‘Twas the Morning of Easter, by Glenys Nellist

Joy Comes in the Morning!

Join the excitement and wonder of the first Easter morning.  Done in a rhythm similar to that used by Clement Moore in, “The Night Before Christmas,” this story shows the confusion of the soldiers guarding the tomb, along with the questions the disciples had that day. It also traces Mary’s preparation, disappointment, followed by the joy she had the morning she went to where Jesus was laid.  Included is the best thing of all she discovered there—Jesus is alive! This experienced children’s author has written this book on a child’s level so they can understand the importance of Easter, and why we celebrate it.  This over-sized, hard-backed volume contains appealing illustrations.  They capture the emotions of the day, and further tell this joyful story.  Children up to age eight will enjoy this 5-star book.

The author and Zonderkidz has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, ‘Twas the Morning 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.

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

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

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

The Author’s Website:  https://www.glenysnellist.com/twas-the-morning-of-easter/

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Cherry Crisp, Gluten-Free or Regular

PASTRY:

  • 1/8 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar Swerve, or Brown Sugar
  • 1 ¼ Cups Gluten-Free or Regular Flour
  • 1/2 Cup Cold, Real Butter–cubed

FILLING:

  • 1/2 Cup Swerve, or Sugar
  • ¼ Cup Brown Sugar Swerve, or Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 Cup Cornstarch
  • 1 1/4 Cups Unsweetened All-Fruit Cherry Juice, or Unsweetened All-Fruit Cherry Juice Blend
  • 4 Cups frozen or fresh, pitted Red Cherries

TOPPING:

  • 3 Tablespoons Gluten-Free or Regular Panko Crumbs
  • ½ Cup finely chopped Pecans or Almonds
  • 1/3 Cup Gluten-Free or Regular Flour
  • 1/3 Cup Swerve, or Sugar
  • 1/3 Cup Gluten-Free Coconut or Regular Coconut
  • 1/3 Cup Real Butter

Directions

  • In a bowl, combine salt, Swerve and gluten-free flour; cut in butter. Press into a greased or oiled 9 x 13-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° F. for 18 minutes.
  • For filling, combine Swerves and cornstarch in a saucepan. Stir in juice. Cook over medium heat until thick, stirring constantly. Fold in cherries. Pour over baked crust.
  • For topping mix all dry ingredients together.  After well mixed, melt butter and add it, mixing completely.  Spoon evenly over top, covering completely.
  • Bake at 350° F. for 18 minutes.
  • Enjoy this easy-to-put-together dessert!  I think it tastes best warm!!

This delicious dessert can be served as is, or with whipped cream, ice cream, or sour cream.  My favorite is unsweetened Vanilla Yogurt.

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Make it Yourself Evaporated Milk, Naturally Gluten Free

Place 3 cups cashew milk in a double boiler.

Over medium to low heat, cook it down for 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how hot your burner is, stir it occasionally. Reduce it so that it is about half the amount you started with. I cooked mine on fairly low, because I didn’t want it burn, so it took a while. Stir it once in a while.

The canned versions of alternative evaporated milk started disagreeing with me, but this has not caused me any problems.  It has been used in all my recipes that call for evaporated milk and has worked just fine.  I have not tried this with any other alternative milks.

This is very easy to do, the hardest thing about it is the time it takes to cook down, but you can get it started and work on other things while this comes together!

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“NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls Gift Set”

Everyone Needs a Beautiful Word!

I am excited to share this Beautiful Word Bible because it is one of the nicest volumes of Holy Scriptures I have ever seen. The cover is an attractive teal color that has a soft leather feel, with a very pleasant touch. Every page is adorned with wide margins.  The paper is a heavier weight that can withstand writing notes, and drawing designs. A number of the margins contain eye-catching line art just begging to be decorated.

Most importantly of all, the trusted NIV translation is used for the scriptures, which are done in a comfort-print-font that is easy on the eyes. The size and weight of the Bible makes it easy to carry, and take wherever you are going. It has an attached satin ribbon marker that keeps track of your place.  Additionally, it comes in a sturdy gift box along with four colored pencils, and six sheets of stickers perfect for adding interest to the scriptures and the drawings.

Although this is marketed for girls aged eight to twelve, it really appeals to everyone.  As a matter of fact, I would like it myself.  I was happily surprised by the economical price point making this quality Bible affordable! This would appeal to anyone who would like to take their study of God’s word to the next level by adding your own notes and art work.  It will create a treasured keepsake of God’s word.  I highly recommend this 5+ star Beautiful Word Bible because everyone needs a Beautiful Word from the Lord.

As a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid, Tickmenot was given complimentary copy of, NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls Gift Set, 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, #BibleGatewayPartner #bgbg2.

Among the many places it is available, you can get this Bible here:  https://store.faithgateway.com/products/niv-beautiful-word-coloring-bible-for-girls-pencil-sticker-gift-set-updated-leathersoft-over-board-teal-comfort-print-600-verses-to-color

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“The Thief of Blackfriars Lane” by Michelle Griep

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mismatched Investigators!

All her life, Kit has been living by her wits and cons on the mean streets of 1880’s London.  She will do a lot of things to support herself, but has always kept one rule, she will not steal.

Since his youth, Jackson has wanted to become a constable in London for a couple of reasons.  One, he wants to make the city a safer place to live, but, also, as penance he thinks he deserves for a brutal crime committed against his brother years earlier.

Kit and Jackson do not trust each other, as both think the other is out to trick them or do them harm.  These two unlikely people are thrown together to track down a missing cab driver.  Jackson’s job depends on it, and Kit owes the cabbie for giving her a safe place to live as a child.

Their hunt opens up a can of worms which reveals a complicated criminal ring that has left missing people and death in its wake.  As the two try to track down the top person behind it all, they find themselves in so much danger that one, or both of them, may lose their lives.

Excitement and intrigue fill this thrilling page turner.  Questions about God, and trusting Him when everything seems to go wrong, adds a realistic perspective to the story.   I highly recommend this 5-star book to those who like tales of mystery and rousing adventure with a sprinkling of romance.

Barbour Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, 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/michellegriep/

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

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

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“The Dress Shop on King Street” by Ashley Clark

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do Dreams Always Come True?

This story begins in the 1860’s and ends in the modern day.  The story revolves around Millie, a green-eyed beauty that can pass as a white person.

This page turning tale will keep you glued to the story while experiencing the dangers and heartache suffered by people forced to deny their true selves.  Millie’s life is traced from just after WWII to present day, including the loss and lack of understanding she experienced just by trying to live life.

Harper enters the story in modern times, while she tries to fulfill her lifelong dream.  Just when she feels like everything is over for her, Millie and Harper come together.  The two discover both of them have a connection to a man named Peter, something that will ultimately shape their future.  The two women collaborate to accomplish something with Peter, but end up doing so much more.

Will Millie be able to confess the truth to Peter, and will he react with anger and shut her out?  Why has God placed this desire in Harper’s heart if she is going to fail every time?

The 5-star tale will tug at your heart, hoping something wonderful will happen for these two women.  They will have to travel through many twists and turns before they are both satisfied.  Faith in God plays an important part in this story.  Throughout it all, two butterfly buttons will have a vital role in this tale.  Those interested in history and finding your calling in life will enjoy this book.

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Dress Shop on King Street, 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/ashleyclarkbooks

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

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

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“The London Restoration” by Rachel McMillan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Tangled Web!

Diana did secret government work during WWII, while her husband, Brent, was at the front. The war ended, and Brent came home. But it took five more weeks before Diana came home. Brent has never understood, or accepted, why that happened, and because of the oath of secrecy she took, Diana can’t tell him about her subterfuge work.

To make it worse, she is still doing secret work that involves her going out at night. Diana says she is doing a study of churches. Although Brent doesn’t believe her, he tags along, and finds she is in one dangerous situation after another–and he saves her more than once.

Since reuniting, their marriage has suffered due to trust issues Brent has because of Diana’s five-week absence, and her nighttime church work. Will Diana find the answer to the puzzle she has been trying to solve? Can her marriage survive her confidential work? Has the war changed Diana and Brent so much that they can never have a satisfying relationship?

The faith in this story is mostly academic. Brent is a stiff theology professor, and Diana admits she has never had much time for religion. Most of the other characters are atheists, so no one in the story has a personal relationship with God–which I found disappointing. There is a lot of esoteric, complicated information about church architects and architecture. This 4-star story would be enjoyed by those with an interest in WWII, church architecture and intrigue.

