“The Anne of Green Gables Devotional” by Rachel Dodge

Posted on November 9, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

Return to Avonlea!

Here is the perfect devotional for, “Anne of Green Gables,” fans.  Not only are these devotions based on Anne’s story, there is a corresponding devotion for each chapter of the novel.  In other words, after you read chapter one in the book, “Anne of Green Gables,” follow it by reading the first devotion.  The second day, repeat with chapter two, followed by devotion two, and so on each day.  Let the charm of Anne, and the love God, wrap around you as you experience both the Bible and the novel at the same time.

This devotion is written in the same style as that of L. M. Montgomery, the author of the Anne books, so the two works flow seamlessly with each other.  There are endearing illustrations of Anne and Avonlea throughout, and forty subjects are covered.  The volume, itself, is hard-backed, made with quality paper, easy-to-read font, and is a perfect size to slip in a clothes pocket, a backpack, or a purse.

On her website, the author offers a free downloadable guide for young readers that want to do this devotional as well.  It is full of illustrations along with questions that are geared toward children.

This is such a creative way to do a devotional.  Even if you are not reading the novel while doing the devotions, you will feel the charm of the Anne of Green Gables book shine through.   I wouldn’t be surprised if you pull out a copy before you finish the forty days.

God’s word and spiritual points are not short-changed just because this has a theme.  Far from it, all the topics are Biblically sound, with scripture in every one that will minister to your soul.  This work is enchanting and I highly recommend by giving it 5-plus stars.  This will be enjoyed by all who love Anne of Green Gables.

Barbour Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Anne of Green Gables Devotional, 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/racheldodgebooks/posts/2830926833810116

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

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

The Author’s Website:  https://www.racheldodge.com/anne-devo/

The Author’s Download Guide for Young Readers:  Download the guide for young readers:  https://www.racheldodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Anne-of-Green-Gables-Questions-For-Kids.pdf

 

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“A Kitten Called Holly” by Helen Peters

Posted on November 8, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Holly!

Jasmine and Tom are best friends who have just discovered a kitten, rejected by its mother, who will die without help.  Through instructions from Jasmine’s mom, a veterinarian, they learn how to feed her, and name her Holly.  Of course, Jasmine wants to keep Holly, while her mom is against it.

Find out all the trials Jasmine and Tom go through trying to get Holly a good home with Jasmine, or at least keep her from going to a home that would not be responsible for her. They get themselves into situations that are sure to keep children giggling, while other things happen that the readers will identify with.

Tom experiences a hard loss that Jasmine wants to help him with.  Will Christmas be spoiled for Tom?  Since Tom’s mother is against having an animal in their house, is he doomed to never experience the joy of an indoor pet?

This is a fun story, sure to grab young reader’s interest.  It also has real pointers about animal care.  Instructions include how to feed a rejected kitten, the use of a flea comb, daily brushing to keep shedding down, and more.  The information is incorporated seamlessly, making it part of the story, and not a “how to” book.This is one volume in a great series of stories, each one about a different animal, with the installments able to stand alone.  I really liked this 5-plus star chapter book, and highly recommend it to children who like animals, in grades two to five.

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Kitten Called Holly, 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 Website:  https://www.helenpetersbooks.com/#:~:text=Helen%20Peters%20is%20an%20award,Children%27s%20Book%20of%20the%20Week.

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“Why Am I Not Healed?” by Glen Berteau

Posted on November 7, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

When God Promised!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wanting to be Well!

Healing is a highly charged subject filled with emotion.  Down through the ages, a consistent cry out to God has been, “why am I not healed?!.”  Glen Berteau has attempted to answer that question by stating that God wants to heal all of us.

He writes that you must have faith and be open to healing.  But most important of all, you should grow closer to God by reading the Bible, meditating on it, and learning the passages. Praying every day will give you a closer relationship with the Lord, and strengthen you spiritually.  Additionally, give forgiveness and repent of your sins.

If healing doesn’t come, that is the time to press in more by additional reading of God’s word.   Dig for treasure by searching the scriptures for verses about healing.  Ponder them daily, and claim them for your life.  The author provides a lot of good scriptures in the back of the book.  Here is one of my favorites:

“Christ himself carried our sins in his body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by his wounds that you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

Most of all, don’t lose heart if healing doesn’t come right away. Glen warns it is easy to give up.   Instead, continue in prayer, scripture reading and faith. Follow the other suggestions in the book.

Scattered throughout the volume, are stories of people who were healed—including the author’s own story—all of which I found fascinating.

