“No Crowns in the Castle” by Fantasia and Kendall Taylor

Have a Great Life & a Spectacular Marriage!

This is the true story of two very accomplished people. Although achieving that came at a cost, with mistakes and regrets along the way. The two are transparent about the many hard things they faced in their lives. Kendall revealed he was in jail, and had a baby as a young teenager. Fantasia discusses that she was raped, had failed relationships and bankruptcy.

Despite those things, due to hard work and the blessing of God, both have done phenomenally well in their different fields. However, when they married, they found that all their worldly achievements–their crowns–had to stay outside their relationship. They had to face each other on an even playing field, as just an ordinary man and a woman, not stars with all those worldly trappings–AND have the help of God.

By following God’s principles, their marriage has, and is, very successful. It is so touching to hear Kendall refer to Fantasia as his queen. As a woman, I would adore having my husband think of me, as well as, call me his queen. Although not always easy, by sticking to Biblical guidelines, they have an amazing relationship–one everyone would be fortunate to have.

I really liked that this couple’s story was kept clean, that they have based their relationship on God’s word, and their marriage has been very favored. Just like all of us, they are not perfect people, but they follow a perfect God. This five-star book is recommended to anyone in a relationship, or fans of biographies.

Worthy Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, No Crowns in the Castle, 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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“All That it Takes” by Nicole Deese

Then Everything Changed!

After becoming disabled as a child, and an unwed mother as a teen, Val embarrassed and scared, has lived years in a self-imposed prison in a dead-end town. She would be hiding away still if it weren’t for the job offer her friend used to entice Val to move.

Now that she has traveled hundreds of miles and turned her life upside down, both the place she was going to live, along with the new job have fallen through. Has all of this been a mistake? Is this a sign that she should enter a prestigious competition that would use her passion, photography? The prize would include amazing job opportunities. But how could she compete since she has no formal training?

Miles has been an outreach pastor for years, globe hopping and living his dream. But now the pastor of his home church has caused such a budget strain that his job has been eliminated. He has been reassigned to a dying outreach; Miles knows his days are numbered there. He is having lots of trouble not feeling resentful.

When Miles and Val’s paths cross, more complications arise. If they get involved, will that open themselves up to more heartache? Will Tucker, Val’s son, be the one most hurt if this relationship does not work? Just as things are opening up for both of them, an alternative choice comes along that could spell happiness for one of them, and heartache for the other.

This story is amazing. You will love the characters and think you know the ending, but you will be wrong! This clean Christian fiction will spin a tale you will not want to put down. Those who like dramatic stories with lots of twists and turns will enjoy this five-star book–make sure you read it!

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, All That it Takes, 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/nicoledeeseauthor

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

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

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“Where’s My Easter Basket?” by Bob Holt

Are You an Easter Basket?

Join Blue Bird as he looks for his Easter Basket.  But first, he must figure out just what an Easter Basket is.  He starts asking everything he runs across if they are an Easter Basket.  He asks that question of a yellow chick, a chocolate bunny, a bunch of jelly beans, and many more.

Every one says no, they are not an Easter Basket, but will come along with him to help look for it.

Children will have lots of fun seeing the different items, and hearing them say they are not an Easter Basket.  Little ones will know that each one is something that goes into an Easter Basket, but each one by itself is not a basket.  All the favorites are here, and children can name which ones they like best.

This chunky board book is perfect for small hands and the colorful illustrations throughout the volume will capture their imagination.  Children through five years old will have lots of fun with this five-star book!

WorthyKids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Where’s My Easter Basket?, 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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“The Story of Easter” by Patricia A. Pingry

Easter:  The True Story!

This is the story of Jesus, Palm Sunday and Easter. We learn that Jesus loved all of us very much–both little children and adults alike. He made a big sacrifice for us, gave every one a great gift, and now we can live forever because of Him.

Starting with the palms that were laid down for Jesus, to His death, everything is put in terms two-to-five-year-olds are comfortable with, and can understand.

Easter is a joyful time! Some of the ways we celebrate today includes going to church, sharing His love, and spending time with each other.

This board book contains lots of bright colors and illustrations that make the story come alive, and will capture the attention of small children. The true meaning of Easter is presented in this great five-star book.

WorthyKids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Story of Easter, 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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“The Element of Love” by Mary Connealy

Thrills, Danger, Excitement–Trying to Find a Good Man!

Three sheltered sisters, who have only known affluence, escape in the middle of the night. They follow a dangerous scheme, but they must get away before their step-father’s arranged marriages take place. Their only hope is to find honest men, marry them and gain control of their inheritance.

To stay under the radar, they have taken refuge in a struggling mission near the California gold camps. But Caleb, the man in charge, is new. His lack of knowledge, along with terrible circumstances, have almost caused the death of them all.

Have the sisters leapt out of the frying pan and into the fire? If they marry quickly, how do they keep from getting in a controlling, dangerous situation like they had with their step-dad? Will they be able to find suitable husbands among the desperate men ready to kill because of gold fever? Is their mother being beaten or worse because of their step-father’s anger over the missing girls?

The adventures these women have will keep you on the edge of your seat, while many of their circumstances, although dangerous, will also bring you a chuckle or two. Mary Connealy is well-known for her amazing stories, and this does not disappoint. This is Christian fiction, a clean story, and I highly recommend it.

This is book one in the series, “Lumber Baron’s Daughters,” and ends on a cliff-hanger. You will be thrilled to get the next installment for more of this exciting tale–I guarantee it!

Bethany House has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Element 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.

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/maryconnealy 

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

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

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“The Sweet Life” by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Ice Cream—the Answer to Everything?

Dawn is on her honeymoon, with her mother! This odd situation is the result of her fiancé, Kevin, calling off their engagement–the night they were addressing wedding invitations.

The two women are polar opposites. Her mom, Marnie, is newly widowed and a recent cancer survivor. She is an impulsive, laid-back, free spirit. Dawn likes to think things through, slowly make decisions, and follow a set routine. With the recent death of her dad, and Kevin backing out of their wedding, she is heart-broken.

While giving Dawn the alone-time she wants, Marnie explores the tourist town, and discovers a dilapidated building housing a closed ice cream shop. Despite its poor shape, being on the historical registry that requires all changes–even repairs–be pre-approved, and the only business season in the summer, Marnie makes the snap decision to buy it.

Horrified that Marnie is going to lose her life savings on a pipe dream, Dawn takes a work leave of absence to help her mother get the shop into shape, and convince her to sell it.

Will the business never get a chance to open because Marnie ignores the paperwork and deadlines from the historic committee? Does the soothing peace that Dawn experiences while making and creating ice cream change her mind about “the money pit”? Why does Kevin start appearing in their lives?

This story will tug at your heart, but also give you lots of smiles. The antics of the two women, along with their relationship, will keep you entertained. In the end, you just might want to get an ice cream shop of your own. This five-star book, told from a Christian perspective, will be enjoyed by those who like tales of people thrust into difficult situations, and how they make it through them!

The LibraryThing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Sweet Life, 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/SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor

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

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

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“The Spark of Love” by Amanda Cabot

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

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

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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