“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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“Nothing Short of Wondrous” by Regina Scott

Posted on October 25, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Place Unlike Any Other!

Join widow, Kate, and her young son who live among God’s wonders at our first national park, Yellowstone. Times were cut-throat in 1886 because the government was only allowing a certain number of businesses in the park to remain—and Kate’s hotel is one of the few.  Additionally, she tries to protect the natural marvels from hotel guests who want to break off a piece as a souvenir, or who wander too close to the geysers.

The government’s next inspection will determine if Kate gets to keep the hotel open with a ten-year contract, or be forced to leave the land she loves.  Pressure is building from another company that will stop at nothing to push her out. Untrue rumors fly that the hotel is dirty with bed bugs, the stage that brings visitors is sabotaged, and her needed supplies are attempted to be cut-off.

Kate welcomes the cavalry who are assigned to protect the park from harm, but will her relationship with Lieutenant Prescott cause the loss of her reputation and her hotel? Will the world’s few remaining buffalo, who have taken refuge in Yellowstone, be killed by poachers?

The use of the natural beauty of the newly formed national park was a great backdrop for this tale.  As visitors to geysers and other wonders were experienced for the first time, the advantages and challenges Kate would face during those days were very real, and made a great story.  I recommend this 5-star book to those who like a clean romance mixed in with the early days of a national treasure.

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Nothing Short of Wondrous, 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/authorreginascott/photos/?ref=page_internal

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

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“NIV Study Bible, Fully Revised Edition”

Posted on October 21, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

Plumb the Depths of the Bible!

Getting the 2020 edition of the NIV (New International Version) Study Bible, fully revised, will give you the most comprehensive and up-to-date full Biblical text.  This contains the fifth and most complete revision, along with an in-depth NIV concordance.

This Bible is overflowing with many items to examine the scriptures as thoroughly as wanted.  New or updated notes based on the latest discoveries have been added, along with over one hundred new articles.  There are fourteen full-color maps with a map index.  A cross reference system appears in a center column of the text which can be used to study concepts or specific words.

Three symbols have been used to highlight types of materials:  the trowel, for notes discovered from archaeology; the seedling, for notes that have personal application; and the character, for notes that contain descriptions or characterizations of individuals or people groups.

This Bible contains a treasury of features such as the words of Jesus in red, each of the sixty-six books contains an introduction page which attempts to answer the five W’s—the who, what, where, when and why questions about each account.  Lots of eye appeal comes from the many pictures and the generous use of color sprinkled throughout the pages.

I enjoyed the large 10.5-point font size in this volume, but it is also available in 7.5 and 9-point fonts.  This is a substantial volume which has 2,512 pages, and weighs in at 5.2 pounds.  This Bible contains so many things, I could not list them all.  I recommend this five-star Bible to everyone who wants an exhaustive and in-depth Biblical study.

 

Bible Gateway Blogger Grid has provided Tickmenot–as a member of #BibleGatewayPartner–with a complimentary copy of, The NIV Study Bible Fully Revised, 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.

You can get the Bible here:  FaithGateway Store (https://store.faithgateway.com/collections/niv-study-bible-fully-revised)

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“The Sowing Season” by Katie Powner

Posted on October 20, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What You Put into Life….

What can he do with himself?  Gerrit, grouchy and old, has devoted his life to his farm, while ignoring his wife and children.  Suddenly the farm is gone.   He is stunned that his adult children barely speak to him, and his wife is ready to walk out.

Fifteen-year-old Rae has “The Plan,” a rigid schedule of classes and extra circular activities her father designed so she can be accepted into Columbia Law School. But “The Plan” is getting hard to follow.

Through a surprising variety of events, such as a kids at risk program and television cooking shows, this story will wind its way around your heart.  As both characters find themselves in new, occasionally, uncomfortable situations, they do unexpected things—some humorous, some dangerous–as they try to cope with family dynamics and expectations.

Rae and Gerrit, an unlikely pair, meet when both are at turning points in their lives, will they continue on the same path?  Or will they plant seeds of change that will bring a new harvest?

I loved this story, especially the thought of a clueless, rough, gruff curmudgeon becoming addicted to cooking.  This clean narrative can change from playful to serious in an instant, without losing the heart of the tale, while continuing to increase the reader’s interest with every word.  Told from a Christian point of view, I highly recommend this five-plus star book to mature teens and up–you do not want to miss this one!

“….You will reap exactly what you plant.” Galatians 6:7

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Sowing Season, 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/authorkatiepowner

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

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

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