“More Than Meets the Eye” by Karen Witemeyer

Posted on August 25, 2018 by Becky

Do You See Both Sides Now?

Zach, Seth, and Evangeline were just children when they decided to band together.  The three unrelated and unwanted orphans decided to call themselves the Hamilton family.  Tough is not a strong enough word for the situation they found themselves in while trying to eke out a life.  The western town of Pecan Gap, Texas, in 1879, offered little comfort for children on their own.

As the years passed, the little Hamilton family struggled, but eventually came to own a small farm.  The two older boys became men, and were very close and protective of each other—especially towards the youngest member, Evangeline.  Despite growing into a beauty, she still has the physical characteristic that kept her from being adopted, and has made her an outcast among everyone but her “brothers”.

Then Logan Fowler moved into the area, keeping his identity secret, intent on getting revenge.  He has every intention of exacting retribution for the loss his mother and he experienced after his father committed suicide.  Not only was his dad gone, but their only home was forfeited as payment for the card game that his dad lost.  Logan was sure that his dad was a victim of a card shark, and that person was Zach.

Logan spent years honing his skills as a card player so he could challenge Zach to a game.  Logan planned to beat him and take back his family’s farm.

Plans have a way of changing.  Logan had barely arrived when he found himself smitten by a beautiful girl; that was not part of his plan.  He also stopped a murder attempt, and began looking for the perpetrator.  Will he ever be able to admit his true identity to the woman he loves?   Must he join forces with the Hamilton family to find the guilty person?  Is there any way that both the Hamilton family, and Logan could have a happy outcome?This clean story has adventure, mystery, drama and a bit of fun.  Family values are a big part of this tale.  They are evident in the way the Hamilton family members band together to protect each other.  The story also tries to answer a big question:  does the end justify the means?  Can forgiveness take place when an action changes the course of someone’s life, in a bad way?  These are big questions that this tale attempts to answer.  You’ll enjoy the outcome as you read this 5-star book.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of More Than Meets the Eye, 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: http://www.karenwitemeyer.com

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

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“Me and Jake” by Boo Riley

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Becky

A Modern-Day Monster!

Ty and Cameron are twins ready to start ninth grade and are just like all kids, except for one thing.  That one thing is what sets them apart.  They are being horribly neglected and beaten by their father.

The boys live on a remote farm far from any potential witnesses to the horror they experience daily.  Their father makes Ty and Cameron work from sunup to sundown taking care of work in the fields, the farm animals, kitchen clean-up and anything else he can think of.

In return, they are lucky to get one egg for breakfast, and supper is often a lone chicken leg with a small dab of mashed potatoes.  While they have that in the kitchen, their father eats like a king in another room.  Whenever the boys do the least little thing wrong, or even if they don’t, they are beaten.

When school finally starts, it is somewhat of a reprieve because the starving boys get to eat the school lunch. But they are also made fun of at school for a variety of things including having body odor—since they do not know what deodorant is.  Often at home, they have been given a bar of soap and told to stand in the rain and clean themselves.  Despite attending public school in a small town, no one seems to be paying attention to the obvious suffering the brothers are going through.This tale is told through the eyes of Ty.  Except for his twin brother, Ty has no other friend in the world besides his dog Jake.  He often thinks Jake has a spiritual quality, that he might be an angel.  Even though he has never been exposed to Christianity, he believes in God.

Be warned, this is a disturbing story of child cruelty and neglect. It is very troubling.  Since the author is a master story-teller, he describes incidents so well you will clearly see what the boys endure in your mind’s eye.  There is a Christian message towards the end, and that is when the tale becomes uplifting.  I would not call this a children’s book.  As a writer, the author does five-star work, but be prepared to brace yourself while reading this.Pelican Book Group has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of the e-book, Me and Jake, for 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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“Thief of Corinth” by Tessa Afshar

Posted on August 21, 2018 by Becky

Will the Secret be Discovered?

In Ariadne’s case, her name should be another word for adventure, sometimes, too much adventure.  She is swept into danger when her cold and aloof mother joins forces with her stern grandfather to push Ariadne into an arranged marriage.   The man is a brute, but if she refuses to marry him, they have threatened to savagely beat her foster brother, Theo.

Left with no choice, Theo and Ariadne decide to run away to her father’s home in Corinth.  They do not know what kind of welcome they will receive.  But because they know what will happen if they stay, they take a chance and go.  It is a hard decision because it means Ariadne will leave behind Dionysius, her much-loved older brother. 

