“Not an Alphabet Book: The Case of the Missing Cake” by Eoin McLaughlin

Posted on September 9, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Marc Boutavant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where’s the Cake?!

Yes, this is much more than an alphabet book!  It is also a child-sized mystery that will be sure to give little ones lots of giggles.  We learn on the first page that “the world’s most completely delicious, tongue-jinglingly chocolaty cake” is missing.  So begins the search with Bear to visit each alphabet letter to find clues.

Along the way, Bear finds that funny words, situations and high jinks abound.  For instance, take the case of the reformed Mr. Fox who is now good friends with the Gingerbread Man—despite one tiny bite–or the situation Bear finds himself in when Walrus asks a question. Sharp eyes will be able to gather information and spot clues as they make their way through the letters.

The great illustrations of this story’s shenanigans enhance the fun text to create one of the best children’s books I have seen.  It is a hard-backed, well-made, over-sized volume.  This is a book that can be used purely as an alphabet book for very young ones.  But as they get older, they will grow into solving the mystery and enjoying the jokes.  I predict this 5+ star book will wear out before a child is finished enjoying it, and highly recommend it.

Candlewick Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Not an Alphabet Book: The Case of the Missing Cake, 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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“Set the Stars Alight” by Amanda Dykes

Posted on September 6, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hero or Betrayer?

This book has two stories in one that each take place in different time periods.  The first is that of Lucy. She was raised by a story-spinning father who filled her childhood, and that of her friend Dash, with fairy tales and imagination.  As an adult, she has become an academic who studies marine life.  Two things occurred in her childhood–the death of her mother, and Dash’s move to a different country–that caused her life since then to be edged with sadness.  Most recently, she has lost her father, as well.

While Lucy attempts to solve the over century-old disappearance of a ship, Dash steps back into her life, fifteen years after he left it. She is stunned to see him again, and unsure how she feels about the now grownup Dash.  As they work together to solve the mystery about the ship, Lucy feels like she has walked into one of her father’s tales.      The other story is Frederick’s, and how something he once thought was the best thing in his life, might have become the opposite.  He finds himself with the dilemma of helping someone else, but by doing so, he will ruin his own life—what will he choose?

I love that the meaning of John 15:13 is highlighted in this clean tale. Vivid descriptions of the countryside and people allow you to clearly see them in your mind’s eye. The beautiful prose in this complex story made some parts more difficult to understand than it needed to be. I recommend this 4.5-star book to those who enjoy intricate, wonderfully crafted tales.

Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Set the Stars Alight, 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/authoramandadykes

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

The Author’s Website:  www.amandadykes.com

 

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“The Harbinger II” by Jonathan Cahn

Posted on September 5, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Voice in the Wilderness!

Although Harbinger II was written like a narrative, actual facts were used instead of fiction.  This book states that we are close to God’s judgement, and if things don’t change, He will soon be invoking it.  We need to alter how we live, if there is to be any hope for us.  An impressive number of harbingers—indicators—bear that out.  This volume traces those signs from the beginning of our country, to the present day.

Additionally, many parallels are drawn between our nation and ancient Israel.  Both countries, when formed, were dedicated to God.  Despite that, both nations turned their backs on God and began calling what was wrong right, and right wrong.  As ancient Israel sacrificed their children to idols, our babies today have been sacrificed because they were inconvenient. It stands to reason that the punishments Israel suffered awaits us as well.

Jonathan Cahn makes a very good case that everything said is true.  The fact that the present-day world seems to be falling apart around us, only adds to the credibility of his claim.  I challenge you to read this book yourself, and decide what you think—but I wouldn’t wait too long.   While reading, I suggest using a Bible and a computer to check out the statements made.  This 5-star book is recommended to anyone interested in what our future might hold.

Charisma House Publishers provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Harbinger II, 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/TheOfficialHarbinger/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Cahn?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

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

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“Halley’s Study Bible, NIV”

Posted on September 4, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ageless Truth!

Henry Hampton Halley was a preacher for a few years, but because of poor health, gave it up. Afterwards, while spending lots of time traveling by train, he used that time to memorize parts of the Bible.

When called upon to preach one time, he found he had forgotten his notes. He felt God led him to recite the parts of the Bible he had memorized, which was a big success with the congregation.

He then condensed what he had memorized into a 16-page leaflet, which was the beginning of Halley’s Bible Handbook. At God’s urging to add more, he continued to memorize and condense the Bible.

Over the years, other things were added, including maps, church history, Biblical facts, along with archaeological discoveries about people and events in the Bible. His last printing of this popular book totaled 968 pages. He continued revising it until the age of 90. In 1962, it was given out by The Billy Graham Crusade as a Bible reference to all who came forward.

Today, more than 750 of these items have been put into a new work, The Halley’s Study Bible. The text is the New International Version (NIV), done in a 9-point font type. Included are Jesus’ words in red letters, study notes, scripture references and hundreds of pictures.

In the forward, his granddaughter says Halley’s passion for writing his handbook, “was to encourage people and churches to read the Bible in order that they might meet and listen to the God of the Bible and come to love his son, Jesus Christ.”

I highly recommend this 5+ star Bible to everyone.

Bible Gateway Blogger Grid has provided Tickmenot–as a member of #BibleGatewayPartner–with a complimentary copy of, Halley’s Study Bible NIV, 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.

Go here for more information about the Bible

Buy it here!

 

 

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“Everywhere to Hide” by Siri Mitchell

Posted on August 28, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merry-go-Round of Danger!

Whitney is a hard-working young woman with two jobs, and trying to pass the bar.  She is terrorized when cryptocurrency and murder become part of her life.  As she tries to unravel what is going on, she is impaired by a disability known as face blindness—a condition that makes her unable to recognize faces.

She is also weighed down by fear of her ex-boyfriend, mountains of debt, lack of friends, grief, poor communication with her dad, homelessness, killers, pressure to pass the bar and the panic of getting a good job.  Although the story’s tale of intrigue is fascinating with lots of action and twists, some of it gets upstaged by all the things going on in Whitney’s life.  A good portion of the narrative focuses on her unhappiness with her accumulated school debt, and her defeatist attitude toward life.

This is a clean tale (although Whitney had been okay with living with her boyfriend in the past), but it is not a Christian story.  That is too bad, because if ever there was a character that needed spiritual help, it is Whitney.

I am a fan of the author, but this story never took off for me.  There was so much piled onto Whitney’s character, that believability was stretched to a breaking point.  Additionally, questions about her father were left unanswered, leaving me hanging.  I recommend this 4-star book to fans of thrillers.

The publisher through NetGalley provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Everywhere to Hide, 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/Siri-Mitchell-67961379554/

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

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

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Turkey Bacon in the Air Fryer, Regular or Gluten-Free

Posted on August 27, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

Sometimes, we have started using turkey bacon in place of pork bacon, but we were disappointed in the taste.  This is an easy way to get turkey bacon to taste very similar to “real” or pork bacon.  

  • 1 to 3 slices of turkey bacon, regular or gluten-free
  • Olive oil spray

Lightly spray a small amount of oil in the bottom of the air fryer.  Lay one to three slices of turkey bacon on top of it (in the bottom of air fryer).  Cook at 380° degrees for ten minutes.

Eat when cooled to your liking!

 

Posted in Gluten Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Condiments, Sauces & Misc., Gluten-Free Main Dishes, Regular Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Minutes to Die” by Susan Sleeman

Posted on August 24, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

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

Posted on August 23, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

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

Posted on August 21, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Posted on August 20, 2020 by WordPress.com Support

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!

Posted in Gluten Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Side Dishes & Vegetables, Regular Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment