“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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“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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