Gluten-Free or Regular Hawaiian Cake

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Becky

This is an easy-to-make cake that is special enough for birthdays!

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“Hurry, Kate, or You’ll be Late,” by Janice N. Harrington

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Becky

Illustrated by Tiffany Rose

A Reason to be Late!

This is a sweet story about Kate and her daddy, that answers the question of why Kate was late.  To do that, the story tells about all the things Kate and her daddy see, and do, on their journey to preschool.  The book also gives all the reasons that did not make her late.

For example, she was not late because she looked for her new toy, stopped to say hello to people, or to show her dad the big equipment at a construction site.

The reason she was late was the most wonderful reason of all.  Right before her daddy left the preschool, he bent down and gave her a big, marvelous, long hug–that was full of love.  That was why she was late.

This delightful tale will touch the hearts of all readers and listeners of this book—and leave them with a sweet, peaceful feeling.  I highly recommend it.  The illustrations are perfect, and add even more to the story. Children aged two to seven-years-old will enjoy this five-star, picture book.

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Thanks to Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Hurry, Kate, or You’ll be Late,” by Janice N. Harrington for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

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“First Comes Marriage Then Comes Murder,” by Donna Mumma

Posted on September 30, 2025 by Becky

A Women of Wynton’s Mystery

The Curse of the Bridal Gowns!

The ladies at the Wynton’s Department Store are at it again, this time trying to stop a smear campaign that involves the much-loved Miss Vivien who runs the bridal department. For years, she has been a fixture in this small Florida town, but evidently not everyone loves her.

That is because someone is killing brides who wed while wearing one of Miss Vivien’s custom gowns. The killer is attempting to ruin Miss Vivien’s reputation, and put the bridal department out of business. People desert Miss Vivien in droves, both customers, and even her long-time supporters. If they don’t get to the bottom of this soon, the bridal department will be gone, and Miss Vivien will resign.

This killer is crafty, smart, and full of hate, finding him or her will not be easy.

This is the second installment in the series, but this story stands alone. But go back and read the first one, it will help you understand how these very different ladies end up becoming friends.

The author does a great job making you feel like it is the 1950’s. Lots of twists and turns, along with red herrings, will keep you turning the pages to discover the identity of the bad guy. This clean whodunit will leave you satisfied with the ending, but, at the same time, longing for another adventure with these ladies. I highly recommend this five-star book, you will love it.

Thanks to Barbour Books for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

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

The Author’s Twitter:  https://x.com/DonnaMumma1

The Author’s Website:  https://donnamumma.me/

 

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“Oh Dear, Look What I Got!” by Michael Rosen

Posted on September 22, 2025 by Becky

The Wrong Package!

This is a fun book about a boy who is attempting to buy one thing, but the store gives him something else entirely.

For instance, when he goes to get carrots, he opens the purchase to find a parrot.  That is not what he wants.  When he buys a hat, he finds he has a cat instead.

This goes on for many more times, with him getting a variety of things—none of which he asked for or wants!  These cause more and more problems.

Be ready for lots of laughter, as this tale, which is done in rhyming form, will tickle the funny bone of all who read it.

The illustrations, by Helen Oxenbury, add a lot to the story.

I love this five-star, picture book.  It will be enjoyed by three through eight-year-olds.

Thanks to Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Oh Dear, Look What I Got!,” by Michael Rosen for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

 

 

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Texas Style Spanish Rice, Naturally Gluten Free

Posted on September 13, 2025 by Becky

 This is a good take on Spanish Rice, you will like it!

1 chopped onion

bacon grease

3 Tablespoons butter

8 slices bacon

2 cups uncooked Jasmine rice, NOT instant rice

2/3 cup Pace Picante Sauce or picante sauce of choice

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon Sea salt

2 teaspoons chopped garlic

4 cups chicken broth

5 to 6 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 to 2 teaspoons Swerve or sweetener of choice

2/3 cup frozen peas and carrots

2/3 cup frozen corn

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cook the bacon, and keep the grease.  When the bacon is done, crumble and set aside.

In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in bacon grease and butter until onion is translucent. Add rice and stir until coated. Add pace, chicken broth, turmeric, cumin, salt, pepper, broth, corn, Swerve, peas, and carrots; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Add cilantro and bacon crumbles, stir well, and serve.

To reduce the spiciness, try useing a mild picante sauce, or lower the amount of turmeric, or both.

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“Seven Babies,” by Forest Xiao

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Becky

Surprise!

One day, a box with seven babies appears at the door.  So begins a very funny tale that shows what could happen if seven babies came to the door, and you tried to take care of them. They babies all appear about the same age, and are very mobile.

As babies do, they are everywhere, and getting into things. There are lots of funny parts, especially when it is bath time, and when attempting to move or carry them all.

I am impressed that the author also did the illustrations.  This is a tongue-in-cheek story that is sure to bring lots of giggles and laughter.  I really love this book!

Children ages one through five-years-old will enjoy this book.

Thanks to Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Seven Babies,” by Forest Xiao, for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

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“Mistletoe and Mayhem,” by Janice Thompson

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Becky

Wedding Bells are Ringing!

RaeLyn is getting married and has an amazing wedding planned. She is holding the ceremony outside, at her parent’s farm…in December. Friends and family will sit on haybales covered with homemade quilts.

A week before, a giant fire breaks out that moves quickly across the parched land, straight towards RaeLyn’s family farm. RaeLyn and everyone in her family jumps in to fight it. Most people think the fire was started by lightening.

However, RaeLyn thinks it may have been set by a local farmer. Raelyn also wonders if two twin boys could have been involved. They are about the same age as her brothers were when they caused all kinds of mischief, and tried to lie their way out of it. Even though she wants to solve the mystery of the fire, RaeLyn will not let anything upset her plans for a fabulous wedding.

This is a fun romp through all the challenges she faces the last few days before RaeLyn gets married. It also describes amazing decorations, yummy food, and a surprise–not a happy one–for RaeLyn’s mom. There is humor, faith, and a little intrigue in this third installment of the series–although this story stands on its own. You will enjoy this five-star book!

Thanks to Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Mistletoe and Mayhem” by Janice Thompson, for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

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

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

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

 

 

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“Bear and the Three Goldilocks,” by Patrick Horne

Posted on August 5, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

Dan Yaccarino Illustrator

A Different Way to Look at It!

When the three Goldilocks, Mr. Goldilock, Mrs. Goldilock, and Goldie Goldilock, go camping they are not prepared for bears.  When they decide to go for a walk, a bear comes in to their camp, and eats all the smores they left out.  Then he eats every bit of their food, destroys their campsite, and goes to sleep in one of their tents.

While trying to scare the bear away, they attract the bear’s parents.  Even though the parents are apologizing for everything their son has done, the Goldilock family only hears the bears growling at them.

They decide it is a good time to go home.

This is a hilarious fractured folktale that will be funny to everyone, but even more so to those who has heard the tale of, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”

The illustrations really add to this tale, and make it even funnier.  Point them out, and be ready for lots of giggles.  This five-star picture book will be enjoyed by children ages three through seven.

Thanks to Candlewick Books for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

 

 

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“Summer is Here: A Bear and Mole Story,” by Will Hillenbrand

Posted on August 4, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Mole wants to play baseball despite Ump saying he would never hit the ball.  Bear kept saying Mole could do it.

After missing several times, Ump gives Mole a suggestion, and suddenly everything changes for the better.

This is a great story that teaches you not to give up.  Sometimes it just takes changing one thing, and you can get what you want.  Also, don’t get discouraged by someone saying you can’t do it, the way Ump did.

This is a fun, and very encouraging book that says, “yes you can!”.  Children aged four to eight-years-old will enjoy this book.

Thanks to Candlewick Books for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

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“Maker Girl and Professor Smarts,” by Jasmine Florentine

Posted on August 3, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

The Ice Cream Solution

Chuy and Yaya live in a world after a comet has struck the earth, and many people gained super powers.  They did not get any, but Yaya is determined to use their natural talents as super powers, and has given them names:  Chuy is Professor Smarts since he is very smart, and Yaya is Maker Girl since she can make so many things.

They put their talents to the test when a bad guy is threatening all the ice cream makers.  He is demanding they get rid of all their ice cream or he will cover the entire city with slime. Chuy and Yaya confront him and find every time he touches ice cream it gets slimed, so he can’t enjoy it anymore.

They come up with a solution that makes everyone happy.

This is an exciting story, done in comic book form or graphic novel design.  The book also includes two different things to make, along with step-by-step instructions.  It is great to make things that are featured in a book.  Also, the awesome format this book is done in really appeals to youngsters.

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This five-star book will be enjoyed by ages seven to eleven years old.

Thanks to Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

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