“The Good, The God, and The Ugly” by Kathy Vallotton

Posted on May 1, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

The Inside Story of a Supernatural Family

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adventures While Following Christ!

This is the story of Kathy and Kris who became Christians decades ago, and how they have followed Christ since then.  Read how God blessed them even in circumstances that didn’t seem to lend themselves to success.  They also share how God does not always give the answer wanted–which was well learned when Kris first wanted to go into the ministry.

They have had some harrowing situations.  For instance, there was the time an unknown man repeatedly tried to run them off the road while they were driving a van full of church youth.  Another time, a company closed owing them thousands of dollars that they had intended to retire on.

The two have been married since 1975, but their love story began even earlier, when they met each other at a very young age.  Over the years, they have endured both very good times, and bad.  But they always knew that God was with them and tried to trust and rely on Him in all situations.

Today they have four children, eight grandchildren and a marriage that has continued to be filled with love. In 2013, Kris wrote this on their 38th anniversary:

“Kathy, thank you for loving me all these years and standing beside me in hell and sitting with me in heavenly places.”

Recently, Kathy has learned that she is facing a serious health crisis.  Despite that, the couple continues to look to Christ to take care of them and follow His leading. Enjoy their life story as you read this 5-star book.  I recommend it to those who like true stories or hearing of lives that have been dedicated to Christ.

Chosen Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Good, The God, and the Ugly, 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/kvallotton/?fref=tag

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kathyvallotton/?fbclid=IwAR1pRXM–pCKhc-mrQA1yRBM8RzZhEOT3NoroVFzVNrUIAhbBN38G3wBmvA

 

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“A Patchwork Past” by Leslie Gould

Posted on April 26, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Politics….

Sophie left the Amish community three years ago because of a love affair gone bad, and the sting of her parents blaming her for everything that went wrong.  Now suffering with an autoimmune disease, she has to swallow her pride, return home, and ask her parents if she can stay with them.  As a result of her leaving, a lot of mean gossip occurred which most of the community, including her parents, believe.  She must face that as well.

Sophie befriends an immigrant family that came here to seek refuge from certain death in their native land. Their oldest son, a dreamer who was not born here, has been put in jail. Believing the charges are untrue, Sophie works tirelessly with his family to get him released.  She also strives to convince everyone that all foreign people that come here will be a boon to the community.  It is only prejudice, and nothing more, that causes fear of them.

A concurrent story is that of Mary, an Amish woman who finds herself in the great Chicago fire of 1871.  Her heart goes out to all the suffering afterward, and she tries to help.  She faces evil people, prejudice towards immigrants, and the lack of community help—at first.

In the past, I have loved this author and her books.  However, I wasn’t expecting a story that is used as a vehicle for a current political hot potato.  In today’s climate, a book that is an escape from all the turmoil and political unrest is highly valued.  Unfortunately, this tale does not do that, making this a 3-star story.

Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Patchwork Past, 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/lesliegouldauthor

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

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

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“Bruno the Beekeeper” by Aneta Frantiska Holasová

Posted on April 22, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

A Honey Primer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Busy Bees!

Do you know a budding beekeeper, or someone interested in how things work?  This book is for them, along with all other curious youngsters through age twelve.  Join Bruno, the young bear, as he takes over his grandfather’s bees.  In simplified terms, learn about the life of bees, the process of taking care of them along with their hives, and how to get the ultimate reward, the honey!

There is also information about the predators that try to get the bees or the honey, as well as, the different plants the bees like.  Included are the changes that take place with the care of bees during the different seasons.  Illustrations continue the telling of the story along with some funny portrayals in the beekeeping life.

This hard-backed, 5-star book is sure to keep youngster’s interest.  At the same time, they will experience painless learning about the amazing way we get a sweet treat!

Candlewick Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Bruno the Beekeeper, 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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Giveaway & Review of “Vooks!”

Posted on April 22, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

A New Way to Enjoy Story Books!

New to me, is the streaming service Vooks–it is a catchy name that combines the words books and videos, which is just what this is.  Vooks contains a huge number of books that are geared toward preschoolers to eight-year-olds. Bright colors are combined with happy music while a pleasant voice reads a story animated on the screen.   The full text is printed at the bottom of the screen, while each word is highlighted as the tale is told.  Book choices run the gamut from classics to newbies.

Additionally, a variety of things await kids to complete after each story.  Look for coloring pages, a craft, questions to answer, or things to write.  My children and I would have loved this 5-star service that reads the stories, as well as, the creative tie-ins to do after the books. In these days of forced isolation, this would be even more welcome, providing much needed new activities for children.

For teachers, Vooks offers lots of perks, including a free one year subscription:   https://www.vooks.com/blogs/news/free-for-teachers

Take a look for yourself at https://www.vooks.com/pages/subscribe?utm_source=collide where you can get a free thirty-day trial.

Additionally, I am happy to tell you I have a one-year free subscription to Vooks to give away on Rafflecopter.  Enter quickly, this is a short giveaway!

If you want a chance to win, my blog must be followed.  Go to the upper right side of this page and follow my blog.  Then note in the Rafflecopter your email address, and that you have followed me, or that you already are a follower.  I will use your email address to contact you if you win, and I will not pass it on.  You also must follow Vooks on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/vooks/?hl=en.

For another entry, follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bookreadingtic/.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is now over.

Thanks to everyone who entered!


The best of luck to you.  To enter, you must be 18 or up (or older if required by your law).  No purchase necessary!  This ends April 28, 2021*

Disclosure: Many thanks to Vooks for providing tickmenot this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

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“Peppa Pig and the Earth Day Adventure”

Posted on April 21, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Earth!

Join Peppa and her family as they discover many ways to celebrate Earth Day.  From recycling their waste into like bins, to riding an electric car that does not pollute, to giant windmills that make electricity, Peppa learns lots of things that are good for the earth.  They all travel to a botanical garden where they find many unusual plants, and are impressed by the honey bee’s importance for growing things.

Reading this adventure is a fun and easy way for children to understand ways to take care of the planet.  This over-sized, hard-backed book contains bright, eye-catching illustrations on every page.

More ideas for Earth Day, that are ready to color, are given on the back of the dust jacket.  Recommendations include starting a garden, or going on a nature walk.  This 5-star book will be enjoyed by children through seven years old.Candlewick Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Peppa Pig and the Earth Day Adventure, 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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“Make Their Day” by Karen Ehman

Posted on April 12, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let Your Light Shine

Would you like to do something nice and unexpected for someone? Or maybe you would like to treat yourself? This little book is chock full of ideas for both those things, and everything in between. The author shares all kinds of recommendations the she has used herself.

How about throwing a random appreciation party for someone who does their job while getting little or no attention? For instance, have treats and/or drinks along with signs of appreciation to whip out when the mailman stops by with your mail. This day will long be remembered by your mail carrier.

The next time you have coffee with a friend, notice exactly what she orders, and record it. When her birthday comes around, show up at her house with her favorite cup of Joe. Not only will she be happy to have her special day remembered, she will be amazed by your thoughtfulness.

Both of these ideas, plus a lot more, will be found in this volume. In addition to all of these being nice things to do, God’s love shines through them, as well. What better way to show love to others than by visibly demonstrating it through acts of kindness?

I recommend this 5-star book to everyone that likes to do thoughtful things for others. Make sure to keep your copy in an easy place to find, that way it will always be on hand when you want to bless someone!

Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Make Their Day, 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/OfficialKarenEhman

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

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

The Author’s Website:  https://www.karenehman.com/books/

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“Present Danger” by Elizabeth Goddard

Posted on April 7, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

When Your Past Comes Back!

Montana Detective, Jack Tanner finds a body in the national forest.  Shockingly, who should show up from the Forest Service, but Terra Connors, with whom he has a past with a lot of unresolved history.

The body is that of a well-known, local insurance man, Jim Raymond, and it is no ordinary death.  Every time they find out more about the case, additional complications arise—including ties to the illegal sales of Native American archeological treasures on the black market.

Even more confusing is the discovery of illegal middle eastern items.  How did those end up in a small town in Montana?  Before it is all over, Terra will wonder if some of the bad guys include people from her own family.  Danger lurks around almost every corner; Terra and Jack will be lucky to make it out of harrowing situations alive.

As Terra and Jack are constantly thrown together because of their work, their painful past can no longer be ignored.  Will they be able to overcome their personal issues in order to discover who is behind everything?

Be ready for thrilling excitement from page one.  There are lots of twists and turns in this tale.  In the end, there are some surprising identities you that will not see coming.  This clean 5-star book is told from a Christian point of view.  I recommend it to those who enjoy action, mystery and some romance.

Revell Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Present Danger, 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/ElizabethGoddardAuthor

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

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

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

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“The Beauty of an Uncluttered Soul” by Carla Gasser

Posted on April 6, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Before & After!

