“Minutes to Die” by Susan Sleeman

Never Give Up!

An informant whispers that an attack is going to happen on 9/11, and it will be worse than the original.  Shortly afterward, the tipster is murdered in front of FBI Agent Kylee Dawson.  She jumps into action with her elite RED team to determine the details of the threat.  After learning terrorists have snuck into the country in a cargo container, ICE Agent Evan Bowers is asked to join the team.

But Kylee and Evan have a history, one that didn’t end well.  Kylee works to put aside her negative feelings towards him, for the good of the nation, as the team races across the country searching for clues.  The pace is frantic, and lots of top-notch equipment along with amazing technology is put into play to solve it.

This tale will keep your pulse high as action and excitement fill every page–while millions of lives hang in the balance.  At the same time, a romance develops.  It is almost as exciting as the chase itself.  This is a clean story told from a Christian viewpoint.  I recommend this 5-star book to those who enjoy fast action thrillers teamed with a love story.

Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Minutes to Die, 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/SusanSleemanBooks/

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

The Author’s Website:  https://www.susansleeman.com/?fbclid=IwAR3UzGmPzE_Ehig39XVNKh_EJs3mYo9fMwmEVR5cCcKTpV2ACq_dRmgOT6I

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“The Great Farmapalooza” by Jill Roman Lord

Illustrated by Kelly Breemer 

Sing and Dance for Joy!

This fun book, through story and illustrations, will bring smiles, as well as, show children how to thank God by watching the actions of farm critters.  All the animals praise the Lord for their blessings with joy, dance, and happiness when they wake up, and throughout the day.

Little ones are reminded to look around at the wonderful things provided for them as the animals praise God for the blessings in their lives.  The cows are grateful for green grass to eat, while the lambs baa, baa their appreciation for soft wool.  Each of God’s creatures have something they are very thankful for.  They end the day together watching a colorful sunset that God sent to them.

As Psalm 95:1 says:

“Oh, come, let us sing to the Lord! Give a joyous shout in honor of the Rock of our salvation!”

This over-sized, sturdy board book is brimming with colorful illustrations of the happy animals.  It contains flaps to lift up on every other page, for a total of eleven in all.  I really like this cheerful 5-star book, and recommend it to non-readers up to age 4 or 5.

B&H Kids Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Great Farmapalooza, 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/jill.r.lord

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

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

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“The Greatest Missionary Generation” by Larry W. Sharp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They Changed the World!

Tom Brokaw called them “The Greatest Generation.”  They were the ones that lived through The Great Depression and World War II.  They experienced deprivation, doing without, hard work, and death.  They also had a strong sense of community and faith in God.  All of which helped them survive those two difficult events, and change the post-war world.  Some of us feel lucky to call them our parents or grandparents.

A few of that group went on to change the world as missionaries, where they faced dangers from man, beast, and the environment.  They changed other’s existence both at home and throughout the globe—some even gave up their lives to do so.  All to tell the story of Jesus.  It is fitting they became known as the Greatest Missionary Generation, and this book contains some of their stories.  For instance:

One missionary “happened” to take a different trail, only to discover a killer had been waiting to waylay him on his usual path.

There were times when their cultures clashed, such as the men that came to church wearing nothing but a gourd and their skin glowing from animal grease.

Or the local men concerned the missionary’s mother had lost her skin when they saw her nylons hanging on the clothesline.

Learn of the missionary’s wife who took one look at the jungle after they landed, and didn’t want to get out of the little plane they had come in.

Feel the heartbreak missionary parents suffered because their children were sent to boarding school.

This 5-star book will enlighten–and sometimes entertain–you about the lives led by people who gave up everything to spread the word about a new life in Christ.  I recommend this to all older teens and adults.

Hendrickson Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Greatest Missionary Generation, 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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Steak Fries in Air Fryer, Regular & Gluten Free

1 large baking potato

Steak and Chop Seasoning*

Olive Oil Spray

Clean and scrub one large potato.  Poke holes about 10 to 12 times with a fork all over the potato.  Place on microwave safe plate and cook on high in microwave for 6 minutes. Remove and set aside for 5 minutes.

