“Awaking Wonder” by Sally Clarkson

Posted on October 12, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

All the Best for your Child!

Join the author, an early participant in the homeschool movement, as she recalls her unique educational methods that she used with her four children. She was able to incorporate teaching while instilling a sense of worth, responsibility, and, most important of all, a strong relationship with God.

Sally, and her husband, wanted their children to be exposed to the best this world had to offer in all subjects, while teaching from a Christian worldview. The last part of the volume gives some concrete examples of how they did that, while the first part is, at times, a bit like a memoir.Reading this will make you excited to try some of these concepts with your own children. Each child is unique, and you want to help them best develop their individual talents, along with instilling good self-esteem, and to grow in mind along with spirit. These principles apply to all children whether homeschooling or not. The high-quality materials used in this hard-backed volume make it a lovely gift book.

I recommend this 5-star book to parents or grandparents. The author’s words are like those of a wise friend. However, it is a book to be read thoughtfully. It is not light reading, but there are treasures to glean from its pages.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”–Proverbs 22:6

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Awaking Wonder, 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/therealsallyclarkson/

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

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

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“Point of Danger” by Irene Hannnon

Posted on October 10, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                    Catch the Culprit!

Eve Reilly is an outspoken conservative Christian radio talk show host, who isn’t afraid to speak her mind.  Getting threats isn’t new to her, but getting a bomb threat by her front door is.  That is only the beginning, as more sinister things are sent her way.

Police detective Brent has his hands full trying to catch the one behind it all, and keep her life safe.  Eve has a lot of gumption, and continues her outspoken habits—while more threats continue to come her way.  The guilty party may be an individual, a hate group or anything in between.  Brent is ready to abandon his no dating rule after meeting the mesmerizing Eve.  Can she get him to change his mind about relationships?You may think you know the perpetrator, but like me, you may only be partially right because of surprising turns this tale takes.  This page turning thriller, full of events that sound like today’s headlines, will keep you glued to this book.  Just like Eve, this author doesn’t back down from the hard things.  I recommend this five-star clean book to everyone who likes exciting stories told from a Christian perspective.

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Point of 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/Irene-Hannon-426433004084567/

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

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

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“Little Mole’s Christmas Gift” by Glenys Nellist

Posted on October 6, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

Merry Christmas Little Mole!

Little Mole is disappointed, the present he had wanted to give his mom for Christmas is nothing like the one he actually has.  While bringing his gift home, he runs across three friends who are in terrible trouble, and the only thing that will help them is part of his mother’s Christmas present.

Just like all children, little mole wants to give his mother a wonderful present, and, like children, he also wants to help. But now he is afraid that his kindness will cause his mother to be disappointed.  Instead, he finds his sacrifice of part of his mom’s present is an additional gift for his mother.  This book helps little ones understand the gift of kindness, and that sometimes, a change in plans can be good.

This 5-star picture book is recommended for children four to eight years old.

The author has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Little Mole’s Christmas Gift, 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/little-moles-little-gift/

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“Her Secret Song” by Mary Connealy

Posted on October 6, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taking a Chance!

Ursula, who was raised by her grandparents isolated in the mountains, has come face to face with a battered and bruised man, Wax, who needs her help to survive.  Tired of her hermit ways, she decides to nurse him back to health.  Just as Wax improves, her two sisters with their husbands show up.  They insist they must go to the lowlands to protect themselves from killers and thieves–despite being outnumbered and out gunned.  Except Ursula has never been off the mountain, and she was told all her life she would die if she left.

So begins an exciting yarn set in the 1870’s. There will be the plans of two different bad guys that need to be overcome, hilarious miscommunications and situations between the men and the mountain women, along with an exciting showdown.  Different threads from many circumstances end up coming together for an exciting finale.  Murder and robbery, along with talk of God’s love and angel’s songs pepper the pages!  This rousing tale will keep you glued to it until the end of the story.

This is the third installment in a series, but can be understood by itself. But do yourself a favor, and read the other two for pure enjoyment. I highly recommend this 5-star book to those who like clean, exciting stories with a dash of humor and romance.

Bethany House Publishers, through NetGalley, has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Her Secret Song, 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 Blog:  http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/p/about-mary.html

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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“Leaving Christian Science” by Lauren H. Hunter

Posted on October 5, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Better Life!

Ten former followers of Christian Science tell their stories of leaving—why they left, and what their lives have been like since.  Many of these people were from families that had been multi-generational followers of Christian Science.  Their journey out held many challenges, but without exception, all of these individuals found a happier life, with a personal relationship with Jesus.

 “Just when you thought you were raised to know “the Truth,” you realized it wasn’t the truth at all.”—Lauren Hunter

A red flag of caution should be raised whenever a group claims to believe the Bible, but also claims to have a new revelation and/or person to interpret it.  Because of this, they declare they are “more informed” or “higher up” in the spiritual food chain because of this enlightenment. In this case, that person was Mary Baker Eddy founder of Christian Science.

If someone offers you an updated or “additional” way to believe, do as scripture recommends, and test the spirits:

“Dearly loved friends, don’t always believe everything you hear just because someone says it is a message from God:  test it first to see if it really is. For there are many false teachers around.” 1 John 4:1

Make sure you understand an organization’s meaning of Jesus.  Their definition may be far different than yours.

“God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed.”  Hebrew 6:18 

Reading these stories will open your eyes to the beliefs held by other groups who claim to be Christians.  These brave people have gone through a lot to claim Christ as theirs.  I recommend this 5-star, easy to read book, to everyone.

Veritable Books, through NetGalley, has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Leaving Christian Science, 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/laurenhunter.net/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/laurenhhunter?lang=en

The Author’s Website:  https://laurenhunter.net/leavingcs-book-launch/

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“Cream Cheese, Gluten-Free & Non-Dairy”

Posted on October 2, 2020 by WordPress.com Support


  • 1 cup raw Cashews, soaked in warm water 2-4 hours, drained and rinsed
  • 1-2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • Optional stir-ins: chives, basil, roasted garlic, sautéed onion or strawberries.
  • ¼ teaspoon–or to taste–Swerve, or sweetener of choice

Place the cashews, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, Swerve, and salt into a Vitamix, or heavy duty blender.

  1. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down as needed.  If needed, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin the mixture.
  2. Taste test and add additional salt and/or vinegar if you like.
  3. Add any stir-ins (& more Swerve, if desired) and carefully mix until well blended.
  4. Serve immediately, or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator, or freeze.

Give this easy-to-make & tasty alternative to cream cheese a try!

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Alfredo Spaghetti, Gluten-Free or Regular

Posted on October 2, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
  • ½ cup Cashew Milk (or cow’s milk or milk of choice), warmed in microwave 1 minute
  • 1 teaspoon chopped Garlic
  • ¼ teaspoon ground Pepper
  • Dash of Sea Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian Herbs
  • ½ cup non-dairy cream cheese*–or regular cream cheese
  • 1 package Gluten-free, or regular, thin Spaghetti

Prepare gluten-free spaghetti. Put aside.

In Vitamix or heavy duty blender, put in all ingredients except spaghetti.  Blend until smooth.

Toss with hot spaghetti.  If desired, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.

This pairs up well with sautéed chicken and a green vegetable!

*You can use regular cream cheese, purchase non-dairy, or make your own as follows:

*Gluten-Free Non-Dairy Cream Cheese

  • 1 cup raw Cashews, soaked in warm water 2-4 hours, drained and rinsed
  • 1-2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Swerve, or sweetener of choice

Place the cashews, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, Swerve, and salt into a Vitamix, or heavy duty blender.