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“Active Defense” by Lynette Eason

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Running for Her Life!

Heather has seen a man watching her for weeks.  Then, one night, she comes home and find things in her home have been subtlety moved–and has the distinct feeling someone is still in the house.   She flees trying to find a place in a different part of the country where she can live anonymously, and, hopefully, safely.

Just when Heather is starting to relax in her new location, a car purposely runs her off the road.

Her friend, Travis, unknown to Heather, succeeded in finding her hideout.  He was carefully shadowing her, trying to keep her safe, when her car was shoved off the road. Although his help afterward was the only thing that kept Heather from dying in her car, Travis is upset she was attacked while he was guarding her, and pledges it will never happen again.

But despite having her friend’s protection, she finds herself in more dangerous situations.

When Heather served as a military doctor in Afghanistan, a young man with a bomb strapped to him, begged Heather for help.  But it exploded before she could, and was unable to save him during surgery.  Traumatized by the event, she left the military as soon as possible.

Heather is at a loss to figure out why these bad things are happening to her, and who is behind it all.  Had something happened while in Afghanistan that has caused her life to be in danger?

Told from a Christian viewpoint, this high action thriller will capture your attention while Heather runs for her life.  Fans of fast-moving stories will enjoy this 5-star book.

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Active Defense, 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/lynette.eason

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

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

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“Reach Out, Gather In: 40 Days to Opening Your Heart and Home” by Karen Ehman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open Your House!

Invite people into your home, show hospitality, do it as soon as possible, and do not put it off.  This book encourages you not to wait to invite others over until everything is perfect, or “just right,” because chances are, you will never follow through with it.

Great things come from being with others, and this book has examples of that. Touching lives makes a difference. The good results that come from having people over may not be seen right away, in fact, you may never know the fruit of your actions, but do it anyway.

Remember, too, that words have power, so use encouraging ones, such as, “I believe in you.” You may be the first person to say it to someone, and hearing that could change their life.  Invite others you may not have anything in common with.  They may be a different age than you, not have children like you, or be unlike you in a variety of ways–invite them anyway.  A lifelong relationship may develop.

Even the Bible has something to say about entertaining, consider this:

“Welcome people into your home and don’t grumble about it.  Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well.” 1 Peter 4:9-10 CEV

Reach out to others, don’t put it off.  We may have social distancing currently, but that will not always be the case.  Be creative with things you can do right now.  Read this 5-star book, it has ideas for entertaining, even recipes for things to serve.  When the mandates and bans are lifted, you can hit the ground running by being ready to use the suggestions in this book—and you will be blessed by it.

Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Reach Out Gather In, 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

 

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“Courting Misfortune” by Regina Jennings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Undercover Lady!

It is 1898, and Calista lives and breathes to be a Pinkerton agent.  But she is still under probation for the job, and must prove herself to become a full-fledged operative.  She goes to Joplin, Missouri, undercover, to see if she can find a woman whose last known location was there.  The area is notorious for the large number of women working in the world’s oldest profession.  Is the missing woman part of that, and how can Calista safely infiltrate the operation?

While trying to figure that out, she is sidetracked by her many relatives that live in the area.  Will they blow her cover?  Can she convince them she is there for something else so she doesn’t have to reveal her true reason for coming?

Calista has many mishaps with her family, along with the new preacher, Matthew, who has set his sights on saving Calista from the bad lifestyle he believes her to be living.

Serious and dangerous situations are paired with some funny episodes that make this an exciting story.  Can Calista keep her job as a Pinkerton agent, and at the same time, have a relationship with Matthew?  Will she be able to keep her true identity from him until she solves this case?

The reader will find themselves on the edge of their seat from the tale’s action and thrills, but also laughing at hilarious antics Calista finds herself a part of.  Christian faith also plays a part in this book.  Fans of well written, fast-paced stories with a sprinkling of humor, will love this five-star story.

Bethany House Publishers, through NetGalley, has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Courting Misfortune, 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://twitter.com/reginajennings

The Author’s Twitter:  https://www.facebook.com/ReginaLJennings

The Author’s Website:  http://www.reginajennings.com/

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