Warm clean, empty air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°.

Cut potato lengthwise into 8 wedges.  Lightly spray bottom of air fryer with olive oil and gently place potatoes in one layer.  Sprinkle steak and chop seasoning.  Lightly spray them with olive oil. Cook for 12 minutes at 400°.   If wanted, halfway through the time turn or gently shake fry basket, finish cooking.  Eat and enjoy.

*We get this from one of the big box stores and it comes gluten-free.

These are naturally gluten-free!

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“A Dazzle of Diamonds” by Liz Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bumps Along the Way of Life!

Penelope loves her event planning job, and her best friend, Tucker, well not love love—at least she hadn’t thought so.  What she really wants to do is help Tucker get elected as sheriff.  In order to do that, she will pretend to date her best friend, while she looks for a treasure that has been missing for over 150 years.

She also tries to clear Tucker’s name in a campaign that turns dirty, and had her job threatened because of it. In the midst of all that, her latest wedding planning clients turn out to be her former fiancé, who left her at the altar, along with his new girlfriend.

I really liked this book.  It had a lot of depth and pleasantly surprised me with all the twists and turns it took. Problems of not measuring up and parental rejection provided a touch of realism to this modern-day story.

The mystery part about the treasure kept me guessing, and, the 19th century intrigue added to this clean tale told from a Christian viewpoint. I recommend this 5-star book to lovers of mystery with added romance.

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Dazzle of Diamonds, 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/lizjohnsonbooks

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

The Author’s Website:  https://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/book/a-dazzle-of-diamonds/

The Author’s Story Behind the Story:  http://mtlmagazine.com/mtl-newsletter-the-adventure-of-the-unexpected/?fbclid=IwAR2bt4Uv7vrAP4hYRMf3HvA9jCuT3iCrvWv1cj3Gr4WofxX8brj29oP6MaU

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“Love and a Little White Lie” by Tammy L. Gray

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Lie = A Better Life?

How does an atheist end up working in a church?  Jan needed a job, the church had an opening, and she pretended to be a Christian to get it.  Jan’s life is a mess. She was jilted by the guy whom she thought was “the one,” she was broke, and she had to move in her aunt’s cabin.  What could a small lie hurt, if it helped get her life together and back on her feet?  All kinds of things can ripple out from a lie, unfortunately, Jan discovers this.

Jan finds the church and the people in it, are radically different than what she had assumed.  Even though she thinks writing messages to a non-existent deity is a waste of time, she is shocked to find the prayer requests are all read and cared about.  Jan finally finds the perfect boyfriend.  Except he works at the church, too, and he expects her to be a Christian.  He tells her he can’t be unequally yoked—whatever that means.

This story is modern, fresh and is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I found myself unable to put it down, and you will feel the same way, too!  Although Jan can be a bit rough around the edges, this 5-plus star story is told from a Christian viewpoint. You will thoroughly enjoy this fish-out-of-water tale, and I recommend it to older teens and above.

Bethany House Publishers has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Love and a Little White Lie, 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/tlgraybooks

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

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

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“The Crushing Depths” by Dani Pettrey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Surprising Bad Guys!

Are the equipment malfunctions, food poisoning and deaths on an off-shore oil rig because of a century’s old curse, bad luck or outright murder? While this has been going on, environmental activists have been on shore protesting the drilling, and are determined to have it stopped. They have also placed a boat by the platform, and members on board shout their complaints constantly. Coast Guard Investigators Rissi and Mason have been teamed up to get to the bottom of it.

Even though working together is new, the investigator’s mutual history goes back to when they were mistreated orphans in an abusive children’s home. Rissi always loved Mason for helping her get through it, but she never shared how she felt. They lost touch with each other for ten years, but now they are back in each other’s lives.