Will you be healed with this book?  That is unknown.  However, if you determine to pray and read the Bible daily, it won’t hurt, and will help you in many other ways.  I recommend this 5-star book to anyone interested in having God heal them.

Chosen Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Why Am I Not Healed?, 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 Website:  www.glenberteau.com

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“Peppa Pig and the Day of Giving Thanks” by Candlewick Entertainment

Posted on November 6, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

I am Thankful!

Join Peppa and her family while they have an adventure noticing the things along the way, and have fun pointing out what they like.  There are apples to eat, falling leaves they are excited to pile up and jump into, along with bees that give yummy honey—plus a whole lot more.  There are things all around them they are grateful for.

This over-sized, hard-backed picture book is filled with bright illustrations as Peppa and her family have a good time being thrilled by the things they run across. Although this book is just in time for Thanksgiving, it is terrific any time of the year. Slowing down to look at the world around us, and seeing things through a child’s eyes is refreshing and can give us additional reasons to be grateful.

Children through second grade will enjoy this 5-star book.  An additional surprise is the ready-to-color poster that is found on the back of the book’s cover.  I recommend this book as a fun reminder to look around, and be thankful for things everywhere!

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Peppa Pig and the Day of Giving Thanks, 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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Cucumber Salad, Naturally Gluten-Free

Posted on November 5, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

This is light and refreshing.  It really good, even if you don’t like cucumbers!

1 cup Mayonnaise

1/4 cup Swerve, or sweetener of choice

4 teaspoons cider or white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon dill weed

1/2 teaspoon Sea salt, to taste

4 medium cucumbers, scrubbed & thinly sliced*

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

Black pepper to taste

Directions

In a large bowl, combine Mayonnaise, Swerve, vinegar, dill and, black pepper, if desired, salt; mix well. Add cucumbers and onions; toss. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

*A  kitchen mandoline can give you really thin slices, but be very careful because it is extremely sharp.

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“The Escape” by Lisa Harris

Posted on November 4, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Deadly Chase

A dangerous prisoner, through a fluke, has escaped and is on the run.  He is leaving a trail of dead bodies and destruction as US Marshals, Madison James and Jonas Quinn, desperately try to stop him—but he always seems one step ahead of them.

They each have demons of their own that they must deal with as they put their lives on the line while trying to catch him.  Join them in this deadly cat and mouse game, but who will win?  Is he really guilty?

This adventure takes you from a life and death plane crash, to dense forest searches, to interviews with people that may hold the key to finding him. However, they do not want to help because they believe the prisoner has been falsely accused. Will they be able to overcome that?  Both marshals include faith as an integral reason for their ability to do their job.  This clean, 5-star book will keep your attention to the very last page.

Although the prisoner hunt is resolved, this tale ends with a cliff hanger about another issue that must be answered in a future installment in this series.  I recommend this book to those who enjoy intense stories with lots of action and suspense.

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Escape, 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:   www.lisaharriswrites.com

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

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

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“The Burden of Proof” by Davis Bunn

Posted on November 3, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

If You Could Do It All Over….

How many of us wish we could go back in time and change things? Ethan is a dying man in his fifties, who is full of regrets and failures, who gets that chance.

Suddenly, he can go back in time to stop the murder of his beloved brother, a crime that has never been solved.  What was behind the assassination? Was there something about the last court trial that led to his death?  Can Ethan figure it out in time—because by taking this chance, he will only have a short period to try to change things, and he must forfeit his own life to do so.

This author is an excellent writer who can spin a five-star story that will keep you glued to the pages.  The time travel aspect of this tale is really out there, but Mr. Bunn makes it work without the story becoming unbelievable.  This a book you will not soon forget.  He sets the time period stage so well, that those of us who lived through the eighties, you can almost hear “The Power of Love” playing as he paints a vivid picture of life before cell phones, Nintendo and Apple became part of our common vernacular.

This is a clean story, but I was disappointed it had so little about faith.  The subject is briefly glossed over with one of the character’s suggestions that eternity is the answer, but didn’t give an explanation of what that means.  I recommend this to those who enjoy well-written tales of second chances.

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Burden of Proof, 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/davisbunnauthor/

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

The Author’s Website:  www.davisbunn.com

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“What You Said to Me” by Olivia Newport

Posted on November 2, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

You are What you Say!

All her life, 15-year-old Tisha Crowder’s family has said they were all trash, herself included.  Now court mandated to do community service hours, Tisha is working them off in Jillian’s business—whose idea for this, along with some supervision, comes from Jillian’s attorney father, Nolan.

Dysfunctional is not a strong enough word to describe the five generations of women currently living in the Crowder household.  Lots of bitterness and poor self-esteem exist because of the many men who have abandoned them.  The anger Tisha has from being treated as dumb, worthless and unworthy of knowing her father’s name, causes her to strike out at everyone including Jillian.

Jillian uses her genealogy skills to uncover the story of the Denver Brandt family who lost their comfortable lifestyle, and everything else, during the 1893 silver collapse.  Dad, Clifford, desperately tries to help his suddenly unemployed miners, as well as, his now broke family survive in an economy that no longer has work for anyone, himself included.

What is the story about Tisha’s dad?  How does the Brandt family influence the lives of present-day people? Will Tisha continue her family’s history and become a single teenage mother?  Can Tisha understand Proverbs 18:21, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue…,” and change the family’s future?

This is a 5-star story and series, and this book can be read alone, but get them all for more enjoyable adventures with Jillian and Nolan. These attention-grabbing clean tales, told from a Christian viewpoint, are recommended to everyone who likes standout stories with an interesting twist.

Barbour Publishing, through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, What You Said 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.

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

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

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

 

 

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“The Love Note” by Joanna Davidson Politano

Posted on November 1, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Path of True Love is Never Smooth!

All Willa wants to do is become a doctor, but no medical school in 1865 England will accept a woman, and her doctor father will not support the idea.

Then she accidently finds a love note tucked in an old piece of furniture that originally came from Crestwicke Manor. Beautifully written, unsigned and not addressed to anyone, Willa is so intrigued by it, she wants to go Crestwicke to find the true owner.

In order to make the trip, her father forces her to agree to return home in one month with a man she is willing to marry, or wed the one her dad picks out.

Crestwicke is a hot bed of unhappiness coming from a host of things.   There is the prickly, difficult mother of the family Willa must nurse, open hostility from the adult children, and a quirky aunt who seems to lurk around every corner. Willa loses the love note shortly after she arrives. It is found by at least four others who each believe it was sent to them, and it causes no end of upheavals in all their lives.

Willa gets herself into a number of situations, and you will love how she tries to work her way through them.   I adored this clean, five-plus star story, including the elements of faith, and all the twists and turns.  I would, however, like to know more of what happens in Willa’s life, along with the other characters. Fiction lovers will enjoy the romance, unexpected revelations and surprises mixed throughout this yarn, and I highly recommend it.

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Love Note, 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/joannadavidsonpolitano/

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

The Author’s Website:  https://jdpstories.com/good-news-on-the-love-note/

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Plum Ribs, Gluten-free or Regular

Posted on October 26, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

This is a favorite dish, you will love it! 

Make it in the regular way or adjust it for gluten-free eaters.

  • St. Louis Pork ribs (or Short Ribs), 1 rack, cut up into individual ribs, about 3 – 4 pounds
  • Olive Oil, enough to cover the bottom of a large stock pot (we use an 8-quart)
  • 4 stocks of Celery, finely chopped
  • 6 Carrots, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 Onion, chopped
  • 4 cups Apple Juice
  • 2-quarts gluten-free (or regular) Chicken Broth
  • 2 teaspoons Chopped Garlic
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Thyme
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Bay Leaf
  • ½ teaspoon Salt and Pepper
  • 1 jar of All Fruit Plum Spreadable Fruit
  • ½ cup gluten-free (or regular) Flour
  • ¾ cup gluten-free (or regular) Chicken Broth

Brown ½ of the ribs in olive oil on all sides, about 5 minutes, and remove to plate.  Repeat with the other half of ribs.

Sauté carrots and celery in stock pot with remaining olive oil and meat drippings until tender.  In last five minutes, add chopped onions, and sauté as well.

Add apple juice, and 1 1/2-quarts chicken broth to above vegetable mixture.  Mix well, then add browned ribs.  Add chopped garlic, ground thyme, ground bay leaf, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil on medium heat, lower to low heat and cook ribs an hour until ribs are very tender, the meat will practically fall off the bone.

Remove ribs to a plate and remove bones.  Using a slotted spoon remove all the vegetables and discard. Turn broth to low heat, and the jar of plum spreadable fruit, mix well.

Add gluten-free flour to ½ quart, room temperature chicken broth, stir with fork or whisk until completely mixed.  Pour flour mixture in a slow stream into broth, while stirring constantly–until it is well blended, and is correct gravy consistency.  If too thin, mix more of the gluten-free flour and chicken broth mixture until desired consistency.

Put the de-boned ribs into gravy, gently stir to cover.  Cook another 5 minutes, making sure it is stirred so doesn’t burn.  Serve with mashed potatoes.

 

 

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