After a perilous trip, Ariadne finds her father is living a risky secret life.  Worse yet, Ariadne is pulled into it herself.  There are also plenty of family issues such as her parent’s hostile divorce, Dionysius’ refusal to speak to any of them, along with the possible loss of home, money, and position.  On top of all that, a man named Paul enters their life and talks persuasively about a dead man named Jesus.  Will her Dad’s secret come to light, ruin their lives and destroy her chance to someday get married by choice?  Would a sane person become a follower of Jesus, a man who has died?

This fast-paced story will immediately pull you into the action.  From having bitterly divorced parents to trying to fit into a new town, Ariadne has modern problems that we can identify with.  The mystery and danger that surrounds her father’s secret life will keep you on the edge of your seat.  The apostle Paul is introduced into the story as just another guest.  That makes it easy to imagine what meeting Paul would have been like for someone who had never heard of him or Jesus.  This tale has something for everyone, adventure, mystery, along with drama all wrapped up in a clean story.  I highly recommend this 5+star book to everyone.

Tyndale House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Thief of Corinth, 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/AuthorTessaAfshar/

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

The Author’s Website:   www.tessaafshar

 

 

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GIVEAWAY! Win a Grown-up Coloring Book with Tote!!

Posted on August 9, 2018 by Becky

Hit the Road!

My parents loved to go on trips—day trips, car trips, road trips—all kinds of trips.  The Midwestern city I grew up in placed us just a few hours from lots of places that caught my parent’s eye.  There was an Amish community a couple of hours north that we would visit.  Or heading a few hours the other direction would put us in the area that contained the family farm my dad grew up on.  We loved to explore the countryside there. Sometimes we headed south to the Ozarks where we would explore an old grist mill and view beautiful leaves in the fall.  During the apple harvest, we prowled through the orchards a short drive from us, choosing a basketful to bring home.

We did lots of road trips that might not sound very exciting (we did do some sparkly family vacations, too, making it to Disney World, the ocean, and so on.).  Sometimes the things we went to see turned out to be a real bust.  But the thing about those trips was this:  we spent time with each other, hanging out together talking and bonding.  And the things that didn’t turn out to be too exciting provided lots of laughs and reminiscing later on.  Both my parents are gone now, and I am thrilled to have great memories from the times we went out on adventures together. There is still enough summer left to fit in at least one road trip, maybe more.  Give it a try with friends, family, or on your own.  You will make lasting memories!  In honor of road trips, I am giving away a wonderful, inspirational grown-up coloring book called, A Walk in the Garden, by Jeanette Meidal–along with a tote to take your book along with you.  This full-size book has lots to catch your interest.  I love the pictures it contains, as well as, the uplifting Bible verses.

Want a chance to win?  Go to the upper right side of this page and follow my blog.  Then note in the Rafflecopter your email address and that you have followed me or you already are a follower.  Blog must be followed to enter giveaway.  I will use your email address to contact you if you win, and will not pass it on.  The best of luck to you.  You must be a resident in the continental USA and 18 or older.  No purchase necessary! *

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from Walking with Jesus in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.   Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”  

Giveaways only valid in continental USA.

*See Disclaimer Section in above drop-down heading under picture.

This giveaway is now over.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

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“Life-Changing Prayers” by Michael Youssef

Posted on July 31, 2018 by Becky

How God Displays His Power to Ordinary People

Want to Know How to Change Your Prayer Life?

Ever consider changing the way you pray?  Would you like to get more out of your prayer time?  How would you like to have a more joyful experience with the Lord, as well as, in your life?  If so, strongly consider this book, for if you follow the suggestions, it will change your life.

The author provides interesting information about the prayers of the following people in the Bible: Eliezer, Hannah, David, Daniel, Jonah, Habakkuk, and Mary.  Most Christians may have heard of these people, and might be familiar with their stories. However, many may not have paid too much attention to the way these Biblical people prayed.  The author gives interesting details about their stories, and then suggests easy ways to pray the way they did.

For instance, how often do you praise the Lord and thank him before your prayer is answered?  The author recommends it and shows how Jonah did that very thing.  He also advises that when praying, make sure you are expecting an answer.  Dr. Youssef states, “(our prayers) receive no answers because deep down, we really don’t expect an answer.” As proof of this, he refers to the first chapter of James which says:

“6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”

On our own, we can never do enough or be good enough to deserve things from God.  But because of His mercy, the Lord takes care of us.  When praying we need to appeal to God’s mercy. That is how Daniel prayed.  Follow his example and make your prayers more than pleas for help or a list of things you want.  Glorifying God will give you more than you can imagine.

This book offers specific ways to pray that will deepen your relationship with the Lord.  The author reminds us there is not a time limit for God to answer our prayers.  So, don’t give up or lose faith.

I was amazed the author was able to use the book of Habakkuk, which is rarely preached on, to find insights for praying.  This is an amazing, easy to read book which offers lots of concrete suggestions to have a better prayer life—and a more joyful life as well.  This book built up my faith while offering great ideas that have helped me personally.  I highly recommend this 5-star book to everyone, give it a try!

The Life Changing Prayers Launch Team has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Life Changing Prayers, 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: Michael Youssef’s author page

The Author’s Twitter: @MichaelAYoussef

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Multi Use Taco Meat Gluten-Free

Posted on July 30, 2018 by Becky

 

 

4 lb Ground Meat of choice:  Pork, Chicken or Beef

1 Chopped Onion

1 Tablespoon Chopped Garlic

1 Tablespoon Ground Cumin

Salt & Pepper to Taste

1 ½ Cups Pace

2 Tablespoons of Swerve or Sweetener of Choice

3 Tablespoons Chopped, Fresh Cilantro

1 bag of Frozen Peas, if desired, when using for tacos

In a very large skillet or Dutch Oven, brown the meat with onion.  As it cooks, break the cooking meat apart so it stays in small pieces instead of forming large clumps.   Drain the grease.  Stir in everything else, mixing well.  Bring it to a low boil, then reduce heat until it simmers.  Cook and stir for 15 minutes making sure it is done.

This meat mixture can be used in tacos, along with many other recipes.  Try adding to burritos, quiches, pizza, spaghetti sauce, etc.  Frozen containers of this pre-cooked meat in the freezer is a real time saver.  Having this ready to use in a variety of dishes can cut off lots of cooking time.  It can be used for both gluten and gluten-free entrees.

 

 

 

 

 

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“Falling for You” by Becky Wade

Posted on July 25, 2018 by Becky

Love Me, Love Me Not!

Ever had your heart broken by someone you love?  Have you had your feelings for someone turn from adoration to distrust and dislike?  That is what happened to Willow Bradford, a gorgeous model.  She let herself love Corbin Stewart, a famous football player and known womanizer.  Willow, a Christian, sped through lots of red flags that ordinarily would have caused her to end a relationship.  But she ignored all the warnings and continued seeing Corbin. Willow believed it would different in their case because they were truly in love.  That is until he abandoned her during a crisis situation.  Afterwards, he made everything worse while giving a television interview.

Since Corbin let Willow down, she has tried her best not to be around him.  Willow has spent years avoiding Corbin and keeping her distance from him.  Now while helping her parents with their business, Willow is unhappy to discover she is living very close to him.  Worse yet, she promised to help a little girl named Charlotte find answers to a modern-day mystery.  Willow did not understand that helping Charlotte would cause her to be in frequent contact with Corbin.

Should Willow abandon Charlotte so she can stay away from Corbin?  Will Willow be able to guard herself so she is not heartbroken by Corbin again?  Can Corbin be trusted at all, or is he just wanting to add another conquest to his list?

I have the pleasure of reading many good stories—some are great.  Falling for You is in the last category, it is a great tale told from a Christian viewpoint.  I encourage you to read this 5-star book.  It is a story of sin, guilt, rejection, and forgiveness all played out by a beautiful model and a fabulously-rich football star.  On the surface this might sound like just another romance, featuring two beautiful people that have love problems.  It might be thought ordinary people with real life problems would not relate to this book.  But think again.  You will identify with these characters, this story will pull you in, and it will be hard to it put down.  This is the second installment in the Bradford Sisters Romance Series, but this tale stands on its own. I highly recommend this tale to fans of romance, mystery or well-written fiction.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Falling for You, 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 Website:   http://beckywade.com/home/

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/beckywadewriter

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade

 

 

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Refreshing Lemon-Lime Fizz, Gluten-Free

Posted on July 22, 2018 by Becky

 

 

  • 2 Lemons, squeezed
  • 2 Limes, squeezed
  • 1 16.9 Fluid Bottle of Pellegrino, Perrier or Club Soda
  • 3 Tablespoons of Swerve or sweetener of choice

Mix all ingredients well, stirring until the sweetener dissolves.  Serve over ice.  Garnish with lemon or lime slices, if desired.  Makes 2 servings.

This tastes good & is nice to have anytime.  It is a great alternative to calorie-laden sodas!

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Do You Hear Them Ringing….Wedding Bells?

Posted on July 12, 2018 by Becky

“Mr. and Mrs.”

“Happily, ever after…”

“I do.  Me too!”

“All because two people fell in love….”

Love is in the air!  Or at least it is in my neck of the woods where Wedding Season is in full swing.  I don’t remember so many weddings taking place in the past as they have this year.  Showers of many kinds, along with weddings, are coming fast and furious.  For the first time ever, I even reviewed a book for newlyweds:

http://bookreadingtic.com/2018/07/11/our-newlywed-kitchen-by-laura-schupp/.

I have always been the official gift wrapper in the house.   While I get gifts ready, I busily pull wrapping paper off rolls and make ribbon into bows. Despite still recovering and working to stand again, my family has discovered I can still wrap gifts, even in bed.

Lest you think I am being put upon to do this, I am not.  It is great for me to do something normal.  And have I ever been doing something normal!  So far, fourteen gifts have been wrapped and taken to happy occasions.  As you can see, there are a few more waiting for their soon-to-come celebrations, and additional weddings are on the way.

If you are getting married, congratulations!  If you are a parent of a child that isn’t married, consider praying for your child’s future spouse.  It is never too early or late to start.  Ask The Good Lord to guide someone very special into your child’s life.  There are lots of places on-line to help get you started.  This is one I like and it can be modified for daughters.

It goes without saying you will always pray for your children.  Asking The Lord to send a future spouse that loves your child deeply, is kind, considerate, and a true believer in God will be a blessing that doesn’t end.  Think about what other requests can be added to the list.  Picking a mate is a life-changing decision, so ask the creator of love for help.  Love is so important to God that the 13th chapter in 1st Corinthians is devoted to it, where in part it says:

“….if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing…Love is patient, love is kind… Love never fails…And now these three remain: faith, hope and love…But the greatest of these is love.”

I wish all newlyweds the Lord’s blessings on their lives together.  If you are in a different stage of life, I ask God to bless you as well.

What do I hear, few notes of The Wedding March, or perhaps the tolling of Wedding Bells?  They are calling me to wrap some more…Watch out when rice, bird seed or bubbles are sent in your direction!

 

 

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“Our Newlywed Kitchen” by Laura Schupp

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Becky

The Art of Cooking, Gathering, and Creating Traditions

You’re Getting Married, What’s Next?

Are you getting married soon, perhaps you are a newlywed?  How exciting!  This book has a lot to offer a couple just starting out.  Ever think you would need a warning about well-wisher’s behavior?  You might, and this book will tell you why.  Good ideas range from being on a registry, to food–and the best way to get it, fix it, and save money along with time.  Read about joining a registry, along with good ideas and suggestions that are picked according to your current lifestyle, as well as, your future one.

A look between the covers will help with the nitty-gritty of setting up a kitchen along with advice that makes a home meaningful.   Personal anecdotes from author pepper the pages of this volume and tie in to situations a young couple face.  Ms. Schupp shares how traditions can be begun now, and the fun that can be.   Childhood traditions that the your family forced you to join in, may take on a different light after being married.   Don’t be surprised if they become associated with warm memories and are tweaked to fit into the new relationship.  The ways relatives, past and present, added their own twist to the family such as cooking style, the ways they celebrated, and so on, are presents that can enrich the couple’s life.   As the book says, “not all gifts come from a store…”

This beautiful over-sized book contains pretty fonts and appealing pictures.  But it is more than just a coffee table decoration.  Often, not much thought is put into life after the honeymoon.  When the thrill of the wedding fades, day-to-day life can leave the newly married overwhelmed.

That is where this lovely book can help.  It suggests ways two people can unite separate lives and start a new one together.  It has lots of ideas for fun and excitement that a new couple can try together, as well as, ways to enjoy day-to-day living.  Despite there being a small number of recipes, this is not a cookbook or a book just for the kitchen.  The recommendations inside help today’s couples establish a wonderful lifestyle together.  Best of all, it is written from a Christian viewpoint.

I wish I would have had a book like this when I got married, it is a joy to view.   This would make a lovely present for any up-coming brides, or a nice present to give to yourself.  It is sure to be a valued gift.  I highly recommend this 5-star book.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”   -1 Corinthians 13:13

Tyndale House Publishing along with Focus on the Family has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Our Newlywed Kitchen, The Art of Cooking, Gathering, and Creating Traditions, 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://ournewlywedkitchen.com

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

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