Additionally, Brooke, a Coast Guard medic, is being stalked by someone dangerous. Her home has been broken into, a lethal trap was put into her car, and her most prized possession was brutally vandalized. The most likely suspect is her ex-boyfriend, but if it is not him, then who?

There is lots of edge of your seat excitement in this book while trying to figure out the identity of the bad guys. The sand surfing was fun to hear about, and imagine doing. This 5-star clean story is told from a Christian viewpoint. I recommend it to fans of romantic thrillers.

Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, The Crushing Depths, 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/DaniPettrey

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

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

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What to Watch Tonight? The Movie“Flying High for the Glory of God: The Orville Rogers Story”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Real-Life Super Man!

A one-hundred-year-old man who runs races?  Orville Rogers did.  He also trained WWII pilots.  Later, our government reactivated Orville to military duty, and he was on 24-hour standby to drop an atomic bomb during the Cold War.  After he discovered running in his fifties, he continued running until he was over 100 hundred years old, and won competitions! As an airline pilot, he somehow donated millions of dollars to Christian ministries.

This story is all true, plus lots more information is in this movie.  Watch this film, and learn how a boy with humble beginnings, whose father abandoned him and his family, went on to live a life of adventure.  And he gives credit for all of it to God.

As Orville told WFAA (an ABC-affiliated television station licensed to Dallas, Texas) May 1, 2018*:

“I did not seek fame, I did not seek long life, I did not seek riches,” Rogers told us in an interview last year. “But God has blessed me with all three and I’m trying to live up to it.”**

This was a movie I just “happened” to see, and I was so glad I did—you will feel the same way, too.  Orville passed away in November of 2019, just shy of his 102nd birthday.  He had been hoping to recover from heart surgery to compete in another race.  But his story lives on.

Check out this 5-popcorn (5-star) movie that is appropriate for the entire family with a feel-good story.  I highly recommend it!

* https://www.wfaa.com/article/features/100-year-old-dallas-man-sets-world-records-doesnt-plan-to-slow-down/287-547615159

**https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/orville-rogers-101-year-old-running-sensation-passes-away/287-83fb9509-c2ff-4622-94ba-eca3da9872b1

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“This or That” by Pippa Goodhart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploring a Museum

Want your child have a chance to visit the British Museum, and do so from the comfort of your home?  This book will help you accomplish that.

All of the pictures in this book are actual items in the museum.  Each pair of picture pages asks questions about those items.  For instance, on pages featuring different types of transportation, some question asked are: “what vehicles are pulled by animals,” or “how would you like to get around.” Pages picturing animals asks the reader to try to find cats or camels.

By the time you have gone through all the pages, you will have had a fun way to explore the museum as an armchair traveler.  Looking at this volume would be a good way to prepare a child before going to visit the British Museum, or any other museum.

Before making a visit, it would provide things to look for, and what to expect the experience might be like.  I recommend this five-star book to children up to ten years old.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, This or That, 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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“What I Like Most” by Mary Murphy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illustrated by Zhu Cheng-Liang

Changes Coming!

Changes are a part of everyone’s life, but we don’t always like them.  Children may not just dislike them, but fear them as well.  This book wonderfully comes to the rescue because it shows that even though changes happen, other things stay the same.

A little girl loves to watch out her window, but she is moving.  Instead of being sad about leaving this window behind, she realizes there will be a window at her new home, too.   She will still be able to enjoy looking outside, there just will be a different view.  She will not lose her love of window watching.

As she thinks of the changes that will take place in her life, she also realizes some things will stay the same, no matter what.  She will still have her favorite food, her special toy and most of all, the love she and her mother have for each other—nothing will alter any of that.

This book offers the assurance that the important things in a child’s life remain the same no matter if it is a different grade level in school, moving, or any other situation.

Just like in this book, have your child talk about changes that will happen, but also help them make a list of the things that will never change.  Reading and talking about new things will make them less scary.  I recommend this five-star book for ages three to seven.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, What I Like Most, 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.marymurphy.ie/home/

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