but he needs Rebecca’s help to pull it off. In the midst of this scheme, Oliver turns up dead. Is John responsible for this? Should Rebecca try to help him by covering up for him?

As the magistrate, Sir Frederick is leaving no stone unturned to find the guilty party. Rebecca has always told the truth–especially to Sir Frederic–will that change because of John? She also swears that more than once, she has seen the ghost wandering the hotel.

This often feels like a well-done Victorian Gothic with lots of suspense and mystery. Twists and turns bring additional information, but adds confusion about what really happened.

You will be on the edge of your seat until you reach the very satisfying ending. The multi-dimensional characters will grab your heart and interest–the story is clean with a Christian viewpoint. I recommend this 5-star book to mystery lovers with a hint of romance.

Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Shadows of Swanford Abbey, 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/AuthorJulieKlassen/

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

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

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“Sunrise” by Susan May Warren

Posted on January 18, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Can You Ever Go Home Again?

After many years of estrangement from his family, Dodge Kingston has returned home. But not for long. He is only there long enough to fill-in for his father at their ranch, and taking over the mail run until his dad recovers.

At one time, this was the life Dodge dreamed of living, working the ranch, doing the mail run, checking on the people that lived in far away, isolated areas. He even thought he would marry Echo, raise a family, and meet the hardships of Alaskan living together, but that was not to be. Both Echo and his family made sure he knew if there was a choice to be made, they wouldn’t choose him.

Even though Dodge is counting down the minutes until he can leave, he finds himself getting drawn back into Echo’s life. Because of that, both Echo and his own life become in danger. It is not just from the rugged elements they live in, but from a rogue trail guide, as well as, some dangerous Russians.

Ms. Warren is an expert writer, and this book does not disappoint. It has excitement, along with perilous and precarious situations. The tale is told from a Christian perspective with lots of words of wisdom from Dodge’s dad–and there is an unexpected revelation about him.

This electrifying story has cliffhangers that will have you longing for another installment of this exciting story. I recommend this 5-star book to those who like intriguing adventure that includes romance and family relationships!

Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Sunrise, 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 Twitter:  https://twitter.com/susanmaywarren

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

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“Nearer to God” by Wayman Ming Jr.

Posted on January 11, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Closing the God Gap!

Do you feel a distance between God and yourself? Do you wish to feel closer to Him? God often tries to close that gap using things that are currently going on in our lives. This is especially true of tragic times such as the pandemic or Hurricane Katrina. Even though God did not cause them, He will use those things to draw us closer to Him.

However, it is a two-way street. God may try to get our attention, but what is our response to Him? Do we even notice His effort to get closer? Or are we too involved in keeping ourselves over-booked and busy to notice?

The author suggests turning to God all the time, but especially during difficult periods. Often, we will find that He was there trying to make contact with us, and pull us through trying times. I recommend this 4-star book to anyone who wants to feel closer to God.

Chosen Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Nearer to God, 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/waymanmingjr/

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

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

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