  1. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down as needed.  If needed, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin the mixture.
  2. Taste test and add additional salt and/or vinegar if you like.
  3. Serve immediately, or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator, or freeze.
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“A Portrait of Loyalty” by Roseanna M. White

Posted on September 24, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

Secrets, Love & Propaganda

While WWI raged on, unrest took over in Russia with the removal and execution of the Tsar, along with the Bolsheviks take over.  Zivon, an expert cryptographer, highly valued by the Tsar, had spoken out against Lenin, and put himself in peril. He fled for his life to England where British Intelligence put him in a low-level codebreaking job, far below the prestigious position he left.  Although expert at his job, he was often looked at with apprehension, could he really be trusted?

Unknown to Zivon, his brother Evgenie has become a Lenin devotee.  He along with comrade, and girlfriend, Nadya, dogmatically push anarchy, or anything else to help the revolution.  They will stop at nothing, including putting Zivon’s life in danger.

Lily Blackwell secretly uses her expert photography skills for the British Intelligence, but she must sneak around so her mother does not discover it.  Lily is fascinated by Zivon, but her father is suspicious of him.

Intrigue, espionage, and covert dealings pepper this tale’s pages, and keep you glued to them.  At the same time, you will feel the emotions the characters face from the war, their interactions with each other, and, ironically, a flu pandemic.  I highly recommend this clean, five-plus star story told from a Christian viewpoint.

Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Portrait of Loyalty, 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/RoseannaMWhite/?fref=ts

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

The Author’s Website:  www.roseannamwhite.com

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“The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus” by Jaime Jo Wright

Posted on September 23, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncomfortable Genre

It is 1928, and strange happenings have been going on with circus, and Pippa is sneaking out there, after dark, to meet a mysterious stranger.  Despite knowing her wealthy stepfather would disapprove, she is sure this will be the key to finding her biological father—and the love she craves.  Instead, she finds herself involved in danger, murder and mayhem.

Switch to today’s time period, and Chandler, a single mother, fights against a progressive disease while trying to continue her career.   She feels she must make good rehabbing an old circus depot, or lose her position.  Unfortunately, decades old unsolved murders, and possible hauntings, make her job more than she bargained for.

This 3-star book is a thriller with a lot of intrigue and mystery, which I love.  However, it took me many chapters before I connected with either story-line.  The creep factor in this book is a plus ten.  But I was unhappy that the spiritual content was confusing, with some events not explained—at least not from a Christian viewpoint.

Inspirational fiction skates a thin line when it has occult subject matter, making it dangerous for impressionable young minds.  Content should be grounded with God’s word, which points to evil being the source of these kinds of supernatural events.  I would not recommend this to teen readers, or those who are uncomfortable with stories involving the occult.

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus, 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 Edge of Belonging” by Amanda Cox

Posted on September 22, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Family, but not Instantly!  

Pearl is a grieving mom and widow.  Henry is a homeless man who lived the nightmare of being unwanted and passed around to numerous foster families while growing up.  Pastor Thomas is a recent transplant from the West Coast. A new-born baby, Ivy, is abandoned in the woods, and left to die.

Henry finds Ivy and wants to keep her a secret so she doesn’t live the life he had.  Pearl wants to help Henry, but he is afraid she will discover Ivy.  Yet how will he take care of Ivy without help while he tries to earn money? Will Pearl keep his secret?

The pastor discovers Henry trying to take baby supplies from the church.  How can Henry convince him he is not a thief, but keep quiet about Ivy’s existence?

Fast forward a number of years, and the adult Ivy flees an abusive relationship to return to her hometown.  She comes to clean out her grandmother’s home, but also hopes to find answers about her biological mother–and mysteries in her life.

All of these people’s lives become intertwined because of a baby, and create a story you will not want to put down.  This 5-plus star tale will grab your emotions, and not let you go until the last page.  I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys clean, well-written stories.

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Edge of Belonging, 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/amandacoxwrites/

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

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

 

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