Do you feel sort of adrift, are you looking for a new beauty regime, or are you finding it hard to exist in your environment?  You need a makeover, but not the common every day sort that involves clothes, hair stylists, or beauty routines.  This one starts somewhere else.

Make yourself over by using the nine fruits of the spirit. Take the time to really apply them to your life, and watch what a difference you will see in yourself! Filter them through the lens of your SOUL–the author’s acronym that is. In the book, Carla uses SOUL to stand for search, observe, use and lean–and she will tell you how to use each one.Be ready to roll your sleeves up, have a Bible ready, and follow the instructions in this volume.  You are embarking on a beauty cleanse for your soul, and it will take some elbow grease.  But when finished, you will have gained tranquility and contentment in your life.  In fact, you will have activated in yourself the nine fruits of the spirit found in Galatians 5: 22-23–love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Wouldn’t you like to be like this woman which the author describes in her book:

 “Have you ever met a woman with a sparkle in her eyes and a brilliant glow on her face that does not come from a costly and elaborate skin care regime?  Upon closer examination, you may see crow’s-feet, age spots, and even a dull skin tone (Lord have mercy!).  But no one notices.  Why?  Because she brings brightness to every one she meets with genuine goodness that shines deep from within her soul.”*

You, too, can be like that, and experience a makeover from the inside out by following the author’s instructions!  Colorful illustrations add to the beauty of this hard-bound volume.  I recommend this 5-star book to everyone who wants a fresh re-do!

Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Beauty of an Uncluttered Soul, 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.

* Pages 81 & 82.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/carlagasseratc

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

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

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

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“Home Made Lovely: Creating the Home You’ve Always Wanted” by Shannon Acheson

Posted on March 31, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Create Your Refuge!

Want a home that is a peaceful sanctuary, sheltering you from the cares of the world, and looks nice, too?  The author can easily help you do that.

Our surroundings can evoke either positive or negative emotions, depending on the shape it is in. This book has tons of tips to get you going, and help you love where you live right now.

While walking through your rooms, make a balanced list of positive and negative things, pausing to thank God for everything you like.  Also, note any repairs needed, and fix those before anything else is done.  Make a budget.  Everything does not have to be done at once, work on one room at a time.

Your home will have a cohesive flow if five colors are used throughout, with different amounts in each room.  Follow the sixty-thirty-ten rule.  The main color is 60%, the secondary color 30%, and 10% for the accent color. Not all five colors need to be used in every room.

Decorate according to the stage your life is in, for instance, rooms will look different if toddlers are in the home.  Decorate with your family’s comfort in mind, not what a magazine cover looks like. A section of the book helps you determine your style.

As a Christian, the author, Shannon, decorates for your spiritual side. Additionally, she includes recipes that you can share with others while you enjoy your happy home.

I love this 5-plus-star book because it shows how simple it is to create a wonderful environment, and highly recommend it to everyone.

Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Home Made Lovely: Creating the Home You’ve Always Wanted, 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/HomeMadeLovely1/

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/home.made.lovely/

The Author’s Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.ca/homemadelovely/

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

The Author’s YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCul3HLMJUc8eoUCODtkcfdQ

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“What is Happening to Me? How to Defeat Your Unseen Enemy” by Jeannie Ortega Law

Posted on March 26, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Rich and Satisfying Life!

Although a Christian today, Jeannie was brought up in a home that believed in dark things, along with having their future told. Additionally, her godmother was a witch. Because the occult was a part of her everyday life, it seemed normal.

Jeannie’s singing voice brought her money and fame, but did not do anything for the empty part of her life, or the dysfunction in her home.  After going to church with a friend, she gave her life to God.  But being a baby Christian, with no one to help her in her faith, she had a lot to learn in her walk with God.

Jeannie tried to know God more, and attended church.  She had some misleading teachings there, and a couple of unfortunate incidents that she felt were attempts to destroy her faith.  Despite it being devastating, Jeannie did not give up on God.  Today, she and her husband minister together.

Throughout her life story, Jeannie reveals the many times the devil tried to keep her from becoming a Christian, or remaining one after she chose Christ.  Sprinkled throughout her book are scriptures that would apply to anyone in similar situations.  Each chapter has questions to ponder, Bible references, and prayer.  After what she has been through, she has complete confidence that everything can be overcome with the word of God!

This is an interesting book because of Jeannie’s life story, but also the help she offers for anyone feeling oppressed.  I recommend this 5-star book to everyone.

Chosen Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, What is Happening to Me, 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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